Category: Archive

What was the most memorable meal you have enjoyed? I am sure there are many such occasions, but I wonder which memory came to mind first and why? 

In the earthly life and ministry of Jesus there is no question that the Last Supper Jesus held with His disciples in the days prior to His crucifixion was the one He and they would have named in response to such a question.

Take a few moments to read through Matthew’s account of this event in Matthew 26:17-30: On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Where do You want us to make preparations for You to eat the Passover?’ ¹⁸ He replied, ‘Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, “The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with My disciples at your house.”’ ¹⁹ So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover. ²⁰ When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. ²¹ And while they were eating, He said, ‘Truly I tell you, one of you will betray Me.’²² They were very sad and began to say to Him one after the other, ‘Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?’ ²³ Jesus replied, ‘The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with Me will betray Me. ²⁴ The Son of Man will go just as it is written about Him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.’ ²⁵ Then Judas, the one who would betray Him, said, ‘Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?’ Jesus answered, ‘You have said so.’ ²⁶ While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he Had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to His disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is My body.’ ²⁷ Then He took a cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. ²⁸ This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. ²⁹ I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.’ ³⁰ When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 

What should we learn from this meal for our reflections today?

1.It was a planned meal … My appointed time is near(Matthew 26:18) Jesus was well aware that the time was extremely short before He would be crucified. but wanted to make sure His first disciples understood at least in very simple terms what God’s plan was through these confusing events that week. At the time in their sadness the disciples heard words but it made little sense. Looking back some weeks later they finally started to grasp all that Jesus had patiently been teaching them. The events taking place in the life of Jesus that first Easter were planned by God the Father – but these participants failed to grasp what Jesus meant at the time.

It is okay sometimes to acknowledge that we don’t know or understand something. Then and now followers of Jesus live with their struggles.  Is there something you want to mention to God in prayer?  Something you are struggling with? It is important for us all to remember that God our heavenly Father is in ultimate control of our lives.     

2. It was a prepared meal So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover (Matthew 26:19)The physical act of preparation was done by these two disciples. God can work supernaturally in extraordinary ways, but normally He uses our hands and feet and voices to praise and glorify His name. God wants to bring His transforming grace to work in many people’s lives this Easter. Your witness and mine is important as it is the only ‘Bible’ many people read. How are they likely to see Jesus in the light of our choices?

3. It was a prophetic meal ‘Take and eat; this is My body.’²⁷ Then He took a cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you. ²⁸ This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. (Matthew 26:26b-28) 

These symbols of bread and wine took on new meanings in the light of His sacrifice. They represented the incredible love of God for us. They teach us that no situation is hopeless where He is involved. The apostle Paul recognised this truth and in the light of Jesus’ sacrifice in our place on the cross explained its significance for us in these words from Romans 8:31-32: 

³¹ What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all – how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? 

The Last Supper was planned by Jesus to explain clearly to His followers what would happen next and why (see John’s Gospel chapters 13-17). Human hands prepared that meal and today God takes those willing to live for Him to accomplish His work in the world today. It was a prophetic meal. An event prepared to tell the story of the miraculous rescue of Jews from slavery in Egypt was transformed by Jesus to explain His death for us. God was not taken by surprise by anything that happened then or happens now and invites us to entrust our futures to Him. There is no-one better to trust to navigate for us through the storms of life.

Our song for reflection today is: ‘Come and see, come and see’ by Graham Kendrick 

Brian Talbot  

Today is Wednesday the middle of our fourth week of living in the midst of the Covid-19 crisis. As in previous weeks I want to invite you to put aside an hour to reflect on the biblical passage below and to pray for our nation at this time. For some of us the work pressures have increased further and the strains of exhausting schedules may be making life particularly hard; by contrast others have had to adjust to far less activity and had more time than usual on our hands. Whatever your personal circumstances it is good to take time out with God to pray and reflect on how this week has gone.   

 Matthew chapter twenty-six contains a beautiful account of an extraordinary gift to Jesus from one of His followers. While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, ⁷ a woman came to Him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on His head as He was reclining at the table.⁸ When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. ‘Why this waste?’ they asked. ⁹ ‘This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.’ ¹⁰ Aware of this, Jesus said to them, ‘Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to Me. ¹¹ The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have Me. ¹² When she poured this perfume on My body, she did it to prepare Me for burial. ¹³ Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.’(Matthew 26:6-13).

