REFUGEE CRISIS

John and Debby Wright Incoming National Directors write: “The refugee crisis facing Europe is deeply disturbing and something that we simply cannot ignore. As a movement we feel compelled to help these displaced people. There may be other ways to get involved, but for now we would like to highlight two things you might like to do, either as an individual or as a church.”

To pray Prayer suggestions from 24/7 Prayer team See

To give…

REFUGEE CRISIS

Your God is too…

Our series: The God Jesus knew…

Jesus understood how people change. He told stories so we would know God properly. Jesus calls us to Repent and believe - Mark 1:15 To change – change our narrative. To change the way we think. To change the way we act and react.

Transformation begins in the mind. Rom 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will. Phil 2:5 …have the same mind set as Christ Jesus… Adopting his narratives is the beginning of change.

Add to this… 1.Spiritual rhythms of life – time with Jesus when we practice our new way to walk. 2.In community – in small groups. Share and learn. 3.With the Holy Spirit – it’s all his work. He points us away from false narratives towards Jesus. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. Jn 16:13

Difficulties in our lives often reveal false narratives. Let’s see how Jesus subverts an ancient false narrative…

John 9: As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him

who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. 7 “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means sent). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing. 8 His neighbours and those who had formerly seen him begging

asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some claimed that he was. Others said, “No, he only looks like him.” But he himself insisted, “I am the man.” 10 “How then were your eyes opened?” they asked. 11 He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.”

Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind? v2 Rabbis taught that sickness was either a result of the sin of parents a result of sin in the womb a sin done in pre-existence

What’s the false narrative? God is angry and keeping score. Do something good - get a blessing. Anger God - we will be punished. This is one of the most prevalent views of God – even amongst Christians.

Jesus clearly refutes this dominant narrative. Neither this man nor his parents sinned. V3 The message: You’re asking the wrong question. You’re looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effect here. Jesus states clearly there is no correlation between this man’s sin and his sickness. Jesus tears up the score card.

And then… He spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva and put it on the man’s eyes…v6 If it was a punishment, Jesus would’ve walked away. Instead he heals and reveals the power of God. So that the works of God might be displayed. v3

Jesus is abolishing the narrative we get what we deserve. He treats us all the same. There are no winners and losers in God’s economy. A new narrative: God is good.

The mud is part of this new narrative. Echoes of creation and new life. Foretaste of the new creation to come.

So what about sickness? There is disease and disability in the world because there is sin in the world. But this is different from saying personal illness is due to a person’s sin. Cancer story…

Why is this punishing/blessing God narrative so prevalent? We like control. This narrative allows the illusion that we can control the world.

God doesn’t have us on the naughty step. Jesus’ narrative Helps us have a perspective on difficult times. Allows us to make mistakes. Sees the bigger picture of his eternal story.

Augustine- 4 th century theologian We do not know why these things are carried out or permitted by God, in whom is the highest virtue and the highest wisdom and the highest justice, and in whom there is no weakness, rashness or unfairness. There are some things we just don’t understand.

Jesus’ narrative shows us God possess the highest virtue, wisdom and justice. At the end of time we will understand. We take an eternal perspective. All wrongs will be made right. When faced with horror we don’t say all is well. We will say we trust God like Jesus trusted God. We trust a God we know to be good.

Jesus doesn’t just explain suffering. He also experienced it. This is more than getting our narratives right. Faith to trust God’s goodness even when life looks bleak.

This is where transformation happens. Allowing Jesus to live in and through us. Practicing his presence. The power of his Holy Spirit renewing our minds.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

As we press into the living presence of Jesus we take on his narrative. He’s wanting to re-write our story… For us to know the God he knows…

35 Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and went and found him. He asked him, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” 36 The man said, “Point him out to me, sir, so that I can believe in him.” 37 Jesus said, “You’re looking right at him. Don’t you recognize my voice?” 38 “Lord, I believe,” the man said, and worshiped him.

What do we believe about Jesus and the God he reveals? Not church; not family; not friends. Lord, I believe… v37