The garden’s throwing a party! Colour bursting out all over- reds and golds, yellow and brown, all those sober green leaves swearing off chlorophyll, going on strike for a rest… Who knew those bright pigments were already hiding there? Now the race is on- will Jack Frost nip in? Or storm rip off leaf and branch? Stark and black, skeleton trees waiting for snow… October half drained, November looming full grey, December soon. Instead of Nature’s palette, tinsel and LEDS spring up, Christmas on the way. Let’s celebrate colour now! God painted these plants just for you and me.
Richard Starling, October 2024 (c)
“Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy! Let the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord, for he is coming! He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with justice, and the nations with his truth.”
Two aspects of Light: the first photo is taken inside Linz Cathedral, showing the colours from the stained glass windows on the stone wall. It reminds the worshipper that God is Light, the Saviour who brings freedom and forgiveness. The cathedral is clean, peaceful, and beautiful.
Second: a memorial Cross made from the timber of the old barracks in Mauthausen Concentration Camp, a few miles up the road. What is left of the camp has been turned into a Memorial Centre which tells the stories of some of the 90,000 prisoners who died there. It is a place of grief and remorse- but the Christ who was crucified understands suffering. That cross belongs there.
So close together- a building designed for worship, and another building built for mass murder.
This is the human dilemma in a nutshell. We are capable of love- and also capable of immense cruelty. Some would prefer to have a faith without a Cross- others would like to cover up the evidence of brutality. Without these reminders, we could ignore the chilled conscience and say “I didn’t do it, I didn’t know, I’m not to blame.”
Jesus shines Light into the darkness, invites our response, and says “I have come to bring LIFE in all its fullness.” (John 10:10)
When we come to the Cross, we begin to walk in the Light.
As a young-ish fella my pastor set me a challenge. “I’m preaching about Moses next week. How about writing a song for me?” The folk/gospel revolution of the 70s, a fingerpickin’ guitarist, and a week… Challenge accepted!
Why a wild flower photo? I came across it in the wild flower bed I set up this spring- I’ve never seen one before, it may have been in the seed mix- or a gift from a passing bird. A lone outcast surviving in the wilds. So it seemed appropriate. Anyway, here’s the lyric for “Outcast.”
Sheep are my business, the desert my home since running from Egypt and dead men's bones. My people are distant, far from this place- a moment of passion cuts me off from my race. The years have crawled onwards, the people are slaves. The Chosen of Yahweh fall into their graves. So now I just wander on lonely sand sing to my sheep and clasp empty hands.
To wander forever could well be my fate since running away from a murderer's hate. A passion for justice, desire to be free, to count Israel's children as sand by the sea. But now I'm an outcast, my timing was wrong. But the children of Yahweh have suffered so long. They need a new leader with vigour and fire, to seek after Yahweh and draw people higher.
But what do I see? The bush is on fire! Yet nothing is burning, my soul is inspired. Sand on my bare feet, I'm on holy ground and Yahweh is speaking to the leader He's found.
He called me and chose me, although I fought shy, Ran out of excuses- and oh, how I tried! So now I will travel to Pharoah's land release Yahweh's people from Death's clinging hand.
But what do I see? The bush is on fire! Yet nothing is burning, my soul is inspired. Sand on my bare feet, I'm on holy ground and Yahweh is speaking to the leader He's found. Yes, Yahweh is speaking to the leader He's found.
There’s always a clown. Drama needs clowns- and the circus requires clowns of all shapes. Including the sad faced ones.
The drama of Good Friday is about to begin. In a darkened Garden, a man and a few friends face their midnight of the soul. Which is the clown?
Is it Judas, who sold a friend as a job lot? S.W.A.L.K. = Sold With A Lousy Kiss.
Or James and John, who can’t keep their eyes open to pray.
Peter‘s up for the role- too sleepy, then too violent, then too chicken as the rooster crowed.
Caiaphas and Annas– a pair who can’t even fix their crooked trial efficiently!
Herod gets a mention, quickly passed over, more midget than clown.
Pilate, the man with a wiser wife and a cynical streak- “What IS Truth, anyway?” Not funny.
Jesus? His tears will spoil the face paint, and the sound of a heart breaking is no smiling matter. Who casts the hero as a clown? The most prominent colour is blood-red and overpowering… Oh…
It’s a rough night for clowns, but a Good Friday for the human race. It would make a grown man cry if he wasn’t laughing so loud. Clowns can say and do things that aren’t the done thing. Tragedy, comedy, pathos, and searing honesty: but it’s “safe” ‘cos its “only the clowns” and you laugh when they fall down. But there’s not much laughing tonight- and none in heaven.