Here is an extraordinary scene of a robustly healthy man in his thirties being anointed with an expensive perfume as if it was the time of his death. Can you imagine attending a special dinner and without warning offer an incredibly expensive gift to the individual being honoured –in preparation for their funeral? No! neither can I. Yet cast your mind back to the gifts brought by the Wise men to that house in Bethlehem where Mary and Joseph and their young son were living (Matthew 2:11) – what gifts did they bring? Gold – a present for a king; Frankincense- a present for a priest; and myrrh used to anoint a body prior to a burial. This was no ordinary child and no ordinary man. We are born to live, yet He was born to die.Have you ever stopped to think what different this made to His priorities? 

1. An extraordinary gift an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume (John 14:7). It was almost certainly the most expensive thing she possessed –the nearest equivalent to Life Insurance of that day. She was giving away her sense of security by presenting this gift to Jesus. In this story, though,there were some contrasting judgements being made. The disciples of Jesus: they were indignant. ‘Why this waste?’ they asked. ⁹ ‘This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.’ (Matthew 26:8b-9) Their primary focus was on the monetary cost of the gift, but Jesus said: Shehas done a beautiful thing to Me (Matthew 26:10b).

He saw the heart of the giver and recognised the love and sincerity so clearly in evidence. Do we endeavour to bless others with dedicated attention as He gave to this unnamed follower?

2. An extraordinary purpose When she poured this perfume on My body, she did it to prepare Me for burial. (John 14:12) The cross is central in Christianity. The death and subsequent bodily resurrection of Jesus and then His ascension back to heaven are events with which many of us are so familiar. The Holy Spirit prompted this unnamed follower of Jesus to carry out this prophetic act. She did what God had prompted her to do for Jesus. Will we today follow her example of dedication to the One who gave His life for us? Remember that actions speak louder than words!  

A hymn that can help us in our reflections today is: I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoV4koFy-Is

Pointers for Prayer today

Praise: God is sovereign Acts 4:24: When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. ‘Sovereign Lord,’ they said, ‘You made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.  In the Early Church and today –God is in control – let us acknowledge it today. What good things have happened in the last week for which you can give thanks? Take time to list them and give thanks to God for them.

Praise for the many people in our church and the wider community coming together to help others during this crisis in so many different ways. Praise too for the successful launch of the Broughty Ferry Food Bank, for the many volunteers who came forward to help; for the generous financial donations that enabled food purchases to be possible and for the ability to provide some assistance to the growing number of people facing unexpectedly tough times.  Praise too for the excellent working relationship with other Food Banks and food service providers in the city as we together with Dundee City Council seek to provide essential supplies for our communities.

Prayer for our Governments in Edinburgh & London: I Timothy 2:1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – ² for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. Pray especially for our Prime Minister Boris Johnston in intensive care in hospital in London, but also for all our politicians with their additional responsibilities at this time.

Pray for those working to care for the sick or to provide other vital services in our communities at this time, in some cases at great risk to themselves. Remember particularly those know to us by name. Pray also for the families of those who gave their lives serving others during this crisis in our health and social care services.

Pray for those currently unwell with this virus, or other medical conditions; pray too for the increasing number of people needing assistance from Food Banks and for those who have growing difficulties as they seek to pay their bills or who are undergoing other hardships. Pray too for those separated from their close family members to avoid potential risks of infection over the coming weeks or months and for those struggling with their emotional or mental health. 

Pray for our sister churches Ephesians 1:15-16: For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, ¹⁶ I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. We pray for our Baptist family of churches in Scotland, but also for other churches in Broughty Ferry; then in more general terms for the Christian Church around the world as its members along with people of other faiths or of none serve their communities in this time of need;  

Pray for one another I Thessalonians 1:2-3: We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. ³ We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. Take time to pray by name each week for other people both in the church and outside it whom God places on our hearts for prayer. 

Closing Praise Romans 11:33-36: Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and His paths beyond tracing out! ³⁴ ‘Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counsellor?’ ³⁵ ‘Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?’ ³⁶ For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory for ever! Amen. Thank Him for hearing and answering our prayers.    

Brian Talbot

‘Don’t worry’, we say to an anxious friend as we try to assure them that things will be okay in tough times. Yet our words so often are an aspiration. We have at best very limited ability to influence the outcome of events over which we have little or no control.

