Newsletter January 2023 Part 2

Fellowship with God and one another

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life—the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us—that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.  And these things we write to you that your joy may be full. (1 John 1:1-4)

     In this opening statement of his letter, the apostle John describes the intimate fellowship he had with Jesus during His time on earth.  The Word of Life, Jesus, came from the heavenly Father and was manifested to John and his fellow disciples.  They were able to see Him, hear Him, and even touch Him.  As reliable witnesses, they were therefore able to declare Him to those who had not had this experience.  However, John goes on to say that his reason for writing is that they might share that same fellowship with God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ – now. 

     Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit with Jesus, to look in His eyes, and to hear His voice opening up to you the mysteries of the kingdom of God?  Have you ever imagined what it would be like to share with Him from the depth of your heart, knowing that one touch from Him could meet every need?  Wouldn’t it all be so much easier if He were physically present with us?  Well, when John wrote these words, Jesus had died, risen, and ascended to the Father, and yet John declares here in the present tense that his fellowship is with God the Father and with Jesus.

     John understood that Jesus had not really gone away.  On the contrary – He was now more present than ever before.  Before going to the cross to die for the sins of the whole world, Jesus had assured them that He would send His Spirit.  That way, He would not merely be with them but in them (John 14:17).  There would not be a moment in their lives that Jesus would be absent (v.18-20).  This is what John meant when he declared, “and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.”  He was keenly aware of Jesus’ presence constantly being with him and in him.  Therefore he was always able to call on Jesus for guidance, for strength (both physical and spiritual) and for power to do the works of God (John 14:12-13).

     So is this an experience reserved only for John and the other apostles?  Or is it something only a few chosen men or women of God can enjoy today?  Not at all.  John writes this letter because he wants every one of us to come to the realisation that this kind of intimate fellowship is available to all who believe – including you and me!  He wants us all to know the complete joy that can only come through fellowship with Jesus.  He is with us wherever we may be – if only we believe.

     This realisation was particularly important for the early believers at a time when they were facing increasing persecution.  How would they cope without being able to meet as they had been accustomed?  Who would they turn to for spiritual encouragement and direction when the last of those who had been with Jesus from the beginning was no longer with them?  

     We may not be quite in the same situation as they were – at least not now – but we still each need to consider: how would I manage if I were suddenly on my own?  The unexpected Covid lockdown in March 2020 gave us an idea of what that might be like.  Fortunately, as a church, we managed to adapt quickly by holding our services and meetings online until we could meet again face to face.  Nonetheless, it became very clear that we need to strengthen our relationships, both with God and with one another.  For this reason, we are encouraging all who are part of our church community to join one of our small groups.  These groups are not merely about holding meetings but about building deep and lasting relationships, so we can support one another in time of need and encourage one another to keep our eyes on Jesus.  Thus God’s purpose is being fulfilled, as Jesus prayed before going to the cross, that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. (John 17:21)         

Pastor Konrad