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32. The Sign of Love

Tuesday 26th March 

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(for more details see here)

 

Pause:

This time last year I wrote this prayer for holy week:
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Today's reading: John 19. 18-22

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A solider carries a wooden sign towards the cross of Jesus. He's done this job many times before, displaying the crimes of the convicted to add to their obvious failure and public shame. It's a powerful deterrent for others who might follow them into this same life of crime. 

But today the written charge is... different.
Odd.
Really odd.

In three different languages it proclaims: 

Jesus of Nazareth:
the King of the Jews.

JOHN 19.19

Strange on so many levels - not least because the controversy over this very claim is what brought us here. To state His claim without any qualification was surely tantamount to treason.

Someone in the crowd had spotted it, and soon the High Priests were pushing their way forward through the crowd to see for themselves. A delegation of them marched off back to Pilate's courtyard to protest this. 

But Pilate is quite adamant. "I've written what I've written." 

Is he joking?
Is he mocking?
Is he throwing this back in the face of the High Priests who have forced his reluctant hand?

Or is he wondering?
Searching?
Opening his once-closed mind to a new and terrifyingly possible reality... 
 

Reflection: The Sign of Love


Crucifixion.
A torturous way to die.
Excruciating.
Terrifying.
Humiliating.

The very threat of it was a form of control. 

But despite all of that it has been the way that hundreds of thousands of people throughout history have met their death, but from my research not one single king. In fact - it was called a slave's death.

Of all the people that have died - of all the people who have died on a cross - why is this death, this cross, so vitally important?

Look up at the sign.
Look up at who it is who is dying there. 

The only charge against Him - His identity.
Not one single accusation stuck. He is complete perfection. Holiness itself. 

And now even in death - His true position is undeniable: He is King.
Lifted high.
Wearing a crown.
Named as King.
Named as sinless by a dying thief.
Named as divine by a solider.
Still pronouncing forgiveness.
Still declaring promise.
Still speaking grace.

What was intended to defile has fundamentally backfired.
In the fires of persecution, the true worth has survived the flames.
Love will have the final word.
Light will conquer over darkness.
Every eye shall see and knee shall bow.
Every tongue shall bear His Name...

Look at the sign and see - the King of love.
 

Question for today:

  • Hold this thought before you right now - it was the High King of heaven who gave His life for you. What does that truth do your heart today?
 

Prayer:

See His love nailed to a cross
Perfect and blameless life given as sacrifice
See Him there all in the name of Love
Broken yet glorious, all for the sake of us

This is Jesus in His Glory
King of heaven, dying for me
It is finished, He has done it
Death is beaten, Heaven beckons me!

Greater love no one could ever show
Mercy so undeserved, freedom I should not know
All my sin, all of my hidden shame
Died with Him on the cross, eternity won for us

This is Jesus in His Glory
King of heaven, dying for me
It is finished, He has done it
Death is beaten, Heaven beckons me!

TOM LOCKLEY
 

 I prayed this.

My prayer for today: (if you would like to, please feel free to add your own prayer here):


 


Glenys
Hello and welcome to our church. If you are a new visitor, we have a page for you to get to know us and learn more about planning a visit.
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Planning your Visit

A Warm Hello 

 

Where and When

The church is open for activities throughout the week but if you are just seeking us out it is likely that you will want to come and be a part of our Sunday worship which is core to what we are about.
We meet in the main church building (details here) at 10:30 each week. See our calendar to find out plans for the next few weeks.

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There is wheelchair access and a sound loop for anyone who needs it. Please let one of the Welcome Team know on your arrival and they will help you to get set up. There are disabled toilets in the main foyer and church lounge.

Our Sunday Services


Sunday morning services are structured but informal. They include a mix of both contemporary and traditional worship songs and hymns, prayers, readings from the Bible and a sermon that unpacks this. Occasionally we will also have specific updates about ways that God has been working through and in people and activities. Once a month we celebrate communion as part of the service. The last Sunday of the month is usually an Altogether Service when all ages are all together in one place for a more relaxed and activity based time of worship.

We aim to finish at about 11.45 to Midday when we serve free tea, coffee and cold drinks. This is a great opportunity to get to meet people.

Sunday Evening services, either in person or online, tend to be shorter and more reflective and are an opportunity to dig a little deeper into our relationship with God.
 

What about the children and youth?

We have a great programme for children of all ages, for more information about what happens please visit our Children and Youth page.

Getting Connected

 

Small Groups

It is often in smaller gatherings that we can really get to know other people. Being part of one of our small groups allows you to make new friends, share together and support each other. We have a variety of groups that meet throughout the week, some in the afternoon and some in the evening either in the church, in peoples’ homes or online    .
If you are interested in joining a Small Group, let us know and we can put you in touch with the small group coordinator who will be more than happy to find a group that is convenient for you and introduce you to the group leader.

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