Selah2020: Pause and Reflect

[This is one in a series of devotional reflections prepared for Horley Baptist Church during November 2021]

Have you ever walked beside a large body of water at sunset? Perhaps you have been beside a calm sea or a lake whilst the sun is setting beyond the western horizon, or maybe you prefer to loiter in the moonlight with its silvery sheen contrasting with the dark water. Either way, you will have noticed the band of light that seems to be shining directly at you.

As you walk along the shore that beam tracks with you – you are its focus. Stand still and it concentrates on you; run and it keeps up. Hide behind a tree or duck behind a wall and it waits for you to reappear. Other people with you will see their own beams but you know that one beam in particular is looking directly at you.

In a small way this is an illustration of how God looks at us. You can try to move one way or the other, or try to hide but he still has his eye on you. Furthermore, God never sets below the horizon so you cannot wait out the beam either. How does knowing that God is watching affect our behaviour and our relationships?

In the Genesis account of creation we are told:

Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He also made the stars. [Genesis 1 v16 NIVUK]

In the immediately preceding verses we are told three of the reasons why they were created:
– to divide the day from the night;
– for signs and seasons, for days and years;
– to give light on the earth.
Here are three passages from the words of Jesus that correspond with those reasons.

As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. [John 9 v4 NIVUK]

The writer of Ecclesiastes advises us: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all thy might”^[1]. Are we actively engaged in our Father’s business? Are we enthusiastic about it?

There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. [Luke 21 v25 NIVUK]

Jesus was talking about the period immediately preceding his return. Can we equate climate change with those signs or was he speaking figuratively, referring instead to political turmoil and the breakdown of social norms? How do you understand those signs? Jesus said that heaven and earth will pass away; how then should we relate to those campaigning to save the planet?

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. [Matthew 5:16 NIVUK]

The original Old Testament writers would not have been familiar with modern understanding of the solar system. For them, Earth was the hub of the universe; the sun, moon and stars all revolved around Earth. For us, there is a great temptation to think that we are at the centre of our own little universe. How much better it would be to ensure that our attitudes and actions give light to those around us.

[1] Ecclesiastes 9 v10.

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Bible dates: Where appropriate, the dates given for Biblical events are based on the Bible Timeline resource
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[This is one in a series of devotional reflections prepared for Horley Baptist Church during November 2021]

I was reading through the book of Judges in parallel with the current sermon series when a particular phrase caught my attention:

There arose another generation after them, which knew not the Lord, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel. [Judges 2 v10 KJV]

Something there sounded familiar. We can find a similar phrase in the beginning of the book of Exodus: “There arose a new Pharaoh who knew not Joseph”^[1]. In that case the new Pharaoh did not know how his country had been saved by the actions of a God-fearing man and he made a series of disastrous decisions. It is a sequence that has been repeated throughout history.

There is a recurrent theme throughout the book of Judges: the nation turns away from God, it gets into trouble, it appeals to God for help, he sends a leader through whom he can restore the nation and they all lived happily … until another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel. Then the cycle repeats. It is summed up in the final verse of the book, which acts as a type of epitaph:

In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
[Judges 21 v25 NKJV]

Henry Ford is credited with saying “History is bunk!” but now it is Henry Ford who is history. Do we learn anything from history or is it simply a thing of the past? The current trend to ignore the lessons of history, both social and spiritual, suggests that once again they will be repeated.

The final and arguably the greatest of Israel’s judges in those times was Samuel. His story is recorded in the first book that carries his name. He had God-fearing parents but he was, in effect, brought up by Eli the priest, who taught him how to guide the spiritual life of the nation. It is ironic, therefore, that both Eli and Samuel are found in the ranks of God-fearing men whose own children do not share their convictions^[2].

In the book of Deuteronomy Moses reiterates the Ten Commandments and gives the people additional instructions on how to make sure the nation continued to stay on the right path.

These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. [Deuteronomy 6 v6-7 NIVUK]

Are we guilty of allowing a new generation to arise that knows not what the Lord has done for his people?

[1]: Exodus 1 v8
[2]: 1 Samuel 2 v12, 1 Samuel 8 v3.

