I have decided

James Cathcart April 30, 2023 1 0

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Acts 2: 42-47 (NRSVA)

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

43 Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. 44 All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45 they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

I have decided to follow Jesus. Sometimes I follow at a snail’s pace, sometimes I edge back. Sometimes I lift my hands off the plough, forget where I am. Sometimes I struggle to see Jesus off in the distance, and limping I turn to lean on Jesus’s shoulder and he helps me head back to the horizon. In my search he is ahead of me and beside me.

I have decided to follow Jesus. Sometimes this is a pain. Sometimes I read words like our text for the day and think how on earth do we cross the gulf from then to now from the interdependent communities then to our atomised isolated lives today. Sometimes I am inspired, sometimes I’m daunted.

I have decided to follow Jesus. You can’t be human and not follow something, our little steps as infants are to follow in the footsteps of others as we endeavour to follow what is happening. There is no independent human life. Today’s reading shows how the early church enacted this truth vividly. We rely on one another. No one gets through alone.

I have decided to follow Jesus. And Jesus embodies a depthless, selfless love that helps me as I follow, however inexpertly, along. And Jesus does not ask me to follow alone, a squire to his knight. I follow with others and we keep one another grounded, compassionate, sharp. The bonds that link us to one another do not compromise the link we have with Jesus — they are part of it.

I have decided to follow Jesus. When at a snail’s place, or stuck in the plough’s rut there are others who help me up as Jesus’s hands.So I can gladly say once more "I’ve got my hands on the plough, and my feet on the ground”. Listen to Albert Bogle, one of those souls that supports me in my walk, singing a cracking rendition of ‘I Have Decided’.

PRAYER:

Thank you my Lord and Saviour for all those who follow alongside me.

Amen.