Since the disaster of the avalanche which engulfed a hotel in Italy, at least one lady has compared her rescue with being born again. It wasn’t glibly done, either: she explicitly credited God with her deliverance.
I may previously have referred to the words of Coxswain Frank Blewett of the RNLI when he described the steep ladder leading down to the survivors’ cabin:
“These are steps trodden by the reborn. When we have snatched a man out of the jaws of death, this is where he begins his second life.”
Going back to the lady in the hotel, I would guess that the word she used for “reborn” was “renata”. I believe this was a name fondly used by ladies in northern Italy as they made a brilliant discovery, or rather re-discovery, of a Bible truth. They did it as the new learning called the Renaissance blossomed throughout Europe. Re-examining their Bibles in a new light, they discovered that the real qualification for gaining eternal life was to be born again.
This basic truth had become lost or submerged for centuries. This was hardly surprising. When Jesus first uttered it, it caught out the Jewish law expert Nicodemus. In John 3 we learn that Jesus told him,
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3).
Nicodemus could not understand that these words should be interpreted in a non-literal way.
“How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?”
Jesus explained:
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
Nicodemus still didn’t get it. Jesus expressed astonishment that a man of Nicodemus’s learning could not detect the inner meaning of His words, even after He had clarified it. He had to spell it out.
“No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.”
People today make fun of the expression, “Born Again”, because they don’t understand it. As a result, Christians involved in outreach tend to shy away from it. Yet sometimes it strikes a chord. I remember one evangelist with Birmingham City Mission who would go up to people on New Street and ask them bluntly, “Are you born again?”. He had some quite interesting and profitable conversations as a result!
The new birth is no novelty. It goes right back to the teaching of Jesus Himself. Believers should welcome it as a key part of their heritage.
Sunday, 29 January 2017
Wednesday, 11 January 2017
Different Jobs, Same Profile
This new year, the Our Daily Bread notes brought home to me an intriguing truth: shepherds and kings have more in common than we realise.
We have just emerged from the Christmas season with its stories of the Bethlehem shepherds and the wise men (often depicted as Three Kings). We assume that the two groups are worlds apart. In many ways that's as it should be. It is an important truth that Jesus's magnetism attracts all sorts of people, the great and the humble alike.
Yet both shepherds and kings need a certain skill set in order to carry out their particular work well. A good, conscientious Shepherd will care for, control, govern and protect his flock. Surely a good king is expected to do no less?
Young David was a shepherd boy who also hailed from Bethlehem. When the prophet Samuel came to his father Jesse’s house in search of the man who should succeed Saul as king of Israel, he was out tending the flock. The last thing on his mind was ever becoming head of God’s people. Yet, guided by God, Samuel was unerringly prompted to choose and anoint him as the successor to Saul.
David’s wealth of pastoral experience soon came into its own. When God’s people were being taunted and threatened daily by the Philistine giant Goliath, it occurred to David that his shepherding skills might come in handy in saving the nation and restoring God’s honour. He duly felled Goliath using only the simple sling and stone that served him in warding off wild animals from his flock.
God arranged things so that David would have oft-repeated reasons to draw on his shepherd days for wisdom about kingship:
He chose David his servant
and took him from the sheepfolds;
from following the nursing ewes he brought him
to shepherd Jacob his people,
Israel his inheritance.
With upright heart he shepherded them
and guided them with his skilful hand.
Psalm 78:70-72 ESV
Amid all the fame and pomp and glory of kingship, King David never forgot the lessons taught him in his former calling. He saw God Himself as the ultimate role model for shepherds:
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Psalm 23
Jesus the descendant of David, the Messiah, was supremely the Good Shepherd. Yet He is also described as a sacrificial Lamb! His death on the cross is a sacrifice atoning for our sins. In an extraordinary verse in Revelation, the risen Lamb once more becomes the Shepherd, looking after those faithful souls who have passed through the great tribulation:
For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd,
and he will guide them to springs of living water,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
Revelation 7:17
Thank God for a great Shepherd whose skills never become rusty through disuse. Will you place yourself under His sure protection?
We have just emerged from the Christmas season with its stories of the Bethlehem shepherds and the wise men (often depicted as Three Kings). We assume that the two groups are worlds apart. In many ways that's as it should be. It is an important truth that Jesus's magnetism attracts all sorts of people, the great and the humble alike.
