Sunday 26 November 2023 – Christ the King

Readings: Matthew 25:31-46; Ephesians 1:15-23

MESSAGE                                        

The year is rushing on to an end. On Wednesday I worked out that New Year’s Day would be in 40 days. Speaking about that, it was also 40 days since our general election on that day. Finally, an announcement was made on Friday!

Forty days also crops up in Jesus’ life story.

Forty days temptations in the wilderness (probably a reminder of the peoples’ 40 years of wandering in the desert?)

Forty days between Jesus’ resurrection and his Ascension.

And then he was glorified as King of God’s Kingdom and King of the Universe – seated at God’s right hand, the seat of authority and honour.

I wonder what happened between those forty days, and the 50^th day which was the day of the Spirit’s coming? (The Day of Pentecost. By now you probably know that pente means 50.)

Those intriguing 10 days.

Jesus sitting down at the right hand of God. Was there a conversation with His Father? Perhaps some reflection on the 11 and how they were knocked into shape for their mission. Did Jesus perhaps say to his Father – “did you see his face when he began to sink into the waves? I love it when people reach out for help!”

Perhaps something like this: “Did you see Thomas with those eyes wide open in amazement? And the look on the faces of the two on the Emmaus Road?”

Speculation of course. But intriguing.

Perhaps the disciples – now 12 again with the choosing of Mathias –  and the larger group of 120  needed the ten days just to regroup and talk among themselves.

What is the promise the Father is going to send?

How long do we need to wait?

They definitely needed to pray – they were probably afraid anyway.

I wonder to what extent they reflected on Jesus as having all things in his hands?  Being God’s right-hand person? I wonder if there was a renewed discussion with James and John – maybe one of the others said to them “you know, I really think you were pushing it, wanting to sit at the right and left of Jesus is his glory! If He’s at God’s right hand, where would you expect to be?”

And what about His last words?

Isn’t it true that someone’s last words before leaving (whatever the reason) are usually quite significant? For example, Paul leaving the Ephesian elders in Acts 20 says some really significant things about eldership and ministry. You can’t be sure that it was all taken on board on the day – it was after all an emotional farewell. But it was important – it was almost like Paul’s last will and testament to the churches there. And it’s the only speech of Paul recorded by Luke in the book of Acts.

Jesus’ farewell speech in Matthew is not that different really. It would have been an emotional 40 days really. He’s dead, he’s alive, he appears (like on the Emmaus road) and disappears. And he gives instructions in the garden to the women (two Marys) to tell The disciples to meet him in Galilee. Jump to Matthew 28 and that’s what they do:

Mat 28:16  Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. Mat 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Mat 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name… etc.

The implications of that may not have crossed their minds at the time. Maybe during those ten days of waiting and praying after his ascension they did think about that.

What did he mean? All authority?

Certainly in Paul’s letters you find that he speaks of this authority. Here are some important passages including our epistle reading today:

• Ephesians 1 has amazing insights into Jesus’ role and position in the universe. In Ephesians 1:20-21 we read that God has Jesus “seated at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.”
• In Romans 8:38-39 where various powers are listed which we are told very clearly cannot separate us from God’s love in Christ our Lord. (“Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation…”)
• In Philippians 2:10-11 Paul writes that “every knee will bow in heaven and earth and under the earth” at the name of Jesus. (“…every knee will bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”)
• Colossians 1:15 – 17 is stronger: “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. Col 1:16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. Col 1:17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

AND SO WE HAVE “CHRIST THE KING” SUNDAY EVERY YEAR.  

Also known as the “Reign of Christ”. 

Whether you are a royalist or a republican you can’t avoid the titles of Jesus.

The Gospel reading today is the parable of the sheep and the goats – and it starts very directly with these words: 

Mattew 25:31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory.

Sit on his throne. Then in verse 34 we read: “Then the King will say…

The judgement scene has been portrayed in all kinds of creative ways. It is quite graphic really. Verse 41 speaks volumes really: “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

We may miss the point, however. We obsess about future judgement Sometimes. Jesus seemed to say elsewhere that judgement is also now.

Take this for example: John 3:18 “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” A fascinating verse. Being free from judgement is based on faith in Christ and not good or bad deeds. Those who are condemned are still in the Kingdom of darkness through their lack of faith. (See Col 1:13 – “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves…” – 1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” And I John 12:46 – “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”)

But beyond that – the Christian life is not really about doing good and ethics. They are part of it – but not the essence of it.

People do sometimes see it like this, however. A conversation with a parishioner from a previous church is a good example (after I left there!). I asked her about her church involvement.

Her response: No I don’t go to church anymore. Just try to live a good life quietly on my own.

I wonder if her good life includes the kind of care Jesus talks about in Matthew 25:

Mat 25:35  For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, Mat 25:36  I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

Probably not, if she is living a good life quietly and on her own.

Don’t you see? Once you make it about what you do – it gets tricky. And we get picky. We tend to decide who should be helped or not, often based on our view of how they should live and balance their budgets.  

That’s why the questions about what we must “do” are a distraction.

Commentator Dirk Lang puts it like this: “Like the person who came to Jesus and asked “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16-24), so we too wonder on what side we will find ourselves — the right or the left? The question, however, is simply an excuse for doing nothing, as Bonhoeffer has pointed out. The person attempts to engage Jesus in an endless ethical discussion about works or good deeds.”

