John Watson - Priest in Residence

On holiday

Not back until 8th September! May God bless you if you're staying put or going away.

You did not choose me but I chose you…

These words of Jesus strike a blow against any sense of consumer spirituality. Jesus uses the words of choosing in a profound sense, not speaking in any Calvinistic or predetermined sense, or as if at some later stage of faith we can say “You owe me God – ‘cos I chose you above other things, remember?”

But what is shown is that God is at the foundation stages of faith in revealing his desire, love and choosing to be with us.

For our faith, as well as us believing in God, is also about God believing in us. Our faith is not just us trusting in God – but God trusting in us. These words reveal a high level of humanity, one which is made in the image of God; one is to be the glory of God; one which is to be the Body of Christ.

These words are about identity – in an age of consumer choice, where choice is the new ethic – Jesus words speak about our need to belong, and that we ‘belong’ because we simply are – not because we strive seek to be.

"Come and follow me…"

Peter, James, John and Andrew working away –These words are uttered. Suddenly the choice is open – leave or stay.

Hindsight is a great blessing for we know they follow and we know the results. A journey of self-discovery, ambition redefined, God seen differently, lives turned upside down, martyrdom.

Perched between status quo and things never being the same again.

That one moment of choice – ‘Come and follow me’ simple words, radical consequences.

Brian speaks

Check out the new vids below on the left hand column - VodPod - links to some excellent videos from Brian McLaren.