Will it be ‘single-figure-Sunday’? It was not so Friday or Saturday… despite hopes. Is this the new ‘game’ to sweep over Melbourne, a game borne of increasing optimism albeit subdued? If not Sunday will it be ‘mono-figure-Monday’?
Yet we dare not expect too much as here in Melbourne we wait with some anticipation for the Government’s response tomorrow as it adjusts the next step out of lock-down. The lessons of what is happening across Europe hang in the air, so we dare not exaggerate our hopes.
Could suggest that Sunday should always be ‘Single-figure-Sunday’ – a day that reminds us that every day is full of true hope assured optimism because of the Lord Jesus. Back in March, in my second Pastoral Letter I reminded us that Sunday is precious to us for various reasons – including that ‘it is Christ’s V-day – when having endured death for us on account of our sins He rose victorious from the grave, victorious over sin, death and the Devil. Through faith in Him it testifies to our freedom from sin.’
As John writes the book of Revelation, he lifts up a doxology of praise:
“To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (Rev 1:5b-6)
Jesus Christ is worthy of our worship, for He is the Redeemer. Of all the things we can’t do this surely remains our continuing delight to be able to do; of all the things we can do tomorrow this is surely the queen of activities.
We are His kings in the service of God. We are His priests who have the right to enter God’s presence. We are a royal priesthood who lift up His praise in the midst of living a life under His dominion and to His glory.
Are we sensitive of this great honour given to us today and in the midst of our present troubles as a people of Melbourne?
‘Christ has given us the highest and noblest work – that of serving our God and Father in heaven. The ultimate aim of Jesus is not to relieve us of unhappiness, although He frequently does that in His redeeming grace. His ultimate aim is not even to forgive us of sin. His ultimate aim is to produce an order of royal priests whose work is to serve, worship, honour, and praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ (Joel Beeke)
And that is the reality we know and the opportunity we embrace even in the drawn out difficulties of our present times – and in which we are renewed as we gather on the first day of another week not of suffering but of service, not of complaining but of praise.
And in this we have a sure optimism that cannot be exaggerated and will not be found disappointing –
“Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him…” (Rev 1:7a)
He is on His way! He is coming on the clouds, may He also come on the praises of His people – including ours as we wait, as we give thanks that each day and our whole lives, and all that transpires in them, is in God’s hands.
Together in Christ’s love and service,
John Your Pastor