In this parable, the question resurfaces but in an importantly different way when the “goats” speak: “Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?” (25:44).

Those at the left hand of the Son of Man seek an excuse and almost put the blame on the Son of Man himself as if to say, ‘You didn’t reveal yourself; how could we see you?’ ” In other words – if I’d known it was you Jesus when that poor person asked for help, then I would have Jesus! You can see how daft that is.

SO: What’s it all about?

Here’s the clue – the “sheep” who get the prize – who are rewarded – actually had no idea they were doing it to Jesus (or to someone who represents Jesus).

Their response is this: Mat 25:38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? Mat 25:39  When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’  

40 ‘The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

The implication is – they were doing what they were doing because that’s who they were. It flowed out of them without the analysis.

In Matthew 3:10 you may remember John the Baptiser saying this: The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. (He was calling them to repentance – probably in a kind of “fire and brimstone” sermon that one of my elders back in the day always wanted me to preach.)

And Jesus takes this theme further: discussing good and bad trees and their relating fruit he says in Mattew 7:20 “Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” (“By their fruits you will know them” – NKJV)

The implication is that this is gardening again – not philosophy or logic or ethics classes.

It’s an organic growth in character if we are connected to Jesus the Head, and the rest of the body.

• The sheep bear good fruit. (Fabulous mixed metaphor.)
• The goats are fruitless.

The sheep just do it. Nike sheep.

THE SAME THING APPLIES TO CHRISTIANS.

YOU ARE THIS – SO DO IT.

It works like this:

Statement of fact (Indicative): you are the salt of the earth, the light of the world.

Instruction to do it (Imperative): be yourselves – salt and light (note: the light “under a bushel” is no help at all. The good deeds that shine glorify the Father. See Matthew 5:16). And add all the LOVE commands of Jesus.

We know that at the end of it all it’s not about works but faith.

It is always grace, through faith. A gift – not earned by our deeds. Paul also says this in Ephesians 2: Eph 2:8  For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— Eph 2:9  not by works, so that no one can boast.

Paul goes on to say: Eph 2:10  For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.  

Other translations pick this up in Ephesians 2 as well: 

(NRSV) For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life. That’s no token – no selective good works. It’s all of life.

It’s the fruit. You can’t have it half the time or selectively. We become fruitful.

We do it because we are this.

So, the three parables in Matthew we’ve looked at are linked.

TO SUMMARISE WHAT WE HAVE DISCOVERED:

1. Matthew 25:1-13 – The ten girls the wedding – BE READY AND WATCHFUL

• Matthew 25:14-30 – The three men with their talents – PUT GOD’S GIFTS AND RESOURCES TO GOOD USE

• Matthew 25: 31-46 – The sheep and the goats – HOW’S YOUR SPIRITUAL HEALTH CHECK?

Are you fruitful?

Doing what Jesus would have done – looking out for the least of them in need?   

Amen.

Sunday 19 November 2023 – The Parable of the Talents

Readings: 1 Thess. 5: 1-11; Matthew 25:14-30.

Introduction

These parables of the Kingdom of God (or in Matthew “Kingdom of Heaven”) are really fascinating.

• There’s the wedding banquet for the King’s son where invited people won’t come – (Matt 22 – where the servants are sent out to get a kind of rent a crowd from all over the place – remember it? It ends with one man being told off and thrown out for not having the appropriate wedding clothes).
• And then another wedding banquet where half the bridesmaids don’t have oil for their lamps) and they’re waiting for the bridegroom to come…
• And then there’s today’s parable involving a master and servants again, the so-called parable of the talents – where again people are given responsibilities and held to account.

What do all three of these stories have in common?

Three things:

1. Resources – for banquets, week-long wedding celebrations, or investments aka “talents”.
2. Accountability – there’s always some kind of audit – someone with status or authority comes back after some delay and people have to do what they’re supposed to do with those resources.
3. A time frame of some sort – a delay or a deadline – but no actual certainty about the day or hour.

In the middle of all of this are these verses in Matthew 24 we haven’t looked at this time:

Mat 24:42  “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. 

Mat 24:44  So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. 

Mat 24:50  The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. 

ARE WE READY FOR THE END?

The whole section in Matthew’s gospel from the time of Jesus’ coming into Jerusalem and through this teaching period is placed in a framework of the end coming – signs of the times – no one knowing the day or the hour – and are you ready? It’s that “coming ready or not” kids used when they used to play hide and seek.

SO WHAT IS A TALENT?

You’ve probably realised by now that the word “talent” as we use it is a bit different from the bible talents here.  It’s basically a sack of metal – gold, silver or copper back then – weighing about 30 kgs.

Most commonly it was silver, although some translations now use the term “bag of gold” to distinguish these talents from our abilities to sing and dance or do something entertaining at a talent show – or on a bigger stage like “Britain’s Got Talent” where the golden buzzer is the big ticket to future success on the stage.

SOME PARABLES TEACH US MORE THAN ONE THING.

So, what do we take home today from this parable?

1. THE PARABLE TEACHES US THAT GOD GIVES US GIFTS TO BE USED.

God gives us gifts to be used.

Let’s look at these servants.

