Jordan Amir-Hekmat with John Suchet at Buckingham Palace in May, having achieved his Gold Award with Bowdon DofE
You’ll probably be receiving your Bowdon Church News just before the start of this year’s Wimbledon tournament.
More than 13 million of us tuned in last year to watch Andy Murray storm to victory against Milos Raonic in the Men’s Final.
We were all probably cheering equally wildly the year before when Heather Watson, who was unseeded, took the seemingly invincible Serena Williams to the brink of defeat.
I suspect that those who watch professional sport have one of two reactions. Either we sit there in open-mouthed astonishment at the incredible skill on display, or we watch these amazing athletes perform at an incredibly high level with what seems like such ease, and think: “Well, it’s only hitting a ball over the net. It can’t be that difficult. Given a bit of practice I could probably do that.”
One of the things that I’m grateful for in the Gospel stories about Jesus’ disciples is the searing honesty with which the tales of their regular failure to live up to Jesus’ standards are told. When Peter thinks that he can play at Andy Murray levels and walk on water like Jesus, he quickly realises that it’s not as easy as it looks.
The brothers John and James boldly declare that they are just as committed to God’s cause as Jesus, but when they see on the cross the depth of sacrifice demanded to fulfil God’s purposes, they scarper in fear like all the rest.
These stories are told precisely in order to alert us to the vast gap between the life of grace, generosity and love that Jesus lived and our feeble attempts to do likewise. But we are also given them to urge us to turn to the same Jesus, who promises to draw alongside anyone who asks him to accompany them, and is uniquely qualified to help us to live a more God-honouring life.
If we want to improve our game, Jesus is the best life coach there is.
Ian Rumsey, Vicar of Bowdon