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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 was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 21/November/2021]

We have probably all heard the phrase “less is more”. We use it in a variety of contexts, and if you Google it, though the use of the phrase is shown in many different examples, the meaning remains the same. ‘“Less is more” suggests that there is value in simplicity, and that more can be accomplished with less’ (Google).

During the pandemic lockdowns many of us realised, once enforced to live a slower pace of life, that there is something to be said for not being able to go here, there and everywhere, or for no longer filling our days with activities that leave no time to breathe, stop, reflect, be. The “less” that we reluctantly embraced became “more” in so many ways to people all around the world. Personally, I felt closer to God, as there were less things pulling me in different directions. But more than that God showed me that, what might seem “less” in terms of mission and discipleship, can actually be more. He impressed on my heart these words: “Just focus on the one I put in front of you”. It was such a simple thing, but it resonated very much – it felt right. So now, I ask God to show me if someone I encounter needs a comforting touch, a word, a prayer, or just someone to listen and show that they care.

These quotes from missionary Heidi Baker describe how God showed her the same thing…
“Sometimes we cannot see and don’t want to see because we are blinded. We need eye salve to put on our eyes. We cry out for revival, and yet God says, “I want to open your eyes so you can see what is before you. Revival has a face and a name. It lies bleeding on the roadside.” If we want to see revival, we need to begin with the one in front of us.”

“The very next Monday, I found myself lying facedown on a grass mat with the mother of one of the little girls who had died. I lay down with this woman and wept with her, holding her in my arms. It was then God said to me, “Heidi, it’s about love. It’s not always about victory.” Our whole life cannot be about victory and glory, but it must be about love. Love is patient and kind and long-suffering. God’s love is the kind of love that is extravagant, bottomless, ceaseless and endless. That’s what you need when you are on the floor holding a grieving mother.”

Heidi Baker also said: “We have not understood that the gospel is as simple as this: love, love, love, love, love.”

Who might God be putting in front of you today?

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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 was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 14/November/2021]

I have just had some time off work. Things had been quite busy, such that at times, I wondered if it would ever be possible to get off this ‘hamster’s wheel’. It seemed relentless, then thankfully, time off… and it felt like water to someone in the desert.

We didn’t travel anywhere, and I don’t know if it’s the same with you, but when I find I have time off from work, I use it to … well, to catch up with work! This time, though, I managed to help get some things sorted at home. I also caught up with an old friend from University. It was great to reminisce, to see how much we’d changed, and I left him hoping it wouldn’t be long before we caught up again. It made me think about my relationship with God. I don’t keep in touch as often as I should. Yes, I have got him on ‘speed dial’ for emergencies, but wouldn’t it be great to be able to look forward to spending time in prayer with God like I looked forward to the time with my friend, to finish praying and not be able to wait for the next time we talked.

I guess the answer is clear. It should not be duty or guilt that makes me want to talk to God. It should be because I genuinely want to relate to him. In John 6 verse 37, Jesus says that “ … whoever comes to me, I will never drive away”. David in the Psalms says that in God’s presence there is fullness of joy and at His right hand, there are pleasures for evermore. It is well worth spending time with Him.

In the hustle and bustle of life and when things seem quite bleak, surely, like one reaches for the phone to call an old friend to lift one’s spirits, wouldn’t it be great to do that with God?

An article in the UCB Word for today reminds its readers that Job went through a very difficult time and couldn’t understand why. Job had many unanswered questions, but when he began to understand the difference between reason and relationship, he told God, “My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you”. It says further, “When you can’t find the reason, trust the relationship.”

God had become real to Job. He had gone from knowing of God, to knowing God. That is my desire and I hope it is yours too.

Imagine straying into a desert and being able to call on someone who will not only provide water, but also a way out. Thing is, the more you get to know Him, I’m sure the less you will be inclined to stray away. You will find that He is that Shepherd that leads you out of deserts, to still and restful waters and restores your soul.

So, it’s back to work for me, rested and with a spring in my step. Have a blessed week.

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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 November 2021]

Here are two questions that probably you have never asked:
– Who is this man Red?
– Why did he embark on his voyage so late in the day?