Yet both shepherds and kings need a certain skill set in order to carry out their particular work well. A good, conscientious Shepherd will care for, control, govern and protect his flock. Surely a good king is expected to do no less?
Young David was a shepherd boy who also hailed from Bethlehem. When the prophet Samuel came to his father Jesse’s house in search of the man who should succeed Saul as king of Israel, he was out tending the flock. The last thing on his mind was ever becoming head of God’s people. Yet, guided by God, Samuel was unerringly prompted to choose and anoint him as the successor to Saul.
David’s wealth of pastoral experience soon came into its own. When God’s people were being taunted and threatened daily by the Philistine giant Goliath, it occurred to David that his shepherding skills might come in handy in saving the nation and restoring God’s honour. He duly felled Goliath using only the simple sling and stone that served him in warding off wild animals from his flock.
God arranged things so that David would have oft-repeated reasons to draw on his shepherd days for wisdom about kingship:
He chose David his servant
and took him from the sheepfolds;
from following the nursing ewes he brought him
to shepherd Jacob his people,
Israel his inheritance.
With upright heart he shepherded them
and guided them with his skilful hand.
Psalm 78:70-72 ESV
Amid all the fame and pomp and glory of kingship, King David never forgot the lessons taught him in his former calling. He saw God Himself as the ultimate role model for shepherds:
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Psalm 23
Jesus the descendant of David, the Messiah, was supremely the Good Shepherd. Yet He is also described as a sacrificial Lamb! His death on the cross is a sacrifice atoning for our sins. In an extraordinary verse in Revelation, the risen Lamb once more becomes the Shepherd, looking after those faithful souls who have passed through the great tribulation:
For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd,
and he will guide them to springs of living water,
and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.
Revelation 7:17
Thank God for a great Shepherd whose skills never become rusty through disuse. Will you place yourself under His sure protection?
Tuesday, 27 December 2016
Carols amid Confusion
Thought for the Day on BBC Radio 4 this morning (27 December) focused on confused people and the memories that held significance for them. A person with dementia might, for instance, remember carols and be able to sing them clearly when all else was confusion.
The Bishop of Leeds made, in passing, the point that it is a real loss when youngsters grow up without much knowledge of traditional carols. I'm sure he is right. All that is served up to the rising generation is a handful of carols popular in schools and shopping precincts. Many of these will be purely secular. Not much meaty content there to latch on to.
This sparked off in me a whole chain of thoughts. My mother once spoke of a dramatic experience in her 1930’s nursing days. One night a young man was seen pacing up and down a ward singing hymns at the top of his voice. He had no known church associations. By the morning that young man had died. Hymns - dragged up from somewhere in the recesses of his mind - came to the fore as his life systems began to shut down.
I personally remember a terminally ill man, who had become very anti-church and a long-time non-attender, asking for a hymn book he could sing from in his side ward. He explained how it was a comfort to him.
A number of Scottish people have told how they left church after their Sunday School days. During that time they had been trained in the Church of Scotland’s beliefs. These beliefs came back to them in times of crisis and were a comfort and a help.
And then there are the sobering examples of people clinging to much darker and less healthy influences in their closing days. A well-meaning but surely misguided lady told us of her experience visiting in a hospital ward for men. She noticed that the eyes of one elderly man lit up with recognition when a swear word was used. She saw how this wretched expletive helped him to concentrate. Thinking she was being helpful, she went round to other men on the ward and encouraged them to voice the same word. It had the same effect on them!
Even the most well brought up people can suddenly come out with bad language when in the throes of dementia. This causes great distress to friends and relatives who have never heard them use these expletives before.
In my view, swear words have demonic power and should be avoided like the plague. Hymns, on the other hand, can build us up and benefit us. So can verses of scripture. A number of famous people have died with some such words as
“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit”
(Acts 7:59 - the dying words of Stephen, the first Christian martyr) on their lips. Rev Charles Wesley passed away quoting, “I shall be satisfied with thy likeness”:
“As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness” (Psalm 17:15).
I have no control over what words I may babble if and when I come to that stage in my life. All I know is that I hope what I come out with will be hymns or Bible verses and not swear words.
