Index - Posting 22 April 09 Vol: 1.4
During Lent, I read again the various gospel accounts of Christ’s time in the desert or wilderness and noticed what was missing. There was no indication of how Jesus felt during those forty days and nights, prior to his temptation. The authors had neglected to tell us how he wrestled with his hunger and loneliness. Nor did they tell us how he dealt with the fear of being attacked by wild animals or becoming incapacitated and unable to look after himself, through dehydration or heat stroke. It seems his survival skills were unimportant against his ability to resist the temptations. To have heard his survival story would have been very helpful as a model to aid our own resourcefulness. If we translate his experience into our century, what would be a similar trial and a test of our survival skills, particularly in the current austere economic climate. Perhaps like us, Christ may have been homeless, jobless, sick, possibly on state benefits and in an environment similar to the desert - without the necessary things to sustain life beyond the minimum. If we are employed, housed, physically and mentally well, we do not necessarily escape the trials of the “desert” or escape the economic downturn.
I smiled on reading a media comment from an archbishop who suggested being made redundant could be a blessing in disguise as it may help to re-prioritise what is important in life. Sadly not everyone who loses their job receives a final payment. Some even receive their termination notice via a text message to their mobile phones. Another archbishop in his Easter sermon, challenged the prescribed principle of shop till you drop, as an economic solution to the Recession. He advocated a return to the spiritual values that underpinned the monastic principles of poverty, chastity and obedience. It was not clear if this was directed at clergy, laity or both or whether well housed, well fed and well paid clergy should renounce their prosperity. We tend to believe that money cannot buy happiness, but neither does poverty if you have inescapable bills and dependent others. Life is more than mere survival. Even Christ was supported financially by women who catered for his needs during his mission and at his death.
Jesus experienced times of great trial that stretched his personal resources. He was not immune to suffering whether his own or others. There are accounts in the New Testament of Christ’s range of emotions; his tears, his grief and depression, particularly towards the end of his life. Times are hard and some of us are already in the desert, wondering how long our forty days and nights may be and knowing that worse may come. Those of us still able to tread water wonder how long before we too, become unemployed and unable to pay the mortgage or rent.
Sometimes it is very hard just to wait on God and not to let our anxieties get the better of us. In keeping our spirits strong, we channel well needed support to other areas of our lives. Maybe we need to say the hardest thing of all - “thy will be done” - trusting in God to bring us through, firmly believing and knowing God has our wellbeing at the core of Her heart. After the spiritual high of his baptism, Christ was plunged into the austerity of the desert. He kept his faith and believed Psalm 46 where it says God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea . Paul, like Christ, also learnt to survive times of austerity after affluence, to the point he was able to say,
…for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am. I know how to be abased and live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want. I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me. I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency. Phil. 4.11-13 Amplified
May the Holy Spirit continue to strengthened your skills to survive, overcome and to live abundantly.
Rev Caroline Redfearn ©blackpeoplesministries.com 2009