The first two do the same thing and say the same thing. They’ve doubled their master’s money 5 bags of silver becomes 10, and 2 bags of silver becomes 4. They are commended and invited to share in their master’s blessings.

The third servant is different though.

He’s got issues – with master and how he sees him – and with the risks involved. He is fearful of what might happen (like many of our phobias – we get paralyzed and freeze). He seems relieved to give the master his bag of silver back. The third servant is a reminder of what not to be – fearful and mistrusting.

The parable is a reminder to use our gifts and not bury them in a hole. It’s a bit like putting your light under a bushel rather than on a lamp stand. Using our gifts It’s a valid teaching, but I don’t think that’s the main point.

2. THE PARABLE TEACHES US ABOUT HOW TO LIVE FULL LIVES  USING GOD’S PROVISION.

It’s not really about investments and profit. It’s about using the gifts, living energetically, taking risks, in Kingdom matters. It’s more than not being afraid. It involves high risk things.

This whole section of Jesus’ teaching in Matthew is about what he expected his followers to do after he left. About their courage and faithfulness to him as the King. And it wasn’t going to be easy.

The greatest risk of all today turns out to be not risking anything at all. Playing it safe. Living too cautiously and prudently like servant number 3.

Take giving for example. We probably don’t give too much when we are afraid of running out. God calls us to surrender every part of our lives boldly. As was once said, we need a conversion of the heart, the mind, and the wallet. (Luther)

We’ve been talking about this for a long time.

• Loving God with all your heart.  With reckless abandon. Breaking open our jars of beauty and value, pouring out our best for Jesus.
• Loving neighbours as recklessly and passionately as we love ourselves.
• Loving strangers and opening our hearts and homes  to them so that they won’t be strangers anymore.
• Extending our table in our community as we open our lives and our place here to others.
• Seek first the kingdom of God – and all the things you need will be added unto you – says Jesus. (Matthew 6:33)

3. THE PARABLE TEACHES US GENEROSITY AS GOD GENEROUSLY BLESSES US.

The parable of the talents is a crazy story. A talent was a weight of 30 kg of metal, usually silver. One talent was equal to roughly 6000 days’ wages at the time, worth at least 20 years’ worth of pay. It’s a lot!

This is not about human ability, (those talent shows!). It’s not just about who is gifted and who isn’t.  Yes, in verse 15 it does say that he gave them talents of gold each “according to his ability.”

But it didn’t stop the 2-talent man from getting on with things. He didn’t say – it’s not fair you’ve got 5 talents – or to the 1-talent man – why have you only got one?

I think it’s about the Father’s generosity to give us the things and resources we need to establish his Kingdom. We should get involved in his purpose with passion. After all, he gives out the resources in the parable and then leaves them to get on with his work. He takes the risk too.

And the parable also asks us questions about what we devote our lives to. What we hang our hearts and hopes on. Are we really seeking first the Kingdom of God?

4. THE PARABLE (LIKE THE OTHERS IN THIS PART OF MATTHEW) TEACHES US ALERTNESS.

The phrase “long time” here, and in the case of the delayed bridegroom and the master of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18, doesn’t allow us be complacent. Jesus’ parousia (his second coming) is always soon and yet not immediate, just as Jesus taught that the kingdom was “at hand” or “near”, or “within us” (if we read Luke 17).  It’s still nearer than we think or imagine, and within us, and yet we pray for its daily coming and future full manifestation in the Lord’s prayer.

• It’s one thing being ready for Christmas.
• It’s another thing having a Kingdom focus every moment and every day we are alive – being alert to signs of the Kingdom, and how God wants us to pray and pay it into reality in peoples’ lives. And built into this is our focus verse from 1 Peter: Our Mission: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks us to give the reason for the hope that we have.”  (1 Peter 3:15). (They will ask this when they see the kingdom life in us. In our second reading today in 1 Thess 5:8 Paul talks encourages his readers to stay sober and alert, and to take faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet).

Isn’t it the will of God in heaven that people on earth live with that kind of Kingdom flourishing? Experiencing God’s amazing grace and generosity through us. We should take risks using God’s gifts and resources (the 30kg bags of silver or gold and all the other gifts we receive) as He leads us.

If this is about the Kingdom, then the treasure or gold we begin with is

• the gift of knowing Jesus the King and
• sharing the good news of the Kingdom of God which came in Jesus and his ministry, comes through us, and will come completely.

And we are always expected to be faithful.  

If we are alert then we will be ready to respond faithfully with the gifts and treasure we to share. You may remember Psalm 19 speaking about God’s laws, precepts, commands, his word basically: Psa 19:10  They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; Included in our bags of gold are these treasures:  the good news of the kingdom, the hope that we can offer, and the teachings of Jesus the King.

We always quote James who says we should hear the word and then put it into practice. Being a faithful servant and witness means being totally immersed in God’s word, his truth, his kingdom, his good news, his abundant life we have to share.  

We’re unlikely to  ever hear “well done good and occasionally reliable servant”. As you have probably heard me say before- you wouldn’t call your fridge faithful if it only worked on selected days of the week. Or your car. 😊

Here’s the challenge – that we faithfully consider what risks we could take as God’s servants in our corner of the vineyard. And be encouraged. God is at work– in all we do, in and through our leadership, and every member of His body, every one of us who has an open ear to heaven and an open heart too. 

