Power and Compassion
As I prepared the lesson for my Scripture class this week, I realised that I had an extra degree of connection to the events in the Bible.
The story was about the government official in Capernaum whose son was very sick (John 4:46).
This man had great power and influence over others, and yet he was powerless to do anything to bring health to his gravely sick son.
In his desperation he submitted to a greater power, even though it showed his weakness.
So, when he went to Jesus, he begged him to come and heal his son.
This man knew he had no hope in his own strength and that all he could do was depend on Jesus to help him and his son in this time of trial.
In this moment of need, Jesus showed his power and his compassion.
With a simple word, Jesus immediately healed the boy, even though he was located a long distance away.
Jesus showed great power over sickness, which came from his great compassion over those who are helpless and sad.
I shared with my Scripture kids about how my own son had a serious injury, and I showed them the X-rays of the masterful work of the orthopaedic surgeon.
And I told them about how I, too, was powerless to heal my injured son.
Like the government official, all I could do was ask for assistance from the person who was able to help my sick child.
And like Jesus, the amazing medical staff showed great power and compassion over Oscar and his crushed foot.
It is such a great comfort to be able to come and seek comfort and mercy from someone who is both powerful and compassionate: Jesus Christ.
JODIE McNEILL
Coming up this weekend 7-8 September 2019
Everyone loves a great before-and-after story, and this weekend’s bit from the Bible will certainly not disappoint! It’s the account of Paul’s conversion from murderer to missionary, as Jesus himself confronts him and blinds him by a light. These remarkable events are captured in the book of Acts chapter 9, and I’m really looking forward to sharing it with you this weekend.
Our Saturday all-age service is at 5pm, and includes a kids’ program, then dinner, then youth group. Or join us at 9am on Sunday morning for a more classic kind of Anglican service, followed by espresso over morning tea.
During our services we’ll have our weekly question time, and already I’m working hard to prepare some answers to these things that have been asked during church over the past few weeks:
1 Even though Jesus’ family was from Galilee, did they still identify with they tribe of Judah?
2 When Philip left suddenly, did he teleport?
3 Was Stephen sent as a son of God?
4 How did Satan turn from an angel to become the Devil?
5 How do we know that the serpent in Genesis is Satan?
6 Is it right to tell a friend to stop being rude to you?
7 If we don’t love ourselves then does it mean we don’t love God?
If you’ve never been before, then we’d love you to join us. We’ll make you feel really, really welcome! Don’t miss out on what God is doing in his world and how you can know him personally!
Grace and peace, Jodie.
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