Monday 16 May, 2016

Human life is lived in tension. We seek the assurity of God’s full victory on our lives, or alternatively, the knowledge of the ultimate meaning behind the trials and challenges we face. Reality is sometimes uncomfortable in the middle ground, grey spaces: simultaneously observing wondrous vistas or gruesome realities. Much like the disciples, who on the one hand marvel at the splendour of the temple and on the other hand puzzle over the ominous ‘signs of the times’.

The cosmic legends that Jesus foresees are peppered with practical advice:
‘watch out’ (v8), ‘do not be frightened’ (v9), ‘[don’t] worry beforehand’ (v14), ‘be careful’ (v34), ‘be aways on the watch’ (v36),
and promises:
‘you will bear testimony to me’ (v13), ‘not a hair of your head will perish’ (v18), ‘stand firm, and you will win life’ (v19), ‘the kingdom of God is near’ (v31), ‘my words will never pass away’ (v33)

Holy Spirit, may my ears be continually open to your encouragement amidst the realities of living. Peace in the tension of day to day and persistent joy across all portions of my life, amen.

Written by Sam Stewart