The loneliness of the tomb Matthew 27.62-66 (New Revised Standard Version) The next day, that is, after the day of Preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered before Pilate and said, ‘Sir, we remember what that impostor said while he was still alive, “After three days I will rise again.” Therefore command that the tomb be … More Encountering God in the Wilderness – Saturday 3rd April 2021 – Holy Saturday

The death that brings change Luke 22.26-45 (New Revised Standard Version) The greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? But I am among you … More Encountering God in the Wilderness – Friday 2nd April 2021 – Good Friday

Will you turn against Jesus? Luke 22.54-71 (New Revised Standard Version) Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house. But Peter was following at a distance. When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. Then a servant-girl, seeing … More Encountering God in the Wilderness – Thursday 1st April 2021 – Maundy Thursday

Fear of what others may say John 12.36-43 (New Revised Standard Version) While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.’ After Jesus had said this, he departed and hid from them. Although he had performed so many signs in their presence, they did not believe in him. This … More Encountering God in the Wilderness – Saturday 27th March 2021

When people throw ‘stones’ John 10.31-42 (New International Version) Again, Jesus’ Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him, but he said to them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone me?” “We are not stoning you for any good work,” they replied, “but for … More Encountering God in the Wilderness – Friday 26th March 2021

The loneliness of being tested Hebrews 2.5-18 (New Revised Standard Version) Now God did not subject the coming world, about which we are speaking, to angels. But someone has testified somewhere, ‘What are human beings that you are mindful of them,   or mortals, that you care for them?You have made them for a little while lower than the angels;   you … More Encountering God in the Wilderness – Thursday 25th March 2021

Don’t be bound by the rules of others Colossians 2.16-23 (NRSV) Therefore do not let anyone condemn you in matters of food and drink or of observing festivals, new moons, or sabbaths. These are only a shadow of what is to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Do not let anyone disqualify you, insisting on self-abasement and … More Encountering God in the Wilderness – Saturday 20th March 2021

The need to be accepted? Galatians 1.6-10 (NRSV) I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another gospel, but there are some who are confusing you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even … More Encountering God in the Wilderness – Friday 19th March 2021

Living a persecuted life John 15.19-21 (NRSV) If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world—therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, “Servants are not greater than their master.” If they … More Encountering God in the Wilderness – Thursday 18th March 2021

A spiritual wilderness Jonah 2 (New Revised Standard Version) Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish, saying,‘I called to the Lord out of my distress,   and he answered me;out of the belly of Sheol I cried,   and you heard my voice.You cast me into the deep,   into the heart of the seas,   and the flood surrounded me;all your … More Encountering God in the Wilderness – Saturday 13th March 2021