Lost connections and unfamiliar histories are revealed as celebrities trace their family trees. That’s the tagline for the popular television series Who Do You Think You Are? now into its 21st season. What makes the series so watchable, I think, is that people aren’t just given a list of facts about a particular ancestor, they are also presented with a story. And, it’s the story that brings the person to life, both the ancestor and the celebrities who invariably become animated (= instilled with life) as they hear the story of their ancestor. The story gives life.
When the women arrive at the tomb on Easter morning what they are confronted with is not a body, but a story. An amazing story: “He is not here, but has risen! Remember how he told you.” The women don’t get to see Jesus right away, but they are animated by the story as they remember Jesus’ words. It’s a story they just have to tell others as they too become part of the story, this life-giving story which we hear and tell again this weekend. This story that becomes our story too.
Eventually the women do see Jesus, and so will we.
The share-market has been in the news a bit lately. Sounds like it has been a rollercoaster ride for investors and retirees as they watch their nest eggs diminish by the day. Maybe you’re a little nervous too? It’s enough to make someone want to pull all their money out and stick it under the mattress where it’s safer. Which may well be a good strategy for some, but for most people by playing it safe they will lose out, and even go backwards. There’s always a risk in investing. Even in Jesus. You see, you could play it safe and not talk at all about Jesus. That may well be a good strategy for some, but for most people it means you will lose out on the full benefits of a relationship with God, and even go backwards spiritually. Worse than that, others will lose out by not hearing about Jesus. There’s always a risk in investing. Even in Jesus. But, there’s also rewards. Big rewards. Why not have a crack?
* The above comments should not be taken as personal financial advice. Before making any decisions I recommend you obtain your own advice and consider the Product Disclosure Statement and Financial Services Guide. However, I take full responsibility for any perceived spiritual advice and recommend it heartily. Unfortunately, yours and my past performance is a reliable indicator of future performance which is why it’s worth investing in Jesus. He’s a good saver.
I learnt this week that the typical Australian bloke weighs 87kg. (No, you don’t have to go weigh yourself right away!) That 87kg of typical Aussie bloke is made up of 57kg of oxygen, 16kg of carbon, 8kg of hydrogen, 3kg of nitrogen, 1kg of calcium and 2kg of assorted other elements.
Now, don’t quote me as an expert on this, but if you were to break that typical Aussie bloke down into his chemical elements and sell them at current market rates you might get something like $200 in your pocket. What’s that . . . 40 coffees from the coffee cart? A general admission ticket to watch Geelong in this year’s AFL Grand Final? A couple of tanks of petrol?
Thank goodness, I say, life is more than economics.
I don’t believe in a patriarchal chief, a judge who never had mercy on a thief, the lord and master who must be waited on– God is mother-sister just as much as father-son.
God is beside us, God has no other home, no other family, we are God’s flesh and bone; he-she is with us and with all humankind– loving his creation always occupies her mind.
Lutheran theologian Robin Mann penned those words back in 1991 for his song God. Version 1.0. Robin tells me they caused quite a stir when they were published in the All Together books. I think I can see why! Robin usually plays with a theologically straight bat which makes these lyrics all the more noteworthy. How do they sit with you? If they make you uncomfortable, that’s good. If they don’t, perhaps they should!
Wife: Mmm, this just speaks to my soul. Doesn’t it just cry out for introspection and evoke questions of perception, existence and meaning? It challenges the viewer to confront the void, explore the boundaries between abstraction and reality, and define personal truth. It’s just stunning!
Husband: Looks like a canvas with a bit of blue Dulux slapped on to me.
I took the above photo at one of the most prestigious art galleries in the world: the Tate Modern in London. (The dialogue is imagined, but probably not far from reality)
I wonder if God were standing in front of that painting what would he see? Actually, I wonder if God were standing in front of those two people, what would he see?
Identity theft. It’s a big deal these days. Watch what personal information you put into emails. Watch who you give details to. I’ve even taken to shredding any document with my address on it. Is that overly paranoid?
Actually, when I think about it, if someone wants to steal my identity so badly I must be valuable in some way! I might need to reassess my opinion of myself.
What about you? Do you know who you are? And, I wonder if anyone would want to steal our Christian identity? How valuable is that? How much is that worth to us?
60% of Australians fear dementia.
85% of Australians fear the effects of climate change.
90% of Australians fear for the future of our world.
62.3% of Australians fear that 50% of statistics are made up.
It seems we are becoming more and more fearful. Perhaps for good reason. But, living in fear is hardly conducive to a full and abundant life. Fear saps hope. I wonder if there isn’t great opportunity for the church to cut through the statistics with a different message, a gospel message, a life-giving message, a message our world so desperately needs to hear?
NOTE: The audio recording is from a different sermon Pastor John gave at the 10.00am Confirmation service for six young people: Amelia, Olivia, Evie, Lily, Anton and Henry.
A few definitions . . .
Family: the picture-postcard holiday snaps of smiling, tanned, glowing people we post on Facebook.
God: an omnipotent, immutable, untouchable heavenly Being.
Jesus: a blond-haired, blue-eyed, perfect Messiah.
How do they sound to you?