The Bishop of Leeds made, in passing, the point that it is a real loss when youngsters grow up without much knowledge of traditional carols. I'm sure he is right. All that is served up to the rising generation is a handful of carols popular in schools and shopping precincts. Many of these will be purely secular. Not much meaty content there to latch on to.
This sparked off in me a whole chain of thoughts. My mother once spoke of a dramatic experience in her 1930’s nursing days. One night a young man was seen pacing up and down a ward singing hymns at the top of his voice. He had no known church associations. By the morning that young man had died. Hymns - dragged up from somewhere in the recesses of his mind - came to the fore as his life systems began to shut down.
I personally remember a terminally ill man, who had become very anti-church and a long-time non-attender, asking for a hymn book he could sing from in his side ward. He explained how it was a comfort to him.
A number of Scottish people have told how they left church after their Sunday School days. During that time they had been trained in the Church of Scotland’s beliefs. These beliefs came back to them in times of crisis and were a comfort and a help.
And then there are the sobering examples of people clinging to much darker and less healthy influences in their closing days. A well-meaning but surely misguided lady told us of her experience visiting in a hospital ward for men. She noticed that the eyes of one elderly man lit up with recognition when a swear word was used. She saw how this wretched expletive helped him to concentrate. Thinking she was being helpful, she went round to other men on the ward and encouraged them to voice the same word. It had the same effect on them!
Even the most well brought up people can suddenly come out with bad language when in the throes of dementia. This causes great distress to friends and relatives who have never heard them use these expletives before.
In my view, swear words have demonic power and should be avoided like the plague. Hymns, on the other hand, can build us up and benefit us. So can verses of scripture. A number of famous people have died with some such words as
“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit”
(Acts 7:59 - the dying words of Stephen, the first Christian martyr) on their lips. Rev Charles Wesley passed away quoting, “I shall be satisfied with thy likeness”:
“As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness” (Psalm 17:15).
I have no control over what words I may babble if and when I come to that stage in my life. All I know is that I hope what I come out with will be hymns or Bible verses and not swear words.
Wednesday, 14 December 2016
Born ... what for?
The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 1 Timothy 1:15 ESV
What are people born for? Well, you might think, what a silly question! Couples may expect to start families, sooner or later. There may be some planning behind it; some wishes to fulfil. But usually it is not the result of a profound philosophical choice.
Of course, there may be incentives behind having children that don’t normally come to mind. We hear stories of “saviour siblings” being born. The intention is that they will one day provide healthy tissue that can transform the life of an older brother or sister whose existence would otherwise be blighted by some congenital abnormality.
What the baby will eventually think about this reason for its being born can only be imagined. It never had a say in the matter.
Before the advance of modern science, life was, if tragic, at least less fraught with moral dilemmas over what is right or wrong for the unborn child.
With the Lord Jesus, the supreme “Saviour sibling” in a family of mother, father, four boys and at least two girls (Mark 6:3), it was different. As Christians we believe in the pre-existence of Jesus before His life on earth. He was in glory. He and God the Father and God the Holy Spirit were in full agreement from all eternity about His eventual birth as a baby on earth and its purpose.
It would underline a theological truth: that Jesus was both fully human and fully God.
And it would not just be about abstract theology. He would be born
“into the world to save sinners”.
He also came to pass judgment on the rights and wrongs of the world:
“For judgment I came into this world,” He said, “that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” (John 9:39)
In other words, He would apply a litmus test that would show clearly who was on God’s side and who was not.
He also came to give abundant life to those who believed in Him.
“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).
The old carol “Good Christian men, rejoice” has it about right:
Good Christian men, rejoice
with heart, and soul, and voice,
give ye heed to what we say:
Jesus Christ is born today;
ox and ass before Him bow
and He is in the manger now.
Christ is born today!
Christ is born today!
Good Christian men, rejoice
with heart, and soul, and voice;
now ye hear of endless bliss:
Jesus Christ was born for this!
He hath oped the heavenly door,
and man is blessed for evermore.
Christ was born for this!
Christ was born for this!
Good Christian men, rejoice
with heart, and soul, and voice;
now ye need not fear the grave:
Jesus Christ was born to save!
Calls you one and calls you all,
to gain His everlasting hall:
Christ was born to save!
Christ was born to save!
What are people born for? Well, you might think, what a silly question! Couples may expect to start families, sooner or later. There may be some planning behind it; some wishes to fulfil. But usually it is not the result of a profound philosophical choice.