Amen.

Sunday 17 February 2024 – Being Christ’s Ambassadors – our credentials and example

Readings: 2 Corinthians 5:17- 6:2; Matthew 6: 1-6,16-21;

MESSAGE

We had a wonderful service to give thanks to God for the life of one of our church family on Thursday. She really did live a full life. It was an interesting service for me. At the beginning a neighbour’s cat came wandering in and meaowed as if to greet me. And when I got to speak, a dog came charging in and barked like crazy. All I could do is say “welcome” to the dog. There’s a first time for everything.

I’ve had interesting experiences at funerals. Some years ago I conducted the funeral of a retired ambassador. It was a dignified occasion and things were done appropriately well with care to the detals and some formality. There was only one typing mistake really in the funeral director’s brochure (In the days before I used to proofread them.) It had a rather formal statement of introduction on the inside page which was quite common in those days: “For as much as it has pleased Almighty God to take into his eternal care the soul of our dearly beloved brother John Brown…” and on it went basically saying we were there because he had died, and we were saying farewell. It was only one letter wrong, but it did create some looks. It read like this: “For as much as it has pleased Almighty God to take into his eternal cave the soul of our dearly beloved brother John Brown…” Fortunately I didn’t get the blame for that, however.

We are ambassadors for Christ, says Paul. We have a message of reconciliation to proclaim – that “God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself” (1 Cor 5:19).

In verse 20 we read: “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: be reconciled to God.”

Ambassadors are sent into another country with some authority as they represent and speak on behalf of the government or president of a country. They present their credentials at a formal acceptance ceremony and they are accorded status and respect.

Our credentials are a bit different, though. We do have the authority to speak in his name, But it’s not about us. Yes, we are a new creation, but not because of our abilities or status anything we have achieved on our own. The key verse is verse 21 – “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

And so to reflect on our lifestyles and example, we turn to Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 (Ash Wednesday’s’s reading) and Jesus’ teaching on spiritual disciplines. Jesus lists giving, fasting and praying in this gospel reading today as the things which when we do them, should never draw attention to ourselves. LENT in some branches of the Christian church involves fasting – giving up something as a spiritual discipline to help strengthen our faith. It is for many people a meaningful discipline.

The point is that fasting is not something you show off about. And in giving for that matter, whether to church, charity, or poverty-stricken families or countries, the left hand should not know what the right is doing. In other words, don’t make a show of it.

That includes works of service. It’s to God. It doesn’t matter about anyone else, whether you think they are giving or doing enough, it’s done unto the Lord and for God’s glory. (Paul makes this clear iin Colossians 3:23.)

Jesus had an issue with hypocrites who did things for show – like in a play taking on another persona or character while the real person underneath is quite different. He used a number of illustrations for this, including “whitewashed tombs” as description for religious people of the day like the teachers of the law. White and shining on the outside, but full of dead peoples’ bones on the inside. I this passage he warns his disciples not to be like the hypocrites of the day who made a show of things in all three disciplines of giving, fasting and praying.

That’s why when it comes to prayer, Jesus’ teaching matters most in my view – just because it makes sense. “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen…” (Matt 6:6).

I’ve always wondered about getting into a closet – like a broom cupboard, a storeroom or a washroom (the word is tameion, a storage chamber, storeroom or closet). The point is that it had no doors or windows onto the street. It did not mean suffocate yourself in the process, just don’t advertise.

These spiritual disciplines may seem for us like credentials, but no, they are for our private spiritual journey, and no one but the Father needs to know. When we speak on his behalf – be reconciled to God – we have solid credentials anyway. They’re in the Corinthian passage, and one verse is the key:

2 Cor 5:21 – God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

That’s why we used to sing: “He is all my righteousness, I stand complete in Him and worship him.” It’s the great exchange. He takes our sin and we receive his righteousness.

The spiritual disciplines of giving, fasting and praying all stem from that basic point and truth – that “anyone in Christ is a new creation, the old has gone and the new has come.”

Giving comes from our growing faith that the God who saves us provides and guides. They go hand in hand, give as you pray, pray as you give. Give in thanksgiving and gratitude and pray for the right recipient of your generosity.

Fasting helps you focus on God and God’s spirit guiding you through prayer and the reading of His word. Giving up food is symbolic of giving up our perceived needs and wants, and dependence on what feels good bring instant gratification. It teaches us to walk close to God in deprivation, and perhaps to make us more aware of the joyful lives that people of little means often have, while we who often have much too much or at least more than we need are often less satisfied. Depression and anxiety are much more prevalent in the wealthier parts of the world.

In the process we crucify the stuff that is a stumbling block all too often – what the bible calls “flesh” which is often translated as the sinful nature. Paul talks about putting off the “old man” and putting on the “new man” (Ephesians 4:22-24).

At the communion table today, we can surrender some of the stuff that hinders us, or that we hold on to too tightly. It could be some of our personal concerns, or our hopes and dreams, our work, our projects and hobbies we become a little too proud of, or even our children and grandchildren – any or all of these we can give over to the Father’s love and good purpose.

