[A ‘Tuesday Challenge’ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during December 2024]
The Last Post – what do those words conjure up in your mind?
The Last Post: I suppose that if you were a fencing contractor then this might mean that your day’s work was complete or that you had reached the end of the line. Fences need to be firmly grounded and regularly maintained, otherwise they soon become useless.
Do you ever feel like a broken fence? You try to hold a line but people can trample all over you. The Psalmist identified with that feeling:
I feel like a shaky fence or a sagging wall. How long will all of you attack and assault me?
Psalm 62 v3 [CEV]
The Last Post: For the mailing clerk, the last post would be a target – the time by which the day’s correspondence must be in the letter box. What are the consequences of missing the last post? Perhaps a late payment penalty, a bid for a contract rejected, a life-changing opportunity missed.
Are you under pressure to meet a certain target? Do you feel that other people’s expectations are unrealistic?
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
James 1 v2 [NIVUK]
The Last Post: If you are an ardent follower of social media then you might read those words with dismay, wondering whether your favourite influencer is about to go offline. You will have to find something useful to do instead, you might even have to think for yourself.
The apostle Paul was one of the greatest influencers of his day; here are some of his last words, can you identify with them?
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness
2 Timothy 4 v7-8 [NRSVA]
The Last Post: For the marathon runner the last post is a target, a focus of ambition. It is an objective that they have spent hours of training for; dreaming of crossing that finishing line amid the applause of those witnessing their achievement. Determination has lead to accomplishment, the satisfaction of a race well-run.
Life is more like a marathon rather than a sprint; are you following the correct course?
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Hebrews 12 v1 [NIVUK]
The Last Post: For a military bandsman the Last Post has a special significance. It is often played with a solo instrument, either a bugle or a trumpet. Its original purpose, on the battlefield, was to call solders to a place of safety where they could rest; more recently it is used ceremoniously to honour those who have died in the service of their country.
The apostle Paul recognised the relevance of the last Last Post:
For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.
1 Corinthians 15 v52 [ESVUK]
Are you ready for that final home-call?
References:
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Last week’s reflection: The Night Before Christmas
Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © Steve Humphreys
Thank you Steve for this challenging reflection considering many aspects of the Last Post in our lives. You give me much to think about in the New Year. Every blessing to you and your family in 2025.