Selah2020: Pause and Reflect

[This reflection by Michael Goble was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 12/Nov/2023]

Today we reflect on the horrors of war and remember those who gave their lives to give us freedom. The poppies that we wear are a reminder of those that grew around the battlefields in the First World War early in the last century. That war was described as the war to end all wars. Sadly that was never fulfilled as since that time there have been many wars both large and small, culminating in the two present horrendous wars that we see today.

Jesus told us that prior to His return there would be wars and rumours of wars (Matt. 24 v6) before the end of the age in which we are living. But the last war that is destined for this present age is not the one that is going on now in southern Israel, but is told in Zechariah 14 v2 in which Israel will be surrounded by enemy armies and on the brink of defeat.

I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem to fight against it; the city will be captured, the houses will be ransacked, and the women raped. Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be taken from the city. Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights in the day of battle. On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem. Zechariah 14 v2-4a

Israel is rescued by the Jewish Messiah, that is the Lord Jesus Christ, our God and Saviour. At that time the Jewish people will turn to believe in Jesus as their Saviour. “They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a first born son.”^[1]

And then the amazing happens:

All Israel will be saved, as it is written: The deliverer will come from Zion: he will turn godlessness away from Jacob (Israel). And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins. (Romans 11:26,27)

Extraordinary events will happen and then, “The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name.”^[2] Jesus will reign over Israel and all the world.

It is right that we should strive to bring peace to this world but in the end it is Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who will bring an end to war.

He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plough shares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.” Isaiah 2 v4-5

That day is coming. Let’s pray for the return of Jesus and the end to war.

Praise you, Lord Jesus. Amen.

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Resources:
[1]: Zechariah 12 v10
[2]: Zechariah 14 v 9

Bible quotations: Unless otherwise specified, quotations are taken from the resources of Bible Gateway or Bible Hub, in accordance with the licencing conditions outlined on our Site Policies page.

Bible dates: Where appropriate, the dates given for Biblical events are based on the Bible Timeline resource
and are subject to the constraints defined on the corresponding webpage.

~~~~~~~~~
Horley Baptist Church online
HBC main site
Confidential prayer link

Link to Recent Reflections
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Link to Index of Bible Passages
 
Last week’s reflection: Good Morning? by David Makanjuola
 

[This is one in a series of devotional reflections prepared for Horley Baptist Church during November 2023]

One of my favourite online musicians at present is Geoffrey Reeves who lives in Portsmouth, England. He is a skilled player of the electric guitar, in a manner that will cause many of those of a certain age to be reminded of the band ‘The Shadows’. In his repertoire, presented on his YouTube channel ‘Geoffers47’, he plays a variety of once-popular songs, including ‘Wayfaring Stranger’ and ‘Like Strangers’.

Wayfaring Stranger is often associated with the spiritual songs of the southern states of the USA and, as with so many such songs, it reflects the difficulties of the present life whilst looking forward to a better one to come.

I’m just a poor wayfaring stranger
while journeying through this land of woe
But there’s no sickness, toil or danger
In that bright world to which I go

The popular English lyrics have a number of variations and the original writers are unknown but some sources suggest that the words were derived from a German song dating from 1666 which itself is said to have been inspired by words in the book of Psalms:

For I am a stranger with You, A sojourner, as all my fathers were. Psalm 39 v12 [NKJV]
I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me. Psalm 119 v19 [NIVUK]

In 1960 the Everly Brothers released a song called ‘Like Strangers’ which bemoans a love gone cold, a growing distance between former lovers. Jesus spoke about love growing cold:

And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. Matthew 24 v12 [NIVUK]
But I have this against you: You have abandoned your first love. Revelation 2 v4 [BSB]

In 1961 the clarinettist Acker Bilk wrote a melody which became known as ‘Stranger on the Shore’. Lyrics subsequently added to the song describe the sadness of someone left behind as their lover sailed away. In the closing chapter of the gospel by John we see that the disciples of Jesus had a similar feeling, their leader had gone away and they felt bereft. Then John describes an encounter with a stranger on the shore during which the disciples realised that their beloved master had returned.

In 1890 Alexander Borodin composed an opera, ‘Prince Igor’, which featured a number of traditional dances, including the tune which subsequently earned fame as ‘Stranger in Paradise’. In the song the singer seeks confirmation that his search for love is finally satisfied. Jesus spoke about Paradise; he assured a dying thief of his place there and later, after rebuking the church in Ephesus for allowing their love to grow cold, he explained how they too could obtain a place in paradise.^[1]

Do you feel like a poor wandering stranger? Do you feel estranged and distant? The stranger on the shore offers a positive alternative. With his help, you can look forward to being welcomed in paradise, not as a stranger but as a home-coming family member.

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References:
[1] Luke 23 v43, Revelation 2 v7.

Bible quotations: Unless otherwise specified, quotations are taken from the resources of Bible Gateway or Bible Hub, in accordance with the licencing conditions outlined on our Site Policies page.

Bible dates: Where appropriate, the dates given for Biblical events are based on the Bible Timeline resource
and are subject to the constraints defined on the corresponding webpage.

