Forest Baptist Church

What sort of king?

admin — Sun, 13 May 2012 09:30:07 +0000

Sermon summary
God is building a kingdom by saving the needy and sinful through the death of His Son. But such self-giving is not how human empires are built, for they depend upon power and domination. So Jesus had constantly to teach how God’s kingdom is different and show that through living examples, such as: (1) the ruler who didn’t see his sinful greed and need to repent (18:18-24); (2) the blind man who wouldn’t be put off crying to God’s king for help (18:35-42); and (3) rich Zacchaeus, whom Jesus found and brought to repentance (19:1-10). However, the crowds still do not see that Jesus has come to save the lost (v10). They sense no need for sacrifice (18:31-32), believing instead he can go straight to being king (v11). So Jesus again challenges their ideas, this time with a disturbing story of a vicious leader (v11-27). The story may be based upon Herod Archelaus: a brutal, unpopular ruler from Jesus’ childhood, who went to Rome to be appointed king of Judea by Caesar – a request that some of his subjects asked Caesar to reject. Jesus’ main character acts in a similar way (v12,14) but with the addition of setting 10 servants a business task in his absence (v13,15). One servant does well (v16), gaining approval and a responsible role in the new government (v17). A second also gets a return (v18), albeit at a lower rate, and the king rewards him too (v19). However, a third has done no work, excusing himself as being paralysed by fear (v20,21). This causes the king to fly into a rage, saying that since the lazy servant believes he takes ruthlessly from others, that’s how he will treat him (v22-24)! The decision shocks his advisers (v25), but the angry king insists that only those who have earned will gain more (v26) and, still boiling with temper, he then has his opponents executed before him (v27). Jesus’ story exposes common traits in human leaders: harshness with failure; hatred of perceived traitors; promoting of the strong. Such are seen in national politics and every day situations – this is how humans cope in a sin-damaged world. But it’s not God’s approach. He rules by firstly serving others in love (22:25-27). The crowd around Jesus have failed to see this, thinking he could behave like any other human king. But that would be a disaster for them since many aren’t obeying his teaching and some actually oppose him. So if he was to behave as they wish, they’d end up like the lazy servant and the opponents in the story! However, Jesus is not like that. Although one day he will be God’s judge to punish rebels (10:10-15) and reward the obedient (8:18), right now Jesus is calling sinners to find mercy, through His sacrifice, before the day of judgement dawns (2 Cor 6:2). The Lord is sovereign. But He is also gracious and long-suffering, and we must always think of Him this way, turning to him for mercy when we sin and fail. And then in response to His grace, we must treat others in similar fashion, taking Him as our model for life.

Suggestions for further thought
(1) Go back over Jesus’ story of the brutal king in Luke 19. Rejoice in how different Jesus is from such worldly kings. Think about what that means for yourself and give thanks to him.

(2) What Christian hymns or songs do you know which talk about the Lord as king? Sing one, or more, of them through and think about the words in order to build up your faith.

(3) Pray for Christians who have leadership roles, whether at work or elsewhere, that they would manage with wisdom and godliness. Pray especially for church leaders so that the Lord’s ways are particularly seen in the life of the church.

(4) Read 1 Timothy 2:1-4. Pray for our government and the rulers of others lands. Pray they will provide an environment of peace in which the gospel can thrive.

(5) Have you treated others well this week? Think about this by reading Gal 5:22-26 – the “fruits of the Spirit”. Repent of where your life has not shown such fruit. Pray for the Spirit’s help to treat others in these ways next week.