The current health crisis is beyond anything any of us have experienced before or could reasonably be expected to face in the future. Writing these words tonight when our Prime Minister has been admitted to the intensive care facilities of St Thomas’ Hospital in London is the most sobering reminder that none of us can guarantee we will evade contracting this illness. We sincerely hope and pray that things will improve soon, not least due to the incredible efforts of so many dedicated professionals in our Health service. However, it is impossible to predict with certainty what developments will take place over the next few months.   

In times like these some words of Jesus from John 14 are very apt for us. Jesus’ disciples had finally got the message that He was going to die on the cross and would very soon leave them to carry on His work without His reassuring physical presence. Their sense of panic and being overwhelmed by their ‘what ifs’ was unspoken, but Jesus knew what they were thinking and spoke these words to them:

‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me. ² My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with Me that you also may be where I am. ⁴ You know the way to the place where I am going.’

(John 14:1-3) 

Jesus alone could genuinely say these words: ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled… with the certain knowledge that with God’s help these overwhelmed individuals would receive the strength and power to accomplish greater things than they had ever thought was possible. Some of us may from a future perspective look back on 2020 and be so grateful for people who worked together to accomplish some amazing things, at times against the odds. What did Jesus emphasize here?

Jesus alone knows what heaven is like and came from that place to tell us something of what God has provided in advance for those who have put their faith in Him. Therefore, He speaks with authority and His utterances about it are the most important of all. What did He say?   

1. A wonderful assurance (John 14:1) Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me… We need not fear the future when we are walking with Jesus. Have you put your faith and trust in Him?

2. A wonderful destination (John 14:2) In My Father’s house are many dwelling-places. If it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. God has a wonderful future prepared for those who love Him. It is all taken care of.  Our responsibility is not even to pack a suitcase! It is simply to trust Him so that we are ready when our time comes.  Are you ready if Jesus called you home today? 

3. A wonderful guide (John 14:3) I will come again and receive you to Myself that where I am there you may be also. Jesus is coming soon! The question is this – will you be ready? We might get the home call first, but either way we must accept the wonderful gift of salvation from our guide and follow Him both now and into eternity. Are you following this guide? If not, why not?

Jesus said: ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in Me -let us take Him at His word and entrust our lives and our futures into His hands.

A hymn that may assist your reflections on this topic is: O Lord My God when I in awesome wonder  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHqgQjJrxI8

Brian Talbot

At this time of year in the gardens around our land, evidence is present in abundance of who are the real gardeners in our midst; and who simply keeps a piece of ground relatively tidy! Some of us generously give our plants and shrubs much freedom to feed themselves, fight against the bugs and pests and produce their fruit or flowers with as little direct intervention as possible!

However, the devoted gardener prepares the ground, feeds the soil and their plants and prunes and tends the objects of their care with a real passion that often results in a beautiful display that is pleasing to the eye of every beholder. What we all recognise is that we get out of our garden’s generally what we put in.

However, what we may not be sufficiently aware of is that exactly the same truth applies to our spiritual lives. Do I invest in my spiritual welfare by making the time to read and study God’s Word? Do I make a point of praying and seeking God’s guidance for my life?

A child that is never fed nutritious food will never develop physically in the way they should. A Christian who does not take in spiritual food and neglects the blessing of fellowship with other Christians will never realise the full potential God has planned for them. However, it is not just taking in spiritual food, there has to be an overflow or an outlet into service for the Lord in which we put into practice all that we are learning from Him and about Him.

The Dead Sea takes in the same resources as the Sea of Galilee, yet one is full of life and vitality because it also gives out its resources at the other end but the Dead Sea only takes in and never gives out and there is no life supported in its waters- there is only the aroma of death.

Our Bible passage today is John12:20-26: Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. ²¹ They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. ‘Sir,’ they said, ‘we would like to see Jesus.’ ²² Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus. ²³ Jesus replied, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. ²⁴ Very truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. ²⁵ Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. ²⁶ Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honour the one who serves me.

What does this short message from Jesus teach us?

1. God’s plan is on schedule! Jesus replied, ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified (John 12:23) We ask, ‘Why did this happen now?’ Or ‘Why has this … not happened yet?’  The questions are good and perfectly reasonable, but we have to accept that we might not find a satisfactory answer. In the current Covid-19 crisis an investigative journalist might be able to plot the historical time line of the virus’s emergence; a scientist might be able to explain to you how this virus came to be transmitted to human beings in the recent past; but this information may be inadequate to answer  our ‘Why’ questions. The first followers of Jesus struggled with the fact that Jesus died on a cross. Jesus in the week before He died assured them that God is ultimately in control –even if we cannot see it at the time.

