Trinity Sunday - Great things come in threes

‘Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Matthew 28.18-20

The church in its infinite variety has got so much wrong throughout its history that it stands accused of letting down its Lord. Even some who love the Lord, have given up all hope of seeing God’s kingdom on earth until Jesus final return. We are regularly mocked by those who see the church as irrelevant in today’s world. How can we possibly believe in the idea that Christ is already in the world rescuing it, not only from death, but selfishness, cruelty, corruption, and every kind of evil and replacing it with life lived to the full in the joy of the love of God?

I’ll let you into a little secret (though it is plain to see for those who diligently study the Bible), it is through us, those who follow in the long line of disciples, that Jesus’ mission to bring about God’s kingdom here on earth is achieved. It is through us, in the power of the Holy Spirit, that Jesus commission is fulfilled. If we do not believe this, we have not heard and acted upon Jesus’ commission. Those who mock the incarnation, life and mission, and the death and resurrection of Jesus have won.

There is no doubt, it is both daunting and demanding to evangelise, baptise and instruct the world to bring about Christ’s sovereign authority; a reign of peace, hope and love. However, we are not left alone. We have Jesus’ promise that he will be with us to the end of the age; no longer God with us but God within us. He who overcame death, empowers us with his Spirit.

Thus, the Holy Trinity, the three in one; Father, Son and Spirit, is present in the world through each one of us acting in accordance with his holy purpose to drive out wickedness and to bring the Gospel message to all.

Christ is made the sure foundation,
              Christ the head and corner-stone,
              chosen of the Lord, and precious,
              binding all the Church in one,
              holy Zion's help for ever,
              and her confidence alone.

Praise and honour to the Father,
              praise and honour to the Son,
              praise and honour to the Spirit,
              ever Three, and ever One,
              consubstantial, co-eternal,
              while unending ages run.

John Mason Neale (1811–1866)

The Methodist Church provides worship and devotional resources at  www.methodist.org.uk