Outcast- Look, See, Pray

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.

^{(c) Richard Starling, 1978}

Reflected splendour

Our worship this morning was great. Enthusiastic, well-led, and with a stimulating and challenging message to send us into a new week. It gave us glimpses of God, of eternal love and compassion and left us positive and hope-filled.

Result!

But there is so much more. Not even the best of our efforts, not even the strongest and most honest response can ensure that we “see” God in His fullest glory and splendour.

The other morning I stood on the beach before the crowds were about. A still sea, a clear sky, and the fantastic blaze of the sun pouring light and energy into our world. I couldn’t look directly at the Sun- the blast of Light could have damaged my eyes permanently. What I could do was use the camera to selectively record the light reflecting on the silent ocean- and take away an impression of the Sun’s presence and power. The sea turned silver, sparkled with radiance, and testified to the reality and greatness of the Star which Earth orbits.

I suppose that’s what we did in church today. We reflected some of the splendour of God’s glory. Our changed priorities and changing hearts testified to the power and Presence of the Living God. We sparkled like silver as we reflected the light of the Son. It is said that when Moses came down from the Holy Mountain, from meeting with Almighty God, Moses’s face shone with reflected glory so much that they could not bear the sight- that much holiness and love was too much for the people to see. Moses had to cover his face.

This week, I hope that my life, my character, my face will all reflect something of Jesus Christ, Son of God, our Saviour. People may not be able to look directly at God- maybe they will be able to bear the reflected splendour in those who worshipped today.

That will be a real result!