Ascension Day

Ascension Day is a waymark on the journey from Easter to Pentecost. For the first Christians it was a turning point. With Jesus taken from them for a second time the future of the community of faith would lie in their hands. It was time to begin making plans. Change was on the way.

Across the world there are signs that the crisis created by the Covid-19 pandemic may be easing. In every country it is now time to begin making plans. This is a turning point. The future will be shaped by the response those bearing the burden of leadership. Change is on the way.

Those with Jesus at the moment of the ascension returned from the mountain bearing a heavy burden. Leadership in times of uncertainty is challenging. Politicians, scientific advisers, and public health officials across the world are now responsible for guiding the countries they serve into the next phase. Change is on the way. Our leaders bear a heavy burden as the decisions they take will affect the health and well being of millions.

The Twelve who became Apostles in the early church were part of a praying community. The role of the worldwide Christian community is to continue to pray for those bearing the burden of leadership at this time of change.

God, thank You for the men and women who serve our country in leadership roles and for their families.
Please provide our leaders with reminders each day of why they decided to dedicate their lives to public service, 
and use that commitment to encourage them. Amen

The next new normal

I do not know what lies ahead,
the way I cannot see;
yet one stands near to be my guide
He'll show the way to me.

I know who holds the future,
and He'll guide me with his hand;
with God things don't just happen,
everything by Him is planned.
So as i face tomorrow,
with its problems large and small,
I'll trust the God of miracles,
give to Him my all.

A.B. Smith & E. Clarke (1947)

Sunday evening's Prime Ministerial address to the British people brought few surprises. In advance of the speech most of the modifications to current arrangements had been anticipated. By Monday morning anxieties emerged due to a lack of clear guidance on the way things might change. Organisations and individuals must now find a way of adjusting to the new regime envisioned by the government.

Jesus' disciples found themselves in a similar predicament following the events of Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Over a period of just three days their lives had been turned upside down. The resurrection of Jesus brought not just comfort but also the hope of a return to normal. Anticipation turned to anxiety as the Risen Christ proved elusive. There were appearances, conversations and interactions but instead of a return to work Jesus spoke of leaving once again. Over a period of just under six weeks the disciples began to realise the need to adjust to a new normal. Nothing would ever be the same again.

As Britain moves towards the next 'new normal' Christians continue to wait in anticipation of the time when it will be possible to gather for worship. In the meantime we draw on the resources of our shared faith to ease our anxiety. We continue to adapt and to rejoice in the knowledge that in due time God will lead us into our new future.

Signs of hope

On 8 May 1945 the streets of London were packed as crowds celebrated the end of the war in Europe. Peace had yet to break out in the Far East. Wartime restrictions would continue for some time. VE Day 1945 was a sign of hope but it would be some time before things would really change for the better.

Friday 8 May 2020 will be a quieter affair. Plans to commemorate the seventy-fifth anniversary of VE Day have been modified. The event will be marked online or at home. London's streets will lie deserted as the country awaits signs of hope that sometime soon things might really change for the better.

Four weeks ago Christians marked Easter. With churches closed millions of people found different ways to worship and celebrate at home or online. The events of the first Easter Sunday offer the greatest sign of hope the world has ever known. As we contemplate the resurrection and encounter the reality of the the risen Christ we know that, by the grace of God, things can always change for the better.