Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts

Sunday 17 March 2024

Friday/Saturday


A bit of a conflict high above us this morning.  These two Magpie's have taken to living amongst the trees.  This annoys the Crows who live here.  Yesterday two Crows buzzed the Magpie pair and saw them off.  Today one Crow was chased off by this fellow and his mate, but the Crow is still hanging around in the trees high up somewhere.  Possibly he awaits reinforcements?  The Crows from times past would not put up with this, and I suspect more conflict soon.  I just wish they would come down lower so I could get a closer picture.  


Naturally, I was so engrossed by the birds conflict that I forgot to scribble anything else on here.
Few noticed.
However, Saturdays have little to say other than shops, football, sleep and feeding the face.  Nothing out of the ordinary occurs at weekends, unless something personal does.  
I met my downstairs neighbour walking the dog, at least the dog was pleased to see me, and little else of note occurred.  
Nothing in the news, no accidents, no trauma, just lies from crooked politicians, and mostly made up stories about royalty.  What a disgrace the UK media is.


My weariness, and the fear of heavy rain which did not arrive, put me off walking to the Kirk.
Instead I read the chosen verses, Jer 31:31-33 & John 12:20-33.  This took me to Jesus telling the disciples, at least those close to him, just how troubled his souls was, to the point of death.  Yet he chose to follow his fathers will, for that is why he came.  What a moment it seemed to me, here Jesus was faced with the choice of avoiding the cross, yet he would go through with it.  Then he says 'If you follow me you must take up your cross.'  He gave up so much, lost life, faced Hell for me, us, and he chose to go through with it.  What I face is so much easier.  So why do I fail?  
I am not sure being at church today would be any stronger an interpretation than what this meant to me.

Tuesday 19 December 2023

From Dreich to Mary


Dreich!
Monday saw me up and down the stairs three times before 10 am.  Today, nothing has been delivered.
I reckon the postmen have been flooding the area yesterday, today they are elsewhere.  Maybe it is the rain hammering down since last night?  Possibly Tesco cafĂ© is full of drookit postmen avoiding work until the rain eases?  Tsk!  That never happened in my day...


I have searched the press for news of Michelle and her £200 million, but it appears the real news is found on Twitter as always.  There, the heart of the Conservative Party is revealed.  All Tories who comment are blaming her alone, all are moving far from her side, almost no-one in Westminster has ever met her, seen her, or heard of her it appears.  
In short, your on your own love.
Of course she can hit back, indicating the names of those who knew and approved.  All such are found hiding under bushes at the moment.   Interestingly, Lord Bethell, the man who lost all his mobile messages re the Pandemic, has found one from Michelle that incriminates her.  How convenient.  Maybe now the rest can be ordered to the Covid inquiry.  Mone is asking whether Sunak benefited from the Moderna Covid vaccine, he has connections, did he get paid?  Sunak has not commented.

Luke 1:26

God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.’
29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants for ever; his kingdom will never end.’
34 ‘How will this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?’
35 The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.’
38 ‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’ Then the angel left her.

When you consider Women were pledged to be married by the age of 12, this means Mary was possibly 13 or 14 by the time she was to give birth.  Many have attempted to alter this as they feel this is incorrect by todays standards, but this was biblical times and many women would not see 40. 
Neither would the men.  
The 'pledged to be married' bit is not a forced marriage.  In such places marriages would be arranged by talking women over many years as the kids grew up.  It is likely most would therefore have been reasonably happy and secure.
Joseph, the lesser man in Luke's story is secondary here, not least because Luke appears to have spoken with Mary and learned from her the details of the birth.
The name 'Jesus' is given, though as you know that is the Greek translation of his name, the Hebrew being 'Joshua.'  That name means 'God saves.'  It was common in ancient times to give names that meant something about the person.  The ancient Sumerians did this down at Ur and Uruk, and it also applies, as we have all seen on bad Hollywood cowboy films, to the 'Red Indians,' as they were slaughtered by the incoming immigrants of the day. 
This teenager is suddenly confronted by an angel calling himself Gabriel.  
How would you react?
A quick glance through scripture reveals that no angelic appearance ever mentions 'wings!'
So why do we always see pictures of angels with wings?
This angel, standing in the presence of God, is instructed to visit Mary.  No arguments, no questioning whether she is worth it, no doubt about the job, just obedience.  An obedience based on knowing God and loving it.  This, I suggest, is an angel that enjoys his job.
'You will carry a child, he will be son of God, and will rule over all for ever.'
Quite an achievement for a 13 year old.
Her response?  Apart from a practical question as to 'How?'   
Mary responds with 'I am the Lord's servant.'
What faith/belief/trust in a wee girl, all based on Gods word alone.
I note she appears not to say anything to Joseph.  It seems like she left that to God himself so Joseph was able to understand just what he had got into.  Joseph may well have been no more than 19 or 20.
And so they prepare for life, and what went through their minds at this time...?

