“Peace be with you”

Kia ora whānau,

I am writing this after watching our prime minister speak about moving out of alert level 4 down to level 3. If you are like me, you just want to be free to move around again and merge (or pop) bubbles. Manu's message on Sunday was a challenge to our desires and motivation around this. I can justify my (sometimes) self-consumed desires by talking about the carnage this is producing in our economy. The concerns about the economy are real, but must be put in the context of a God who supplies what we need out of his abundance (which is quite substantial). In other words, if I have everything I need in Jesus, what does love look like during this time?

Jesus talked about living an anxiety free life because we have put our trust in an incredibly good Father who knows what we need before we ask. But Is living an anxiety free life truly possible in light of our present circumstances? Can we live in this supernatural peace (shalom)? Can we live with a pervasive sense of well-being in the midst of lockdown? Well, I suppose if Jesus though it was possible for desperately poor farmers and fishermen who lived under the often brutal oppression of the Roman empire, he probably thinks it is possible for us today in New Zealand. We have a Good Father, a Risen Saviour and an Indwelling Spirit who always act in love toward us.

We have many of our St Tom's family who have demonstrated the reality of this kind of life, by the way they have shown love and concern for their neighbours during these uncertain times. They have made phone calls, delivered meals, chalked messages of hope on pavements, shouted over fences (pleasantly, I mean), continued to work in essential businesses, and poured their lives out for their children. I have been inspired and challenged by them. My encouragement for all of us as we continue on for three or more weeks of these restrictions comes from the Apostle Paul: So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all and especially for those of the family of faith." (Gal 5:9-10)

Keep your eyes on Jesus

Mark