It has been a while since I last wrote, partly through lack of time and partly because my focus has been on other things. I was reflecting recently on the way in which the scenes of life change. Sometimes with our choices and at other times they are forced upon us. I imagine that the disciples of Jesus were shocked when he said he was going to die and probably even more shocked when it happened. But then while enjoying his risen presence and wondering what next? Was he going to restore the kingdom there and then in a way they expected? Once again Jesus shocked them ...
Act 1:6-9 Then they gathered around him and asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.
Everything changing around them.
Most of us have been through big changes in our lives. More recently we have coped with COVID and the enforced season that this virus took us into. Many have recovered from it but the echoes are still there for some, isolation, poor health, the loss of loved ones.
Some of us cope with change better than others, some resist change at all costs. But change is inevitable and I think in some instances needed. We can get very set in our ways, comfortable in them even if they are not helpful to us or others.
Following Jesus comes at a price, because we align our lives with what he commands of us. Take up your cross daily and follow me! He calls us to give up to gain, calls to ministry are a good example, we give up a life which often we have loved and enjoyed in terms of work and finance, to take up a vocation which is often amazing but at times is hard work and difficult. As I look back I ask myself the question would I have chosen not to go into full time Christian ministry? My answer is no, I would not have missed my years in ministry for anything, for all of the cost to me and my family, the gain is beyond measure.
I know that throughout Jesus has been true to his word that he would never leave us, in fact gave us the Holy Spirit to be our advocate and guide. So now as I plan a change of season and retire later this year from full time ministry I can but wonder what surprises Jesus has in store for me next.
Whatever season you may be in or may face in the future, Jesus knows all about and will be with you. Trust in him and you will see it through.
