Greatest Story Ever Told

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What a story! One book which tells us about before the beginning of time, through to the present and on to eternity. It can only be the Bible. The story tells us of a time when the ‘earth was formless and empty’ and the time when God prepared ‘good works for us to do.’ This book explains to us about banishment, servitude, wandering and rebellion.

The Bible also tells us of the coming of Jesus to die for our sins and the chance of our redemption and restoration. At the end we can read of the city of gold to which we are welcome.

We are grateful to those who gave the Book to us in our own language and to those many languages round the world. In my country we get the book for a few pounds. Now that’s what I call getting your money’s worth.

The Final Hospitality

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‘In my Father’s house are many mansions.’ (today we say rooms) God will be the ultimate and supreme host and will welcome us home. There won’t be any leaving times or curfews; it will be for ever and ever. I can’t get my head round this. The party will go on and on.

Like everyone else I don’t know exactly what heaven will be like. I don’t know if there will be a feasting or dancing or resting or partying. What I do know is that because I acknowledge that Jesus died for my sins, I will be welcome, very welcome. Our tiny hospitalities in this life will fade into insignificance in this great and wonderful welcome.

The Widow at Zarephath

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There was a great famine in the land and Elijah was in need of food. God directed him to go to Zarephath in the region of Sidon. The widow was down to her last handful of flour and a little olive oil. Nevertheless she was willing to share with this man of God. Her generosity was repaid as the flour and oil didn’t run out during the whole time of the famine and later Elijah restored her son back to life.

Our reward for generosity is not always so evident; sometimes the reward will not be until heaven. But do we give unstintingly and begrudgingly? Do we give the best cake or most expensive glass of wine? Jesus told us that giving in His name even a glass of water was special. When I nearly fainted the other day, I was given a glass of water by a concerned hairdresser. As far as I know she wasn’t a Christian, but my glasses of water are given in the name of Jesus.

Zaccheus

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Zaccheus was an unprepared host. When he thought he was just climbing a tree to see Jesus, he ended the day throwing a party for Jesus and his friends. That hadn’t been his plans for the day at all.

We too will get unexpected guests. Will it matter that we haven’t tidied the house or our hair isn’t combed. Fortunately I have the reputation that if anyone appears on my doorstep they are invited for a cup of tea. Often they have to rush away but sometimes my visitor has had a need to talk and unburden themselves. It is so much easier over a tea or coffee.

I don’t want to be like an acquaintance of mine, when I heard she was ill I knocked on her door. ‘Don’t bother me, I’m watching the soaps on television.’, she retorted. I didn’t even risk visiting her again.

Martha and Mary

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Two sisters who practised hospitality were surely Martha and Mary. When they entertained Jesus no doubt many of His friends came along as well, so it was no small matter. Theirs was a home where Jesus could relax and rest. So much was demanded of Jesus during His life that it must have been great to have been able to rest or switch off as he needed..

I pray that our own homes are places where we can provide what people really and not what we think they need. It is not our agenda but that of our visitors. It is their needs not ours that matter.

Disturb the Comfortable, Comfort the Disturbed

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This a rather neat description of the Bible. Consider the times when Jesus challenged the Pharisees. They considered themselves comfortable by obeying the Jewish rules and regulations. His words disturbed them in their complacent lives; they were quite comfortable as they were.

Today many people are upset by what they read in the Bible and prefer to leave it alone. They don’t want to obey the exhortations they read within the pages.

Then the Bible is also the book for the disturbed. In the times of the Bible, people had great needs; they were sick, hungry and afraid. Comfort was found in reading these encouraging words.

Today, after covid more and more people are stressed and suffering anxiety. They need to hear the comforting words of Jesus; they need the reassurance of the psalms. ‘The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.’ These are the words they are gladdened to read. The Bible is so full of words of comfort. The encouragement of the Lord is there for them.

Hidden Rose

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I bought the rose for a special anniversary. I planted in carefully and made sure to water it well until it was established. What I hadn’t realised was that in the same place there was a large mauve poppy growing. There was nothing of the poppy showing when I planted the rose. Now the rose is completely hidden by the foliage of the poppy. When the poppy finishes blooming I will carefully move it, trying not to disturb my anniversary rose.

Am I like the poppy blooming in the wrong place or am I where God wants me to be?

Free

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As I stood at the hospital chaplaincy welcome table full of gifts, a woman approached me.

‘What’s all this about?’

‘We are here to welcome people of all faiths, although I’m a Christian. We know that hospital is a place of stress whether visiting a clinic or member of staff. We’re here to encourage, make the day better or pray with people if requested. Everything here has been donated and we want to give to you freely.’ I explained carefully, to which she replied,

‘But what’s in it for you?’

I tried to explain the thought of it being better to give than receive. I needed no reward. Sadly, she thought everything had a price and had to be paid for. She would find it hard to expect the gift of salvation!

My Choice

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The roadworks outside my house continue, the noise, the screeching and the banging can be overwhelming. But I can cut out the noise and concentrate on the birds singing in the trees which I can hear in the brief seconds of quiet. I can listen to the gurgle of my neighbours water feature and just discern the hum of the insects. It is my choice.

I love my church but there are dissentient voices. Not everyone is happy with change. Do I listen to the positive reactions or do I listen to the moaners? It is my choice.

The world is in a mess, adrift from God. I can join in the grumbling and increase the unhappiness or in some small way I can do something do make the world a better place. It is my choice.

My Way

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The chorus required actions, ideal for children. But not for four year old Zach. He stood resolutely with his hands behind his back, gripping the chair with white-knuckled fingers. No way was he going to do the actions. His determination showed in his clamped-tight lips. Zac was being Zachy, as we often said.

I am sometimes like this young lad. No way am I gong to do what God wants me to do. I’ve read all the scriptures, know l the spiritual answers but I want to do things my way although I know God knows best.

I pray that I may not continue to be like Zach who never did join in the chorus.