Jesus came into the world as the ‘upside down’ king – his kingdom is not of this world.
To commit to following Jesus is not to go along the pathway of power, authority or prestige.
Rather to relate with humility, through compassion, holding fast to a righteous way of living.
Like Hannah, when we have faith that God is at work in the world, and God will find ways to overcome the abuse and power and status, we will find signs of hope around us and within us.
Generosity with possessions, time and mercy is a good and precious gift – a sign that we have been touched by the generosity of God.
Systems that seek to manipulate and exploit are not the ways of God – be wary!
Jesus travelled light – stripped away all that was not necessary.
In times of much transformation – we need to travel lightly.
Let the unnecessary go. Simply carry with you the Love of God who loves you.
Love yourself, neighbor and even enemies.
James and John struggle to get the picture of what Jesus was telling them.
However Bartimaeus, even though he was blind, did get the picture.
He had faith to become part of that contingent that walked with Jesus towards Jerusalem.
Sometimes our the path to God may mean ‘turning around’ (Metanoia) and seeing things differently.
Jesus and Martin Luther King Jnr had many things in common.
U2 in a song about the assassination of MLK Jnr said, “Free at last, They took your life, they could not take your pride, In the name of Love”
Jesus and MLK Jnr were both Servant Leaders, who enabled social change and both died, for their commitment and respect for the powerless and a new way of looking at the world.
Commitment to this new way was at personal cost. Jesus needs His disciples to know this.
God invites us into deep relationship that is not based on being rich, having all the earthly needs we require or being, good enough.
To follow Jesus we have to see ourselves differently – die to our old selves and be born to a new life.
A new life of generosity, trust in God, free from things that hold us back to simply receive the inheritance of love and grace on offer.
The disciples just followed Jesus – no questions asked! They wanted to “see the Father” he spoke of.
However Jesus sometimes really confused them with his teaching.
He went out and changed the world and showed the work of God and the Holy Spirit to all
and told them to go out and do likewise. What did all that mean?
When Jesus encounters this woman, he learns something! Galilee was the “bread basket of the region” yet there was not enough food for the people living there. This woman knew there should be enough food for everyone.
In the most unlikely places you can find someone who sees and knows the lavishness of God in his Kingdom.
‘Armour’ was well known in Biblical times, and used by people for enforcing the peace of Rome.
Today is not about people fighting but about fighting stuff that is spiritual.
Making us want to live well and the qualities needed as followers of Jesus.
What we need to cut through all the stuff in life that directs us away from Living the Jesus way.
