verseoftheday

And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself. Jonathan sealed the pact by taking off his robe and giving it to David, together with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt. 1 Samuel 18:3-4NLT It's before dawn on Waitangi Day. The treaty A pact A covenant This example in Samuel reminds me that behind the treaty it was people. People who looked one another in the eye and made commitments. This pact, this treaty, we don't have the words of it to argue over or unpick, but we do have the heart. The intent. This one is based on love. The son of the King makes it, steps into it willingly. And gives up the symbols of his power, his authority, and his identity. And seems to get nothing back. Love. The Son of the King stepped into a treaty with me. Gave up his power, his honour, his identity. Was stripped of his clothing. Gave himself This is love. Amazing Grace Reckless love A treaty based on love. Today look for the people and the...

But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. Matthew 19:30 NIV Today we think about & celebrate the birth of our country...so often those celebrations are overshadowed by what people want... The Bible story too follows the birth of a nation, a nation of God's people who are to represent Him to the world...then God enters the story in a new way and becomes one of us, walks alongside & knows just what it's like to be fully human...and launches a new thing - a kingdom where everything is upside down, where it's not about what I want or can get, but it's a kingdom founded on, steeped in, love. A kingdom where the marginalised are wrapped in, the hurt are comforted, the weak are strengthened, the lost are found...and those seen as poor, worth less, will be seen in a new light...where the last shall be first #waitangi #wordsofJesus #kingdomvalues #youarepriceless