Minister’s Blog June/July 2015

Just follow the signs

This is something we are finding more difficult to do, this is probably largely due to our increased dependence upon technology including things like Sat Navs. These devices are happy to tell us which way to go, to warn us about speed cameras, to tell us to turn around when we have gone in the wrong direction and the more hi-spec versions even know when there are traffic problems ahead. However we also can experience loss of satellite signals or we have heard the stories of people being taken to the wrong place or on huge detours. When we see a sign we normally respond in three different ways, we either follow the sign, do what everyone else is doing or decide that we know better and do our own thing.

In John’s gospel we read about the signs of Jesus and how people responded to them. When Jesus himself was asked for a sign, He spoke about the death that He would die on the cross and His resurrection. In turn the cross has become the sign / symbol to remind us of what Jesus has done for us and why. The question is how will we respond?

When God’s word says that we should repent, it is like we have reached a crossroad and we need to decide which way to go, our own way or God’s way? This is made possible through Jesus’ death on the cross, which in effect crosses out all the things that get in the way of our relationship with God. 2 Corinthians 5v17 tells us that when we choose to go God’s way we cross over from the old way of living life to the new way.

A sign points us to what we are looking for. Because God has made us all to be in relationship with Him, this is what each of us ultimately is seeking, whether we know it or not. The cross not only shows us the way to God, but also continues to point us to Jesus, and helps us to live God’s way.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy that was set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12v1-3)

So will we go our own way, or with God’s help will we follow the sign?

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