23rd November 2023
Offering hope
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…
1 Peter 1:3 (NIV)
Walking back home recently I bumped into a neighbor. Mindful of the circumstances I offered a little prayer as I approached. ‘I’m very sorry to hear about your mum’, I said, relating to his recent loss that I had heard about. That prompted us to stop to talk for a while, giving him the chance to just talk about his family bereavement. It had been a difficult time for all concerned.
This is someone I’d had brief conversations with over many years and I was pretty sure that he wasn’t a believer. Then, almost involuntarily, as if someone was speaking through me, I declared that ‘I’m a Christian and believe there is hope for those we’ve lost.’
His response was interesting as we looked at each other. He replied that he believed in ‘something’. First, he said: ‘I’m an atheist’, he paused looking at me, smiled, before saying: ‘I suppose I’m agnostic really’.
He went on to say that he’d always looked at life more from a scientific and biological stance but we both agreed on the marvel of creation, referring to how a seed planted can produce something so miraculously, regardless of human effort or endeavor.
Explaining that my mother had died just over a year ago in similar circumstances, I then found myself saying that the Bible talks about a resurrection and that there is hope that we will see our loved ones again.
Trying to lighten the tone the conversation turned to gardening – he said his mother liked to garden. As the conversation ended, he thanked me for showing ‘respect’ – though I’d only stopped to talk. It was obvious that this random encounter went well and was hopefully helpful in some way. On reflection, I wonder if this chance meeting was by chance at all! I’m thankful that the conversation took place, and maybe hope was shared. More so, I’m thankful that there is hope for all mankind, in and through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour.
Prayer
Lord God, we look to you for guidance, deliverance, hope and so much more. Guide us to be a channel for your peace, a light to the world, and willing to share the hope we have in you. In Jesus’s name we pray. Amen.
Study by Kevin Harris
About the writer:
Kevin Harris is a pastoral Council member of the Watford congregation of Grace Communion International.
Local congregation:
Watford
Knutsford Primary Academy,
Balmoral Road,
Watford, Herts.
WD24 7ER
Meeting Time:
Sunday 11.00 am.
Local congregational contact:
George Henderson
Email: watford@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church