Money trouble?

admin — Sun, 06 May 2012 16:00:11 +0000

Sermon summary
“Money makes the world go around”. Does it? Are the words in that song the key to life? The “teacher” considers that topic in our verses. He begins by pointing out that poverty is miserable, leaving people powerless and often exploited by the rich (v8,9). However, although that’s true does wealth really offer a better life? After all, no matter how much you have, the heart always desires more (v10). We look at our possessions and want to move on to better, more modern, nicer ones. And even if we are able to restrain such longings, demands upon our money soon arise from elsewhere. The wealthy soon find others taking bites out of their cash (v11): hangers-on; bankers; tax collectors; advisers; and, of course, all the maintenance and up-keep needed on their possessions. Not only that, they find themselves anxious about what they own, so that they may sleep less peacefully in their fancy bed than an ordinary labourer in his cheap one (v12). But this is all about spending! Maybe happiness lies with those who are more careful, who save. However, the speaker points out that even saving can turn bad. It becomes hoarding: an obsession with keeping one’s money safe (v13). Or such hope is built upon financial security that life is utterly ruined when a disaster takes the savings away (v14) And if nothing else, death exposes just how useless our personal savings are, since we cannot take them with us (v15). How worthwhile is it to be stressed about money, when death awaits? (v16) Yet some allow the obsession to become so deep that it darkens their lives horribly (v17). The teacher want us to see that any who build their lives upon money are fools: it doesn’t work, and he knows it from experience (2:8). But what is the answer? Well, the teacher suggests finding a balance in earning your money and enjoying it (v18,19). Don’t let an obsession with spending or saving ruin your life. The best life is to enjoy what you can and not fret for what you don’t have. This is good advice. But it’s not enough, as the teacher himself knows. Which is why he then adds the teasing thought that God does indeed grant pleasures to take our minds off the troubles of life (v20). This sounds positive but the point he’s making is that the troubles and frustrations still continue – we’re just ignoring them, until they jump out and get us again! So his advice comes with a shadow over it. Other parts of the Bible, however, come to our aid. Jesus tells us that the answer is to give. We are to give to God (Lk 12:21), using our money and resources for His glory (Mt 6:33). We are to give to others generously (Lk 19:8) echoing God’s own generosity to us and believing His blessing lies on that path (Ac 20:35; 2 Cor 9:6-8). Christians must give and not only their money, but their energy and time, in love for God and others. But to do that, we need trust in the Lord, that he will provide for all our needs. And in this lies the ultimate answer to our crazy lives: faith.

The day’s service sheet for Sunday 6th May 2012 also includes details about this sermon. Click here to find it on the page for the morning service.

Seeking the lost

admin — Sun, 06 May 2012 09:30:48 +0000

Sermon summary
This story of the radical change in a small, wealthy tax collector is a popular one which contains a number of lessons. Firstly, it links to the Old Testament, reminding us of God’s preparations and predictions for Jesus. At the battle of Jericho, Joshua saved an unexpected person (Josh 6). Now Jesus – whose name is the Greek version of “Joshua” – also saves an unexpected person in Jericho. But those small echoes of Joshua, point to a bigger link: Jesus is also like him in defeating enemies (sin, death, the devil) and leading his people into a promised land (the new heavens and earth). However, Jericho has a further meaning in the Bible. Its ruin was an outworking of God’s punishment of sin (Gen 15:16), which he had previously demonstrated by destroying other cities in Canaan (Gen 18). As such Jericho’s past was a lesson for the Israelites: sin brings death. So this visit was also an appropriate reminder of the warning Jesus has been giving everywhere: his hearers need to repent and be saved. So, this story links Jesus to Israel’s past. But it’s also important for his personal story. He’s nearly at Jerusalem, which will be his own Jericho: the place where God’s wrath will burn him up (18:32). He’ll do this in order to save those who have wandered from God (v10). Jesus has already talked much about this idea of finding and saving the lost (eg Lk 15). Now, in Jericho, he gives one great example of his mission, by rescuing Zacchaeus. It’s striking that although Zacchaeus watches Jesus, it’s Jesus who takes the initiative to bring him into the kingdom (v5). This shows that he truly is searching for, and finding, the lost. His action also fulfils his words in Luke 18:24-27, that he will save the most unlikely of people: even the rich! Sadly, others criticise Jesus’ mission (v7) but this is because they have never grasped what God’s actually like: gracious and merciful, if only people would turn to him (19:41-42). As John the Baptist pointed out earlier, the Israelites place their hope on their descent from Abraham rather than personally turning to the Lord to receive His grace (3:7-8). So building upon John’s idea, Jesus points to Zacchaeus as a true son of Abraham (v9) because of his faith (see Rom 4). But this story also has personal lessons for us since it teaches us just what it means to “be saved.” Firstly, we see that salvation flows from grace: God’s undeserved kindness; the Lord seeking out people to save (which means that no-one is unreachable). But, secondly, if salvation flows from God’s generosity, then those who are saved must respond with generosity! Zacchaeus displays just that, as he gives away half his wealth to the poor (v8). However, the man displays something else too, which is at the heart of Jesus’ message: the fruits of repentance. To be saved is to turn from sin, apologising to God and others, and seeking to put the past right, where possible. Zacchaeus does so in a clear heart-felt way (v8) and in that stands as an example to all who would be saved.

