looking for redemption

This Sunday was a trip to London. I preached in the morning, rather unseasonably from Luke 2 about Anna speaking of him (Jesus) to all that were looking for redemption in Jerusalem (v38).
We considered the character of Anna – devoted to God, before thinking of the nature of redemption, which is the act of buying back something that has been lost through the paying of a ransom.

We considered this redemption from the historical point of view in the passover lamb, and were reminded that Jesus gave his life a ransom for many.

It was important to stress the need to be looking for this redemption , and seeking we will find– else we will be eternal lost.

Anna spoke of him – and when it comes to redemption Jesus is the only redeemer. Hence she pointed those looking and expecting to Jesus.

There was no other good enough

to pay the price of sin

He only could unlock the gate

Of heaven and let us in

Your Fathers good pleasure

On Sunday Morning I preached from Luke 12 v 32. Fear Not little Flock-it is the fathers good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
This verse comes in an exhortation not to be anxious about the supply of our earthly needs. - your father knoweth you have need of these things (v30). Rather we are encouraged to get our priority right and seek the kingdom of God. It is to encourage in our seeking further that Jesus reassures us that God will give us the kingdom.More than this it is our heavenly fathers pleasure to do so.There is no grudging no necessity just his holy pleasure - a good pleasure. As an aged preacher commented recently God wants you in heaven infinitely more than you want to be there And if he gives us this ultimate gift so willingly and lovingly so he will do with lesser gifts. What a wounderful God we have.

Psalm  115:3  But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased

Occupy -till I come

This Sunday saw a trip to the delightful Shropshire hills, and an opportunity to preach at a small baptist church. In the afternoon I took the text from Luke 19 "Occupy till I come". I set out the context of the parable of the "Ten pounds and Ten servants". It comes just after the conversion of Zacchaeus and during Jesus continuing journey to Jerusalem, which his followers assumed was to set up his Kingdom in Jerusalem. In trying to prepare them for his going away he told this parable which foreshadowed the great commission.

The background to this instruction to be engaged in our Christian occupation is 1. The resources given to believers as set out by the ten pounds, 2. The citizens of that country hated the Lord and did not want him to rule over them. and 3. The Lord will return.
The servants were called to account, and so will all his servants be.