2. A necessary act unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies… (John 12:24a) Any gardener knows seeds must be sown and bulbs planted for the beautiful show of flowers in spring and summer. Jesus knew that without His sacrifice in our place on the cross the Christian Church could not begin.He died so that we could live. He invested so we could reap the benefits. Your service and mine for others at this difficult time is an investment into other people and into our communities. The harvest that will later come from it is unknown. However, Jesus modelled sacrificial love for us – how willing are we to invest in other people’s lives that may or may not appreciate it?

3. A great reward  But if it dies, it produces many seeds. (John 12:24b) The planted seed never sees the harvest. There are many people whose lives we touch without us knowing. There are people in whom we have invested ourselves, but we might not see the good that results.   Jesus assures us our efforts are not wasted. Jesus’ death led to the birth of the Christian Church which continues to grow year after year. Today around 2.3 billion people claim to follow Him that is remarkable growth from a small group of disciples when He died. 

What is in store for our church or any other congregation in the future –only God knows. But I recommend we live by the motto of one of the greatest Christian missionaries of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century in India, William Carey, who declared: Expect great things (from God) and Attempt great things (for God). What are you hoping and praying for once this health crisis is over? 

A good hymn to reflect on is: ‘Facing a task unfinished that drives us to our knees’https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOpt_bulJxY

Today is Palm Sunday, join with us for Church at Home today. Kids activities, music, reading and a message from our Pastor, Brian Talbot.

The times we are passing through just now provide an opportunity to reflect on what is really important in our lives. There will be some things we saw previously as important, but now we want to give them a lesser place in our priorities.

By contrast, some people and activities may have been neglected and now we are in a place where we want to readjust our schedules to reflect different preferences as to what really matters. In the Gospel of Luke there is a very brief summary account of a time when Jesus spent some precious hours with friends He greatly valued. Notice what took place on that visit in Luke 10:38-42.  

³⁸ As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. ³⁹ She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ ⁴¹ ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, ⁴² but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’

It is not a complex story. It could easily have happened in many of our homes today. Some of us by temperament prioritise ‘being’ – reflecting and meditating on things. Others, by contrast, see so much that needs to be done and get frustrated at others who don’t see the need to give a hand. The ‘doer’ thinks that if everyone was like the other person who appears to be more chilled about life that nothing would ever get done! There can be truth in such a thought! However, we can use busyness as a means to avoid thinking about issues we ought to address. This choice is not sustainable over the long-run.       

In Luke 10:38-42 Jesus is pictured enjoying some precious time off with some of His closest friends in a village near Jerusalem called Bethany. In that home were two sisters Martha and Mary. They both loved Jesus to be in their home, but by temperament they were so different. Martha the activist by nature wanted the home to be presentable and the dinner that day one of the best she could produce. Mary by contrast simply wanted to spend time with Jesus. In this time of crisis some of us may be under intense pressure and working longer hours than we would like. Others, by contrast, unable to do our regular activities have much more time on our hands. We will learn more about ourselves as we experience our new daily routines.

Most of all though, we must remember that Jesus placed ‘being’ ahead of ‘doing’ in our priorities; who we are and the character qualities we are developing is even more important than the things we do.  By all means let us do the best we can to make this world a better place, but may we never neglect the priority of time with God. To give out to others requires us to recharge our ‘spiritual batteries’ so as to have something to give. We neglect that at our peril over the longer-term. 

A song for reflection by John Greenleaf Whittier Dear Lord and Father of Mankind

The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?² When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. ³ Though an army besiege me my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. ⁴ One thing I ask from the Lord,this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in his temple. 

⁵ For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. ⁶ Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at His sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to theLord. ⁷ Hear my voice when I call, Lord; be merciful to me and answer me. 

⁸ My heart says of you, ‘Seek His face!’ Your face,Lord, I will seek. ⁹ Do not hide Your face from me, do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Saviour. ¹⁰ Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. ¹¹ Teach me your way, Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.

¹² Do not hand me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations. ¹³ I remain confident of this; I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. ¹⁴ Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

The Psalms are definitely one of the key places Christians turnto when life goes wrong. Many of these songs were written in or after times of crisis and the author, here King David Israel’s greatest king 3,000 years ago, unpacks what they had experienced with a view to encourage those singing the song or reading its words to put their trust wholly in God.

