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The Encourager - April 2003 | |||
| Rescue or restoration |
Nigel writes about..-
Rescue or Restoration
As I write, American, British and Australian forces are heading for Bhagdad. Or at least they are trying to. All the predictions of a quick and decisive conflict were over optimistic, perhaps. The Coalition force leaders were hoping that the people of Iraq would rise up against Saddam's security forces and so help to topple the oppressive regime. Such hopes do not seem to be forthcoming. The scenes on our tv's show 'ordinary' Iraqis passionately hunting for shot down pilots and failing to welcome the liberating coalition troops. And in the meantime, the voices raised for peace grow louder and many people around the world have taken to the streets to protest. (Though I am always surprised when a so called 'peace march' erupts into violence). As Easter approaches, I am reminded again that Jesus lived in an occupied territory. He lived in a land which was, and still is, something of a crossroads for the nations. And, as a consequence, was invaded and occupied relatively frequently. Some of Jesus followers wanted the George Bush approach - deal with the oppressors, kick out the bad guys. Use overwhelming force to bring in the new era. Instead, they followed a leader who took the lonely road to the place of the skull where he was hung out to die. Matthew records that, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. 'He saved others,' they said, 'but he can't save himself! He's the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, 'I am the Son of God.'' With more than a hint of sarcasm, they mocked him and poured scorn on him, even as he hung in agony on the cross. Jesus came to deal with a bigger problem than that of an occupying army. He died in order to restore the broken relationship between God and all people. That is why Jesus stayed on the cross - because it was necessary in order to heal that rift. He came to bring the hope of restoration for all people, not just rescue a few of his countrymen and women. But like the Iraqi people, many people even today, do not think or feel that they need rescuing. Or, if aware that they need rescuing, don't see the cross of Jesus has having anything to do with it. They may be aware of problems of life and struggle from one difficulty to another. But they resist the love of God available to every person and have instead the attitude of "I'll manage". The German writer, Martin Buber, said "revolution changes everything except the human heart". We all need a heart transplant. Jesus gave his life in order that you might live a new life with him and have a renewed heart. A heart which is a reflection of the heart of love Jesus has for you . . . "God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." If you are in need of a new heart, what do you have to do? Simply ask, but make sure you ask the right person - the one who can do the job and make the difference.
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Pancake Praise Party Services in April |
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