Thursday 13 August 2026

Psalm 102:12-17

Background
Today we read about the way in which Jesus hid after telling people to believe in the light. His followers still had not understood the purpose of why he was among them, despite the fact that they were familiar with the writings of the prophet Isaiah, who had prophesied that very process. Isaiah makes two prophecies: in 53:1 he talks about God's message not being believed and in 6:10 he refers to blinded eyes and hardened hearts.

It meant that for those who were there looking for what was about to happen found themselves left alone without the purpose they had hoped for. It would seem the story for them, at least, was over. Isaiah’s prophesy spoke clearly about the way in which the Pharisees and to some extent those who had flocked to Jesus during these past days found themselves looking for glory in Jesus' actions, rather than looking beyond to what his true purpose was.

So we pause, leaving the followers feeling very sad and distraught, I am sure, not knowing what was to happen next. I suspect some of them felt that they would find themselves in trouble for having been Jesus' friends.

To Ponder:

• Do we have things to learn from the followers of Jesus' experience all those years ago?
• Do we sometimes find ourselves feeling that it is through following Jesus that we get some kind of self glorification from being disciples?
• Do we need to learn much more from this journey than we have already done?

Prayer
Help us O Lord to fulfil our commitment to you, not for any self glorification but because we believe in the purpose you intend for your world as demonstrated in the life and ministry of Jesus, your son. May we be true to the commandments you give and seek to change our lives through the journey you call us to follow. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Pat Billsborrow
Pat came into ministry 39 years ago and has been a supernumerary for 20 years. She is happy to continue serving wherever she is needed.