Here the Psalm is by David, but we cannot be certain as to when he wrote it or the exact circumstances through which he was passing at the time. The words do speak for themselves and the point he is making is fairly clear – so why not take time to read slowly through this Psalm. I hope at the end of that you can share David’s confidence in God.

1.A declaration  The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1) David here is very clear that ultimately the circumstances were beyond his control. This is where we naturally begin to feel a bit nervous if events are happening and we have no sense of control. Does David share that feeling in his crisis moment? No! On this occasion he has been living with integrity and knows he does not need to say ‘sorry’ for stepping out of line with God. It is his life and the crisis is real but he breaks down the challenge into smaller pieces and declares that God is in control of each situation. I may not be able to see it, but He is in control.

Here the main emphasis is this: The Lord is… can you say that too? It is personal too.  Notice the repeated my in this verse. David has experienced this security in the past, therefore, he testifies that God hasn’t changed- so I can retain my trust in Him. Do you share that personal trust in God? David invites you to join him in living this way. It has consequences too.  …of whom shall I be afraid? If we have that confidence in God then we should normally be less frightened about the circumstances of life that are frightening us.

2. An example My heart says of you, ‘Seek His face!’ Your face, Lord, I will seek. (Psalm 27:8) What was the secret to David’s confidence in God? It was directly connected to the fact that he had invested in praying to God. This was not just a repeating of set words in prayer, no, it was heart cries to God. It really mattered that God got involved in this crisis situation. So David committed to regular times of prayer from his heart –it really mattered!

3. An expectation (Psalm 27:13-14) ¹³ I remain confident of this; I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.¹⁴ Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

The problem is real and continues just like our covid-19 crisis. However, David had a clear conviction –my crisis will not go on forever. I have an unshakeable conviction that God will bring me through safely to the other side, because I have seen Him do it before. However, it will take time now as it did then.  His advice to us: Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Many of us struggle with waiting for answers, but now as then the crisis we face will take time to be resolved. May we heed his advice and overcome our impatience in order to wait for the Lord, Amen

Why not also listen to Paul Williams playing a magnificent old hymn that expresses the same trust in God as David did.   ‘Through the Love of God our Saviour all will be well’ on Hereford Cathedral organ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54H3R6O5TdI

Brian Talbot

What do you see – a young woman or an old woman?

It is a matter of perspective. Both images are present in the one picture, but naturally most of us see one or the other. It is how we look on life. Some people are very closely following the statistics relating to Covid-19 developments. Members of the public might be tempted to focus on the headline figures, whereas the experts in the field look for trends to see how they relate to their mathematical models for future developments. Both approaches may be understandable, but the data is being approached from different perspectives.

The apostle Paul in the New Testament urges us to choose carefully our perspective on our lives. He wrote: Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (II Corinthians 4:16-18). 

We have immediate obstacles to address in the current crisis, but if that is our exclusive focus then it is a lost opportunity. What lessons are there for us to learn in the respective countries around the world to avoid getting into this situation again in the near future? What opportunities have we to make better use of modern technology in daily life? How, for example, might we improve relations between countries and within local communities in the light of our co-operation in getting through this predicament? How might churches do their work more effectively? What personal changes might I make once this crisis is over? 

There are undoubtedly some serious obstacles to be overcome, but will we also learn things about ourselves and how we live our lives so as to be in a better place once this crisis is concluded?

Brian Talbot    

Since this crisis began I have suggested the we might set aside an hour on a Wednesday evening at 7:30pm, or at a time that fits with your daily schedule in the middle of the week for prayer and reflection on what is happening in our individual and collective lives at this time. I am deeply conscious that some readers of this daily message will have more time than usual available, but by contrast others will be under greater pressures than in a ‘normal’ week prior to the start of this crisis. We stand together as a community of Christian people seeking God’s help and guidance to help us get through this difficult time together.

This health crisis we are experiencing will not be over quickly and even if it lasts ‘only’ a few months, the economic dislocation each country is experiencing will take longer to put right. A passage very suitable for our reflection today comes from the book of Hebrews. The recipients of this New Testament book were Italian followers of Jesus going through a horrendously difficult time. Some were clearly struggling to see whether they could carry on any longer. It was felt to be that bad.

Hebrews chapter 11, prior to the verses below, is a summary account of men and women who had triumphed against great adversity against the odds. It concludes in Hebrews 11:39-40, prior to advising them and us how to keep going in tough times in Hebrews 12:1-3.