Or we may need to surrender our health if it’s a challenge. Whether that means seeking healing and wholeness from the broken physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual things we live with, or perhaps our need is to not be quite so adventurous and slow down a bit, learning to receive help and support and not only to give it.

What is certain is that there is nothing we can do to be loved more by God. What we can learn is to trust God more in the heaviness of the load as we hand things over to him, and perhaps trust God in the breadth of our human hurts and buried grief, sorrow, disappointment, fears, bitterness, or anger

This Lent season may be an opportunity for us to open ourselves up more to the reconciling and healing love of God shown in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Sunday 31 December 2023 @BBP Church Auckland – it’s still Christmas!

SHINE JESUS, SHINE    

Readings: Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:22-40              

Yes, it’s still Christmas. The church celebrates Christmas for two weeks. If only the retail world understood that. O wait, they do. They’re always selling stuff on special. What a deal. The deal we have in Christ’s mass is a big deal and a better deal.

Finally, at the right time (literally “in the fulness of time – an idiom for the exact correct time), says Paul, in Galatians 4:4  “God sent his Son, born of a woman.” (Our translation today puts it well – “But when the set time had fully come”.)

• Yes, Paul’s not big on Christmas. In fact, this is Paul’s Christmas story – “God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law…” It’s about as Christmassy as Paul gets. He’s much more interested in the death and resurrection of Jesus.
• Yes, Paul’s not big on Christmas. Mind you, neither are Mark or John. If we’d only had their gospels, we may have saved a lot of money and not done Christmas in the way we do.
• Matthew gives us Jesus’ lineage. And the basis for our next season in the Church – Epiphany – the revelation to the gentile magi from the east. But he’s very economical too. He emphasises David’s line, and the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies.

Luke is the best – he gives a wonderful account and much more detail, in line with his stated objective outlined at the beginning of the gospel: With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. (Luke 1:3-4)

Luke chapters 1 and 2 are quite detailed.

• Someone said recently that if he could only have two chapters of the entire bible, these would be it. They are two of the most beautiful chapters in the whole NT. Luke gives the story of Elizabeth and Zechariah, John’s family, Mary’s magnificat and especially Zechariah’s beautiful prophecy – we’ll come to that later. And of course, angels, shepherds and the manger.
• It’s in Luke that we find flickers of longing, hope, life and possibility. There are faithful people shining their light, fasting, praying, waiting, believing. Expecting God to act. A Messiah to come.

Christmas in the first week is often focused on the children.

•  Presents, nativity plays, carols and songs. Decorations, colour, lights and candles.
• In today’s story – well this is more for the older ones. I was going to say oldies, then I realised that when we get together, the average age might be a little on the higher side than the age of the kids in a nativity play.
• We’ve heard the Christmas story every year. Sometimes we miss the faithful oldies in the story. Maybe there’s something for us there.

ZECHARIAH AND ELIZABETH

Luke goes straight into his orderly account in verse 5 of chapter one:

5 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6 Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. 7 But they were childless because Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both very old.

Zechariah and Elizabeth – barren yet faithful and prayerful.

Zechariah

The story continues in verse 8: Luk 1:8 One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his order was on duty that week. Like so many in our churches, the priest is on a roster. Terrible word. Well, it’s true – his whole division was on duty when this all starts.

It’s worth reading Luke chapters 1 and 2 this week. The light was still flickering there when the majority of people were still walking in darkness (to quote Isaiah 9).

Zechariah is still there doing his duty. And an angel of the Lord appears standing at the right side of the altar of incense. He’s startled and gripped with fear. The angel also speaks! ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.’

Yes, he is a bit too dubious – and he is silenced by a rather miffed angel – ahem. Excuse me. I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God.   20 And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their appointed time.’

“At their appointed time.” Exactly the same idiomatic phrase Paul uses in his Galatians Christmas line. It’s in the fulness of time.

Then there’s Elizabeth.

Elizabeth is a key person in the angel’s message of her pregnancy to the very young Mary.

• The angel, after explaining that the power of the Holy Spirit would make this possible, adds this helpful line: Luk 1:36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her six month. Luk 1:37 For no word from God will ever fail.” (Nothing is impossible with God)
• Even Elizabeth. Mary’s response is a kind of “well okay then, all good.” Okay it’s a bit more formal: “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
• I’m sure that the relationship between this young teen and the older woman is key – the conversations they had must have made all the difference.

SIMEON AND ANNA

• Then there’s Simeon and Anna. Finally, we get to Luke 2!
• I think they are a great inspiration for us today.
• Faithful. Obedient. Their lights of faith and hope are still burning in a season of great darkness.

The application to us today?

I wrote in the newsletter today about little candles in the dark conflicted places of the world – “little candles of hope burning – people who serve without counting the cost, who shine the light of Christ in dark places.“

Sadly, it’s not just in war zones that we find a sense of gloom. Sometimes our churches get like that. Sometimes we expect too much from ourselves, or others place expectations on us.

As the new year approaches, perhaps this will help.

• God notices the faithful ones serving in these congregations.
• Like Simeon and Anna, we should not give up hope.

Okay it’s true that they were there at a particular point in history, the “fullness of time.” A specific season if you like.

Do we have seasons in our church and faith life?

Yes, I think we do. But there are some key things that enable this to happen. We see it in the Luke’s Christmas account.

