Locked Down but not Locked Out

John 20: 19-23

Mother Julian was a 14^th century mystic and an anchorite of Norwich Cathedral. On one occasion she became so ill she received the last rites. But she recovered and in recovery spoke of God revealing himself to her in what she describes as 'shewings.' 

She wrote these down in ‘Revelations of Divine Love.’  

(This is the earliest surviving book in English to be written by a woman) 

In these 'shewings' she speaks of God’s love and care for everything in creation.

Perhaps one of the best known quotes is, ‘All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.’ 

This is not the same as whistling in the dark or buoyant optimism, but a deep seated acceptance that God will bring everything to good order.

We all go through times of trials and suffering of varying degrees, and we need to remember that underneath are always the everlasting arms of God and although we may not understand it all now, in the end all shall be well.

Heeding the words of Romans 8.28 ‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.’

That’s something we certainly need to hold on to at a time like this.

As did the first disciples – it was a lesson they had to learn.

Having spent time with Jesus, heard his teaching, saw the miracles and so much more, they had also seen him crucified, dead and buried.

It certainly must not have looked like any at all would ever be well again.

But then these strange and unexpected resurrection appearances.

And note that the disciples were hiding behind locked doors for fear of the Jewish authorities, fearful of facing the same fate as Jesus, and you could hardly blame them for being scared.

Currently a lot of people across the world are hiding behind locked doors – indeed it is called ‘a lock-down.’

But locked doors are no barrier to the risen Lord Jesus, and he appears amongst them and says, ‘Peace be with you.’

And today locked doors are no barrier to Jesus coming amongst us and saying to us, ‘Peace be with you.’

‘As the Father sent me, so I am sending you.’

You may of course be a ‘sent one’ as herald of the Good News expressed in front line work, or as a key worker. Or perhaps you are helping in some other way in your community. And we applaud you and will pray for you to be kept safe.

But if you are in lock down and unable to leave your home then thankfully due to the wonder of modern technology, we can also heed the same command, to be the ‘sent ones’ – through the social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Zoom meeting and even good old fashioned letter writing. Also, flowers are still being delivered – now there a nice thought to bring some colour and cheer to someone.

‘All shall be well’ – we have a quiet confidence because of Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension and an assurance that He will return. 

That one day, heaven and earth will be united like a couple in marriage, Jesus the groom and the Church as his bride. 

Then there will be no more mourning or crying, or death - or pandemics - for the old order of things will have been overturned - for ever!

And everyone is invited to the great wedding feast.

I hope you have responded to your invitation!


Want to know more, then check out....

www.christianity.org.uk