Another miracle, please
For there is one God, and there is one who brings God and human beings together, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself to redeem the whole human race. That was the proof at the right time that God wants everyone to be saved, and that is why I was sent as an apostle and teacher of the Gentiles, to proclaim the message of faith and truth. I am not lying; I am telling the truth! (verses 5-7)
Alan Walker: Conscience of the Nation , the biography of Sir Alan Walker, the Methodist minister, tells of his conviction that the gospel must be accessible to all people, not simply to those who read books and feel comfortable in pews. Christians need to be listening to and talking with people in shops and pubs, on the docks, in factories and in the public housing estates. People, whoever and wherever they are, need to know and experience Jesus’ unconditional love for them.
In today’ s text, Paul is emphasising the same point. Jesus gave himself to save everyone, whatever their colour, origins, behaviour or beliefs. He wants everyone to know the truth, because only the Truth, Jesus himself, can give meaning to the lives, and deaths, of human beings.
Alan Walker broke new ground to bring the gospel to Aussie battlers. He worked in the tradition of Paul, who was the first to bring the gospel to non-Jews. Such a turnaround in Paul’ s case, from fastidious Pharisee to Christian missionary, could only be brought about by a miracle-the miracle of God’s grace.
Jesus, I feel anxious and inadequate about sharing the gospel. If you want me to be more like Paul, you will have to organise another miracle. Thank you for miracles. Amen.
by Margaret Hunt, in ‘New Strength for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 1998)
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