Suggestions for further thought
(1) What favourite stories do you have in the Bible? What passages and sermons stand out in your mind? Go back over lessons you’ve learned in the past, giving thanks to God.

(2) Read through Joshua 6 & 7, thinking about the battle at Jericho and its aftermath. What lessons did the Israelites fail to learn? What should we learn? Turn your thoughts into prayer.

(3) Christians must show the fruits of repentance. Is your life doing so? Do you listen to the rebukes of others? Do you offer apologies and try to make good where you’ve sinned against others? Seek God’s help to do so.

(4) Review your use of money this week. Have you honoured God as you should? Speak to Him about this part of your life.

(5) Pray for persecuted Christians around the world, particularly in Iran. Nader will speak about Christians in Iran in Sunday afternoon’s service – pray for Nader as he prepares and for all at the service, that we’ll be responsive to what we learn

Dream world

admin — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 16:00:34 +0000

Sermon summary
Of some people we say “he/she is living in a dream world!” By that we mean that they don’t see things as they really are. In the Bible one of the great examples of such individuals are religious people criticised in both the Old and New Testaments for believing they understand God when, in fact, they don’t. It’s just such people that the “teacher” attacks in Ecclesiastes 5:1-7. Thus far, although the teacher has mentioned God he’s not discussed religion per se. But religion is very popular around the world and is often seen as the answer to the dilemma of a meaningless life that the teacher has been raising. People believe that religion connects us to the “spiritual” – the unseen world which influences our own – and brings a purpose and satisfaction to life. Well, the teacher’s own land of Israel has a religion stemming from the Old Testament and centring upon the great temple built by Solomon, and people around him build high hopes upon it. But the teacher is not convinced by their confidence. He’s watched people sacrificing at the temple and found that many have distorted the Old Testament and just don’t understand God (v1), even though they think they do (much like the friends in the book of Job). This puts them in great danger with God! The teachers sees this lack of awareness in how some pour out words of prayer to God, without taking into account just how different He is from us (v2). It is amazing how religious people will offer all kinds of tedious, repetitive, thoughtless or gobbledygook prayers, and imagine God is satisfied with them for at least trying. The teacher compares it to an anxious mind having bizarre dreams at night: our confusion about God leads us to utter all sorts of nonsense to Him (v3), and why would God be happy with that? In particular, the teacher has noticed a trend with making vows. Vows are solemn promises and, as the Bible shows, are quite right and good in certain contexts (Paul uses a vow in Acts 18). But when vows are spoken without a real commitment to fulfil them, they become worthless. Yet the teacher sees people doing just this at the temple (maybe to impress?) and then later reappearing to offer embarrassing excuses, which is surely to invite God’s anger (v4-6)! This is madness! God takes words seriously (as Jesus points out in Mt 12:36,37) and people approaching him need to slow down and think carefully before speaking (v2), for God is to be feared (v7). So, with his words the teacher seeks to pull people out of their religious dream world in which they believe everything is fine between them and God. As both Isaiah (Is 64:6) and Paul (Rom 3:9-12) point out, our sins have so ruined us that by ourselves we are incapable of honouring or pleasing God in any way. That’s a shocking truth! But it’s vital to grasp it if we are to come to God in the only safe way: by faith in Jesus, who forgives and changes us by the Holy Spirit. The teacher helps us to do that by undermining our confidence in religious activities.

