Skip to main content

Timeless ways

Timeless ways

Something to read

Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you have had from the beginning; the old commandment is the word that you have heard. Yet I am writing you a new commandment that is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining.

- 1 John 2:7-8.

Something to think about

Passing by another family walking in the woods recently, I smiled as I caught a snippet of their conversation. A young boy explained to his dad with great enthusiasm how the leaves of the trees they saw were doing something unseen, but amazing: turning the winter sunlight and the carbon dioxide in their air into the oxygen we need to breathe.

Of course, the science is no recent finding, and I suspect this wasn’t the first time that Dad had heard of photosynthesis either. But those old truths came alive in a new way because of the joyful learning of the child, and the fresh environment in which they were shared.

The ways of God haven’t changed since the beginning of time, whether biological processes that keep the ecosystem in balance, or the ways of justice, mercy, and love. But each time we hear God’s commandments to love him and love our neighbours, they fall on fresh ground, ready to produce new fruit. Our hearts, our communities and our world are constantly changing, and we too respond with all the passion and perseverance of God’s people in ages past.

Something to do

Print off the ‘Safe Place Ludo’ materials from Christian Aid’s youth resources, and play a game with friends or relatives. Be prepared to be challenged by their fresh insights into the issues!

Something to pray

God of all time, you are ever ancient and ever new. Thank you that your character is consistent and your words are trustworthy. Help me to hear afresh timeless truths about how you call us to live, and to apply them to the unique life that you’ve given me to enjoy. Amen.

Today’s contributor is Rev Claire Jones