Sunday Thought – 12.01.25

The recent weather in the UK pales into insignificance compared to the extremes happening in other parts of the world such as the wildfires in Los Angeles. How often do we just focus on ourselves and forget the situations and circumstances faced by others, whatever people’s backgrounds, wealth or fame?

The Bible relates that this was true of Jesus’ disciples during the Last Supper, the night before Jesus was crucified. He had washed their feet (John 13:3-12), shared bread and wine with them while referring to it as his body and blood, told them he would be betrayed (Luke 22:19-23), and become troubled in spirit (John 13:21). All this would have been disconcerting and should have focussed the disciples thoughts on Jesus. Instead, just as they had done previously (Luke 9:46), the disciples started to argue amongst themselves about which of them was the greatest (Luke 22:24).

When Christians remember what Jesus did by taking bread and wine (known as Communion), just as he did with the disciples that night, they believe they should not be focussed on themselves but on what their Lord has done for them, giving him the glory. This is reflected in the apostle Paul saying, “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (NIV, Galatians 6:14) and “he [Jesus] is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy” (NIV, Colossians 1:18). Who are you focusing on today?

Prayer Points for the Week:

• Pray that the missing Huszti sisters would be found in Scotland and for comfort for their family during the uncertainty.
• Pray that the wildfires in L.A. would be quelled and for the recovery of that city’s people.
• Please pray for the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East. For peace; for aid to get through to those in need; for those mourning the loss of loved ones.