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In touch

Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues

God in the silence

Seeing the outcome of God’s silent activity in Luke 1:76-79.

 

Context

The ceasefire in Lebanon continues.

Strictly Come Dancing’s Pete and Jowita avoid the dance off despite being bottom of the leaderboard.

Conclave, the film of Robert Harris’ book about the election of a new Pope is released.

 

Ideas for sermons and interactive talks

In the Benedictus (Luke 1:68-79) we hear the voice of Zechariah, a voice that had been silenced as a result of his reaction to the news of Elizabeth’s pregnancy. In his silence God has been at work and the initial outcome is the birth of John. Zechariah here prophesies of the nature and work that John will accomplish. We are not told how John will be prepared for this vocation but Zechariah’s words are clear and are fulfilled. The ceasefire in Lebanon appeared to come out of the blue but it is similarly evidence of God working silently through diplomats to achieve a peace - however temporary.

Pete and Jowita came bottom of the leaderboard in last week’s Strictly Come Dancing. The judges gave them low marks but they were saved by the public. The general reaction to the announcement that they were not in the Dance Off was a surprise. Pete and Jowita responded with amazement and joy. Zechariah’s reaction to the birth of John and his vision of John’s mission was to praise God. There are times when the silent unexpected workings of God take us by surprise. The wise will see God at work here and respond accordingly.

Conclave is a mystery thriller where, following the death of the Pope, the College of Cardinals gathers for a papal conclave to choose the new pope. It is a story filled with twists and turns and attempts at power-politics in which the leading character, Cardinal Lawrence played by Ralph Fiennes, seeks to see the action of God and rediscover his own faith.

The way God works is not always obvious as it is happening. Sometimes it is only by looking back that we see the real purposes of God’s activity. At the time Zechariah’s statements in Luke 1 were brave and audacious and we are not told how they were received. However, with the benefit of our knowledge of both John’s and Jesus’ missions, we see the inherent truth in what Zechariah said.

 

Questions for discussion

• Have you ever been surprised by God’s answer to prayer?
• What has happened recently that you think God should be praised for?
• Can you suggest ways to help someone whose faith is wavering?
• What does it mean today to say that 'the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.’ ?

Revd Stuart Wild is a Methodist Minister serving God on the Lancashire coast.

 

Check-in

Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people 

What does the word ‘Peace’ mean to you? I invite you to close your eyes for a moment and think about how peace makes you feel. What does it look like? When have you experienced peace? Is there anything that gets in the way of feeling that peace?

It can be hard to believe that God has a loving plan when the world around us seems to be filled with such little peace. Finding love amongst it all is difficult to say the least. Life has thrown me a few curve balls this year, so I can only speak from experience here when I say that practising trust during these times helps to find that peace. Isaac Newton is quoted as viewing himself as a boy playing on the seashore occasionally finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than usual, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before him. This brings one of Corrie Ten Boom’s quotes to me. She once said "We should never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.".

"The great ocean of truth and life lies undiscovered before us." How wonderful is that? I would encourage you to find peace in the pebbles you find as you journey through Advent. Let us use them as a reminder of God’s loving plan that lies unknown before us.

Lindsay Wright is a freelance writer and designer from Lancashire www.lwcreative.co.uk

 

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