Selah2020: Pause and Reflect

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

The 1960 film “The Magnificent Seven” was one of several films building on a common theme, initially established in the 1954 Japanese film “Seven Samurai”. The underlying theme is that of the triumph of good over evil, albeit at a cost to both the victims and their benefactors. In both films, only two of the original seven come back from their mission.

The historian Luke wrote an account recording the growth of the early church. Commonly called ‘The Acts of the Apostles’, it is probably better described as ‘Some of the Acts of Some of the Apostles and Other Members of the Early Church’. In chapter 6 of this volume we read of the appointment of what some have called the ‘Magnificent Seven’ of the early church. These were men of good report and integrity whose role was to oversee the more practical aspects of the church and, in particular, the care of those who had fallen upon hard times. The title of ‘deacon’ came to be associated with this role although some denominations have adopted the same name for a rank within the ecclesiastical hierarchy.

The names of this magnificent seven have been recorded but for five of them we have no further details. We can assume that they carried out their obligations with integrity, serving the early church to the best of their abilities. The achievements of the other two must stand as examples of the calibre of the rest.

The first-named in the list of the seven is Stephen. He is described as “a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit” who “performed great wonders and signs among the people”.[1] His actions led him to fall foul of the religious authorities of his day. The good news that he brought to those around him came at the ultimate cost to himself but his self-sacrifice made a lasting impression on the future apostle Paul.

Philip (not to be confused with Philip the apostle) later went on to become an evangelist in his own right. We read of the outcome of his preaching in Acts chapter 8, with a great number of conversions; then we read of his encounter with the Ethiopian traveller on the road to Gaza. The Coptic church in Ethiopia traces its origins to that encounter. Philip subsequently settled in Caesarea where he was host to the apostle Paul on his final journey to Rome.

Neither Stephen nor Philip could have foreseen the outcomes of their obedience. To what extend are we willing to serve in a junior capacity, with no earthly fame, simply with the knowledge that the Lord knows what we have done on his behalf? Are we willing to follow God’s instructions, even if that means leaving a healthy ministry in order to go into the desert?

In John’s vision as recorded in the book of Revelation we see seven churches. Their characteristics demonstrate that they were far from magnificent but the messages sent to them contain one phrase in common: “I know your deeds”. Are we happy that the Lord knows our deeds?

Resources:
[1] Acts 6 v 5, 8

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.

[This reflection by Helen Ruffhead was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 14/May/2023]

Next Thursday we celebrate Ascension Day, when Jesus was taken back up into heaven. Yet to the disciples, who were losing Jesus for the second time, this must have seemed like a cause for mourning rather than celebration. All their hopes had been dashed when Jesus was killed, but then he came alive again, proving that with God nothing was impossible, so surely now Jesus would establish his kingdom on earth?

In Acts 1 v 6 the disciples ask Jesus: “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” Instead he tells them that not even he knows when this will happen, but that the Holy Spirit will come upon them and that they will be his witnesses throughout the world.

Despite this promise, it must have been so hard for the disciples to see Jesus going away for a second time, but he sent angels to tell them: “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1 v 11).

Ten days later the Holy Spirit came in power and the disciples saw miracles and mass conversions. They also had the hope that Jesus would soon return to earth. Decades later, when the believers were suffering severe persecution and Jesus had still not returned, I expect many of them were losing heart, but Peter in his second letter said: “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.” (2 Peter 3 v 8-10)

Two days later (or 2,000 years in our time) we are still waiting and it is so easy to become discouraged when we see the state of our world, but we need to remind ourselves that the day will come when Jesus returns in power.

Connect in Faith will have a special Ascension Day praise on 13 May, followed by Pentecost praise on 27 May. Anyone who would like to join us on *ZOOM or by phone is very welcome.

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.

[This reflection by Dazz Jones was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 07/May/2023]

The role of a British sovereign is a complicated one. Having a 6-year-old to talk to about these things, I have to say it seems easier to explain what our Kings and Queens can’t do, more than it is to talk about what they do.

Yet, there is an interesting parallel between our monarchs, who have great authority but have historically elected to delegate it to ‘the people’, and God. Our God who, for some reason beyond my understanding, has unlimited power and sovereignty but elects to delegate us free will and relative autonomy; to the point that many people around the world choose to believe that He doesn’t even exist. It is only because of God’s choice to give us free will that we can choose to believe (or not) in Him. We can make various choices and decisions about just how closely we follow Him, each and every moment of each and every day. How grateful are you for the free will you have? For it is a gift from God; he didn’t have to make us this way.

In much the same way that our British monarch delegated their authority to the representatives of the people (a move which we might be forgiven for feeling sceptical about in the current climate!), our God allows us to have opinions and make decisions about how we want to live and breathe and behave. Do you think you’re doing a good job?

What would your day look like if God took back that freedom?

Would you really want to know what God’s will would be for your life if you had the chance?
What time he’d have you getting up, where He’d have you going, who he’d have you meeting up with?

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.

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

The subjects of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland are about to witness the coronation of a new monarch. Probably for most of the population this will be a new experience but there is a dwindling number of us for whom this is not the first such event.

Much has changed since the previous occasion in 1953. Most of the former empire no longer carries that designation and the Commonwealth that evolved from it has lost much of its former significance. Britain both lost and regained its sovereignty (for better or for worse) and now longer has the same level of influence in world affairs. There are threats to the unity of the kingdom itself and there are questions about the role of the monarchy in the twenty-first century.