~~~~~~~~~
Horley Baptist Church online
HBC main site
Confidential prayer link

Link to Recent Reflections

Link to Index of Bible Passages

Last week’s reflection: Saints Alive!
 

[This reflection by David Makanjuola was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 05/Nov/2023]

Have you ever encountered people who remind you of Victor Meldrew, the TV character who managed to be the ‘poster boy’ for grumpiness? People to whom who if you said “Good Morning”, would probably reply “what’s so good about it?”

Perhaps we should take that not as a rude reply, but rather, as a challenge to us to be able to tell them why it is a good morning. Are there things you can think of as you start the day which help you realise that it is indeed a good one?

In the book of Psalms, we are told that “This is the day that the Lord has made – we will rejoice and be glad in it”.^[1] There will definitely be days when you do not feel able to do this however. Things happening in the world around us, or things happening in our personal lives at that particular time may make our truthful greeting not “Good morning”, but rather, “not such a good morning is it?”.

More often than not though, even on the not so good days, there are still things to be thankful for. I was driving to work early one morning and the full moon was still bright in the sky, a wonderful sight to behold. Soon, it was covered by clouds, and then shortly after, the clouds swept past and the moon was there to see again. It struck me that the moon had still been there, even when it was obscured by the clouds. We need to remember that the afflictions we have are temporary. God’s grace and his blessings are there, even though our circumstances might temporarily make it seem as if they aren’t.

There is a lovely story in the Bible about the prophet Elisha and his servant. They are surrounded by a hostile army and Elisha’s servant is scared and is in despair. The passage, in 2 Kings 6: 13-17, says:

Early the next morning in Dothan, when Elisha’s servant went outside, he saw troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. He and Elisha were completely surrounded by enemy forces intent on killing them. The servant flew into a state of panic and cried out to Elisha, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?”
“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

When we realise that God’s blessings in our lives are more than the troubles and strife that we face, we will indeed be able to say “Good morning”, and also be able to tell people why.

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Resources:
[1]: Psalm 118 v24 [NKJV]

Bible quotations: Unless otherwise specified, quotations are taken from the resources of Bible Gateway or Bible Hub, in accordance with the licencing conditions outlined on our Site Policies page.

Bible dates: Where appropriate, the dates given for Biblical events are based on the Bible Timeline resource
and are subject to the constraints defined on the corresponding webpage.

~~~~~~~~~
Horley Baptist Church online
HBC main site
Confidential prayer link

Link to Recent Reflections
.
Link to Index of Bible Passages
 
Last week’s reflection: The Church In The Way? by Dennis Ginter
 

[This reflection by Dennis Ginter was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 29/Oct/2023]

Some of us have been thinking seriously about discipleship – the process of becoming much closer followers of Jesus.

My first key realisation was that Jesus is not here in person to do the discipling. So all the churches I’ve been part of use some kind of ‘discipling course’ – usually followed in small groups. These courses were more information than transformation, if I’m honest. Rarely were we letting Jesus lead us! We were sharing, but not at a deep, raw level.

Something was missing. No, SOMEONE was missing! I see now that Jesus CAN do the discipling – in disguise. Although bodily He is now with the Father in another realm, He is with us here in the form of the Holy Spirit. And we need to do all we can to let HIM shape us individually and corporately into deeply loved and loving copies of Jesus!

In my twenties and early thirties, I was a member of a church in Winnipeg called ‘The Church of the Way’. Our pastor, John White, often observed (only partially joking) that we were too often acting like a church IN the way!

I firmly believe that if we are hoping to become close, effective followers of Jesus, we need to do all we can to get OUT of the way and let Him shape us! That is already happening in our small group. We are more and more honest with each other in our struggles to get rid of personal faults and, like a true family, allowing our Father to have His way with us. And, the Holy Spirit, with the amazing ability to do more than Jesus ever could while in the flesh, is discipling us! And it’s wonderful!!

Blessings,
Dennis

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Resources:

Bible quotations: Unless otherwise specified, quotations are taken from the resources of Bible Gateway or Bible Hub, in accordance with the licencing conditions outlined on our Site Policies page.

Bible dates: Where appropriate, the dates given for Biblical events are based on the Bible Timeline resource
and are subject to the constraints defined on the corresponding webpage.

~~~~~~~~~
Horley Baptist Church online
HBC main site
Confidential prayer link

Link to Recent Reflections
.
Link to Index of Bible Passages
 
Last week’s reflection: The Greatest Of All, Is Love by Chris Ginter
 

[This is one in a series of devotional reflections prepared for Horley Baptist Church during October 2023]

In the ecclesiastical calendar of the Roman Catholic church and that of the international Anglican communion the first day of November each year is designated as “All Saints’ Day”. In the Eastern Orthodox churches a similar event is recognised on the first Sunday following Pentecost. The day before All Saints’ Day is All Saints’ Eve, which in Old English is All Hallows Eve. Linguistically, this designation has evolved into ‘Halloween’.

