Our Message

Humani y - he good, and he ugly he bad

The events of 2020 have provided a stark reminder of our vulnerability as humans, as well as the fragility of the things of this world. And unlike most major calamities, these have not only affected the poor and weak. Powerful people, systems and businesses have been toppled in the wake of this virus and subsequent economic crisis. No matter what people believe, very few people need more convincing that this world, including themselves, is broken and struggling. Religion offers very little comfort to this besides maybe a feelgood factor and a vague hope that the afterlife might be better. Religion requires our ‘goodness’ and offers forgiveness and reward in return. Religion asks 03

us to strive to become more like God so that we can be accepted by Him. But how does religion help when we’re feeling powerless, demotivated and crippled by difficulty, illness or despair? “Come to me…” says Jesus. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Unlike human piety and religion, His Good News meets us wherever we are and only requires our faith and obedience as we begin walking the road to Life with Him. This week I reread the strange account of Zacchaeus who climbed a tree to see Jesus over the crowds. You’ll remember that this guy was not someone you would want to be friends with, or to have as a neighbour. He was a

corrupt and greedy tax official, despised as an immoral sell-out. Yet… he was favoured by our Lord. “Zacchaeus, I’m coming to visit your house today.” Really? Of all the good people in Jericho, Jesus picks this nasty, sinful man to honour! And so off they go, while all the bystanders gossip and judge and shake their heads. But inside his ungodly household that day, the presence and grace of Jesus changes Zacchaeus and his family forever! Once again, God’s unbelievable kindness leads to unbelievable repentance, as it so often does. A complete turnaround story with very obvious, visible ramifications - Zacchaeus gives half of all that he owns to the poor, and vows to repay all those he cheated with four times what he made off them! “Today, salvation has come to this house…” Yes, religion favours and honours the good, respectable people - but Jesus doesn’t. He favours and honours all people. Do we? Our theme for September and October is “Humanity”. Humanity in all its shapes, colours, cultures and forms. The good, the bad and the ugly. Humanity, the object of His missional focus and sacrificial, unconditional love. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…” Here in 2020 we are all missioncarriers alongside Jesus within a disrupted, chaotic, despairing society. Like Zacchaeus, ‘sinners’ around us are climbing all kinds of figurative trees just to get a glimpse of truth or a glimmer of hope. They need someone to really see them, to reach out to them, and to show them unusual kindness despite who they are, what they look like or what they do. They need the presence and grace of Jesus to visit with them - the same presence and grace we have dwelling inside of each of us! What a challenge to our religious selves who, instead of reaching out, would much rather join the crowd, pointing fingers and shaking heads at those in the trees. Each one of us gets to become His life-changing hands, feet and voice to the humanity all around us – if we can be brave enough to follow His unconventional example and submit to His daily leading.

Whose salvation story are we going to be part of this year?

- Ian

If you’d like to get involved in being His hands and feet, please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.