Of course, there may be incentives behind having children that don’t normally come to mind. We hear stories of “saviour siblings” being born. The intention is that they will one day provide healthy tissue that can transform the life of an older brother or sister whose existence would otherwise be blighted by some congenital abnormality.
What the baby will eventually think about this reason for its being born can only be imagined. It never had a say in the matter.
Before the advance of modern science, life was, if tragic, at least less fraught with moral dilemmas over what is right or wrong for the unborn child.
With the Lord Jesus, the supreme “Saviour sibling” in a family of mother, father, four boys and at least two girls (Mark 6:3), it was different. As Christians we believe in the pre-existence of Jesus before His life on earth. He was in glory. He and God the Father and God the Holy Spirit were in full agreement from all eternity about His eventual birth as a baby on earth and its purpose.
It would underline a theological truth: that Jesus was both fully human and fully God.
And it would not just be about abstract theology. He would be born
“into the world to save sinners”.
He also came to pass judgment on the rights and wrongs of the world:
“For judgment I came into this world,” He said, “that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind.” (John 9:39)
In other words, He would apply a litmus test that would show clearly who was on God’s side and who was not.
He also came to give abundant life to those who believed in Him.
“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).
The old carol “Good Christian men, rejoice” has it about right:
Good Christian men, rejoice
with heart, and soul, and voice,
give ye heed to what we say:
Jesus Christ is born today;
ox and ass before Him bow
and He is in the manger now.
Christ is born today!
Christ is born today!
Good Christian men, rejoice
with heart, and soul, and voice;
now ye hear of endless bliss:
Jesus Christ was born for this!
He hath oped the heavenly door,
and man is blessed for evermore.
Christ was born for this!
Christ was born for this!
Good Christian men, rejoice
with heart, and soul, and voice;
now ye need not fear the grave:
Jesus Christ was born to save!
Calls you one and calls you all,
to gain His everlasting hall:
Christ was born to save!
Christ was born to save!
Saturday, 26 November 2016
The Recce
One essential for being a good walk leader is that you reconnoitre your walk beforehand - not more than a week in advance, and ideally as close as possible to the date.
The walkers will want to know that you have already been round the course and spotted any difficulties that might make the walk hazardous or uncomfortable: lots of mud, slippery ice, fallen branches and so on. The knowledge that you have taken this step builds confidence all round. Walkers know that leaders have trodden the route in advance and are taking them nowhere they would avoid going if doing it on their own.
Of course, hazards can unexpectedly appear. That mound of earth that someone has dumped in the middle of the path wasn’t there the other day. In such cases the leader is looked to to make responsible decisions about alternative routes so as not to put anyone at risk. In most cases this is not necessary. The potential hazards have been viewed and addressed in advance and the risk controlled.
In the armed forces, where danger is unavoidable, good leadership is vital. The most loved and respected officers have generally been those who prove themselves able to do what they expect the troops under them to do.
Admiral Lord Nelson was popular on board ship because he
“... understood the realities of combat, and he understood that when leaders set the example, their subordinates are more likely to rise to the challenge. Nelson’s sailors loved him, because he shared the dangers alongside them”.
Anyone who has been on board HMS Victory and spotted the plaque which marks where Nelson was fatally shot will know this truth. Danger is unavoidable in naval combat, of course, and Nelson was targeted in the most exposed of spots where he expected his men to be.
For precisely this reason, it does high credit to Jesus to say that
“… we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weakness, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin” (Hebrews 4:15, NIV 1984).
In His thirty or so years on earth, there was no facet of human experience that Jesus did not go through in some way or another.
An old hymn includes this verse which sums it up neatly:
Christ leads me through no darker rooms
Than He went through before;
He that into God’s kingdom comes
Must enter by this door.
Richard Baxter, 1615-1691
Every time a believer is baptised, the same truth is remembered in dramatic fashion as the person goes down into the water and then emerges again.
“Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new [resurrection] life” (Romans 6:3-4).
The Lord Jesus Christ may not have gone through every detail of our experience. Yet in our bitterest and most forsaken moments He can still remind us with true conviction, “I understand; I’ve been there”.
Monday, 14 November 2016
Mentors
Last time I shared one venture I have embarked on: leading a local walking group. This time I shall introduce another, which is mentoring at a local school.