All Saints’ Day has nothing to do with a certain south-coast football team or a female pop group. It is not limited to those canonised saints so-named by the major denominations but, like the altar to the unknown god that Paul saw in Athens, it serves as a catch-all for those unnamed saints and martyrs who do not have particular celebratory days assigned to their memory.

All Saints’ Day is an opportunity to remember those people who have lived before us; in particular those, ancient or modern, clerical or laity, who have had a positive influence on our own spiritual lives. In this context the designation of ‘saint’ conforms with that of the New Testament writers, such as when Paul wrote to the believers in Corinth:

To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours. 1 Corinthians 1 v2 [NKJV]

Historically, grateful believers would visit the graves or shrines of the saints, lighting candles in commemoration and perhaps sharing a meal of their saint’s favourite food. In this form it was, essentially, a way of honouring the memory of those who have gone before and expressing gratitude for the spiritual blessings associated with the chosen benefactor.

From our modern perspective, it is not difficult to see how venerable nocturnal activities in graveyards came to be corrupted by thoughts of ghosts and demons and similar superstitions. Commercialisation of this and other ecclesiastical events has led to the erosion of their original meanings. Many people see the modern celebrations as ‘just a bit of fun’ without realising the sinister undertones that they have acquired.

So, how should we think of All Saints Day and, by extension, All Hallows Eve? The Church of England says of All Saints’ Day that “It allows us to remember with thanksgiving before God those whom we have known more directly: those who gave us life, or who nurtured us in faith”.^[1]

The book of Hebrews includes a roll-call^[2] of Old Testament saints who were commended for their faith and became an inspiration to others. Would the list have been longer if there had not been a cut-off date for the Bible account? Who would you nominate for inclusion? Let us give thanks for them.

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Resources:
[1] quoted from https://www.churchofengland.org/
[2] Hebrews 11 v1-40

Bible quotations: Unless otherwise specified, quotations are taken from the resources of Bible Gateway or Bible Hub, in accordance with the licencing conditions outlined on our Site Policies page.

Bible dates: Where appropriate, the dates given for Biblical events are based on the Bible Timeline resource
and are subject to the constraints defined on the corresponding webpage.

~~~~~~~~~
Horley Baptist Church online
HBC main site
Confidential prayer link

Link to Recent Reflections

Link to Index of Bible Passages

Last week’s reflection: Partners in Time
 

[This is one in a series of devotional reflections prepared for Horley Baptist Church during October 2023]

For the past couple of weeks we have been progressing through the book of Ecclesiastes, looking a various statements from the first three chapters and contrasting them with verses from the corresponding chapters in the epistle of James. In general, the writer of Ecclesiastes suggests that life is largely futile and meaningless whereas James gives advice intended to help make life worthwhile.

In chapter 4 that dichotomy appears to be reversed. James writes some words that we might expect to find in Ecclesiastes. Is he, too, succumbing to the futility of life?

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. James 4 v14 [NIVUK]

Whilst the writer of Ecclesiastes continues his woeful thoughts throughout much of chapter 4, we do see some common sense there:

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labour. If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Ecclesiastes 4 v9-10 [NIVUK]

Even in our everyday lives we can see the truth of this argument: if someone stumbles then their companion can help them to steady themselves, two people consulting together tend to make better decisions, two people contributing to the household income makes paying bills somewhat easier.

Can we apply this principle of partnership to our Christian walk? We recall that God himself said that is not good for man to be alone.^[1] The apostle Paul valued the support of his fellow believers^[2] and the writer to the Hebrews explains how by meeting together we can encourage one another, spurring us on to good deeds.^[3]

Building healthy partnerships takes effort. The same applies to building heathy church communities. Are we willing to help those who are facing problems, are we willing to share our time and resources, are we willing to get involved? In Sunday’s ‘Yours’ Chris suggested that we need to think – and act – outside the (church-shaped) box. Only then will we fully enjoy the blessings that being part of a healthy church brings.

But is there anything here to bring encouragement to those whose status seems to fall short of God’s preferred model? What about those whose faith is not understood by their partners? We need to ensure that the benefits of fellowship are extended to those who, for whatever reason, find themselves walking a solitary path. In the closing words of Matthew’s gospel Jesus made a promise that is applicable to all who seek to follow him:

I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age. Matthew 28 v20 [AMP]

Or, to put it another way, you’ll never walk alone.

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Resources:
[1] Genesis 2 v18
[2] for example, Philemon 1 v23-24
[3] Hebrews 10 v24-25

Bible quotations: Unless otherwise specified, quotations are taken from the resources of Bible Gateway or Bible Hub, in accordance with the licencing conditions outlined on our Site Policies page.

Bible dates: Where appropriate, the dates given for Biblical events are based on the Bible Timeline resource
and are subject to the constraints defined on the corresponding webpage.

~~~~~~~~~
Horley Baptist Church online
HBC main site
Confidential prayer link

Link to Recent Reflections

Link to Index of Bible Passages

Last week’s reflection: A Piece about Peace