This Sunday sees the next of our ‘Learning for Life’ opportunities – a Sunday morning
when we make time to explore a theme more deeply together.
The title ‘Learning for Life’ has a double meaning. It points to the fact that wherever
we are on life’s journey there is still plenty to learn. When we are young we might
imagine that once we reach a certain age we will have everything worked out. It
turns out however that learning is a lifelong process. New experiences, things we
see and read, and people we meet, all encourage us to rethink things. The song
proves true, ‘The more I find out the less I know’. If we are open to the possibility,
learning can be a lifelong challenge and pleasure.
The second meaning is that we want to learn things that will make a difference in our
lives. The Apostle Paul says, ‘Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what
is good and acceptable and perfect.’ (Romans 12.2) As we learn, our minds are
shaped, so that we can discern God’s will more clearly and live his way more fully.
The final Sunday before Advent is designated in the Church year as a day when we
celebrate ‘Christ the King’ and this is our ‘Learning for Life’ theme this time.
Do you think of Jesus in this way? In what sense is he a royal monarch? You might
like to reflect on hymns and songs that refer Christ as King. For example, we sing,
“Crown him with many crowns, the Lamb upon his throne.” That’s an intriguing image
– a lamb, crowns and a throne. And there’s, ‘The Servant King’ – “This is our God,
the Servant King, he calls us now to follow him, to bring our lives as a daily offering
of worship to the Servant King.”
Jesus only wore one crown during his life and that was a crown of thorns. He spoke
a lot about a kingdom, but he had no palace, no army or territory.
On Sunday we will listen, discuss, enjoy refreshments, and learn together about
what it means to call Christ, our King. I look forward to seeing you.
With best wishes, Stephen