The word “mentoring” is now being increasingly heard in certain Christian circles. It can involve someone, possibly older and with more experience of life, meeting with a younger Christian to give support and encouragement on his or her journey.
In the school context, mentoring is rather different. It may involve a child who is not fitting in to school life. Maybe self-esteem is low or social skills are lacking. The need is for the child to grow in a sense of self-worth and readiness to overcome challenges. That way the experience of school life will be more positive and successful.
Mentors do not go in as advocates for Christian faith as such. However, the school is aware that they are trained by a local organisation that links churches to schools, so there is a Christian ethos in the background. If the child happens to raise issues of faith, these can be discussed.
A prime inspiration for Christian mentors is the apostle Paul. Paul mentored a younger man, Timothy. He was preparing him to take on something of his mantle as an overseer of church life.
… I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Saviour Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you (2 Timothy 1:6-14 ESV)
Join me in suffering … join me in not being ashamed. This guidance that Paul gives to Timothy is real mentoring. He is not just giving him advice – though there is plenty of that in this letter. He is actually inviting Timothy to imitate him. Paul, nearing the end of his life and ready to suffer the ultimate penalty for his faith, is consciously passing on the baton of leadership to Timothy.
Paul treats the younger man as a true colleague and not a junior that who has to be lectured from a great height. They are fighting together, side by side, contending for the gospel. That is the respectful way in which Paul treats those who are around him. It is important to any mentor that he takes the same attitude.
I was once on the receiving end of a mentoring exercise. It was an experimental process called "accompanied self-appraisal". The mentor was supposed to accompany me in achieving a particular goal for that year of my ministry. Unfortunately it didn't work out. The man became sidetracked into censuring me for various attitudes which I held that he didn't agree with. As a result the whole process became a waste of time and the mentoring relationship came to an end.
Even though mentoring a child is a different matter, I hope I will learn from Paul to be a respectful person, accompanying the youngster on the journey as a supportive encourager. There are many in desperate need of a boost to their self-esteem in this day and age when other students can so easily put them down by a cutting remark. The Lord Jesus typically sought to build up rather than tear down. May I be like my Master, who has always been my best mentor.
The word “mentoring” is now being increasingly heard in certain Christian circles. It can involve someone, possibly older and with more experience of life, meeting with a younger Christian to give support and encouragement on his or her journey.
In the school context, mentoring is rather different. It may involve a child who is not fitting in to school life. Maybe self-esteem is low or social skills are lacking. The need is for the child to grow in a sense of self-worth and readiness to overcome challenges. That way the experience of school life will be more positive and successful.
Mentors do not go in as advocates for Christian faith as such. However, the school is aware that they are trained by a local organisation that links churches to schools, so there is a Christian ethos in the background. If the child happens to raise issues of faith, these can be discussed.
A prime inspiration for Christian mentors is the apostle Paul. Paul mentored a younger man, Timothy. He was preparing him to take on something of his mantle as an overseer of church life.
… I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Saviour Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you (2 Timothy 1:6-14 ESV)
Join me in suffering … join me in not being ashamed. This guidance that Paul gives to Timothy is real mentoring. He is not just giving him advice – though there is plenty of that in this letter. He is actually inviting Timothy to imitate him. Paul, nearing the end of his life and ready to suffer the ultimate penalty for his faith, is consciously passing on the baton of leadership to Timothy.
Paul treats the younger man as a true colleague and not a junior that who has to be lectured from a great height. They are fighting together, side by side, contending for the gospel. That is the respectful way in which Paul treats those who are around him. It is important to any mentor that he takes the same attitude.
I was once on the receiving end of a mentoring exercise. It was an experimental process called "accompanied self-appraisal". The mentor was supposed to accompany me in achieving a particular goal for that year of my ministry. Unfortunately it didn't work out. The man became sidetracked into censuring me for various attitudes which I held that he didn't agree with. As a result the whole process became a waste of time and the mentoring relationship came to an end.
Even though mentoring a child is a different matter, I hope I will learn from Paul to be a respectful person, accompanying the youngster on the journey as a supportive encourager. There are many in desperate need of a boost to their self-esteem in this day and age when other students can so easily put them down by a cutting remark. The Lord Jesus typically sought to build up rather than tear down. May I be like my Master, who has always been my best mentor.
