We began by watching Dean Richard talk abut the wilderness, <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTZ5cuEz1kk&t=98s>
John then offers some thoughts on how Genesis 17 and Mark 8 help us in this Lenten time.
The Abrahamic Covenant offered in Genesis 12 and 15, and affirmed in Genesis 17 remind us that the blessing is so that the people of God will be a blessing for all people and all creation – so that humanity is restored, and creation renewed.
Jesus reaffirms this when he says “Now is the time! Here comes God’s kingdom! Let that blow your minds and change your hearts and lives, and trust this good news!” What does that look like?
John explores how Caesarea Philippi shapes Peters hopes for this kingdom, and how Jesus rejects this way of violence and power over, as he did in the wilderness. His way is love, replicating the service he received from the angels offering God’s healing mission particularly to the poor, marginalised, rejected. This way can only lead to rejection and death. And Jesus invites us into this way – to follow him, because in this way is life - resurrected life.
Briefly offer Archbishop Janani Luwum as an example of living this way.
What I want to happen:
How does this help us reflect on whose we are, who we are and what is ours to do at this time of change.
You can read the notes to this sermon here