• When Zechariah gets it right – it’s the Holy Spirit who moves in him. He is filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophecies giving us one of the most beautiful verses in Luke 1:78 – “through the tender mercy of our God; by which the Dayspring from on high has visited us…” This rising sun, dayspring, new dawn in the east, is the new day Jesus brings, and it incorporates forgiveness and mercy.(MKJV)
• In Simeon’s contribution – it’s all the Holy Spirit’s doing: Luke writes of Simeon, “who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts.”

Anna is lovely too.

• You have to do some calculations to figure out her actual age. 7 years married 84 years widowed. If she was married at 14 which would not have been unusual then, what dress that add you to? 105. Reasonable age really. She’s the night and day lady.
• ³⁶ There was also a prophet, Anna. She never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying. ³⁸ Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

• She’s there and she’s connected. She may be a prophet, but there is no prophetic word – just thanksgiving.
• She gives thanks for Jesus, and then gets onto her prayer chain or pastoral list. Those other little candles of hope waiting for God to come and do it. Get things back on track.  She’s like the shepherds telling the story. Not out there but in the temple community. Her night and day job. ”She spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.”

Simeon and Anna in today’s reading didn’t give up and walk away, but led by the Spirit, stayed faithful as little candles flickering – always faithful – until they saw Jesus the light, the hope of nations.

• We know this Jesus – “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:4-5).
• We are to be his light too. It’s the Holy Spirit who makes the light and life become a reality in our church communities.
• Even in Paul’s limited Christmas reference, it’s the Hoy Spirit in their hearts who enables them to call out “Abba, Father.”

You only find the term “Abba Father” three times in the NT. Here, and in the very similar passage in Romans 8, both talking about the Holy Spirit at work affirming our status as redeemed adopted children of God.

The third place is in Mar 14:36  “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Jesus praying in the agony of the garden of Gethsemane.

• If there is to be a new season of hope, the local church has to be a hopeful place too.

Our season of growth will always be the work of the Holy Spirit too..

• Where we have a clear identity as God’s children (by the Holy Spirit ), and a clear purpose to let our light shine in witness to the world we live in.
• We are always a witness together. In unity – because according to Jesus’ prayer in John 17 – when we’re one the world will see that Jesus was sent to save us all. And then individually.
• Remember who you are and pray to the Father, Abba, that you may be a beacon of hope.
• Let’s be His light and hope in 2024.

Shine, Jesus, Shine – in us and in every other way you choose.

Amen

Sunday 26 December 2021 – The Peace of Christ.

BBP Sermons

Readings: Colossians 3:12-17; Luke 2:41-52

MESSAGE

It’s the day after Christmas Day and its Sunday. Which is quite unusual. The last time we had Christmas Day on a Saturday was 11 years ago. This is only the ninth occasion in my lifetime. The pattern is 6-5-6-11 years between occurrences. So the next one is in 2027. Gosh this is pub quiz material, isn’t it?

As a result this is a super Sunday. It’s BOXING day. St Stephen’s day. And Low Sunday – the Sunday after Christmas which people sometimes ignore, especially if they are hardy annuals who have just done their Christmas Day trip to worship and already have their calendar overloaded with an Easter Sunday booking.

All in one day. Plus four congregations zoomed in together too.

We are fortunate that the lectionary we use focuses on Jesus after Christmas on this day. Over the three-year cycle the gospel reading…

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Sunday 26 December 2021 – The Peace of Christ.

22 December 2021 – A Saviour has been born to you. (Rosedale Village Christmas message)

BBP Sermons

Reading: Luke 2:1-14

Message

Have you ever been rescued? Somewhere along the line I’m sure someone turned up to help when you were in some kind of predicament or crisis over the years.

There have been some amazing stories in the last couple of years – think of that Thai football team rescued from underground caves. You see courageous rescue missions all the time on the news.

I’ve only been rescued once – in the sea that is. My sons had gone out too far – I swam out to tell them and we all got stuck. The African surf where we lived was really rough. It makes Browns Bay beach look like a swimming pool.

It was a good feeling to have someone on a paddle board come out and bring you in when you think you may drown. The embarrassing thing was that I was teaching part time…

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Sunday Easter 2 @BBP 11 April 2011 – Life in His name for Believing Thomas

READING: John 20:19-31

MESSAGE

Joh 20:30  Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book.Joh 20:31  But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

It’s been a good Easter. I don’t even know what that means – but people say it’s been good. A friend of mine in the US who is a pastor said is was good because they had record attendances. Well Post CovId – posts lockdown – for some just getting together was good.

For pastors and minister types, you know it’s been good when you are pretty worn out for a few weeks afterwards. Maybe that’s why hey call this Sunday low Sunday.

Was it good for those first followers?

Peter – yes, we saw that he got special mention after his failure. Tell the disciples and Peter, says the angel. He appeared to Peter, says Paul. Jesus the forgiver.

For Mary his mother – well we don’t hear from her but we can assume she was less heart broken than before. And even if he wasn’t going to be around for a long time – he’d organized John his friend to look after her in the long term. Jesus the pastoral planner.

For Mary Magdalene, well she thinks he’s the gardener. He calls her by her name – and that makes the connection. She then calls him Raboni –  which means teacher. It makes her a real woman disciple in a context where women general were left out. Jesus the kind and compassionate one.

