[A ‘Tuesday Challenge‘ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during March 2026]
The path of trouble is the way home.
CH Spurgeon [1]
Is there a modern relevance to these words, written by a prominent preacher in 1865? Or are they now just an outdated expression of a sentiment that was prevalent in non-conformist denominations at a time very different from our contemporary experience?
Maybe not so different: in the second half of the 19th century, when those words were written, American troops were actively engaged in pursuing regime change, Russia was in the process of capturing territory from one of its neighbours and the NY stock exchange was was prone to panics and crashes.[2]
In a conversation with his disciples Jesus warned them that a time of trouble was coming when they would be scattered but he concluded with a word of encouragement.
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
John 16 v33 [NIVUK]
Initially that scattering of the disciples occurred when Jesus was arrested but the words are also applicable to the scattering of the Jewish people in the year 70AD, when Jerusalem was sacked by a Roman army. By 1865 the nation of Israel was represented only by its diaspora, descendents of those who had been scattered far and wide.
In last week’s reflection we considered the likely failure of those who schemed against the nation of Israel, but the outcomes of such attacks were not inevitable. Events such as the defeat by the Assyrians in 722BC and the exile to Babylon in 586BC are often seen as the consequences of the nation abandoning its spiritual heritage.
How far does the modern state of Israel represent a continuity of the nations of Israel and Judah that we see in the Old Testament? In 730BC, before the events described above, the prophet Isaiah foretold the reinstatement of the nation:
He will raise a banner for the nations and gather the exiles of Israel; he will assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four quarters of the earth.
Isaiah 11 v12 [NIVUK]
This prophecy came to fruition most recently in 1948 with the foundation of the modern state of Israel. In the period since then Israel has faced trouble almost continuously.
The words of Jesus quoted above were not just for the people who heard them originally or for their descendents but they provide encouragement for us. We too live in a nation that has, largely, abandoned its spiritual heritage. As we face our own troubles, both national and personal, we can be encouraged by the words of a well-known hymn:
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer!
Joseph Scriven (1855)
A century earlier another Joseph penned some words of assurance:
For Christ is the first and the last; his Spirit will guide us safe home;
we’ll praise him for all that is past and trust him for all that’s to come.
Joseph Hart (1750)
Finally, some advice from the apostle Paul:
Let your hope keep you joyful, be patient in your troubles, and pray at all times.
Romans 12 v12 [GNT]
References:
[1] “Morning and Evening”, Charles Spurgeon, 1865
[2] US Civil War, Russian forces capture Tashkent, New York Stock Exchange
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Last week’s reflection: Threats Thwarted
Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © Steve Humphreys