The news cycle spins so. What are the first things that spring to mind as you think about the big news events? Eurovision? The terrible murders in Western Australia? An academic flying to another country so he can legally end his own life? And then there was the budget. It is terribly predictable whenever the budget comes out. What is in it for us? And that is natural. We pay taxes and want to know that we are getting our money’s worth. We like to know that our hard earned cash is being used to better the community (i.e. us). The roads could always be better. Healthcare could be improved because many of us are waiting too long for important services. More and more of us are living longer than our predecessors and we would like to know we will be receiving the specialised care we deserve. And we could all do with more tax cuts!
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But how many of us think of a budget that is good for others. At this point, we do not want to downplay the importance of those in our community with truly desperate needs, but how does that compare with those fleeing violence on a level few of us comprehend? Like women who are raped because they are of a different race or religion? Or those who are fleeing for their lives having seen family members raped and murdered. Many refugees fleeing war are familiar with those scenarios.
For followers of Jesus, we are reminded that we should put the needs of others before ourselves (Philippians 2:3-4). Jesus lead by example when he washed his disciples’ feet. He should have been served, but he came to serve. He also said that it is more blessed to give than receive (Acts 20:35). God knows we have needs. That is why in the Lord’s Prayer we are encouraged to ask God for our daily bread. But we are also reminded to seek first the Kingdom of God and trust God to provide for all our needs (Matthew 6:33).
All brickbats, bouquets and banter welcome at pastor@pmbc.org.au