The day’s service sheet for Sunday 29th April 2012 also includes details about this sermon. Click here to find it on the page for the morning service.

Faith

admin — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 09:30:32 +0000

Sermon summary
Before any great event (such as the Olympics) both preparations and predictions take place. The Bible works in a similar way. God’s “great event” for the world is the sending of His Son to save us. But before Jesus came, God prepared for his arrival and predicted what it would include. This is what the Old Testament (OT) is about and it’s why Luke talks about Jesus “fulfilling” the OT (v31): Jesus completes the story which began in OT days. In our verses Jesus speaks of one particular and key aspect of fulfilment: his sufferings (v32). Isaiah predicted these (Is 50 & 53) and Ezekiel prepared for them by himself suffering under Gentile control, in Babylon, whilst prophesying Israel’s demise and God’s new kingdom. Indeed, Jesus even uses Ezekiel’s nickname – “Son of man” – of himself, as he does similar things to the prophet. So in all this Jesus is showing that he will complete, through his sufferings, death and also resurrection (v33), the story which began with the OT prophets. But do the disciples understand? Sadly not (v34) because they’ve not grasped the teaching of the OT and have different expectations of Jesus. Nonetheless, the disciples have faith in Jesus and so despite their confusion they stay with him. This is the faith which all Christians must show. We trust Jesus and stay with him even when we struggle with his demands and teaching. So when prayer isn’t answered, we persevere; when life is hard, we trust Jesus to bring relief at the right time; when tempted by sin, we resist, believing that obedience is better. Living for Jesus can clash with our thoughts, feelings and desires, but as Christians we should still do it because we trust Jesus: our faith is in him. And Luke helps us to understand this by, in v35-43, telling us about the faith of a blind man. Jesus is approaching Jericho with a number of people (v35,36). A blind beggar cries out for help using a title for Jesus which no-one else in Luke’s gospel uses: “son of David” (v38). The beggar has recognised that Jesus is the one who fulfils the OT: he’s the promised king from David’s line! The parade leaders, however, only think of Jesus as a rabbi from Nazareth who is too busy for this beggar (v37,39). But he won’t be put off and continues to shout, until Jesus comes to him and grants his sight (v40-42), telling him his faith has healed him. What does Jesus mean? He means the man believed in Jesus as king and he was determined to act on that belief, refusing to be hindered by others, trusting Jesus to respond. The result is that the man sees and ends up praising God, as do others (v43). This demonstrates faith: trusting Jesus when we can’t see, believing he will ultimately help us and make all things clear. Every true Christian must have such faith. It begins with a heart-felt trust in Jesus to forgive our sins and grant eternal life. But it extends into every part of life, showing up in all our daily decisions as we seek to live for Jesus: serving and obeying him.

Suggestions for further thought
(1) Read Ephesians 2:1-10 and see how Paul describes a Christian’s faith as a gift from God. Think upon God’s great mercy, and turn your thoughts into praise and prayer

(2) Take a look at the prophets who spoke about Jesus before he came. In particular read Isaiah 53 and see how Isaiah predicted the Lord’s sufferings for his people. Give thanks to God for the ways in which he prepared for Jesus’ coming.

(3) Our life of faith needs to develop and grow (2 Peter 3:1-11). Is yours? Ask for God’s forgiveness for where you fall short and seek his grace to press on with Christ every day.

(4) Consider other Christians whom you know. In what ways do you think they struggle with faith? Pray for those particular aspects of their lives, asking the Lord to strengthen them.

(5) Pray for non-Christians you know, or who live around you, that they too would come to faith. Ask yourself how you could tell them about the Lord. Pray for opportunities to do this.

