April 24th 2020

READ
John 5:31-47
 
Last night again the nation stood to applaud the work of the NHS and frontline workers, in doing so we are acknowledging the value of their work and the scale of their commitment to the health and well being of the nation. It is good to do that, and right that we as a people should show our gratitude. On another level though our applause adds nothing to the magnitude of their work, it is not valuable because we recognise it and applaud it, but because the facts speak for themselves. The work they do is testimony enough to their commitment and every patient who leaves hospital or recovers at home confirms it.  On April 20th the Guardian newspaper reported that at least 100 health care workers at all levels have died of Covid-19 while the official statistics record 27 deaths. What more need be said of their commitment?

This morning I was reading John 5:31-47 Jesus conversation with the religious leaders who were out to silence him claiming that he had blasphemed in calling God his Father but the testimony Jesus pointed to was not that of John the Baptist or any other person, but of the work he was doing. That was testimony enough of his identity, look for example at verse 36. The greater testimony however comes from the Father himself through his word but as these leaders studied the scriptures it was as if they were blind. We who follow Jesus should not depend on others testimony or their acknowledgement as proof of our faith. The evidence of our faith, the proof of our discipleship should be known in the work we do and the life we lead, not as an alternative to but as confirmation of the witness we give to Jesus. 
 
A PRAYER
Lord we praise you today that in the healing work Jesus did we saw your Kingdom breaking in to time. We thank you that in His death and resurrection our pardon was won and new life secured. We thank you today for those who have dedicated themselves to the care and healing of others. We thank you for the gifts, knowledge and skill that enables them to do their work and we pray that you the Great Physician would crown it with success. Grant your care and protection to all who work within our health and care system and keep them safely we pray. In the perfect name of Jesus our Saviour we ask it. AMEN
 
LISTEN
​His mercy is more.  

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