Half Full View

‘Whoever is not against us is for us’ says Jesus to his disciples. The context was that a person other than the twelve disciples was going off to do his own mission for Jesus. The disciples were concerned that this unauthorised and untrained activist would bring Jesus into disrepute.

However, you can hear the jealousy and insecurity in their charges. Jesus was secure in allowing his Father to operate through anyone. Ultimately, he had his eye to the future when he was taken from the earth and any believer would be qualified through faith. The disciples were keen to protect the status that ministry offered them.

Today, all kinds of people do the work of God, many of whom we would not easily get along with. They are not against the kingdom of God, therefore they are for us. Thinking that we are the only true agents of God in this world harms our view and participation in the body of Christ. It also hampers the good news spreading and more people being liberated.

Totally missing the point

Do you ever worry that you might not be good enough to be a disciple of Jesus? This could be one of those trickster vicar questions: if I say yes then I’m a worrier; if I reply no then I’m probably admitting I think I am Superman / Wonder Woman...

After three years of living, eating, sleeping and travelling with Jesus, the twelve disciples still did not get what Jesus was all about. It must have been shocking to him. They were arguing about who would be greatest, the ones wielding the most power in the ‘kick-ass’ kingdom Jesus was about to set up.

In the face of the cross and the way their Teacher used his power in his life, how wrong could a group of students be??

Let this thought humble us for a moment: We too will most certainly have a wrong view of Jesus, his kingdom, his message and his purposes with this planet. Are we more privileged than the first disciples? The point is we are not able to be Jesus’ followers in our own wisdom. So relax. Don’t worry. Just ask Jesus to teach and empower you.

Faith that works

The majority of the Old Testament describes the actions, or works, that make for a good and God-pleasing life. The laws of Moses and injunctions of the prophets highlight the absolute priority of helping the poor and seeking justice for the powerless. The only problem was that people were incapable of living that message.

Jesus arrives and does live the message - and some. He perfectly does the works of the Father. He also gives us the same ability to please God and live right. This ability is through faith in Jesus.

St Paul emphasises the faith aspect of gaining this ability to please the Father. However, St James reminds us that faith in Jesus must be expressed in lives that do the stuff that God has called us to do all along.

So St Paul says ‘Work without faith’ always falls short.

‘Faith without works’ is dead says St James.

Only ‘Faith that works’ changes the world...