It takes a little more thought

A minister friend of mine recently reflected on a line in the famous hymn version of Psalm 23. It was something that both of us had noticed even though we had sung that hymn many times. The first line of the third verse is “Yea, though I walk in death’s dark vale”.  But the Bible (KJV) says, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…” While it is possible that the author of the hymn was thinking about a period of illness or weakness leading to death, my friend had an interesting point.  The valley of the shadow of death is something we pass through to something better beyond.

Some people think that David was referring to the practice of moving sheep from one pasture to another which might lead through a ravine.  Even if the shepherd might be out of sight, by striking the rocks on either side with his rod and staff he would assure the sheep of his presence.

But the moment of death is something we go through to that which is beyond.  For the Christian we certainly do not need to fear ill.

The Lord’s Prayer is another set of familiar words  that require thought.  As far as I am aware Judaism had no Prayer Book when Jesus was on earth.  So what he taught his disciples was probably more of a template than a set prayer.  However, it is a good prayer and bears repetition—as long as we think what we are saying.

Who were the intended ‘we’ and ‘our’?  Have you ever noticed that there is no ‘me’ or ‘I’? Whose daily concerns should we be concerned for?  Dare we pray that and not take action on behalf of others? Whose sins are we supposed to acknowledge in repentance?  Both Moses and Nehemiah assumed responsibility for the sins of the nation (see Nehemiah 1:6 for example).  Should we be acknowledging the sin within church and society and acknowledging a degree of culpability?  What about “..as we forgive those….”?  Are you asking God to act towards you with the same degree of mercy you extend to others?  Or do you see this as conditional?  Do you actually pause to think about its implications?

What about “lead us not into temptation”?  I actually find that I can find my own way quire easily.  Another Minister friend changes this with his congregation to “Help us not to fall in temptation”.  Again note it is not fall into temptation but not to fall when we are tempted (usually by our own sinful desires).

Maybe it would be good if we stopped to think before familiar words fall from our lips!

Notes from the diary

Germinate Conference on 11th October was a great time.  I believe there may have been almost 300 who attended this important rural ministry and mission conference. Quite a lot of interest was shown in the work I was representing (Rural Mission Solutions and Rural Evangelism Network). Plans are afoot to build on this event, so watch out for more news.

• Monday to Wednesday 13-15.  Flew to Glasgow then shared in teaching on a Salvation Army Safeguarding Couse for officers and youth workers through the Tuesday.  Flew back Wednesday morning (combination of train, bus, flight, taxi, train north to connect with train south), arrived Market Harborough 1.47pm ready for “Something to Sing About”.  This is a story of how God drew me to himself and won my heart, told in four gospel songs and words.  Encouraging responses on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Give thanks for perfect travel connections and his fruitful blessing.
• Saturday 18 “Get Messy” at Yelvertoft followed by Sunday morning meeting.  Give thanks for a good team.
• Moe this week.  Excellent time at HMP Gartree; men very responsive.  Thursday—Bible Discussion Group.  Sunday morning I will be taking the Family Service for Goodwood Evangelical Church.  Please give thanks and pray.  It has also been a productive admin week.
• Health—Sciatica pain became almost unbearable from 27th to 3rd, at times it was day and night and I was unable to work.  Requested prayer Friday night. Woke on Saturday little pain. Reduced pain killers.  Sunday t5th to present (22nd) completely free of pain.  Off all pain killers for last ten days.  Thank you for your prayers.

Please keep praying that I will know the Holy Spirits help to live the life that pleases God and exercise a fruitful ministry.

Barry