Menu:

(1) As we look back on our lives do we get a sense that God has been with us? Do we accept that he has provided for us, and helped us in times of stress and difficulty? Can we believe that he has been directing our lives, perhaps not in the way we wanted at the time, but in the way we have realised later was right?

(2) As we have been doing the studies and meditations that have been suggested in these pages have we had a sense of the Holy Spirit bringing back memories, guiding our thoughts and giving understanding?

If we believe that God is real, and his truth is revealed and available to us, then we must not be rebellious, as were the Israelites, but ready to receive the truth in the most direct way possible. To do this, we must open ourselves to the Spirit, who will lead us the way we need to go. In fact the Holy Spirit will lead us to the cross because this is the very heart and centre of Christian faith. The death of Jesus on the cross came at the end of his earthly ministry. Beginning at the cross does not mean that the birth, life and ministry of Jesus are unimportant. These matter a great deal, and will require attention as our faith is nurtured. However the MOST important thing about Jesus, as far as our finding the way to God is concerned, is his death. He was crucified; he suffered, bled and died on a cross. This is our starting point. Unless we understand and accept the meaning of the death of Jesus we can go no further. It is because it is so difficult both to understand and accept that we need the hand and the guidance of the Spirit of Truth.

If we want to go the shortest and quickest way this is what we must do. We must let the Holy Spirit lead us in imagination over time and space to Calvary. We need to witness this, the most important event in history, the crucifixion of Jesus. Then having mentally experienced the event, we must let the Holy Spirit reveal to us the meaning of that experience; the how and why, the reason and the consequences of the cross.

This, again, will require study and meditation, and there are three passages of Scripture on which this can be based. Even though I said this was the shortest way, do not be in too much hurry. Take as much time as you can. Read the passage through to get the whole picture. Then look at it bit by bit, and ponder each part as searchingly as you can. Before reading remember to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to give you a really deep insight and understanding.

MEDITATION and STUDY B1

Read chapters 22 and 23 of Luke's Gospel.
This tells of the events surrounding the trial and death of Jesus. As you read it is important that you use your imagination. Picture the scenes, and try to get a sense of the sights, sounds and smells. See the people, their appearance, movements, attitudes and the expressions on their faces. Try to enter into their minds and experience their thoughts and feelings. We need to bring the story alive, so that it becomes a real experience, and we are there and part of it. Are there any characters with whom you find it easy to identify?

MEDITATION and STUDY B2

Read Isaiah Chapter 53
This passage of scripture was written about seven hundred years before the birth of Jesus, yet it is all about Jesus. It is probably the clearest explanation in the Bible for the suffering and death of Jesus. Consider and weigh each sentence and phrase. Read it over and over again until it becomes really familiar.