We are having interesting weather today, marked downpours with strong gale-force winds. This has left us with an internet connection that is about as useful as an umbrella in high wind. One wonders if water has got in around the fibre optic cable, or in the router box. But we still have power, and the house is warm. This photo was taken yesterday, before the storm hit full intensity: one cannot see the hills today.
Today’s service was quiet. A series of dramatized speeches were played: from Barabbas, from the Centurion who executed Jesus. The Church was dark: no light, no candles. And we lingered, for the weather was (and is) appalling, before going to a friend’s place for hot cross buns.
But to the text for today. It is worthwhile considering that the first Letter is that of Peter, who betrayed Christ at this time when we remember his trial and crucifixion. In a storm we may shelter, but we stood stand fast.
36Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you cannot follow me now; but you will follow afterward.” 37Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Very truly, I tell you, before the cock crows, you will have denied me three times.”
10Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that was to be yours made careful search and inquiry, 11inquiring about the person or time that the Spirit of Christ within them indicated when it testified in advance to the sufferings destined for Christ and the subsequent glory. 12It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in regard to the things that have now been announced to you through those who brought you good news by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven – things into which angels long to look!
13Therefore prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed. 14Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance. 15Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; 16for it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
17If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile. 18You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, 19but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish.20He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake.
16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them
after those days, says the Lord:
I will put my laws in their hearts,
and I will write them on their minds,”
17he also adds,
“I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”
18Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.19Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, 20by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), 21and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. 24And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, 25not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
These times are ones of challenge. In the last week we have had a series of fairly horrible accusations, that could be libel (but I no lawyer am) and more than enough hurt — among the cybernetic community of tradition, and locally. But Peter and Paul remind us that we have our salvation purchased at a great cost. It is our job to worry about being holy, and a witness for Christ, and to urge each other forward.
Our competitive urges should be working on righteousness… and doing good. Not in necessarily looking good, not in appearing to be “good” but in acting as a witness, even if we cannot open our mouths.
So let us pray that our churches, both leaders and lay, remain faithful. For the storm we are in is not merely the weather.
Because Jesus died for us. Happy good friday!???????? pic.twitter.com/RjGqRh40px
— JESUS ARMY (@JesussArmy) April 18, 2014
