Tag: Matthew

We’re learning to taste again – the sweetness of grace, the freshness of hope, and the unexpected goodness of a future that has not yet been written. For the God who has brought us this far is not finished with us yet.

Elijah hears God in silence after a storm. Peter hears Christ above the storm. Paul reminds us that faith begins with hearing. Different stories but the same invitation – and that is to listen again and hear the voice.

Both passages ask us to move from scarcity to trust. Both invite us to stop measuring life solely by what we lack. Both remind us that God’s economy is different from our own. And both point us toward a God whose first instinct with us is one of invitation: “Come and Eat”

Being God’s “treasured possession” is not presented as a blank cheque for superiority or entitlement. It is covenant language. Relational language. Vocational language. Israel is chosen not for privilege, but for purpose.

For those of a certain vintage, our parable is like a Roald Dahl ‘Tales of the Unexpected’. Or one of those Zombie horror movies on Netflix.

Not seven times or seventy seven or even seventy times seven but countless times during our lifetimes. We are continually being set free.

The forgiven, restored and repaired. Perhaps, just as in The Repair Shop, we might find that each one of us gets transformed in the process.

One commentator describes it as: “Jesus with his compassion down”. Another: “Beware the dog”. Perhaps we call it: “Small crumbs of comfort”.

I wonder what would have happened if my wife had seen the field with the wheat and the weeds. I suspect she would have pulled the lot up – and then not told the landowner to see how long it was before he noticed.

‘I’m just a soul whose intentions are good. Oh Lord, please don’t let me be misunderstood’. Do we misunderstand when Jesus talks about a yoke?

Whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.

Are you harassed and helpless? Do you just look that way but inside everything is calm and peaceful! Would you walk alongside those who are?

Our next Sunday evening worship service will be at 7pm on February 28th. The theme this is: ‘All kids at heart’ and will be led by Nigel Silvester.

Are you now, or have you ever been, an embarrassing parent? Do your saintly children have a ‘Ready-Brek’ aura around them?

Blessed are all during this time who have pure hearts; all who still hunger and thirst for justice; all who work for peace and who model mercy. May you know comfort.