And then there’s Thomas. Poor bloke. All those questions he asked. And just his luck he wasn’t there when Jesus first appeared to them I that locked room. I have no  idea where we went. Maybe he was catching up with his twin – if his twin was Lydia or maybe another unknown person. So when he hears their story, you can’t help but sympathise when he is less than convinced.

A week later there’s this lovely detail from Jesus – just as he meets with others where they are, he connects with Thomas. For each demand, one writer puts it, there’s a command from Jesus. The order isn’t perfect, but it’s all there – “precisely and fully” (Hendrikson Baker NT Commentary on John).

The commentary suggests this: “In order to see how precisely and fully the demands of Thomas are met, we must place the words of Thomas and those of Jesus next to each other.”

Have a look:

The Demands of Thomas	The Commands of Jesus
1. Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, 2. And put my finger into the place of the nails, 3. And put my hand into his side, 4. I definitely will not believe	2. See my hands 1. Bring here your finger. 3. And bring your hand, and put it into my side. 4. And no longer be unbelieving but believing.

Jesus’  response to Thomas brings about a confession of faith that is pretty powerful and complete:

Joh 20:28  Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

And here John expands Jesus’ reach to us too:

Joh 20:29  Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

And then he pretty much wraps up his gospel:

Let’s remind ourselves of some of the key passagaes we havea looked at. Look at the references to life and believing.

It starts in John 1:1:

Joh 1:1  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Joh 1:4  In him was life, and that life was the light of men. Joh 1:12  Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God…

Remember the conversation with Nathanael: Joh 1:48  “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Joh 1:49  Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” Joh 1:50  Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see greater things than that.” Joh 1:51  He then added, “I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

And Nicodemus: Joh 3:14  Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, Joh 3:15  that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. For God So Loved the World Joh 3:16  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever  believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

And the woman at the well: Joh 4:14  but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Joh 8:12  When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Joh 10:10  The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (abundant life). (the good shepherd teaching).

Joh 11:25  Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; Joh 11:26  and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this? (To Martha)

Joh 12:32  But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men/people to myself.” (looking to the cross to find life and healing, like the snake in John 3:14).

Joh 14:6  Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (In response to Thomas)

Joh 17:3  Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. (in prayer)

In John’s gospel what follows is the Easter story. If you missed it, read chapters 18-19 again.

Here we are in chapter 20. He is life – he is alive again. Speaking to these followers of his.

And to Thomas.

“Stop doubting and believe.”

Why? The whole point of this whole book John) is summed up:

Joh 20:30  Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. Joh 20:31  But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Jesus – God saves. Believe in his name. He is everything. The I am. Remember Joh 8:58: “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!”

Thomas got the message – I am the man.

Just for a bit of fun – although this is serious – here’ a great song about Thomas “ I am the man Thomas”. by Ralph Stanley. Bob Dylan made it famous, singing it nearly 60 times.

It’s a great way to start guitar  – only needs two chords. Bluegrass is a great country style. Someone said: , “Bluegrass is to country what heavy metal is to rock and roll.”

Art and music capture various aspects of Thomas’ journey to faith.

Here is Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys – live:

And a younger version of the song and a faster tempo: The Petersens:  https://youtu.be/XVDs4N5Avdg

THE LYRICS INCLUDE:

Oh, I am the Man, Thomas, I am the Man

Look at these nail scars here in my hands

They pierced me in the side, Thomas, I am the Man

They made me bear the cross, Thomas, I am the Man

They laid me in the tomb, Thomas, I am the Man

In three days I arose, Thomas, I am the Man

They pierced me in the Side, Thomas, I am the Man

They made me bear the cross, Thomas, I am the Man.

Do you believe he is the man? The one? The “I am”.

It’s a great question.

Don’t be unbelieving, says Jesus. Believe.

Amen.

Tenebrae 2021 @ BBP – the readings and the story as darkness decends.

A reflection, communion service, then the story read by those seated around the table.

Tenebrae

The service of Tenebrae, meaning “darkness” or “shadows,” has been observed since medieval times. In a candle-lit church Christ’s suffering is commemorated through Bible readings and songs. Candles are put out one by one as the congregation listens to the story of Jesus’ suffering and death. At the end of the service the Christ candle is lit again, in hope and anticipation of the resurrection on Easter Sunday. We leave in silence after the lighting of the candle, as we reflect on the events and Jesus’ obedience and sacrifice for us.

Easter Sunday Message 4 April 2021: “And Peter”

EASTER SUNDAY                                                                                 

1Co 15:1  Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 1Co 15:2  By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. 1Co 15:3  For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 1Co 15:4  that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 1Co 15:5  and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. 1Co 15:6  After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 1Co 15:7  Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 1Co 15:8  and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. 1Co 15:9  For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 1Co 15:10  But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 1Co 15:11  Whether, then, it was I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed.

Mar 16:1  When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Mar 16:2  Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb Mar 16:3  and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” Mar 16:4  But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. Mar 16:5  As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed. Mar 16:6  “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. Mar 16:7  But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” Mar 16:8  Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

MESSAGE: “AND PETER“

We mentioned on Thursday night how depressing it must have been for Jesus.

