Plenary, 13 Mar 2002

Meeting date: Wednesday, March 13, 2002

Official Report 360KB pdf

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Time for Reflection

To lead our time for reflection this afternoon we welcome the Rev John Greenshields, the President of the Baptist Union of Scotland.

In its short history, the Parliament has known its share of tense and dramatic moments, when everyone senses what we call the "electric" atmosphere. Debates, statements, questions, and even comparatively dull proceedings can suddenly intensify and grip those who are listening.

Now go back with me to a little synagogue in 1st century Nazareth. A young Jewish carpenter takes down the scroll of the prophet Isaiah, written hundreds of years before. As he begins to read, the normally predictable atmosphere changes. There is a tingle of anticipation and excitement as the words pour out:

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
for he has appointed me to preach
good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim
that captives will be released,
that the blind will see,
that the downtrodden will be freed
from their oppressors,
and that the time of the Lord's favour
has come.

Dr Luke tells us in his gospel that

"everyone stared at him intently",

and the atmosphere must have been electrifying as Jesus declared:

"This Scripture has come true today before your very eyes!"

Ever since, the "kingdom manifesto" has been preached, taught, lived, and followed by those who have become disciples of Jesus of Nazareth. And therein lies the kernel of the manifesto—a living, personal, life-transforming relationship with Jesus the King.

The Scottish Baptist churches that I represent are united in a common desire, through our distinctive witness, to play our part in introducing people to the King Jesus, and extending the reach of that timeless kingdom manifesto today. We seek to be faithful to the gospel, relevant to the times in which we live and assets within our society.

I invite you to join me as we unite together in prayer.

Living God, heavenly Father, we thank you for the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. We thank you that his mission continues today, through his Spirit and by his people.

In this place we pray for your blessing upon the Presiding Officer, the First Minister, and every member here. We ask that this Parliament will always seek to serve the Scottish people, bringing justice and mercy, making wise decisions, and caring for those in need.

As we remember the words of Jesus, the carpenter from Nazareth, We remember the situation today in his own homeland, longing that peace may come to that troubled country.

Hear all our prayers, in Jesus' name.

Amen.