“So then, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; what is old has passed away—look, what is new has come!18 And all these things are from God who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and who has given us the ministry of reconciliation. 19 In other words, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting people’s trespasses against them, and he has given us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making his plea through us. We plead with you on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God!”” 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 NET
God of reconciliation,
Love means never having to say you are sorry? An often quoted line God, as You know, when the movie ‘Love Story’ came out. I never liked it. They quoted it like it was truth. There are times when sorry is the only word that will do. Something is said or done which is hurtful and only a sincere apology bridges the divide and brings reconciliation. There is no other way to find Your forgiveness or mend a broken relationship. Being sorry and changing our behaviour – repenting.
What a day, when we said sorry to You, God, and You reconciled us through the cross. We were found guilty and then forgiven as if we had never sinned! How wonderful that the great gulf between us, separating us from You was removed. I remember the Berlin wall coming down. Hugs and shouts of joy, flags waving and tears. I cannot consider the wall of my sin coming down with a polite, Oh how nice. It needs a hallelujah and a praise You Lord.
What a wonderful ministry to be in. Helping people understand that there is a way to make peace with You, God. Have all their mistakes, hiccups of life, anger, and selfishness forgiven and be able to then forgive themselves. Give us opportunities to share Your love. I am so grateful people told me about Jesus at a time I really wasn’t interested but they planted the seed anyway.
God of reconciliation,
For our family and friends and neighbours. Many needs, hopes. That they know You.
For our church, Ministers, lay leaders, members. To make a place where Jesus is made known.
For new and established churches to grow in strength and numbers and give the glory to God.
For the royal family. That there might be healing and reconciliation.
For our Government. For our nation. For the decision makers. To hear God’s wisdom.
For Ukraine, to stay free but move Russia to change their attitude and withdraw from war.
For Gaza, empower talks towards next steps and a peaceful way forward. Release of hostages.
For reconciliation wherever there has been division. In families, politics, nations.
For those who bridge the gap with food banks, emergency housing, hostels, fostering.
For those who bridge the gap by listening: Samaritans, child help lines, prayer lines.
For a day to give thanks that we are at peace with You, at peace with our neighbours, at peace as a nation.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 13th May 2024
A thoughtful hymn and very challenging. Thank God for forgiveness when I have failed Him. I love the words of verse three . . .
When it’s all been said and done
There is just one thing that matters
Did I do my best to live for truth
Did I live my life for you
When it’s all been said and done
All my treasures will mean nothing
Only what I’ve done for love’s reward
Will stand the test of time
Lord your mercy is so great
That you look beyond our weakness
And find purest gold in miry clay
Making sinners into saints
I will always sing your praise
Here on earth and ever after
For you’ve shown me Heaven’s my true home
When it’s all been said and done
You’re my life when life is gone
When it’s all been said and done
There is just one thing that matters
Did I do my best to live for truth
Did I live my life for you
Lord I’ll live my life for you
Lyrics: Jim Cowan