Jesus, in the reading from Luke, was about to enter a new
land in his life. He was beginning a new thing. From the moment he stepped back
from this time in the wilderness, it was going to be full on for him. It was
not going to be easy making the change from being a village carpenter to being
a wandering preacher and teacher. There would be many challenges but there were
also going to be time of joy and satisfaction as well as frustration. Some
translations speak of testing rather than tempting which makes the purpose of
this time in the wilderness a little clearer.
It is still early in the New Year and each New Year can be a
fresh start for us, but so can any day! Today can be the day when you decide to
ask questions of things you have not dared to question before. From now on, you
can resolve to make informed decisions when you come to vote in this year’s
elections and when you are debating right and wrong of attitudes, ideas and
behaviour.
Like the Israelite people, and Jesus, God the Holy Spirit
has been journeying with us, encouraging and sustaining us through these years
even when we have felt we were wandering in a wilderness. Each new day can be
the beginning of something new for us. It will be good because God does not
lead otherwise; with the promise that like it was for the Israelites so it can
be a productive time for us. It may be scary and a challenge, but the guarantee
is that we will thrive in this place.
Do not forget to celebrate the achievements you make by
giving thanks to God. God will bless you all in this.
Rev Julianne Parker (for full sermon see sermon's page)
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