Script writers and Ringmasters love their clowns! They legitimise “silly” violence, make tragedy funny, and hold the focus of the crowd. “I know, let’s make Jesus “King for a Day” with a big parade; and a spot of scandal when he upsets the money men; a man whose Love becomes so dangerous we can kill him off.”
Little did they know… the real plan, the Deeper Mystery, had been formed in the Beginning of Beginnings by the Beginner of Everything. And all the lesser clowns perform as the “warm up act” for the Death of Death and the Saviour’s Resurrection. Who is laughing now?Mock the clown at your peril!
There will be shining robes in place of motley and harlequin: an Ageless Face with scars and wounds who leads the procession of the Kingdom Eternal- and a broken heart bringing wholeness to all who will let Him. The Lamb who is a Lion; the One who drains the Cup of Sorrows to start the biggest party this universe will ever see.
There will be tears today- and joy and laughter for ever after. God sent in The Clown. This One wears a Crown.
The glossy purple crocus- a royal flower, complete with orangey-gold centre. These three responded to a couple of days of sunshine, and now grace my front garden. So beautiful to see.
It’s important to be grateful for such beauty: and to say “thank you” promptly. By their fragile nature, these pretty blooms will fade fairly quickly. Frost/rain/slugs could make off with them by the morning… Though others will take their place and, in turn, will bring me again to a moment of joyous celebration!
What’s the buzz? Three kinds of insect noise that call for different responses: 1. Mosquito in the bedroom… high-pitched drone. 2. The sharp-sided buzz-saw of an angry wasp. 3. The gentle, contented buzzing of a bumble bee in the meadow.
Mosquitoes are so annoying… sleep disappears until either it feeds on you and leaves- or you get out of bed to hunt the perishing wee beastie. Bad news with itching to follow.
Wasps seem sociopathic. They dislike being disturbed or frustrated in their food patrol… and HATE arms or newspapers being waved at them. Bad news with ouchies to follow.
Bumble bees: you really have to provoke one of these or get one trapped in your hair or clothing to make them sting. Much prettier, too. Look at its big black eye and furry coat. Good news and honey for tea… (Actually you need honeybees for the honey but never mind that!)
The noise difference between wasps and bees reminds of the motor bikes of my youthful years. Wasps screech like a two-stroke hairdryer. Bees rumble pleasingly like my old Triumph Bonneville. Reassuringly solid, a heavyweight with plenty of punch when necessary.
When we first hear insects, our reaction is often a fear response “in case” it is a wasp or mozzie. We learn early on to tell the difference, and engage the best response.
Mosquitoes could represent social media– great at invading our personal space and causing irritation.
Wasps? More like the “popular” press. You know the ones: they stir up trouble by writing every story as a CRISIS or PANIC. They select a political grouping preferred by their (wealthy) owners and spew out half-truths and misleading stories. “Facts” and “Truth” are optional.
Bees, it seems to me, are the safe and sensible voices that bring the garden to life. Bees will harvest the sweetness in each flower, pollinate our crops, and remind us of the value of honest work. There are not so many of those bees around. So when we do find one, we should treasure it and learn wisdom.
Here are two safe, sensible buzzwords to think on today…
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
– James 3:17 (NIV)
“Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
It wasn’t that we were “lost”, exactly… But reading and understanding the signs was tricky. To make it more urgent, an Alpine thunderstorm was heading our way: and we were up an Alp looking for the way back to Scheffau. Scheffau wasn’t on the signpost as a destination.
A little bit of guidance would be nice! By the way- we made it down OK.
“We spend too long in our life trying to figure out where God wants us to be … instead of just allowing God to do something with our life where we are.”(Author unknown)
Christians agonise over finding God’s guidance, and we worry so much that we don’t actually DO anything until we are certain of God’s Will. At the risk of upsetting some fellow believers, I’m going to say that when we live like that we may be getting it wrong!
Does God have a perfect plan for our lives? Yes- but not necessarily in the way we think. Our life purpose is wrapped up in something much bigger: God’s purpose. Consider the Book of Esther in the Old Testament. Esther, the Queen, faces a dilemma. The Israelites are threatened with death. But for Esther to help, she has to take an enormous risk. Esther 4:14 is interesting. “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”
We usually quote the last part of the verse: note it says “Who knows?” It’s a question. They weren’t sure. They knew God wanted to save the people- His larger purpose. They knew Esther had been told of the plot. But did they know for sure what Esther was supposed to do? Apparently not!
There will be times when you’ve gathered all the information, you’ve prayed as well as you know how, you’ve sought godly advice; what you are doing is not sinful … but there is something inside of you that’s still not sure. WE have to trust that if we are following God and seeking His purpose, HE will work out the rest! Don’t wait to be 100% convinced: just be 100% available.