These two questions have their root in the misunderstanding of a simple statement, presented out of its context. Aficionados of the popular music of the twentieth century will immediately recognise the misapplication of the opening line of “Red Sails in the Sunset”. Written by James Kennedy to music by Hugh Williams, it has been performed by numerous artists since 1935. Taking that one line out of the context of the song might well provoke the questions above.

Context, like punctuation, is important. Do we have any favourite Bible passages that sound better without the encumbrance of their context? Certainly, we would welcome God’s promise to heal the land much more if it were not for that tiresome ‘humble themselves’ bit beforehand.^[1]

Perhaps another prominent example is where words from John 3 v16 “… whoever believes in him shall not perish …” are quoted whilst the counterpart in v18 “ … whoever does not believe stands condemned already …” gets less emphasis.

Returning to our starting point, we see a similar situation in John’s account of Jesus calming the Sea of Galilee (and also calming the disciples). “When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum.”^[2] They were sailing off into the sunset after a hard day picking up bread crumbs and bits of fish, heading for home.

Did you notice that Jesus provided not just for the crowd but that the 12 baskets of left-overs were enough for each disciple to take one for his own family? Those who are the channels of God’s blessings have their needs met too.

Our first question reminds us of a similar one recorded by Mark whilst Jesus and his disciples were on a road trip.

He asked His disciples, saying to them, “Who do men say that I am?” So they answered, “John the Baptist; but some say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” [Mark 8 v27-29 NKJV]

That’s a question that, sooner or later, we are all going to have to answer.

[1]: 2 Chronicles 7 v14
[2]: John 6 v16-17

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 November 2021]

In Genesis 6 we read the preparations for the Flood. We are told that all types of animal were to present themselves to Noah, including ‘every kind of creature that moves along the ground’. A representative of every species was present in the ark. That includes a wide range of creepy-crawlies: ants, cockroaches, dung beetles. With the chance of a free cruise, accommodation on the poop deck, all meals found and a menu ranging from aardvark to zebra – who wouldn’t want to be a dung beetle? It would certainly be a relief from the daily challenges of competing for food, tackling seemingly insurmountable obstacles and avoiding flat-footed elephants.

‘The creatures that move along the ground’ are mentioned elsewhere in the Bible. In the Genesis account of creation they are included amongst those land-based animals that God described as ‘good’. By contrast, in Deuteronomy they are declared as being detestable. We know what happened to change mankind, the masterpiece of creation, into a sinful and rebellious people who persisted in their ways even after the second chance offered by the flood. Less often do we realise that there was a major impact on the rest of creation too.

Perhaps one of the most curious mentions of creatures that move along the ground is found in the Old Testament prophecy of Hosea. This book speaks of rejection, repentance and restoration, but it does so in a social context that some might consider to be somewhat delicate. You can read that for yourselves but in chapter 2 we are told that God will make a covenant on behalf of his people with the beasts of the field, the birds of the air and creatures that move along the ground.

What can this mean? One suggestion is that this terminology is a reminder of the garden of Eden before the fall and how the blissful sin-free relationship with God and the rest of creation can be restored. Another interpretation is that these creatures, which have been used by God to discipline sinful people through plague and disease, will now become benign in their relationship with mankind.

In Acts 10 we find the apostle Peter at the seaside, probably feeling peckish. Whilst he waited for his fish and chips he had a vision, one of a somewhat different type of menu. Something that looked like a huge blanket lowered by ropes at its four corners settled on the ground. In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. Then a voice came: “Peter — kill and eat”. When Peter objected the voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean”^[1].

In Psalm 148 the creatures that move along the ground are included amongst those invoked to praise the Lord. So before you attack an ant, batter a beetle, or crush a cockroach … remember that these too are fellow choristers singing praises to our God.

Beasts and all cattle; creeping things and flying fowl; kings of the earth and all peoples; princes and all judges of the earth; both young men and maidens; old men and children. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; his glory is above the earth and heaven. [Psalm 148 v10-13 NKJV]

[1] Acts 10 v10-15.

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.