Soak yourself in Scripture

Soak yourself in Scripture - what a phrase - When I read these words in Martin Hogan's blog I found myself wondering at what it must be like to have never heard or read the scriptures.

The Bible is full of stories, histories, law, and letters - as well as prose and verse - each with their particular purpose for the life of the People of God. To focus on one small part and not to engage with others can leave gaping holes in understanding.

It was my privilege to be sent to a little school called Lyonsdown, rather longer ago than I would like to admit, in North London. Our headmistress was Mrs Sortain and Mrs Sortain was gifted with the ability to tell stories. Each morning, in assembly, we sang a hymn, said prayers AND listened to a story. Little people love a good story - and I remember vividly listening to the story of Esther, and eagerly wanting the next morning to come to hear what happened! Storytelling done by those who are especially gifted is a delight to the hearers. Whether it was Esther, or Daniel, or the story of Ruth or Jonah, or the birth of Jesus and his miracles - Mrs Sortain was able to bring them alive.

Today I meet people who have little or no idea of the treasure trove of story within the covers of the Bible - many will know the 'Thou shalt nots' of the commandments - many too will know the disagreements that come from different interpretations of one or two verses (usually in the letters to specific churches, we know as the Epistles).

Jumping into the Scriptures can be a joy, and will often be a challenge, and I am thankful as I remember that special lady who enabled me to delight in the word of God.

Bible Study

Opening up the Bible is part of the vocation as a Christian. Tuesday Bible study group are working their way through Paul's letter to the church in Philippi. Taking time, together, to read His Word offers much more than encouragement, it gives an opportunity to discover how God is working in others' lives - The same is true of taking time to pray and to listen, alone with Him -

We are living though turbulent times - so it is even more important to put time aside to attend to the purposes of God. As I began my conscious journey, all those years ago, when a part of Koinonia we were encouraged to have Quiet Times (QT) daily. As a priest there is the promise to attend to the Daily Office - following the Lectionary, that is the readings set for the day Morning and Evening Prayer. It is this rhythm that sustains and continues to surprise me in just how closely the Lectionary fits the moment.

Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.
Psalm 119v105

As we see the markets tumble, unrest in places that were once settled, political turmoil across the world the words of verse 127 of the same seem to to be highlighted. - Truly I love your commandments more than gold, more than fine gold -

Second Candle in Advent Ring

As we move through Advent each week, another candle is lit on the Advent wreath. I love this element of the season.

Although I've been a regular attendee in church for much of my life, I can remember the exact time and place when I understood the significance of each candle on the advent wreath. Not sure why it had passed me by, for the first 3 decades of my life, but it had. Lighting the light on that occasion was, I recall, accompanied by a full explanation and a prayer. It's sometimes easy to forget that we do many things that we understand in our churches, yet to an outsider may seem strange. If leading a service I will ask if anyone can remember what each candle on the wreath represents.

The first candle represents the Patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, those great ancients of the Torah - the first five books in the Bible. The second represents the Prophets of the Old Testament, who prepared the way of the Lord. A prayer to accompany maybe:

God our Father,
You spoke to the prophets of old
of a Saviour who would bring peace.
You helped them to spread the joyful message
of his coming Kingdom.
Help us, as we prepare to the celebrate his birth,
to share with those around us
the good news of your power and love.
We ask this through Jesus Christ,
the light who is coming into the world.

In the weeks of Advent each of these characters join us in our preparations for the fulfilment of the Promise of the Kingdom.

Testimony in Time

Many of our hymns are filled with scripture and quietly give direction. While the singer lifts their voice in song, the words feed and nourish the heart. One of those sung this morning was an old favourite of mine, I love it especially for the lines: filled with the glory of God as the waters cover the sea.Perhaps its my love of the sea and the nautical references resonate, these lines are from Habakkuk 2:14.

God is working his purpose out,
As year succeeds to year:
God is working his purpose out,
And the time is drawing near;
Nearer and nearer draws the time,
The time that shall surely be,
When the earth shall be filled with the glory of God
As the waters cover the sea.

From utmost east to utmost west,
Where'er man's foot hath trod,
By the mouth of many messengers
Goes forth the voice of God;
Give ear to me, ye continents,
Ye isles, give ear to me,
That the earth may be filled with the glory of God
As the waters cover the sea.

Yet there's more here than the sea. The Isles of the scriptures were the northern reaches of the known land, beyond European mainland - that is Britain. The islands, the continent ... creation is bearing testimony to the works of the God. The Lord of history.

This hymn was written by Arthur C. Ainger (b. Blackheath, England, 1841; d. Eton, England, 1919) for use by the boys at Eton College, where Ainger was a popular schoolmaster from 1864-1901. Sadly there is an unedifying element of envy being perpetuated in politics, one that is discriminatory of people who've been to Public School, especially Eton.

Perhaps the challenge this discrimination presents may be overcome by celebrating all that's good. The fourth verse has the words:
That the light of the glorious gospel of truth
May shine throughout the world:
Fight we the fight with sorrow and sin
To set their captives free, that the earth ...
Goodness can emanate from across the political spectrum. We may need courage to make a stand so the gospel of truth may shine.

http://www.hymnary.org/text/god_is_working_his_purpose_out-1

Psalm Calm

Many will know how pieces of scripture, although well known, somehow seem highlighted when we come to them in our place of need.

Years ago I found myself returning again and again to the Psalms ... time after time one would spring to mind and within it I would find the encouragement that fitted the situation.

A great favourite is Psalm 139 ... He knows our journeys and our resting places. I have a great friend, with whom and for whom I pray, who is at a distinct cross road and there are two directions which are fighting for attention. Sometimes the signposts are obscured and stepping out is an act of faith. Hindsight will indicate it was the right direction.