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2004 has ended in tragedy for so many people, and we have all witnessed devastation on our TV screens of epic proportions. Of course there have also been acts of incredible heroism, as well as great generosity as the human spirit rises to the challenge of such a catastrophe. There is also conflict on a scale not experienced by the current generation in the west, born into a period of peace unprecedented in history. People often don't know what to make of it let alone what to do with their questions, fears and indignation at such things. As Christians we know the questions they will ask us, ask in a confrontational, accusing manner perhaps. What will we do?
Christians are facing the challenge of a rising liberalism that, in the guise of protecting people's rights, is seeking to curtail the influence of faith in the modern world, especially the Christian faith. Even preaching the simple message of John 14:6 is becoming an offence to those who wish to reduce faith to a bland and inoffensive (ineffective?) catchall creed that embraces as many views as possible so no one view can be of any effect. The gap between what the world thinks and what we are meant to think is widening. What will we do?
The church seems to be losing its identity, its very base, in a bizarre
attempt to redefine itself. Is Christ's sacrifice propitiatory? Is he
really the only way? Is it best to look more like the world in order
to win the world? Is preaching passé and prophecy de rigueur?
Need we dumb down in order to reach a dumbed down world? What will we
do?
After his controversial "Bread of Life" sermon (John 6:25-59) many disciples faltered and turned back:
"On hearing it, many of his disciples said,
'This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?' Aware that his disciples
were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, 'Does this offend you?
What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! The Spirit
gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to
you are spirit and they are life. Yet there are some of you who do not
believe'… He went on to say, 'This is why I told you that no one can
come to me unless the Father has enabled him'. From this time many of
his disciples turned back and no longer followed him." (John 6:60-66)
Then came the challenge to the Twelve:
'You do not want to leave too, do you?' Jesus
asked the Twelve.
Simon Peter answered him, 'Lord, to whom shall
we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that
you are the Holy One of God.' (67-68)
I am convinced the coming year will prove challenging for many Christians and some will, indeed, "turn back and no longer follow him", though they will be convinced they still do - sort of. I am convinced that others will ask themselves some serious questions in the face of such opposition as is bound to come to those who dare to refuse to compromise. It is good to ask questions. Peter did. What will you do?
I don't know how you feel about marking the New Year. Experience has taught me to be careful about the promises I make to myself, as well as to others. Many of our disappointments result from unrealistic expectations. A friend once said, "I have complete faith in human nature - it lets me down every time." So I advise caution in making New Year's resolutions. Some resolutions are worth making though, like reading your Bible every day; attending the prayer meetings - and praying; praying - especially when you have glibly promised someone you will; becoming that person of whom people do ask the reason for the hope you have; being "faithful in the little things", as Saint David is reputed to have said.
As you think about the New Year it would be good to reflect on why Christ came. He came to forgive but he also came to make a people holy before God (Ro.12:1); He calls us to be his friends but also to be his disciples with all that implies (Luke 14:27); He came that we may have life but, "whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it" (Matt.16:25).
This year let us "be faithful in the little things" as Christ calls us to follow him. It is in the simple duties of our faith that we will find ourselves faithful to the One who is always faithful to us.
God Bless you and a Happy New Year in His service.
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