Plenty to pray about…

21 Jan Plenty to pray about…

21 January 2025

I didn’t watch it, but I was relieved to see that the US Presidential Inauguration Ceremony took place without incident. It is one of the many follow-on blessings of Christianity that countries in the Western world have devised tried & true systems for the peaceful transition of power from one leader to another. You might not be fond of this or that particular elected official, but you can be sure somewhere in the not-too-distant-future, you will have a chance to vote them out of office. We’ll have that opportunity later this year in Australia…and it will be a predictable peaceful process however it turns out. That’s part of the reason I take Paul’s directive seriously: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” – 1 Tim 2:1-2 We depend upon our leaders, who depend upon our prayers, for the peace, good order, and what the US Constitution enshrines as “Justice…domestic Tranquillity…the common defense…the general Welfare…and…the Blessings of Liberty” our governments are asked to provide. Some governments do that more effectively than others, so we pray all the more.

I did see one replayed video clip that caught my eye. Carrie Underwood, who is a US country music superstar was tasked to sing “America the Beautiful” as part of the ceremony. At just the wrong moment, the recorded music wouldn’t play. So with a smile & an invitation to the crowd to sing along, she sang acapella & nailed every note. It was a stirring rendition of a song I grew up around & I was delighted she did such an admirable job under intense pressure with a huge smile on her face. She is a professional after all, and she has likely sung that song many many times. But I think that’s the crucial thing: She knew exactly what her role was, was well-rehearsed & well-versed in what that role required, and was undaunted by the scrutiny she was experiencing in the moment. As followers of Jesus…are we equally ready to embrace our role as his witnesses under any circumstances? Are we equally well-rehearsed & well-versed in what is required of us to “give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” – 1 Pet 3:15? Are we able, under the power of the Holy Spirit to do that with a smile on our faces & bold confidence in our hearts? Part of what we offer each week is how we prepare…so let’s get to it!

1. Zoom Bible Study Catch-up (we’ll wrap up a few more nuggets from God’s word from last Sunday – Luke 4:14-21 & John 20:19-22)
   Friday 24^th January 2025  @ 1:00 p.m.
   Join Zoom Meeting  —  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81166125179  —  Meeting ID: 811 6612 5179
2. This Sunday, 26^th January, we wrap up our worship & teaching series, “Winds of Change: Remain in the Word.” (Psalm 1:1-6 & Colossians 2:6-10) We’ll also acknowledge with thanksgiving the blessings of our home here in Australia. It’s Australia Day after all…we have reason to be thankful!
3. It is time we start inviting our family & friends to UnEarthed: Uncovering stories of Faith in Australia – Thursday 27^thFebruary 2025…especially those who don’t have a resounding faith in Jesus at the moment This citywide multi-church evangelism event will be a FREE event held at the Range Function Centre. Please note that date! It’s going to include Karl Faase, Colin Buchanan (and his adult country repertoire) and Peter Gibbs & (Wagga’s own) Jade Stegg from the Faith Runs Deep documentary interview series. We get to be part of all-Australian stories of faith in Christ from the length & breadth of this sunburnt country…the Great Southland of the Holy Spirit. We’ll figure out a way for folks to RSVP even if you don’t have access to the QR Code registration option…not all of us can do that. We’re working on it!

4. Be praying too for the new school year. Teachers start going back in the next couple of weeks & most students return to full-time classroom studies by the first week of February.

A final word about leadership…Jesus said: “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mt 20:25-28

A couple of things struck me as I read it this time…not the human leader part, but the Jesus as leader/Lord part…

1) To be our Lord, Jesus came first as Saviour. His life given as a ransom for sin is what enables his rule & reign over us. His life as ransom is him being Saviour. But inseparably 2) Because He is Saviour we are to live in responsive obedience to his call to be servants & last & generous in life…he must also be Lord. He can’t be Saviour, if he isn’t also Lord. He must be running the show & calling the shots in me or I can’t claim he’s freed me from sin, death & the devil. If I’m the boss of me…he’s not Lord & if he’s not Lord…We’ll wrestle with this until Jesus takes us to be with him. But for today…release your hold on your life & allow Jesus to be both Saviour AND Lord.

I’ll see you Sunday! If not sooner

John