I was there when they crucified my Lord
I held the scabbard when the soldier drew his sword
I threw the dice when they pierced his side
But I’ve seen love conquer the great divide
‘When Love Comes To Town’ U2
At the end of March, it will be Easter weekend. For Christians around the world, it is central to faith. One early follower of Jesus put it this way,
“I pass onto you what is of first importance that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures…”
1 Corinthians 15:3-4 New International Version
At the core of Christian faith is the belief that God is love and in Christ, that love was (is) supremely shown:
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
1 John 4:9-10 New International Version
To adapt the title of the U2 song – Love came to Town!
Sadly too many times, this message of love has become lost. Or the idea of sin for example has been used to point the finger, to judge others. Yet is that what it is supposed to flow from Jesus dying on the cross to take on himself humanity’s wrongdoing?
What do you think? How do you respond to the heady mix of Jesus, the cross, wrongdoing and injustice in the world and in our lives?
In these coming weeks during ICL gatherings (see below), we will look at aspects of the love of Christ connected with the Easter story. Yet also we will think about the implications for our lives – both in terms of us and God but also in how we treat others and act in a world facing all kinds of challenges,
All are welcome in the weeks ahead as we think about Easter afresh!
Grace and peace,
Andy
Easter at ICL:
(All gatherings at 11.00 unless stated otherwise)
Sunday 17th March – Do we get it? (Love that serves): Looking at the call to ‘love one another’ in the context of Jesus washing his followers’ feet not long before he would be arrested (John 13:1-17, 34-35) Communion will be part of this service.
Sunday 24th March – Love comes to town: Palm Sunday – thinking about when Jesus rode into Jersualem a few days before he would be arrested and crucified (Luke 19:28-48)
Friday 29th March – Love that gives all: Good Friday: time to reflect on Jesus giving his life on the cross. Meet at 19.30 Communion will be part of this service.
Sunday 31st March – Easter Day:
Sunrise service in the dunes – joining with members of St James Church. Meet at 6.50 – Wassenaarseslag (in free car parking opposite Fletcher Hotel)
Love that wins through: All in Easter Day celebration followed by a brunch and easter egg hunt for the kids (John 20:1-18)
Sunday 7th April – Love that restores: Jesus resurrected, so what next? (John 21:1-25)