If you're reading this article
in the UK you should have now completed your census forms and returned them to the
authorities. It’s compulsory that we do it – although this year we did have a
choice between using pen and ink or entering our details online. For centuries
people have been counted by their leaders – and there are examples of censuses
taking place in the Bible. Most people will remember the one that caused Joseph
and Mary to be in Bethlehem when Jesus was born, but did you know that the book
of Numbers actually gets its name from a census that was taken by Moses just
after the people of Israel escaped from Egypt?
As we approach Easter later this
month we are reminded of the events that led to the death of Jesus on the cross
– the cheering crowd at his entry to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, and the jeering
crowd shouting “Crucify Him!” at the trial where he was condemned. When the
time came for those closest to Jesus to ‘stand up and be counted’ it turned out
that Judas betrayed him and Peter denied even knowing him. Thankfully for Peter
the cross was not the end – the risen Jesus forgave and reinstated him and he
became a key figure in the early church.
In the census, when it came to
the “What is your religion?” box, we too had an opportunity to stand up and be
counted. The trouble is its easy just to tick a box – and ten years ago more
than 70% of us said that we were ‘Christian’. With only 7% of the population
regularly attending Sunday worship it leaves me genuinely asking what the
church is doing wrong for people who are happy to categorise themselves as
believers to choose not to associate with other Christians week by week.
Louis Armstrong once sung about
heaven with the words “Oh Lord I want to be in that number when the saints go
marching in!” If you ticked the ‘Christian’ box why not join with other
believers to celebrate the event at the heart of our faith, and the basis for
our hope of life after death – the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I'm sure you’ll be
welcome at any local church, and if you're anywhere near Bottisham, why not come to our all-age RE:NEW service on
Easter Sunday (with an egg hunt for the children).
