Chaplain
The anticipation is palpable! Like the runners in the blocks waiting for the starter’s gun, the whole of NSW is, metaphorically, holding their breath anticipating the relaxing of restrictions. This anticipation has hope based in certainty, as the tally of double vaccinations inevitably increases reaching the magic number. This anticipation has joy at the reality of hugging a grandchild, eating with friends, haircuts, nail salons, gym, sport and shopping. This anticipation makes us impatient but it also enables us to stay the course and live appropriately as we approach that day.
This anticipation is so much like the Christian anticipation of the return of Jesus. The anticipation is full of hope. The certainty of Jesus’ words that he will return, that he has prepared a place for us in his heavenly kingdom and that on his return we would be raised up with him. This hope is secured by the historical event of his death and resurrection making this hope, not a vague wish but a certainty.
The anticipation is full of joy as the heavenly kingdom is a new earth where evil, sin, tears, death, sickness and pain are things only of the past. They have been replaced by love, glory and unity of people from every nation, tribe and language bound together in the presence of loving God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
This anticipation helps us to stay the course and live appropriately now. The anticipation of the return of Christ compels us to encourage one another to love well, to do good, to honour Jesus and to encourage others to embrace this future. This glorious future means we live sacrificially, humbly with good ethics and morals, seeking the good of others by serving them.
So let me encourage you today to embrace this future, embrace the gift of salvation from Jesus offered to all but must be accepted by repenting and believing. It is true that God loves everyone and Jesus died for everyone but we need to grasp this gift for ourself.
There are some interesting parallels here with the vaccination program. It is offered to all, but each one must take hold of it by rolling up their sleeve. When one does it opens the door of possibilities. Likewise, the gift of Jesus is held out to each of us. When we repent and believe, it means we will join in the anticipation of the better future of his heavenly kingdom.
Prayer meeting
There will be a Redlands Community prayer meeting on the Thursday, 29 October, at 7.30 pm. This is a time to gather and pray for God’s blessing on our students (especially year 12) and community. At present it is unclear whether this will be in person or as a zoom but please mark it in your diary, specific details will follow.
May the Blessing of God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit keep your hearts and minds in his love.
Bronwyn Lihou and Fiona McKenzie