Our Vicars Letter

Dear Friends

Recent weeks have been dominated by the run-up to the General Election, and we are still looking with interest at how a coalition Government will work in practice. But before we leave “election fever” totally behind, let us give thought to a far more important choice than that of our local MP or even our Prime Minister. The most important choice that lies before any of us is who we choose to be the leader in charge of our lives. That is going to have an effect not just on the next five years, but on the rest of our lives, and indeed into the life to come. There is only one serious candidate for the post of leader in your life and mine – only one person who is fit to do the job. And that is the Lord Jesus Christ.

Why is he the only possible serious candidate?

One reason is that his Kingdom will last forever. That is the Bible’s consistent message. “His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall never pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed” (Dan.7.14) – a verse referring in anticipation to Jesus, and it sums up the whole Bible message about Jesus. The history of the world is littered with one kingdom or empire after another: the Egyptians, the Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Greeks, the Romans, Charlemagne, Napoleon – more recently, the British Empire. But now they are gone. Kingdoms may rise, kingdoms may fall, but the kingdom of Jesus lasts for ever.

Another reason why Jesus is the only serious candidate as leader is that he cares for every single member of his kingdom. Politicians try to meet people, especially before elections, but we wonder sometimes how genuine it is. But with Jesus it is different. He says, “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden” (Mt.11.28) Jesus appeals to all people, no matter who they are – including those who feel forgotten and ignored. That is good news. He says, “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me” (Jn.10.14). He has a personal, individual relationship with every single one of his people – all are special, and none is forgotten.

We may want to ask: What does Jesus offer? After all, political leaders claim to be offering benefits to those who vote them in.

Jesus promises forgiveness. He addresses the deepest need that you and I have. The first words spoken to the paralysed man lowered through the roof were, “My son, your sins are forgiven” (Mk.2.5). That is what that man needed to know, and so do we. That is the reason Jesus went to the Cross to die: in order to make forgiveness available.

Jesus promises new life. Not only are the sins of the past dealt with, but he gives new life by his Spirit for daily living. Paul says, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Cor.5.17).

Jesus offers us heaven. Where will we be beyond this life? Some people think we cannot know or that it’s a matter of guesswork or “hope for the best”. But Jesus gives us the solid promise of heaven, if we trust him. In the words of Psalm 23, “I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever” (Ps.23.6).

So Jesus really is the one and only serious candidate for leader in anyone’s life. He is Leader already, so it would be a grave mistake not to have him as our leader. One of the big mysteries of life is why so many people do not choose Jesus as their leader.

Long ago, Joshua spoke to the people of Israel. He said, “Choose this day whom you will serve ... But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh.24.15) There is a choice we must all make, and there is only one right way to choose.

With Christian greetings,

Yours,

Robert Bashford