The working life

admin — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 16:00:03 +0000

Sermon summary
The “teacher” of Ecclesiastes likes to watch people and more of his observations appear in chapter 4, as he continues to speak of the circular & frustrating patterns which shape life. His aim is to make us think. What about? The fact that there is wisdom in this world which improves life (some of which he tells us about) but it isn’t enough to make life all it should be. The teacher wants us to see, and feel, that. Already, he has spoken of his own personal struggle to find fulfilment in life (ch 2). Next, he observed how life is a mix of opposing forces which control us and yet which we don’t want to accept (ch 3) – indeed sometimes feeling that it would be better never to have lived (4:1-3). But having dealt with life in more profound ways, he now switches back to the everyday. After all, many people just have to contend with ordinary working lives and so he turns his attention to those: what do they look like and how satisfying are they? He makes a number of short observations, beginning with envy (v4). The teacher says that all our work is driven by resentment: a desire to be better than others. Now, he’s exaggerating to make us react, but even so we know that he has a point when we see the jealousy, rivalry, pride, gossip and politics which often shape a working environment. It’s so pointless and, indeed, harmful to compare ourselves with others, and yet it’s very common. But some do take a different approach and so next the teacher looks at laziness (v5): opting out of work. This may look a more appealing way to live, but is it really? No. Laziness ruins a person. It goes against God’s design for us and it wrecks our relationships with others who resent our behaviour. Laziness damages businesses, ruins careers and brings trouble not only to individuals but also their families. But then, there’s also the opposite problem (the teacher’s third observation): overworking (v6). Some give their work everything and more. But what do they gain? Stress. “Why bother?”, says the teacher. Indeed, he tells of one man he knew who drove himself hard but ended up lonely and sad (v7,8). What’s the point? Surely we all know that life is best when lived in companionship with others who will help us in a variety of ways (v9-12)? But the obsessive overworker denies himself this. So, however you look at it work cannot ultimately satisfy us and to sum that up the teacher tells an anecdote. He knew a poor youth whose career took off & he rose to replace an old king. But then he himself was replaced by a more popular king. Yet that king was also soon forgotten (v13-16). This is the pattern of our working lives: we rise, we fall. So work may be good, but it’s not enough. We need God. In Jesus, God has come to us, to forgive our sins and take us into his eternal family, to have a life which fulfils the words of v9-12: a satisfying and joyful life shared with God. That’s the solution to the teacher’s dilemma. We need to live by faith in the Lord.

The day’s service sheet for Sunday 15th April 2012 also includes details about this sermon. Click here to find it on the page for the morning service.

False security

admin — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 09:30:41 +0000

Sermon summary
Often, children have blankets or toys to which they cling for security. But some adults also have similar things and Jesus meets one such person in this passage. The man is a wealthy ruler who believes that God has a new type of life on offer, yet he is not sure he’s done enough to gain it and so asks Jesus for advice. However, his way of asking (v18) exposes a lack of self-understanding. He believes himself a good person who just needs to know a little more. But, in fact, all of us fail God badly and we need to understand the depth of wickedness within us. So Jesus tells him to keep the 10 commandments (v19-20) in order to cut away the man’s self-confidence. The impact of this reply is to frustrate the man, because he has been a long-standing law-keeper (v21)! But that is the very point Jesus wants him to see. Despite all his obedience, this man knows that he’s still not acceptable to God: something is missing (v22)! So what is it? Well, Jesus now moves to expose the problem: it’s the man’s wealth. He does this by telling him to give away his money, which immediately causes great distress (v23). Thus Jesus makes visible a sinful attitude within this man: covetousness. The 10th commandment (Ex 20:17) speaks against coveting, which is a resentful longing for things that others have but which you don’t. Coveting is wrong because it prevents us from loving others and because it shows distrust in God, as though He’s made a mistake in the gifts He’s given. This man is guilty of these attitudes. However, if Jesus had simply said in v20 “do not covet” the man would have been quick to reply “I don’t.” So instead, Jesus gives the 10th commandment in reverse: he tells the man to show love to the poor and trust himself to God’s care (v22). In other words Jesus says to this law-keeping man “can you prove to me that you’re not covetous?” The man can’t (v23): he loves his wealth too much; it’s his security in this world. Money and possessions are not wrong, but they so easily ruin our relationship with God (v24). Jesus sees that in this man and speaks of it using the powerful, and ridiculous, image of trying fit a camel through the tiny hole of a needle (v25). The starkness of the statement shocks Jesus’ disciples (v26), but he reassures them that it doesn’t make his work hopeless; it just emphasises how dependent everything is upon God (v27). To know God we need Him first to change our hearts. Our sins, whatever they may be, are so deeply embedded that it takes His power to break us free. Well, at the end of the story Peter has been left feeling vulnerable and blurts out about how much he and the other disciples have given up (v28). Jesus gives a comforting reply. He reassures them that as members of God’s kingdom they’ll be cared for and loved by their fellow believers in this world, and have a home in the new world to look forward to (v29). This is the Christian’s hope, and why we trust only the Lord for our security in life.

