Bernard Gabbott - Sunday, 3 April 2022
Where do you fit?
Scripture References: Matthew 22:34-46, Deuteronomy 6:1-9, Psalms 110:1-7
Gathering Growing Going
Loading Content...
The link has been copied to your clipboard; paste it anywhere you would like to share it.
CloseEver since He arrived in Jerusalem, Jesus has been attacked and tested by the religious authorities. Each of the various sect of leaders has approached Jesus, and posed a ‘tricky’ question. Jesus has answered each one brilliantly and bluntly and humbly. This is their last roll of the dice, and so they ask Him about the greatest of God’s laws. It is a question that aims to reduce Jesus—and God—to a neat and tickable box! Jesus’ answer is expansive: love God with all you are, and love His image-bearers. Moreover, it allows Him the scope to then address, again, His identity. He does this by taking His listeners to God’s word, and pointing out that the descendant of David that was expected is a lot bigger than they had ever thought—He is actually God! At this, the debates stop! And we now come to this truth: if Jesus is God, and He is, then His people love Him—with all that they are...and they love His image-bearers likewise!
Scripture References: Matthew 22:34-46, Deuteronomy 6:1-9, Psalms 110:1-7
Related Topics: Easter, Matthew | More Messages from Bernard Gabbott | Download Audio
Esther is such an exciting story! There are evil plots. There are interesting yet flawed characters. There is risk and sacrifice. There is heroism and villainy. Today, we are introduced to the villain of the plot, and what an evil scheming villain he is! He spins lies and concocts murderous plans to do away with the Jews, God’s covenant people. How will the people respond? Will he get away with his evil plan? Will God, who is not mentioned at all, intervene to protect His people, to live up to the promises He made to Abraham, the people at Mt Sinai, and to David?
There is so much that sounds familiar in these first two chapters of Esther: the world is dominated by loud and brash and imposing and degraded power, the people of God are small and struggling and faced with ambiguous decisions and actions and God seems so far away he is almost absent (at least to our minds and hearts). As we read this book, we will need God’s revelation to help us navigate its strangeness, its ambiguity, and its confrontational narrative. In this, we have the key to the book—the lack of God’s name in letters does not mean the lack of God’s presence.
He is risen! This morning we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. The tomb is empty, the power of sin and death has been defeated. It is fitting that if Jesus’ last words were “it is finished” than His first words to His followers are “peace be with you”. But this is no ordinary greeting. The work of Jesus, His life, death, burial and resurrection is the grounds on which our relationship with God can be restored. The brokenness and rebellion that once plagued our lives has been dealt with. It’s no wonder that Jesus’ words are “peace be with you”. Jesus doesn’t give peace as the world does, nor does He promise a life free from trouble. But He does promise life to the full. God promises Shalom, complete wholeness in relationship with Himself through Jesus. That is something to celebrate!
13 Dewhurst St, Narrabri NSW 2390
Ph: (02) 6792 2151
Email: Click Here
8:30am & 10:30am each Sunday
9:30am each Sunday in January
Copyright © 2024 · Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in