Christ Church Moreton Hall

As Johnny Wilkinson returned to play for England against Scotland at Twickenham every one wondered what the effect of his three-year absence would be. It is not unfair that he inspired England to a great victory.

Those of us who had been watching England pathetic performances over the last few years were delighted to see England team itself becoming more confident and more professional as it played. England were becoming themselves again powerful, creative, confident and capable of winning and winning well. For Wilkinson’s presence spread enthusiasm and hope thought the entire team and by the time the game was over, thousands if not millions were not only hoping that England were back, but also that we might just might retain the World Cup.

This lead me to thinking how much difference a single individual can make to those around him and the lives of thousands who observe him. Where as once there had been lack of confidence, lack of success, incompetence and failure suddenly with the presence of one man everything could be changed.

I could not but help to think of the Lord Jesus Christ who in one life touched thousands of other lives and has a lasting influence on the planet ever since. I know The Church that believes that one-day Jesus will come back. Would his appearance be that like Jonny Wilkinson’s? Once Jesus is here instead of incompetence and irrelevance, with his presence and by doing things his way, would the Church become alive again as it was when he was with it 2000 years ago?

However the truth is while we in church do look forward to his physical return, in fact by his Holy Spirit he can be with us now. At Christ Church Moreton Hall over the last 16 years and particularly at this time, we have a very real sense of Jesus being with us. Whilst we believe he will return in person and we are looking forward to it, we are already behaving and acting as if that return was to coming very soon.

I am convinced that the world needs radical change and it needs a Saviour to enable it to happen, and only the presence of Jesus will bring about. So my message to you as we look forward to Lent and Easter, is Jesus in your life? And if he is he making a big difference that Wilkinson made to the England team just a few weeks ago.

My own testimony is that Jesus has made the most lasting impact in my life. So many who have come to Christ Church and found Jesus will say He can make a lasting change in your life as well. Its not just about winning or making things successful, but being the sort of person who can inspire people to a contented life and receive His perfect love. That’s what Jesus can do, and that Rugby match and Johnny Wilkinson helped me remember all that Jesus has done for me.

With every good wish

Yours sincerely

Jonathan Ford.