Suggestions for further thought
(1) Think about the new life which Jesus has granted to Christians in this world and the promises he’s made to us concerning the world to come. Praise the Lord for all his goodness to us.

(2) Read the ten commandments (Exodus 20:3-17). In what ways do you break the commandments in your heart and mind, even when you keep them outwardly? Seek God’s forgiveness.

(3) Pray for fellow Christians as they go about their daily work. Pray they’ll honour the Lord in their lifestyles. Pray that others will see the differences God has made to Christians’ lives.

(4) Pray for the church to be wise in using the money which we collect each week. Review your own giving both to the church (on Sundays) and mission (on Wednesdays).

(5) What have you done with money this week. Have you thanked God for granting it to you? Have you sought to honour Him with it? Have you loved money too much? Review your attitudes prayerfully before the Lord.

Current Leaflet

admin — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 08:50:46 +0000

Our Contact leaflet for Easter 2012 is now available and is entitled “A thief in paradise” To view the leaflet please go to the Contact webpage by clicking here .

Injustice

admin — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 17:00:17 +0000

Sermon summary
Our lives are governed by the sun’s relentless cycle of rising and setting (1:3,5). Our lives are shaped by the cycle of opposing forces and features (3:1-8). Yet we find it hard to be at peace with our circular life because God has put “eternity” in our hearts (3:11). We feel there must be a bigger way of living which stands outside and above our lives: God’s way of living. And one of the things which makes us feel that strongly, at times, is our desire for justice. Every community has standards of behaviour; likewise every individual. However, although we desire justice, it is also often distorted in this world, both by others and ourselves, as we make space and excuses for our sins. We should not do this. Sadly, however, we too easily act unjustly, as the Teacher has observed in his own law courts (v16). Yet, even though we often excuse our sins, we still are angered by criminals apparently getting away with their crimes! We want justice to catch up with them, especially the worst ones. We want God to punish, calling people to account in this life or in death (many religions teach some form of judgement at death). This is a cry from the “eternity in our hearts”. We want somebody who is outside our circle of life, to step in and justly sort out those who abuse others (v17). Yet even as the Teacher ponders this desire, he also finds a thought popping into his head which undermines it. What is that thought? That God treats us in a way (“tests us”) which makes us feel no better than the animals (v18). Animals live and die, and nobody presumes they’ll face judgement; so why assume people will find anything different at death? What evidence do we have for that, other than our desire for final justice? Aren’t we just dust which happens to breath for a while and then is gone (v19,20)? What proof is there that a man’s fate at death is different to an animal’s (v21)? There is none and so it is better to shed such thoughts and get on with living now (v22). And yet, even as the Teacher makes his point so justice troubles him again. He hates the oppression which occurs (4:1), and cannot simply lay thoughts of justice to one side and enjoy what he can. He sees human suffering and declares it’s better to have died than bear with such trouble(v2). Indeed, best of all is never to have lived in the first place (v3)! Such words reflect the real pain we can feel about this world and the Teacher speaks this way to provoke his hearers to think about life, without (yet) providing an answer. Christians, however, have an answer: the resurrection of Christ. Jesus’ rising from the dead, shows us that death isn’t the end, further life is possible and that a good outcome can flow after trouble in this world. It also establishes final justice, as Paul says in Athens (Acts 17:31). Jesus resurrection has rewritten the whole way we look at the world. It gives us the hope and strength to press on in this unjust world. Christians must build their lives upon it (1 Cor 15)

