The Simple Truth by Canon Ian Jagger

Science has given us some understanding of how the universe has evolved, but we believe that God is the power behind it and God is present in it. It is part of his nature to be creative, to express himself. He is so overflowing with love that he longs to have people to love, who will freely love him in return. In that sense he is like a parent, loving his children so much he is prepared to die for them, but letting them grow up into their independence. He still hopes for a loving relationship, and from his side he will never give up on that.

But things have gone wrong, and God's independent children have so often gone their own way and forgotten about him. In our selfishness we have brought trouble on ourselves, each other and the world, and in the process we have lost much of our family likeness - we have become less like God.

But does God wash his hands of us? How can he? He loves us and he always will.
God came looking for us, to live with us in Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus was every bit as much God as he was human. He shows us what God is like in human terms. In him we see our family likeness, what we should be like. He helped the poor and was willing to be as poor as them, to live alongside them. He taught people to be generous and endlessly forgiving, and he practiced what he preached. He spoke out for what was right, and criticised the powerful, unjust figures of his day, without regard for his personal safety. Three years of that and they crucified him. It looked as if evil had defeated good, and God was dead.

But human death was not the end for God. Jesus conquered death and met with many of his followers for a while until he returned to his Father in heaven. His followers were called after him, Christians, and they became the Church.

Jesus, the Son of God, is no longer physically here, but God gives his Holy Spirit to us. When we listen to the Spirit of God within us the family likeness comes back and we become more like Jesus. Even so, we often go our own way, forgetting God. But within the Church we are constantly reminded of his love and forgiveness, we learn more of his nature and his intention for us, and we are strengthened through the bread and wine of Communion.

When we come to death ourselves we believe we shall pass through it as Jesus did, and be with God forever. Until then, God calls us to follow the example of Jesus, and be God's loving presence in his world.

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Think about the things that are true and honourable and right and
pure and beautiful and respected…And the God who gives peace will be with you.
PHILIPPIANS 4:8-9