Collect for Easter 5
1 Peter 2: 2-10
John 14: 1-14
The way. The truth. And the Life
We probably quote Jesus’ familiar reply to Thomas most often at a funeral, when we wish to bring comfort and hope to the bereaved. We understand Jesus’ message of hope, because we know the context of the cross and the empty tomb. But the disciples, hearing those words for the first time, and not knowing what was to happen in the following hours, are confused. Thomas thinks that Jesus is telling them that He will be travelling somewhere, and Thomas wants a map. Philip still sees Jesus as a prophet who can help them understand the sometimes distant God about whom they have been taught in the Old Testament. They still struggle to grasp who Jesus is, they are feeling unsure about what’s happening and they want reassurance. They know they are being sent on a journey, but that’s all they know. They want to make sure Jesus will be with them.
In our Christian lives, we too are all on a journey; unlike the disciples, we have the advantage of knowing our destination; but like them, without Jesus, we couldn’t know how we’re going to get there. With Him alongside us, we can be certain.
He is the Way. On our journey, there will be signposts that will ensure we keep to the path. Prayer. Scripture. Worship. Spiritual guides. He walks alongside – even if sometimes we don’t recognise Him.
He is the Truth. False teachers will tempt us, lies will be told to deceive us but we will recognise them when we keep our eyes upon Jesus.
He is the Life. Eternal life, through God’s grace and Jesus’ sacrifice We are on this earth for a season, our gifts given to further God’s purpose, and when our task is complete, we are called home. And then Life actually begins
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Praying Together 1st January 2023
What does the LORD require of you but to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God?
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It only takes one candle to be lit and the darkness loses its power to frighten. That is our mission.
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In a hundred years, and for hundreds of years after that, the Nativity story will still be told, as it has been for the last two thousand.
Praying Together 11th December 2022
Few of us will be called by God to do something earth-shattering. But we will all be called to fulfil His purpose in our lives.
Praying together 4th December 2022
It’s not how we serve between Christmas and New Year that matters, it’s how we serve between New Year and Christmas.
Praying Together 27th November 2022
Pause for a moment; for a change, a Meditation rather than a sermonette. Thanks to Clare Anglicans
Praying Together 20th November 2022
He will turn His face to Jerusalem, the theatre where His Destiny will be revealed – a destiny of suffering for the sake of unrequited love.
Praying Together 13th November 2022
So on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, it is right to keep silence for the fallen, in every sphere of life, but unless we resolve to remember them as we remember Jesus – every day of the year – it means little.
Praying Together 6th November 2022
Human structures, societies and cultures will always eventually crumble. God’s Kingdom is everlasting. And it’s free for the asking.