Following Jesus
There's a testimony in '40 Stories of Hope' of someone involved in the Rwandan genocide who was imprisoned for six years before becoming involved in a community justice programme focused on restoring the nation. He writes powerfully about the reconciliation he has experienced – on a personal level, with those in his community and between himself and God. He did the Alpha course and learnt about the forgiveness we receive through Jesus and he in turn has forgiven others.
The Rich and the Kingdom of God
As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. 'Good teacher,' he asked, 'what must I do to inherit eternal life?' 'Why do you call me good?' Jesus answered. 'No one is good – except God alone. You know the commandments: "You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honour your father and mother."' 'Teacher,' he declared, 'all these I have kept since I was a boy.' Jesus looked at him and loved him. 'One thing you lack,' he said. 'Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.' At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.
Mark 10:17-22 [NIV]
In the story Jesus tells the young man that he lets his wealth get between him and God. In the testimony from Rwanda it is his lack of forgiveness that initially comes between him and God. Is there anything in your life that comes between you and God?
Emma Higgins
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