In our gospel reading for today we see Jesus who ‘finds’ Philip and says to him ‘follow me.’ John 1:43.
In a profound sense, like Phillip , we who seek to live out our baptism vows have been found by the one who came into the world to reconcile us with God. Jesus then calls us to follow Him. 2021 is another year of opportunity to follow Jesus. Making that choice daily is probably the most important decision of each day. In the midst of all the uncertainty, He is faithful and I can rely on Him.
Our new parish council will be praying and looking for the Lord to lead us in our decision making. Our service and ministry leaders will be doing the same. The General Synod of the Anglican church and our own synod the same.
Are we going to follow Jesus or are we going to follow the world, our own ’flesh’ or the devil?
How do we know what following Jesus is? We ask the Holy Spirit to guide us especially in our reading and application of scripture. Paul notes that ‘All scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so that the people of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. ‘ (2 Tim 3:16.) We know that God’s word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path(Psalm 119:105) Those who build on Jesus words are building on a rock that cannot be shaken.
When following Jesus takes us out of step with the prevailing culture, are we going to be courageous and follow Him? When we are challenged by scripture and the Holy Spirit regarding our ‘flesh’, that is the tendencies and inclinations of our old fallen nature, are we going to rely on the Spirit to help us put it to death and then bear the good fruit promised. The fruit that comes from saying and living as we say ‘yes Lord. Your kingdom come Your will be done in my life and through St Nics?’
We framed our response to God’s grace here at St Nic’s with the following statement 5 B’s : to Bless abundantly, Belong wholeheartedly, Believe increasingly, Behave with integrity and Become Good News. Join with me in praying we will be that church community this year and that we will follow Jesus.
Shalom
Jamie