Hello everyone! This morning I was inspired by the leader of worship, Deacon Keith Gough, when he shared the importance of showing the love of Jesus as we serve those around us. He told as his children’s address the experience he had when he had to visit the secondary school prior to going there the following September, after he had been in a country primary school, where he felt very happy. The older children on the bus to school for the visit were not very nice to him and the other new pupils, so already apprehensive, he felt even more scared of the new school. During the break he found a wall to sit on at the edge of the playground, feeling alone and miserable, when a boy with freckles came up to him and told him with a welcoming grin, that his name was Vic and asked him his name; he then invited him to join with him and his friends, so he did not feel lonely anymore! The new school was no longer so daunting an experience. Once he started the school he saw Vic from time to time, although he was not in the same class, and found out that he was the most popular boy in school! Later he asked him why he had taken the trouble to ask him to be his friend, when he already had so many friends; his reply was that he saw him looking so sad that he wanted to make him smile and be happy! He had no need to be his friend, but he did so for no personal gain. He reminded the children of how Jesus wanted to be our friend, just like that boy, Vic, because he loves us as we are.
In his sermon Keith used as his text one of Jesus’ healing of a man with a dreaded skin disease from Mark’s gospel, when he told the man to tell no one, as he had just wanted to help him. However the man could not keep quiet and spread the good news so widely that he had to go into lonely places, as he did not want his ministry to have an emphasis on his miracles, but on the sharing the love of his father with all. He told a true story of a boy who was swept off a river bank and rapidly down the river, until a passerby jumped in and pulled the boy to safety. Once he had called for an ambulance and made sure the boy was alright, he slipped away, dripping wet, without anyone knowing his name. No matter how many appeals the grateful parents put out through the media for the lad to come forward, they never did find out his name or thank them in the way they wanted to for saving their boy’s life! He just saved him for no reward or recognition.
As a contrast he told of some sites on the ‘God Channel’ which made him wince: such as – if you give 10% of your income to the church, you will be wealthy! Or if you become a Christian you will be safe from illness and healed from any illness! It is describing becoming a Christian, as a way to improve your life, as though your own personal gain is the only important part of life in Christ!! We are called to love and serve those who are needy without looking for anything in return. He talked of a deacon who worked with down and outs and alcoholics, who was criticised for not bringing new people into the church! Rightly she served those in need although they might just take and give nothing back, as they needed the love and care. Jesus treated all equally with unconditional love and acceptance, and as Keith said, that is what we as believers are called to do, without looking for a reward.
The final verse of the closing hymn which he chose makes a fitting conclusion I feel to Keith’s thoughts:
‘He reminds us every sunrise that the world is ours on lease:
For the sake of life tomorrow may our love for it increase;
May all races live together, share its riches, be at peace:
May the living God be praised!’
Hymns and Psalms no 404 by F. Pratt Green.
BRIGHT LIGHT 