It’s hard to imagine what was going through Jesus’ mind that night. But consider this:

After the institution of the Lord’s supper, we read these words:

Luk 22:21  But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. Luk 22:22  The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed, but woe to that man who betrays him.

• His disciples of course question among themselves who it could be. As if unmoved by this shock announcement, they then debate which of them was considered to be the greatest. So he has to teach them about serving again.
• And then, just to add to the pretty daunting scene, he predicts that Peter would betray him. Peter  replies, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”
• They go to the mount of Olives – to Gethsemane, where Jesus prays. And of course, they fall asleep.

It’s interesting that Jesus in Gethsemane was so troubled. Mark tells us: “he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. Mar 14:34  “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,”

Someone said that he was troubled because he knew what was coming. We on the other hand get anxious because we don’t know what’s coming.

What must have been really troubling was how these disciples would cope.

Especially Peter – who would still  have to lead the group.

Mar 14:27  “You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written: “‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ Mar 14:28  But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” Mar 14:29  Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.” Mar 14:30  “I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.” 31  But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same.

There’s something quite nice about the message given to the women at the empty tomb:

“You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.   Mar 16:7  But go, tell his disciples and Peter…

And Paul, in our reading from 1 Corinthians 15 says this: 1Co 15:3  For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 1Co 15:4  that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 1Co 15:5  and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve.

Peter, some suggest, might have been a Zealot. I’m not convinced about that. But he is the one who takes out his sword and cuts Malchus’ ear off in the garden.

I think what Peter didn’t understand was the idea that Jesus would suffer and die. He argued about it from the beginning – straight after his confession of faith ”you are the Christ” – rebuking Jesus.

Graham Greene in one of his later novels Monsignor Quixote, has this Spanish priest Father Quixote in debate with the communist ex-mayor of their town. I guess triggered by the mayor’s Marxist utopian ideals, the priest has a dream. In this dream, in short, Jesus doesn’t die on the cross but calls down legions of angels who get him off alive. Everyone is happy, and the whole world rejoices and bows down. There is no death, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday and resurrection. When he wakes up, the priest is relieved that it didn’t happen like that. He would have been without a job.

The point is – easter would be meaningless for us if there had not been that awful day when our Lord Jesus suffered the agony of the cross.

Think of all the pagan easter symbols which are in Spring in the northern hemisphere.

• If flowers didn’t die, seeds producing new plants wouldn’t matter.
• If rabbits didn’t get old, you would need new baby bunnies.
• New life only means something because the old life dies.
• Spring following spring would not mean much either. Light is useful because of the dark.

Peter wanted it all to be successful. He had to fail to learn to grow stronger and face the greater challenges that would await him. He’s the New Testament Job in  a sense. Only Luke records these important words of Jesus to Peter: 31  “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32  But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.

Peter was never able to read Martin Luther sadly. One writer puts it like his:

Luther suggests that if all were quiet and one had the promise of peace and prosperity, then one could be sure that the devil was very near.

If on the other hand it appeared as tough all hell were breaking loose and one were likely to suffer pain and hurt, one could be very sure that God was very near.

Luther’s view was that it is the cross of Jesus that enables us to be realistic about the way things really are.

Father Quixote’s dream is a nightmare for him because his ministry would have no meaning for anyone. In fact, no one would remember who Jesus was. Another messianic dot in history.

William Lane in his commentary writes:

Were it not for his resurrection, Jesus of Nazareth might have appeared as no more than a line in Josephus’ Antiquities of the Jews, if he were mentioned at all. The witness of the four Gospels is unequivocal that following the crucifixion Jesus’ disciples were scattered, their hopes shattered by the course of events. What halted the dissolution of the messianic movement centered in Jesus was the resurrection. It is the resurrection which creates “the good news concerning Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God” – which is what Mark’s gospel starts with.

Mark’s gospel ends with these words: Mar 16:8  Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

• That stone, the tomb, the young man in white – mix that with the grief and torment of those three days, and you would understand their response.
• And in any case people didn’t believe women in those days. They were not accepted as witnesses in a law court.

Luke writing his historical account puts it like this:

Luk 24:9  When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. Luk 24:10  It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. Luk 24:11  But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. (I preached on this in Easter 2019 – how their words seemed like rubbish. Leyros is the word. Literally a load of …. I’m sure you remember!)

Mark’s account makes sense. He was a disciple of Peter – so would be thinking about his mentor. And he of course ran away naked from Gethsemane. He would have been sympathetic with the terrified women.

The resurrection is first importance stuff, says Paul in the reading from 1 Corinthians we heard.

• The failure and restoration of Peter is a great help to us when we fail.
• The hope of resurrection is hugely helpful in a pandemic where people are dying in their droves.
• The promise of Easter – victory over death – is our only hope when we stare into the grave, or face our own mortality, or the challenge of aging or degenerative diseases..
• The power of the resurrection now means we live life in the light when things are dark, in spring when it is winter, and in permanent daylight saving when the night is long. We can steal Ben King’s words then: “When the night has come; And the land is dark; And the moon is the only light we’ll see; No, I won’t be afraid; Oh, I won’t be afraid; Because we know you  will be there for us!” (The orignial song has: Just as long as you stand, stand by me).

He is risen indeed. Peter had to hear this. So do we.

Amen.