St John's Church

Macaulay Road, Broadstone, Dorset

Home History Vicar's Monthly Leader Service Times

April 2010

FROM THE VICAR : Some people are ‘committee types’ – those who enjoy talking about things, but rarely roll up their sleeves to put their deliberations into action. Politicians at local, national and international level are notoriously good at this sort of thing – perhaps because they have minions at their disposal, who get the real work done. Clergy though, come a very close second – again, lots of words and impressive rhetoric, but often not much practical action from some of us!

The great religions of the world have past founders and current leaders who say a lot, and this is often described as ‘teaching’.

How different is the Lord Jesus Christ! – the one who spoke, but also backed up his words by what he was and what he did. The sick were cured, the dead raised and sins forgiven – to the great joy and delight of those who benefitted at the time.

But there is so much more – he talked, too, about his departure from this life and his return. The horrendous events after the Last Supper – the arrest, trial, crucifixion and burial -left his family and friends exhausted and numb. They were unable to take in fully, his early resurrection appearances, but he came to a larger group of them – locked in their regular meeting place – and showed them that he was not merely a survivor of death, but the conqueror of death.

He was not the pathetic figure of Good Friday, but there was a change – and a change for the better. They were able to recognise him and he was not restricted by the walls, shuttered windows and bolted doors. He remained for a long period with them so that they could be sure that they were not deluded and that their minds were not playing a cruel trick upon them. Only when they were absolutely certain, did he return to his Father, as he promised, to prepare a place for us.

This stupendous event was not for the benefit of a few chosen individuals as before, but for the salvation of all mankind. And no one else has ever done this. It is this that makes the Christian faith unique by giving us a Saviour who not only spoke, but put his words into action.

Martin Fredriksen.

 

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