Sermon - 15th January 06

Random incidents, chance meetings, fluke relationships. Is that how you see the series of events down history, that were responsible for bringing 'you' into existence?
Interest in genealogy seems to be at an all time high - perhaps part of us hopes that somewhere in the past we were descended from rich, famous or gifted ancestors. Why? Because it would give us a greater sense of self-worth or value. Perhaps people feel increasingly devalued and insignificant in this time when we are seen as numbers and statistics rather than special individuals in the world in which we live.
Is that why shows like 'The X Factor', 'Big Brother', 'Millionaire' etc, are so compulsive, because they seem to offer a way for ordinary people to feel they have it in them to become someone special, someone extraordinary?

The Bible teaches, contrary to having to create special status for ourselves, or discover the value inside ourselves by finding fame or fortune, that we are already completely unique: the result of a long line of God-incidences, not co-incidences, down through the centuries.

You are not an accident.
Your birth was not simply a biological consequence of a physical event - God planned you. Long before your were conceived by your parents, you were conceived in the mind of God.

'You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe. Every day was recorded in your book' (Ps 139:16 LB)

How do you react to that?
Many positive elements of our lives we gladly see as God's plan for us
But what of the elements in your life that you are less than happy about?

There may be things about you that you wish were different: physical, genetic, hereditary difficulties. family, relational, circumstantial problems.
We may struggle with the idea that we are the result of a plan of God when we take these negatives into account. How could God be said to have planned our lives if they contain elements of pain, sadness, hurt, sin and brokenness?

Surely the backdrop for our lives here on earth is that this world is a 'fallen' world. Life in this world is lived in a context where sadness, evil, disease, danger and death are part of the fabric of this earth. We are in this darkness, we contribute to it, but this is not God's doing or creating. Human free-will and the consequences of choosing disobedience and Self over the will of God and the well-being of others has a lot for which to answer.

God did not will those negatives into our lives, but God's purpose and plan for our lives is not thwarted by them. God's purpose takes into account human error, and even sin, so that we may realise God's plan for our lives. Yes, God has not abandoned us!

Think of the story of Joseph (Genesis 37f): smothered by an indulgent father, victimized by his brothers, sold into slavery, exiled to an alien land. But God had not forgotten Joseph. God's love and purpose for his life was not destroyed. Joseph rose to prominence in Egypt, God blessed him though life had been harsh for him, and the day came when Joseph knew reconciliation and healing of his relationships with his father and brothers. Joseph declared, 'You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good, to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.' (Gen 50:20)

The Bible tells us, 'God is love' (1 John 4). It doesn't say God has love. He is love! Love is the essence of his character. He wants to express his love in the making, redeeming and renewing of your life. Jesus, God's gift of His Son for us, is the expression and example of the power of his love for our lives over every possible negative and obstacle.

Think again of your hereditary: were you subject to influences, abuse and hurt that you feel bitter about?
Well, look at Jesus' genealogy (Matt 1), included in his line were schemers, adulterers, murderers, yet God's grace was able to prevail.

Think of your upbringing: were you scarred, deprived, misused and you wish it had been different?
Consider Jesus' family background, where from a scorned start (Matt1:19), he knew rejection by his close family (Mark3:21), and a lack of faith in him from those closest to him (John 7:5), but he was able to see God's love overcoming these hurts (Matt 12:48-50)

Think of your life so far: are there circumstances, events that you feel have damaged your life?
How can you feel that these could be part of a plan and purpose God has for your life?

No-one would pretend it's easy, but can I urge you to trust God's ability to bring purpose and blessing out of your life?

'And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.' (Rom 8:28)

You are not an accident - 'God doesn't play dice' - Albert Einstein

The Weaver

Behind my life the weaver stands
and works his wondrous will
I leave it in his all wise hand
and trust his perfect skill.
Should mystery enshroud his plan
and my short sight be dim.
I will not try the whole to scan,
but leave each thread with him.
Not till the loom is silent
and the shuttles cease to fly,
shall God unfold the pattern,
and explain the reason why,
the dark threads are so needful,
in the Master's skilful hands,
as the threads of gold and silver
in the pattern which he planned.