Romans 12:14-18
Temptation to take sides or create only two sides in what may be a complex situation. In a war, it chooses your side. Bombs are not selective.
In Sheffield we have workers from both sides in the Israel & Gaza conflict together with communities here who are afraid. Does multicultural society work? It is certainly at times hard to live out.
Politicians have tried to draw alongside people and communities without taking sides.
2 Timothy 4:6-18
Paul writing to his protégé Timothy. Suzanne asked how long did it take Paul to decide what to put?
A recent survey of 95+ year old peope asked if they could live their life again what would they do? The top answers were:
1. Reflect more on their life
2. Be more Adventurous
3. Leave a legacy
Would we know how to be 1,2 & 3
May the mind of Christ my saviour, live in me from day to day, by his love and power controlling all I do and say.
Paul urges Timothy to become more alive. He also treats Timothy as a servant and is peeved that everyone has left except Luke.
We leave all kinds of legacy, even our hatreds & dislikes. New generations involved in current wars may well develop a hatred?
Paul ends not with grudges but acknowledges the Lord is by his side and will get us through.

Luke 8:40-53
Jairus’ daughter
In 3 gospels and Bill Chose Luke – Matthew too short a version. Mark is nearer Luke.
The writers all have Marks version in front of them
Luke emphasises the ONLY child & AGED 12 approaching adulthood.
This comes shortly after the Jesus has dispelled the demons from the pigs and the locals were unhappy.
Jesus met by crowds in the open and Jairus’ a leading light in the local synagogue is aware authorities didn’t want JC in the synagogues.
Would Jairus’ tow the party line when daughter very ill? No he chose to follow Jesus.
Jesus progress however was interrupted by someone touching his coat. The woman poured out her heart. Her faith in God was rewarded leading to some Christians taking this passage literally & won’t go to the Dr.
Another problem then arose because of the delay – a message arrived that the daughter had died so not to bother Jesus. Jesus said just believe and chose 3 disciples & parents to go with him to see the girl . He ejected the mourners & they laughed at Jesus before she rose & was hungry.
What was Luke communicating?
Jesus showed he had compassion
Why did Jesus call her daughter?  He called people brother & sister & we became children of God
One other issue – time. Delay don’t bother Jesus
Spiritual context not living world. Old Testament Moses was lost & rescued. He became a shepherd until faced by the burning bush which put him in presence of God in the spiritual world.
Message – believe, believe in Jesus