It states: These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, ⁴⁰ since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that was set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 11:39-12:3) What advice does our author give us for today?

1. I will be encouraged by those who have gone before me(Hebrews 11:39-40)

These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, ⁴⁰ since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. If you read through the earlier verses of Hebrews chapter eleven it is a list of accomplishments against the odds, of people who kept going when it might have been far easier to quit. As a teenager I remember the great British shot-putter Geoff Capes explaining his philosophy for success in his chosen athletic discipline: ‘No pain no gain, no pain no glory’. Quitting was simply not an option in the mind of one of this country’s greatest field athletes.

The author of Hebrews has given us a list of named individuals who triumphed and came through their ordeals alive and then a summary list of others whose victories were at the cost of their own deaths. Each was equally commended for their bravery and endurance. These were all commended for their faith he wrote. The individuals cited in this chapter lived in different centuries. What they succeeding in doing varied greatly, but they faced up to the challenge that faced them and which they could not avoid. None of them were looking for fame and glory or to be a hero, but simply sought to do what needed to be done at that time. It is in principle no different to us alive at this time in history.

We are facing difficult times in numerous countries around the globe. Some individuals on our behalf are courageously battling at the front-lines in the health services; many more of us have other contributions to make, but to accomplish the goal we must work effectively together. We all have named persons who inspired us from the past, now the baton has been passed to us to play our parts in accomplishing a collective victory over the unseen enemy in our midst. Then and now victory will be accomplished by effective team-working. Who has been your biggest inspiration?  

2. I will dispose of anything that hinders me (Hebrews 12:1a)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. (a)Letting go of that which is unnecessary let us throw off everything that hinders…Professional sports people know that to accomplish their goals sacrifices need to be made. Their dietary preferences and social life, for example, will be greatly constrained compared to some of their friends. Why? In order to give their best to accomplish a set goal; on my computer sometimes there is a clean-up required to enable it to run more efficiently.

Similarly in our lives we sometimes need to reset our priorities to ensure that what is most important gains its rightful place in our schedules.  Is there any decluttering you need to look at today? (b) Letting go of that which is wrong… and the sin that so easily entangles Sadly, a number of athletes over the years have taken illegal substances to boost their performances and many have later had to hand back medals won at the Olympic Games as a result. Our author issues a challenge to us not to cut corners or do things we know are not right. To maintain our integrity whatever we are doing is the principle commended. There are a lot of things we have no control over –but the maintenance of our integrity is a choice we can make? Have I recently or am I currently facing a temptation to do something I know is not right? What steps can I put in place to ensure I make the best choices?  

3. I will choose to persevere until I cross the finish line And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us… (Hebrews 12:1b); Our lives are closer to a marathon than a sprint. To be successful in any line of work for many years, for example, requires sheer hard work it is not luck or chance. Likewise, effective parenting takes sustain consistent efforts to achieve any kind if successful outcome. The discipline of making consistent right choices through this covid-19 crisis will at times be hard or in some cases extremely difficult in order to accomplish the goal we seek. In what areas of my life do I need God’s help and further strength to keep going at this time? Let’s bring it to God in our prayers.    

I am thankful to John Steer for providing points for our prayers and reflections today:

Prayers for Disruptive Times

We thank you God our Divine Father, in whom we have come to trust, that nothing is beyond your reach and capacity to handle our concerns for the past present and future. 

We therefore bring our prayers to you through Jesus your son and our Saviour, knowing that He identifies with our humanness and will ultimately overcome even our worst fears as His resurrection proved.

We remember those who are involved with treating patients for all disorders in our hospitals, especially those with Covid-19. May they be protected from infection; Also pray for staff in children’s hospitals that have to comfort youngsters who cannot receive visits from parents; likewise, the anguished parents.

Be with all who are awaiting surgery that has been postponed. Alleviate their pain and discomfort and give them fortitude to cope with life’s challenges.

Pray for sound judgement by our Government and their advisors in combating the epidemic. Thank God for the willingness of volunteers to be involved, and that the organisation and cooperation between management teams will be harmonious and efficient.

Comfort those who have lost loved ones. Help them deal with the restrictions for funeral gatherings.

Be with all who feel frustrated that special occasions have had to be cancelled after much planning.

