Minister’s Message 8 March
Dear Friends
The rapidly unfolding events in the Middle East which could not have been foreseen even as recently as when I was writing last week's message have brought death to many hundreds of people (probably more than we yet know), devastation to the lives of countless ordinary people not only in Iran itself but across the region, disruption and uncertainty to travellers, and a deep sense of unease all over the world. What can be said in the current circumstances and how should we pray at this time?
On the Sunday I was at Orwell Church recently I was preaching on Psalm 2 and I have been reflecting on it again this week as I did some initial preparation for Holy Week. It is one of the most overtly Messianic of the Psalms, and it takes us behind the scenes of the unfolding of human history, into the spiritual realm where the age-old struggle between good and evil is also evident.
In the physical world we hear of political posturing, power struggles and military action, but the Psalmist lets us into the secret of what is really going on. The nations and their leaders are conspiring and plotting and taking a stand against the Lord and against His Messiah. Human beings often associate God's ways with being chained and shackled and consider our own choices as being a way to find freedom, yet ironically it is that freedom to do just as we please that often brings suffering to those who fall victim to the choices we have each made.
While we take in the news each day and wring our hands in despair at the apparent victory of evil, we're told that the Lord is scoffing at what He knows are the pitiful efforts of the mighty ones of this world, because the One who is enthroned in heaven can see the end from the beginning. God says to a squabbling and war-torn world, to its presidents and prime ministers and dictators, to its United Nations and its diplomats, and to each of us: “I have installed my King on Zion, my holy mountain.” (Psalm 2:6) He is speaking of the promised Messiah.
As Christians, we believe that the Jesus who was once enthroned on a cross by people just like us, and crowned with thorns, will one day come again to establish His perfect Kingdom for all eternity. For the sake of those in our world who are suffering today may that day come soon. In the meantime let our prayer continue to be: Your Kingdom come, Lord, Your will be done; and may we live as we have prayed, playing our own unique part in ensuring that the our ways as individuals and as a church reflect God's ways.
With all prayerful good wishes.
Alan
Rev A D Reid