Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” What does that mean? All of us find meaning and value in different aspects of our life. Some people are questioning who they are and what is their purpose as they find their job has been taken away from them or they have come to the end of their own abilities, or strength, and have no more to give. Some are lonely and find no value in their own company. Who are we then, when we cannot meet our own expectations or hopes? Who are we when our dreams have been dashed? In his own questioning, one song writer wrote, “I lift my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?” He has come to the end of himself and is looking outside of himself—to the far distance—for help. But he then goes on to answer his own question and says, “my help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." [1] God is on hand to lift us up when we are down, to give us value which is not dependent on a job, or friends, or our ability to help others. More than that, He gives us value that will last for eternity. Another song writer said about God, “You have made my days a mere handbreadth, the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each person’s life is but a breath.” He too is looking outside of himself for answers as he realises how short, and fleeting, is life. He asks, “But now Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in You.”[2] It is these questions that Jesus came to answer when He came 2000 years ago. He made it possible that people can have a full life which lasts for eternity where our value comes from who He is and not from what we can do (which will always fall short) or who we know. Jesus said that it is only those who are not full of themselves who have the space to invite God into their lives and can receive eternal life.[3] Many have found themselves with some emptiness in recent months that can be filled by turning their hope to God. Ask Him to show you how to connect with Him. Ask Him by speaking silently in your head or out loud, if appropriate. Ask God to come and meet with you and be your help and your hope. Ask Him how to make Him your Lord and Saviour—that is, how to make Him your life’s leader and the One who saves you from being destroyed in this life and beyond. You may suddenly know the answers to your hearts questions but it may take days or weeks to come. Thank Him for hearing your prayer anyway. We have seen the symbol of the rainbow a lot through the pandemic and the rainbow is a symbol of God’s promise to the world. One of His promises repeated in the Bible is that “if you seek the Lord with all your heart He will be found by you.[4] Jesus came that they may have life and have it to the full [5]. His offer holds true no matter what circumstances you find yourself in on any given day. If you would like to discuss this further or you would like someone to pray with you, or pray for you, please make contact with us through the contact page.
[1] Psalm ch121 [2] Psalm ch39 [3] Mark ch2 v17 [4] 1 Chronicles ch15 v2, Jeremiah ch29 v13, Matthew ch7 v7 [5] John ch10 v10
Our 2019 Church Away Day had the theme of ‘A Church Between’ and material was drawn from Revelation chapters 1-3. Please click to find the Bible Study handout and the cards we used in our worship.
Our 2019 Church Away Day had the theme of ‘A Church Between’ and material was drawn from Revelation chapters 1-3. Please click to find the Bible Study handout and the cards we used in our worship.
During Lent 2018 we explored themes of desolation from the Temptations of Jesus and the Passion Story, reflecting that in the midst of the desolate situations in our world and personal relationships Christ is present, understands our frailties and is not thwarted in his purposes.
The Tapestry is now displayed at the back of the church, again to aid reflection during the Season of Remembrance and affirm the Lord's presence in the darkest of human situations. (Image of tapestry on its own here)