Thursday 13 March 2025

Psalm 97

Background
Looking around a refurbished chapel many years ago, I remarked to the steward how much better and more spacious it was now that the old pews had been removed.

He beamed triumphantly: "Some of the congregation wanted to replace them with more modern pews so we prayed about it and the Lord sent us dry rot! Then the floor collapsed so everything had to come out and be replaced with new chairs."

It’s very easy, in our Christian lives and in our churches to hold on to the past, even when it’s clear that God is moving his people into a new season. And it’s comforting to know that things were no different in Jesus’ day.

Fasting on the Day of Atonement was obligatory but John’s disciples and the Pharisees also fasted twice a week, a practice Jesus did not share.

When asked why he wasn't fasting, Jesus paints a picture of a Jewish wedding, a lavish time of celebration with much singing, dancing and feasting. While not decrying the value of fasting (which is a useful spiritual discipline) Jesus explains that while he (the bridegroom) is with them there is no need for it. He says: "The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast." (v. 15)

In looking towards his own death, Jesus acknowledges that joy and sorrow will be part and parcel of the lives of his disciples as they have been part of his own life on earth. But for now, let the celebrations continue. The new wine is bursting out of the old wineskins, the new patch of fabric pulling away from the old garment – just as the dry rot in that chapel necessitated a fresh start.

Soon much of the Pharisees’ rules, rituals and laws would pass away, to be replaced by the joy of forgiveness, the new life in the Holy Spirit and fellowship with one another as Jesus pours out the sparkling new wine of the kingdom of God.

To Ponder:

• It may not have been dry rot, but can you recall a time when you received an unexpected answer to prayer?
• Is fasting part of your spiritual discipline? Should we put more emphasis on it in our churches?
• Can you recall a time when you felt Jesus moving you on and into a new ‘season’? How did it feel?

Prayer
Loving God, help me to recognise when you are doing a new thing in me and help me not try to hold on to the past. Amen.

Bible notes author: Sue Moore
Sue Moore is a visiting Anglican preacher on the Methodist circuit in West Norfolk. She is candidating for the role of Distinctive Deacon and together with her husband runs a bereavement support group. They have two greyhounds who keep them fit with plenty of walking.