I like to think I’d stay strong like Simon Peter. You know, recognising Jesus as God’s Messiah, walking on water, all that strong man stuff. A person of faith, bold- even brash- courage, answering questions and sticking with my excellent reasons for following Jesus. Who else has words of eternal life?
Hang on, though. It’s Thursday in a couple of hours: and that’s when it all went wrong…
Jesus mentioned being betrayed: well, it won’t be by Peter, that’s as sure as anything! I’m the strong, loyal one. But… didn’t Jesus say “Before the cockerel crows, Peter, you will deny Me three times.” Surely not, Lord, that’s as unlikely as Judas selling you out to the authorities! Must have misheard.
Peter, now in a cold sweat. So much happening, a cold garden, noisy soldiers, a slashing sword, and Jesus led away… “What are they doing to Him in there? I can’t go until I know… perhaps they’ll let Jesus go after all. Hot fire. I’ll just wait here. No, I don’t want to talk, just shut up. Leave me to my thoughts. Jesus? Did I hear His name? They’re talking about Him – Who me? NO, not me. Yes, the accent gives me away, I’m Galilean. No, I don’t know him. Will you just shut UP… For heaven’s sake… I never EVER knew Jesus!”
Talking Cockerel, stage left. “Pardon? O Peter, did you really… did you say you never knew him? Look at those flames, Peter. Burning like the garbage in Gehenna… bet you feel rubbish now, Peter. Hey, where are you going?”
Bystanders round the fire. “Yeah, he was a Galilean, I bet he did know him in there. Not got the guts to hang around, though! Not much of a friend… Where’s the Galilee man gone to, d’you think? That one in there, that Jesus, I heard he came to town like a king on a donkey… I heard him speaking once, seemed rather wonderful, but going against the establishment like that… wouldn’t want to be where he’s going…”
So I wonder. Would I have stayed by the fire? Would I have said “OH yes, I know Jesus, let I tell you what He’s like…”
Or just another betrayer doing a runner? Lord Jesus, forgive the feebleness of my heart… just as you forgave Peter…
Seeking wisdom in the Tree Cathedral, near Whipsnade.
The Tree Cathedral is a wonderful place to visit, pray, and think. I used to live fairly close, and always found it a sympathetic destination! When there, I could walk among the trees and it seemed as if God were easier to reach. Did you know that trees are mentioned in the Bible more than any living thing other than God and people? There’s a tree on the first page of Genesis, the first Psalm, the first page of the New Testament, and the last page of Revelation.
In the Wisdom literature of the Old Testament, a collection of proverbs describe wisdom as a character, as if wisdom is really a person rather just “knowing stuff.” Encyclopaedias are stuffed with facts, but until facts are learned and put into practice the book isn’t much use to anyone.
“Wisdom is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed”Proverbs 3:18
“Do you lack wisdom? Ask for it!” said James (see James 1 v5). If our natural inclination is to “go it alone” there is no-one to check with- “Am I right or wrong?” Gaining wisdom is best done as a shared quest, life done as a rhythm of personal thinking and shared conversation. Part of my calling as a pastor and theologian has been to explore, learn, and develop in both knowledge and wisdom: and it has always been a journey with companions (and done in the context of including God and the scriptures along the way).
Then my vocation is to share what I have discovered, and try to do so in words that make things clearer and easier to grasp for other people.
This morning I came across a blog post that succeeds in that aim: so I’m sharing a snippet of wisdom! Question: how well do you understand the Holy Trinity? “Father, Son and Holy Spirit” is the form of words we use to describe God. But what does that mean?
Mike Higton, theologian at the University of Durham, set himself the challenge of explaining the Holy Trinity in words of one syllable:
“So there is God, the one to whom we pray, the one to whom we look, to whom we call out, the one who made the world and who loves all that has been made. And then there is God by our side, God once more the one with whom we pray; God in the life of this man who shares our life, this man who lives the life of God by our side, and who pours out his life in love for us. And then there is God in our hearts, God in our guts, God one more time, the stream in which we dip ourtoes, the stream in which we long to swim, the stream which filled the Son and can fill us too, and bear us in love back to our source.”
God: the to whom, and with whom, who is also within. You may or may not feel qualified to write a book of theology now, but I suspect you have a better appreciation of the Holy Trinity- and you have gained wisdom as a result. Wisdom shared by Mike Higton, me, and now you. And next time someone asks us “What about the Trinity, then?” we may feel wise enough to pass on what we have discovered.
Wisdom is for sharing! Here’s a prayer you may like to use:
O Lord our God, help us to know you when we pray. Help us to know you as the one to whom we pray; help us to know you as the one with whom we pray; help us to know you as the one in whom we pray. Help us to know you, and to love you, and to live our lives for you, one God in three, Holy Trinity. Amen.
Look, See, Pray 