It was such a joy to attend church after three weeks of missing it due to my work schedule.It was the week of epiphany,a week when all over the world christians celebrate the magis or the wisemen from the east coming to worship the baby Jesus in Bethleham.In different parts of the world it is celebrated in different ways.In some places in central Europe,I believe the cross is thrown into ice cold water and the men of the church dive into the water to retain it.We saw a picture of a man who had retrieved it who was holding it close to his face and kissing it with such joy in his face.Diving into the water is also a form of baptism.
As I sat in the church worshipping today the Lord brought to mind so many of my dear friends scattered all over the world literally ,in transition or already moved to different places where everything is new for them.As one of my colleagues who has moved to Basildon put it in a message on whattsapp today -'out of their comfort zone'.
I have broken bread with all of these families and they have been my spiritual family at different times of my life.I was deeply touched and I prayed for them fervently.
Whenever we go to a new place,it always helps to have a letter of recommendation like the one Nehemiah had from the King when he decided to go to Jerusalem to build the broken walls.
It struck me that for us believers the greatest recommendation we have is from the King of Kings himself.We are the people of the new covenant where the Word is written in our hearts and is sealed and stamped by the Holy Spirit.With the sureness of that authority in mind we can meet the people of the new covenant and fellowship with them.
The theme for our church this year is the words given to Joshua,in Chapter 1 vs 9-'Be strong and courageous,Do not be afraid;for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go'
The pastor called us to be 'pilgrim people'.To travel,to explore,to be the pilgrim where the Lord may be leading us,to leave behind what we do not need,to set out,to go to a destination unknown,where God leads.
And as we set out,there is an inner work of God's spirit that will work out what God means to us and what He is calling us to do.
He will surprise us on this journey in various ways.
As Tom Wright puts it,'When God ceases to surprise us that may be the moment we have stopped doing business with Him.'
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