Uncertainty

Benjamin Franklin is said to be the source of the saying, ‘In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes’. In a sense, he may well have been trying to bring some calm to a situation that is common, but particularly topical at the moment. These are uncertain times. How long will the present government last? Will Jeremy Corbyn succeed in his ambition to be Prime Minister? What will happen with Brexit? Will there be another terrorist attack in one of our major cities? Am I safe if I live in a tower block somewhere in the country? For come, the questions may be far more pressing and personal. Where will I find the money to pay the bills?

 

Most of us cope with the stresses associated with uncertainty, and doubt in relation to the future. However, the increasing incidence of mental health issues reminds us that this is not always the case. For some, the constant struggle to manage a deficit budget, to look after a family, to cope with illness, or to obtain appropriate benefits after redundancy becomes too much, and medical intervention becomes a necessity.

 

What I am reminded of is a certainty that is spoken of in the Bible. I am not referring to death, although that is mentioned, or taxes. The certainty is that we can have eternal life. The Bible says: ‘He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life’. [1] Another verse gives us the words of Jesus Christ: ‘He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life’. [2]

 

What this means is that we can be assured, be certain, that we are forgiven – we will not come into condemnation. All those occasions when we have failed to do what is right, or actively done what we know to be wrong, can be forgiven. We can escape the consequence of those failures (sins), that is, spiritual death or separation from God. All of this is possible because of the death of the Lord Jesus Christ upon the cross some 2000 years ago. He gave His life to provide you with salvation.

There are also positive blessings through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. If we listen to the message of the Bible, and believe what it says, taking Jesus Christ as our Saviour, we can have ‘eternal life’. What does that mean? It means a relationship with God here and now. The Christian is not exempt from life’s difficulties, but he/she is assured of God’s presence and help in whatever life might throw at them. ‘He that hath the Son hath life’. [3]

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[1] John 3 verse 36

[2] John 5 verse 24
[3] 1 John 5 verse 12

Vote, Vote, Vote

It can’t have escaped your notice that June 8^th is polling day to elect a new parliament and, possibly, a new party in government. The newspapers, radio, and television, together with the Internet, are updated daily with the latest statements of the major and minor political party leaders and their colleagues. In addition, every sound bite is analysed to try and determine what a particular leader meant, and what might happen if they are elected. Against that background the poor elector is expected to determine what is true and accurate amidst the bias of the different newspapers, and the propagandists. It is an unenviable task, and that might explain why many voters do not go to the polls.

 

For the Bible believing Christian, there is a simple answer in the midst of the political posturing, infighting, and intrigue. It is a statement that was made by one of the most powerful and absolute rulers in ancient history, whose kingdom stretched across the Middle East. He said, ‘the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men’. [1] I doubt that such a statement would be popular amongst the politicians of the day. Neither do I think that the statement of Jesus Christ would find much support amongst the advocates of strong leadership and assertive politics, for He said, ‘I am meek and lowly of heart’ and ‘my yoke is easy, and my burden is light’. [2] The words of a parable told by the Lord Jesus were prophetic of the reaction of the world to Him. They said, ‘We will not have this man to reign over us’. [3]

 

This is the problem that we all face but are reluctant to admit. It is implicit in the whole process of voting. It is called self-determination – being able to decide who will rule and govern, whether locally or nationally. But it is more than that. What the Bible calls ‘sin’ is all about its middle letter – ‘I’. I want to do what I think is right for me. I want to please myself. I want to rule my own life and decide upon my own destiny. The sad thing is that such an attitude has consequences, some in this life and many in that which is to come. The Bible says, ‘the wages of sin is death’. [4] The possibility of separation from God is real.

The Lord Jesus Christ was put to death upon a Roman cross some 2000 years ago. He was cast out, despised and rejected. But He will rule one day. He will not be voted in. He will be established and enthroned by God. That will be the only time when injustice, prejudice, greed, poverty, exploitation, and crime will be banished. However, it is possible to know and accept the rule of the One who we remember at Christmas as ‘The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace’. [5] He said in Matthew’s Gospel, ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest’. [6] If we confess our sin and accept His invitation, we will find that He delivers on all that He promises. We will also find the happiness and fulfilment that most of us desperately crave. Another Bible verse says, ‘being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ’. [7]

[1] Daniel 4 verse 17

[2] Matthew 11 verses 29 and 30

[3] Luke 19 verse 14

[4] Romans 6 verse 23

[5] Isaiah 9 verse 6

[6] Matthew 11 verse 28

[7] Romans 5 verse 1

Happy Valentine's Day

Graphic taken from: http://www.weeksuntil.com/valentines-day

 

I am aware that I have missed it. It was last week. It would be difficult to miss it in reality. There is so much publicity leading up to it and on the day itself. Gift and card shops, supermarkets, and a multitude of other retail outlets are geared up to maximising their profits from our obsession with Valentine’s Day. However, it made me think about our appreciation of love. Is our love just about one day in the year? Is our love defined by flowers, cards, chocolates, or some other gift on just that one day? Surely, if love is to have any meaning it must be more than that?

For most people love is an emotional attraction and attachment to another individual. That individual may be a spouse, relative, or friend, and, to a large extent, the strength of that relationship is dependent upon that attraction. Sadly, as attraction fades or becomes un-natural, relationships are severed or turned to abuse.

The Bible speaks of a love far greater than mere attraction and attachment: ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life’ [1]. God’s love is an expression of His heart and His will: ‘But God commendeth his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us’ [2]. It may surprise you but we are not attractive to God. As those who have rebelled and sinned against Him we are far from loveable! Every time we break God’s law, and every time we choose to go our own way rather than God’s, we sin against Him – we offend Him. Yet, as our verse tells us, God still loves us. If it was just a matter of emotion, God’s love might well have faded. But God’s love is unchanging and unchangeable.

 

Equally, God’s love is unlimited. The defining act of God’s love has been expressed in the verse above: ‘he gave his only begotten Son’. As another verse puts it: ‘He . . . spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all’ [3]. God delivered up His Son to death, and that the most evil and inhumane death conceived by man – crucifixion! He did that in order to express His love and to provide us with His salvation from sin’s penalty and power.

You may be familiar with the idea of unrequited love – the person you love does not love you and rejects your gifts and affection. God has given so much for you and for me. He has given His Son. He has provided a way for us to be saved, forgiven, and washed clean from the defilement of our sin. What is our response? Are we prepared to accept God’s love toward us? Are we prepared to turn from our life of sin and take Jesus Christ as our Saviour?

 

[1] John chapter 3 verse 16

[2] Romans chapter 5 verse 8

[3] Romans chapter 8 verse 32