Monday, 24 October 2016
These Boots were Made for Walking
Over the last few weeks I have been in training to become a walk leader with our local walking group. I’d never have envisaged doing that when I first moved to Wiltshire. Certainly I hoped to join a group. I had been part of one in the North West and had seen the benefits. There were also walks with friends at church. But leading anything connected with physical fitness was a different matter. Equally unnerving was the thought of taking responsibility for a group with mixed abilities and medical conditions.
However, the need was put to us, along with assurances that we did not require technical qualifications. There was a day’s training - very informative and helpful - and some mentoring, and then finally the day when you led a walk on your own.
My progression towards becoming a serious walker has made me think about the equipment required. A key element of this is suitable footwear. Discovering what is suited to you is a hit and miss operation. The hiking boots I started out with had been dependable companions for more years than I care to remember. Yet they probably leak now and are decidedly yesterday’s fashion. Faced with leather, they are quite heavy and hard to clean. Most present-day walkers wear a different type with a suede-like appearance. These are much lighter, but they don’t necessarily have as good a grip in challenging conditions.
No doubt it will all eventually be sorted. The encouragement is to know that my involvement with walk leading will be good news. It will be good news for the other leaders, who can draw up a rota knowing that there is at least one other person to share the workload with. And it will be good news for the walkers, who can set out assured that there is someone out in front who has walked the route already and can tell them what to look out for.
Repeatedly in the Bible, good news of salvation is likened to an announcement set on foot by a welcome messenger.
How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of him who brings good news,
who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness,
who publishes salvation,
who says to Zion, “Your God reigns” (Isaiah 52:7 ESV)
The picture calls to mind a runner bringing news of a battle. As the people in the city see him approach, they notice he is a lone runner. This is not a straggling group of forlorn survivors, which would betoken defeat. This runner has a spring in his step. He announces victory, unmixed with any sad tidings. He announces peace after a time of conflict and anxiety. He announces happiness; there can now be a joyful feast. He publishes salvation - the power of the enemy has been broken and captives have been set free. The God of Israel, not the gods the enemy boasted of, now reigns supreme.
Of course, this all anticipates that key piece of the Christian’s armour, the footwear.
“… as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15).
Fortified by the good news of Jesus Christ, at peace with ourselves and with God, we can fight the good fight with confidence.
Not only you, but many who look to you as an example and an inspiration, will benefit from your having the right footwear.
However, the need was put to us, along with assurances that we did not require technical qualifications. There was a day’s training - very informative and helpful - and some mentoring, and then finally the day when you led a walk on your own.
My progression towards becoming a serious walker has made me think about the equipment required. A key element of this is suitable footwear. Discovering what is suited to you is a hit and miss operation. The hiking boots I started out with had been dependable companions for more years than I care to remember. Yet they probably leak now and are decidedly yesterday’s fashion. Faced with leather, they are quite heavy and hard to clean. Most present-day walkers wear a different type with a suede-like appearance. These are much lighter, but they don’t necessarily have as good a grip in challenging conditions.
No doubt it will all eventually be sorted. The encouragement is to know that my involvement with walk leading will be good news. It will be good news for the other leaders, who can draw up a rota knowing that there is at least one other person to share the workload with. And it will be good news for the walkers, who can set out assured that there is someone out in front who has walked the route already and can tell them what to look out for.
Repeatedly in the Bible, good news of salvation is likened to an announcement set on foot by a welcome messenger.
How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of him who brings good news,
who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness,
who publishes salvation,
who says to Zion, “Your God reigns” (Isaiah 52:7 ESV)
The picture calls to mind a runner bringing news of a battle. As the people in the city see him approach, they notice he is a lone runner. This is not a straggling group of forlorn survivors, which would betoken defeat. This runner has a spring in his step. He announces victory, unmixed with any sad tidings. He announces peace after a time of conflict and anxiety. He announces happiness; there can now be a joyful feast. He publishes salvation - the power of the enemy has been broken and captives have been set free. The God of Israel, not the gods the enemy boasted of, now reigns supreme.
Of course, this all anticipates that key piece of the Christian’s armour, the footwear.
“… as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace” (Ephesians 6:15).
Fortified by the good news of Jesus Christ, at peace with ourselves and with God, we can fight the good fight with confidence.
Not only you, but many who look to you as an example and an inspiration, will benefit from your having the right footwear.
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