In touch | Check-in | Intercessions
In touch
Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues
This present time
How can we interpret this present time? (Luke 12:56)
Context
Once again the Met Office has issued an extreme weather warning as a result of high temperatures.
The BBC report that energy prices are likely to rise even more than already forecast.
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
The weather is a great subject of conversation and extreme weather conditions produce a variety of opinions. There will be those who thoroughly enjoy the hot weather and those for whom its too much. It is a trivial division but a division none the less. A more serious division concerns why we are enduring extreme weather conditions. Some say it is a result of climate change; others deny this. These conflicts place the present time very much into the situation Jesus spoke of in Luke12 49-56. What does climate change tell us of God and how we should respond?
At the same time we are boiling with extreme high temperatures, we are being warned of rocketing fuel prices. This will have a very real impact and fuel poverty is a serious threat for many people. Politicians are divided as to how the government should respond. Once again in the face of crisis we see division. However an additional way in which we can respond to fuel price increases is to give serious consideration to how we use fuel. It will not be a complete answer. Fuel poverty is a real and terrible threat but as Christians we should consider our response in the context of our concern for the creation of which God is at the heart.
In the film Grease the late Olivia Newton-John sang the song Hopelessly devoted to you. It is a song of one-sided love and the pain that such division brings. Is the pain of division that Jesus describes in part his own response to those who refuse to accept his love fully.
In all of these situations there is an amount of vulnerability. Being vulnerable, whilst it is a normal part of life, is far from easy and can feel isolating. Jesus’ words reveal his humanity and the inevitable vulnerability that goes with that. This means that he understands our vulnerable response to conflict and division and is thus well placed to support us through it.
Questions for discussion
When you look around the world at this present time, what do you see and how do you interpret it?
In what ways can you respond to the threat of climate change?
It is not just individuals who are vulnerable: It can be nations like Ukraine or even the whole world to climate change. Can you think of any examples of vulnerability that might shape our prayers?
Rev Stuart Wild is the Superintendent Minister of the South Fylde Methodist Circuit in Lancashire.
Check-in
Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people
August is officially in full swing and that can only mean one thing:
Exam results are looming.
If you’re a student in Scotland the wait is over with grades coming out earlier this week but, for the rest of the United Kingdom, the 18th and 25th of August are big days for
A-levels and GCSEs.
For those waiting to find out how they have done, this time can bring about a real mix of emotions. For some people it is easy to put to the back of their mind and get on with enjoying themselves but, for others, their result anxiety has been the soundtrack to their summer. The day of the results will bring about a kaleidoscope of emotions, from elation and relief to bitter disappointment and everything in between.
When we experience these types of heightened emotions, it can leave us feeling vulnerable. In the Bible passage this week, Jesus is dealing with intense emotion as he talks about the future and the effects of his ministry. He is distressed about the future. Perhaps we can learn from Jesus’ example when it comes to dealing with moments of vulnerability?
It is clear in the passage that Jesus was happy to express his emotions even though they were difficult. He didn’t feel the need to just pretend everything was fine. He was prepared to be real. But it is key to see who he was being vulnerable with: in the passage he wasn’t talking to a big crowd, he was talking to his disciples - his friends.
At some point in all our lives we are going to feel vulnerable; perhaps this week it would be good to take some time asking God to help you see the people in your lives who can be your support network. Ask also if there are people who you can offer that same safety and care.
Chris Neilands is the co-founder of Play it by Ear drama company, based in Belfast.
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