We thank God for modern communication networks that can enable groups to keep in touch with each other. Give thanks that our Congregation can access daily encouragements, a full Sunday Worship outline and Church Magazine. Pray for Brian our Pastor who provides the daily link and his involvement with the Pastoral Team and the Broughty Ferry Foodbank initiative. 

Remember those who are juggling life by working from home and have children to care for. Give them patience and grace with each other as tensions arise when restrictions apply.

We ask that scholars and students who have been working towards qualifications and experienced closure of schools, colleges and universities, will adjust to distance learning and get the support they need from their institutions. Pray for those known to you.

We pray for those impacted by loss of earnings due to the nature of their work that resources can be found, and we become sensitive to the need of genuine hardship. Give thanks that institutions are easing requirements on loans and rentals. Pray that the Government’s promised help can be delivered on time.

Remember in earnest prayer the plight of those in less able and prepared countries to deal with Covid-19. May the lack of travel options in third-world nations curtail the spread. Conversely pray for developed and sophisticated areas of the world who are reeling under the strain of multiple fatalities.

Finally, as we remember the words of our Lord’s prayer, ‘Your kingdom come, Your will be done’, may we, who have the Eternal Hope in Christ within us, not be slow to make our requests known to Him.       

Brian Talbot    

Jesus in His last lengthy conversations with the twelve closest disciples prior to His death made it very plain to them that they would soon no longer have Him with them. He sought to provide support to them to enable them to carry on the work He had begun over the previous three and a half years. 

John14:25-27 states: All this I have spoken while still with you. ²⁶ But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. ²⁷ Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

 There was a ‘P’ word that described the feelings of the first disciples that evening but it certainly wasn’t peace! It was panic! They had enjoyed the security of the same daily routines for several years as they travelled around the country with Jesus. Of course, there were unpredictable events that intruded into their days. Some of these turned into extraordinary opportunities for Jesus to perform miracles of healing or feeding multitudes that were hungry. On such occasions they carried out stewarding duties or other modest practical tasks, but were certainly not in charge. Whatever problems arose they had been able to turn as a first or last resort to Jesus to fix. But now they have grasped that He is going away for an indefinite period of time and they have to take responsibility for carrying on the work. 

The questions flowed swiftly through their minds, what if….? How can we do….? Plenty of questions but precious few convincing answers; Help! As they began to feel emotionally overwhelmed at the responsibilities now laid firmly at their feet. Is it possible to carry on? Can we work in the new ways that this situation will demand?  

Does it sound familiar? Or should I put it another way –is there anyone out there whose routines have not been changed or whose responsibilities are exactly the same as only a few weeks ago. Leaving aside those living in full-time residential care homes that are rightly cared for by those set apart to fulfil those responsibilities, everyone else has had to make majoradjustments as to how they operate on a daily basis. 

For some of us ‘working from home’ has become the new normal with probably varying degrees of success. But when there are young children or pets around who do not adapt very easily to new social arrangements during the day there will be times when little work is accomplished.

For others, work will be juggled with assisting family members, friends or neighbours who are self-isolating. Of course there are others unable to go to work due to current restrictions and the extra free time may quickly become a burden when the DIY jobs around the house or garden are all completed. In such cases, anxiety about how long this crisis will continue and concerns about being able to restart work will become a growing concern. What was Jesus offering to help His followers then and now through this time that was for them about to commence?

First of all the Holy Spirit would give them the necessary strength and resilience to carry on. All they had to do was pray from their hearts for God to intervene in their lives and their prayers would be answered. We must be very careful here to say that God’s answers to our prayers can be ‘yes’, ‘no’ or ‘not yet’ when we request things. Most of the time it is us not our circumstances that are changed; He enables us to adapt to our new situations then and now. We have to deal with the reality we experience, but with God’s help we can survive and sometimes even thrive when given new ways of working.        

Secondly, Jesus said: Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. Peace is not merely an absence of conflict or war or silence instead of constant noise.  It is something much more significant He is offering to us.  It is a sense of well-being or wholeness in the midst of the current crisis. Being paralysed by fear at what cannot be done doesn’t help anyone.

By contrast, Jesus promises to help us calmly see things in perspective to work out what we can do in a situation and leave the rest to Him. It is remarkable how often when we do what we can and other people do what they can, how much has been accomplished. This current crisis is likely to continue for some time, so ask God one day at a time for the strength to do all you need to do that day and trust Him to take care of the rest. 

Brian Talbot