Nevertheless, in general the British public enjoys a good excuse for a celebration; the vendors of royal souvenirs will enjoy a boost to their sales and street parties give people the chance to meet their neighbours, possibly for the first time.

It is somewhat ironic that at the time of the previous coronation the then Prime Minister was concerned about how the loss of a productive working day might impact on the nation’s economy; now, the boost to trade and tourism is regarded as a major benefit.

Did you receive an invitation from the king? Maybe it is still in the post. If it arrives in time, how will you respond? Will you be amazed that ‘the firm’ recognises you? Will you accept? Will you decline? Will you want to buy a new outfit? It is fairly certain that you would not ignore it or keep it a secret.

What about the invitation from the King of kings? He knows who you are and he is inviting you to the most significant royal event in history. Will you accept? Will you decline? Do you feel that you are not ready or that you will not be accepted?

‘Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labour on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live. Isaiah 55 v1-3 [NIVUK]

Unlike the coronation, this invitation has no fixed date that can be marked in our calendar. For you, for each of us, the period of acceptance might terminate at any moment. This is an invitation like none other – will you keep it a secret?

Resources:
[1]

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.

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

“If I forgot your silly birthday would you mind?” The question was posed by Henry Higgins in his monologue deploring the perceived inconsistency of the female mind. In the musical “My Fair Lady”, Higgins set out to rescue a young lady from her hopeless circumstances, only for her to turn her back on him and place her affections elsewhere. Higgins may have had a point about birthdays – some of us have had rather a lot of them – but he was primarily reacting to having been discarded and forgotten. Job expressed a similar sentiment:

My relatives have gone away; my closest friends have forgotten me. Job 19 v14 [NIVUK]

I had not previously noticed any degree of similarity between “My Fair Lady” and God’s plan of salvation. The musical records how the attempt to save one person resulted in disappointment and disillusion. On a global scale, God provides a way to rescue poor lost souls and promise them a future, only to have the offer forgotten or ignored. Of course, the motivations are completely different – Higgins was conducting a social experiment whereas God …

so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3 v16 [BSB][1]

Which is worse – being ignored or being forgotten? Overlooked or neglected? No doubt we have all encountered the shop assistant whose telephone conversation was more important than the needs of the customer. What about expecting an invitation that never materialised?

How does God feel about his offer of salvation being forgotten or ignored? The writer of the letter to the Hebrews reminds us of the consequences:

The message spoken by angels proved to be true, and all who disobeyed or rejected it were punished as they deserved. So if we refuse this great way of being saved, how can we hope to escape? Hebrews 2 v2-3 [CEV]

Another translation of the same passage warns us against neglecting our salvation. In this context, ‘neglect’ means to fail to give adequate attention to something for which you have some degree of responsibility. You cannot neglect your neighbour’s garden – it is not within your remit, unless you are asked to help. By contrast, the outcome of neglecting your own garden is both detrimental and inevitable. Very soon, your neglect will become obvious to those people around you.

Do you ever get the feeling that you may have forgotten something? Is there something that you have overlooked? What about neglecting your faith? It too can be compared to a garden in that it needs cultivating and diligent attention if it is going to produce its full potential. Even the Garden of Eden required some maintenance.[2]

The Eternal One will never leave you; He will lead you in the way that you should go. When you feel dried up and worthless, God will nourish you and give you strength. And you will grow like a garden lovingly tended; you will be like a spring whose water never runs out.
Isaiah 58 v11 [The Voice]

Resources:
[1] BSB: Berean Standard Bible, via biblehub.com
[2] Genesis 2 v15

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.

[This reflection by Michael Goble was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 30/Apr/2023]

The Darkness and The Light are both alike to You
A friend of ours at a previous church, Christine, was a very bubbly and happy member of our home group. One day cycling home from work for lunch, she was hit by a lorry and suffered brain damage. She was never the same person again. One day I received a telephone call from her. “Please come, I feel so depressed.” As I left for her home Psalm 139 was laid on my heart. That’s good I thought, I shall be able to comfort her that the Lord’s presence was always with her, strengthening her and giving her peace.

As we spoke together about how she felt, I then started reading Psalm 139. “Where could I go from your spirit? Or where could I flee from your presence? If I take the wings of the morning or dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there shall your hand lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.” (Verses 7,9,10 AMP). That was what I wanted to share with her. But as I read on, “If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me and the night shall be the only light about me, even the darkness hides nothing from You, but the night shines as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to You.” (Verses 11,12 AMP).

Christine suddenly exclaimed, “That’s it, I was in darkness but the darkness is the same as light to God! I am really in the light.” I thought I knew what I was going to say to her but it was the Lord who spoke to her through His word to heal her. After that she used to send me Bible verses and words of encouragement.

Since the pandemic, Barbara and I have felt that problems and depressions have been crowding in on us. But I have also noticed that people we know, whether Christians or of no faith are going through similar problems more than before in their own lives. They may be physical or mental health weaknesses, financial problems, family and relationship difficulties, or challenges to our faith. We can grasp the same truth as Christine, that Jesus heals us as we see that He is with us in the darkness, and brings His light into our every situation.

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.