|
Holy Week - Tuesday 30th March
|
|
Luke 22:8-13
New International Version Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.” “Where do you want us to prepare for it?” they asked. He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished. Make preparations there.” They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover. |
|
Just over 16 months ago, one Saturday, mid November 2019, Bedford Congress Hall held our Christmas Bazaar in which we raised a significant amount of money for our Debt Advice Service. You may wonder why I am referring to a Christmas event in Holy Week! Bare with me…
I remember standing on the platform on the following Sunday morning Soooo excited to reveal to everyone the final total raised, which was much more than I had hoped for. I had also made a list of everyone I wanted to thank for helping to make the event the success that it had been. I was terrified of missing anyone out! Because, although I had been the main organiser, it would not have been such a success and we would not have raised such a large amount of money without the support and input, however large or small, of so many others.
On the BBC “The One Show” over the past few months, every Thursday evening they have given out a surprise “One Big Thank You” to individuals, nominated by others, who, during the past 12 months, have done things for others within their community:- offering help, support, or bringing a smile in various ways during what has been such a very difficult time for everyone, without expecting any credit for themselves. I know within our Corps family so many of you have also done so much “behind the scenes” this past year, keeping in touch with each other in so many different ways and to all of you on behalf of Angie, Graham and the leadership team I want to say “A Big Thank You!”
During this time of Holy Week as we reflect on Jesus’ last days on earth, before His sacrifice on the Cross, 2 people were “behind the scenes” to enable events to happen:-
1 - the owner of the colt upon which Jesus rode into Jerusalem, and
2 - the owner of the upper room in which Jesus shared the Last Supper with His disciples.
We don’t know anything about either of these men, but by their willingness to let Jesus use what they had, they both played a part in significant events.
We may feel at times that we are not able to do much compared to others, or that what we do is small and insignificant. We may feel it all goes unnoticed (and for some they may prefer it that way). But, simple practical actions still have a huge impact, and are no less valuable. As someone said to me recently “it’s the small cogs that keep the larger ones turning.”
A chorus came to mind as I was preparing this thought (and it was included in the band piece used on our on line service on Sunday 21st March).
I remember standing on the platform on the following Sunday morning Soooo excited to reveal to everyone the final total raised, which was much more than I had hoped for. I had also made a list of everyone I wanted to thank for helping to make the event the success that it had been. I was terrified of missing anyone out! Because, although I had been the main organiser, it would not have been such a success and we would not have raised such a large amount of money without the support and input, however large or small, of so many others.
On the BBC “The One Show” over the past few months, every Thursday evening they have given out a surprise “One Big Thank You” to individuals, nominated by others, who, during the past 12 months, have done things for others within their community:- offering help, support, or bringing a smile in various ways during what has been such a very difficult time for everyone, without expecting any credit for themselves. I know within our Corps family so many of you have also done so much “behind the scenes” this past year, keeping in touch with each other in so many different ways and to all of you on behalf of Angie, Graham and the leadership team I want to say “A Big Thank You!”
During this time of Holy Week as we reflect on Jesus’ last days on earth, before His sacrifice on the Cross, 2 people were “behind the scenes” to enable events to happen:-
1 - the owner of the colt upon which Jesus rode into Jerusalem, and
2 - the owner of the upper room in which Jesus shared the Last Supper with His disciples.
We don’t know anything about either of these men, but by their willingness to let Jesus use what they had, they both played a part in significant events.
We may feel at times that we are not able to do much compared to others, or that what we do is small and insignificant. We may feel it all goes unnoticed (and for some they may prefer it that way). But, simple practical actions still have a huge impact, and are no less valuable. As someone said to me recently “it’s the small cogs that keep the larger ones turning.”
A chorus came to mind as I was preparing this thought (and it was included in the band piece used on our on line service on Sunday 21st March).
|
|
Click on the image and listen to the accompaniment.
|
We all have something to contribute in Jesus’ service. He sees all we do and He will use all we do in His name, for His Kingdom.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to remember that whatever my gifts, you can use them for Your purpose. Help me to listen to your voice and when you call me to do something may I respond gladly and offer to you whatever you need for the building of Your Kingdom and to the Glory of Your name.
Amen.
Lord, help me to remember that whatever my gifts, you can use them for Your purpose. Help me to listen to your voice and when you call me to do something may I respond gladly and offer to you whatever you need for the building of Your Kingdom and to the Glory of Your name.
Amen.