The day’s service sheet for Sunday 18th March 2012 also includes details about this sermon. Click here to find it on the page for the morning service.

Two forms of pride

admin — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 10:30:47 +0000

Sermon summary
Competition between ourselves and others can produce good effects, such as spurring us on in activities. However, it also has its dark side, most notably pride: a belief that we are more important than others. Luke 18:9-17 has two examples of pride: strong pride with despises others and silly pride which overlooks them. In recent sections, Jesus has been speaking of the coming judgement of God upon Israel for her stubborn disobedience. However, neither friends nor enemies have taken this seriously. Amongst experts who oppose Jesus, many feel than even if judgement were to fall they would be ok, because they are “righteous” (v9). Their loyal lives to God make them acceptable to Him and, any way, they know of others worse than themselves, who would be the first recipients of any punishment! So, Jesus tells a story to expose their false thinking. Two men go to pray in the temple. One is a law-keeper who thinks he compares well with others (v10-12). Yet, his prayer shows him up as a proud man who’s concerned with being better than others. As such he breaks God’s two great laws (10:27). Firstly, he fails to love God whole-heartedly, as seen in the way he expects God to be satisfied with his obedience rather than being dismayed over any displeasure, however small, he has caused God. Secondly, he fails to love others, an example of which is his disinterest in speaking to, or praying for, the distressed tax collector. The tax man, however, is very different (v13). He’s deeply concerned about offending God, which must mean he’s also worried about his treatment of others since tax officials were known for their greedy exploitation (19:8). This man has understood what God wants and Jesus says that he, therefore, is the one who is forgiven by God. Whereas, the first man needs God to humble him (v14). It is vital we learn to see ourselves as God sees us, rather than comparing ourselves with others – which will only makes us proud and invite God’s anger. All of us need humbly to recognise our sin and ask for God’s forgiveness. However, not all pride is as striking as that of the Pharisee in the story and Jesus turns next to deal with a different form of pride in v15. Parents are bringing babies for Jesus to bless. However, the apostles tell the parents off for wasting Jesus’ time on matters of lesser importance. But Jesus rejects their attitude and even invites children nearby personally to come to him (v16). The apostles may see them as having nothing to give to God’s kingdom, but Jesus sees them as representing precisely what he’s looking for! They are not self-important; they just have a humble desire for the Lord’s mercy (v17). People of every ability and age may turn from their sins, trust Christ to save them & serve him. With some (eg babies) we cannot tell their responses and so must simply entrust them to the Lord. But to all others, churches must take the gospel and not let either strong or silly pride stop us from bringing them to Christ.

Suggestions for further thought
(1) Praise the Lord for His kingdom. Think about all the blessings it brings to a believer, in this life and in the life to come. Prise the Lord for granting such grace to sinners.

(2) Read and think about the two greatest commandments (Luke 10:25-37; Deut 6:5; Lev 19:18). Let the words speak to you about your life. Turn your thoughts in prayer.

(3) Pray for those whom you find it easiest to be unconcerned about. Pray for believers who are taking the gospel to those members of society who are overlooked and/or despised.

(4) Pray for the church’s work amongst children and young people, thinking about the meetings taking place today in the afternoon and evening. Pray for all those who seek to take the gospel to the younger members of our society.

(5) Have you been proud this week, in regard to other people – whether just in your mind, or with your words, or how you’ve behaved towards them? Humbly repent and seek forgiveness. Pray for the Spirit’s help to live in humility and love.