One of the most wonderful experiences in my life thus far has undoubtedly been holding the hands of our children when they were little. With hindsight, another was much longer before that when, as a young child myself I was able to hold onto the strong hand of my Dad.
Over the summer we’ve been studying the Old Testament book of Daniel in our congregations. (The addresses are all here on wordsurfers under Sermons) It’s been both fascinating and challenging. One detail I’ve found strangely encouraging is how the author himself has felt overwhelmed at times with what God is revealing about Himself and future world events. Some knowledge can be heavy to bear!
While the events and visions of this book teach that things in the world will actually get worse before they get better, it is ultimately an encouraging read, assuring us that the future is safely in the hands of an almighty and gracious God. Jesus and the Apostles refer to Daniel in the New Testament, interpreting his dramatic pictures as referring to Christ building God’s eternal kingdom and shortly ‘coming on the clouds’ with great glory to end evil and gather His faithful people. (Mark 13 v 6-7 Revelation 1 v 7)
Meanwhile at our Holiday Kids’ Club we told the story from Luke 8 of Jesus, Son of God healing Jairus’ 12 year old daughter, taking her gently by the hand and raising her from death.
We bow and worship ‘in spirit and truth’ as we try to hold such Scriptures in balance. We trust in an awe-inspiring God Who rules over governments and nations yet, like a loving father, takes us individually by the hand to bring us to everlasting life.
It's an astounding thought. May we ever give Him the honour and the glory due His name!
‘All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish.
Though you search for your enemies you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all.
For I am the Lord your God, Who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear, I will help you.’ (Isaiah 41 vs 11-13)
Too Much For Me
To know and feel it all, it’s too much.
It would drive a man crazy.
Every mother's cry of joy with her new-born,
Every mourner's tear with their loss;
To see it all in sharp, moving relief
And keep perspective, giving way
Neither to cold, distant despair
Nor foolish optimism, but
Remain calm, self-controlled
And stay closely involved,
Suffering and rejoicing alongside
This beautiful but suicidal race,
Hanging in there with faith, hope and love.
To do that, you'd have to be God.
I guess He does, so He is.
AW
Over the summer we’ve been studying the Old Testament book of Daniel in our congregations. (The addresses are all here on wordsurfers under Sermons) It’s been both fascinating and challenging. One detail I’ve found strangely encouraging is how the author himself has felt overwhelmed at times with what God is revealing about Himself and future world events. Some knowledge can be heavy to bear!
While the events and visions of this book teach that things in the world will actually get worse before they get better, it is ultimately an encouraging read, assuring us that the future is safely in the hands of an almighty and gracious God. Jesus and the Apostles refer to Daniel in the New Testament, interpreting his dramatic pictures as referring to Christ building God’s eternal kingdom and shortly ‘coming on the clouds’ with great glory to end evil and gather His faithful people. (Mark 13 v 6-7 Revelation 1 v 7)
Meanwhile at our Holiday Kids’ Club we told the story from Luke 8 of Jesus, Son of God healing Jairus’ 12 year old daughter, taking her gently by the hand and raising her from death.
We bow and worship ‘in spirit and truth’ as we try to hold such Scriptures in balance. We trust in an awe-inspiring God Who rules over governments and nations yet, like a loving father, takes us individually by the hand to bring us to everlasting life.
It's an astounding thought. May we ever give Him the honour and the glory due His name!
‘All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish.
Though you search for your enemies you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all.
For I am the Lord your God, Who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear, I will help you.’ (Isaiah 41 vs 11-13)
Too Much For Me
To know and feel it all, it’s too much.
It would drive a man crazy.
Every mother's cry of joy with her new-born,
Every mourner's tear with their loss;
To see it all in sharp, moving relief
And keep perspective, giving way
Neither to cold, distant despair
Nor foolish optimism, but
Remain calm, self-controlled
And stay closely involved,
Suffering and rejoicing alongside
This beautiful but suicidal race,
Hanging in there with faith, hope and love.
To do that, you'd have to be God.
I guess He does, so He is.
AW
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