Daily Reading: 6 May
(from www.christianaid.org.uk)
Jesus says, 'I am'.
Something to read
Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.”
- John 8:58.
Something to think about
Which verses in scripture do you find mind-blowing? What passages do you go back to time after time? This is one of those verses for me. Jesus claims for himself the name of God: 'I am'. Jesus tells us that he exists not just before Abraham but before all things. Jesus tells us, quite simply, that he is God.
This is the central claim of the Christian faith but it's a claim so remarkable, so strange, so frightening at times, that Christians have spent thousands of years getting to grips with it, again and again. How can it be that the one who brought all life into being is also the one who lived among us? God in the person of Christ shows the world the extraordinary depth, breadth and height of divine love. Our creator is far from distant, coming to dwell with us and minister to us.
Take a moment to contemplate the majesty and mystery of God, who made all things, who is before all things, and who loves us beyond measure. How can we reflect that amazing love in our lives?
Something to do
Can you find more ways to make time for prayer and contemplation in your day to day life?
Check out Christian Aid's prayer diary for more prayer pointers throughout the month of May.
Something to pray
Word of God, everything that exists came into being through you.
Word of God you came to live on earth among us, ministering to those in need. You died and were raised to life. You promised us eternal life through your love.
Word of God, as we contemplate the mystery of God made human, draw us more deeply into knowing, praising and glorifying you.
Amen.
Today's contributor is Dr Frances Clemson, Christian Aid's Faith Communications and Just Scripture Specialist.