Psephizo For more detailed study 

Monday 7 August 2023

Sunday Thoughts


It has been a tiring week.  My sullen hulk refused to go out yesterday leaving me with no option but to watch football all day.  This was tiring, especially as the football was mediocre English stuff.  I struggled through two games and gave up halfway through the third.  However, I did have the joy of watching Kilmarnock beat Rangers the evening before, and that cheered me greatly.  Always good to see the Old Firm struggle.  


One noticeable change in recent days is the Conservative Party candidates refusing to mention that they belong to the Conservative Party.  Here is my own MP, and Foreign Secretary at that, not only dropping the word 'Conservative,' from his poster, he, like the rest, have changed the Conservative Blue to a peely-wally green.  Possibly this is to convince people that the ones who have given licences for hundreds of oil and gas rigs to appear in the North Sea are doing so for 'Green Environmental' reasons.  The water companies pumping sewage into the sea with no punishment possibly don't count here.
A simple con, which will fool many let's be honest, but not all.  Whatever this crowd of gangsters get up to a third of the English population will vote Conservative.  Why?  Habit, fear of 'socialism, because the 'Daily Mail,' 'Daily Express,' 'The Telegraph,' or the 'Sun,' tell them the Conservatives will stop foreigners coming here on wee boats.  They believe taxes will be lower, and they will benefit.  The majority are no longer fooled, but many will still support this gangster party.


Daniel 7:9

‘As I looked, 
‘thrones were set in place,
and the Ancient of Days took his seat.
His clothing was as white as snow;
the hair of his head was white like wool.
His throne was flaming with fire,
and its wheels were all ablaze.
 10.  A river of fire was flowing,
coming out from before him.
Thousands upon thousands attended him;
ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him.

13 ‘In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshipped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

**************

This Sunday the church I didn't attend, was considering the transfiguration of Jesus.  The time he took three disciples up a mountain alone, and was suddenly transfigured, Moses and Elijah appearing beside him.  This, strangely enough, is a moment I and others I think often ignore.  We read it and move on.  However, if we read the powerful description in Daniel we see where Jesus came from, thus we can no longer imagine him to be merely a 'good man,' but we are forced to accept him as God on earth.
The supernatural is missing from many churches these days.  Those who accept and believe it often forget it during the working day, yet it remains the real world, and this earth a mere copy.  
Jesus transfiguration frightened the disciples, how much more we when God moves in our lives.  When God interferes with our lives on earth it can be frightening, we cannot control him, the supernatural is above and beyond what we know.  Yet, the image of God seen on his throne, pure and Holy, surrounded by myriads of angels, yet offering his Son, the one to be worshiped, simply to save individual people here on earth.  The Love that is revealed as this Holy God reaches down to me and you, dies as a substitute for my sin and yours, and knows all the corruption inside, and there is plenty in me, is quite astounding.  To think that this Holy God wants someone like you and me to be with him, enjoying him for ever is a thought worth considering.

Albert Goodwin - The Rain From Heaven, All Souls, Oxford
 

Sunday 9 April 2023

The Risen Lamb of God

 
The Empty Tomb

John. 20:1.  Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”

3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7 as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. 8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9 (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) 10 Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

11 Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

Jesus Appears to His Disciples


19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Jesus Appears to Thomas

24 Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

28 Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

29 Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
The Purpose of John’s Gospel

30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Friday 7 April 2023

Good Friday 2023


If my memory serves me right, and it sometimes does, 'Good Friday' was always a holiday, and a day when most things closed down, at least in Scotland.  Clearly this is not the pattern today.  Shops are open, football is being played, and while many do have a day off for a holiday they do not comprehend it does appear that Jesus dying for you and me, taking our sinful nature and ending it on the cross, means little to those living out that nature and finding no satisfaction from it.
Now we know that while many more people attended church's of all denominations in times past, we also know the minority were true believers.  Most were nominal, though many had some depth of faith.  However, the nation accepted the Christian holidays as 'Holy Days' and forsook most activities on them.  Not all did of course, and many who did observe cared little for God.  The false religion has long since disappeared, 'Diversity' is God now.  A diversity that accepts no equal and has captured the nation and no-one noticed.  The church was asleep and soon the church in all its forms will be outlawed for speaking out the truth.
Jesus however, remains in charge.  His death, while ignored by most, will continue to speak for all who come to him.  He is alive to receive them and will never turn any away.

 
 
Jesus before Pilate

Matt: 26:.Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, ‘Are you the king of the Jews?’  ‘You have said so,’ Jesus replied.

12 When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. 13 Then Pilate asked him, ‘Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?’ 14 But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge – to the great amazement of the governor.

15 Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. 16 At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus[b] Barabbas. 17 So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, ‘Which one do you want me to release to you: Jesus Barabbas, or Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ 18 For he knew it was out of self-interest that they had handed Jesus over to him.

19 While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: ‘Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.’

20 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.

21 ‘Which of the two do you want me to release to you?’ asked the governor.

‘Barabbas,’ they answered.

22 ‘What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ Pilate asked.

They all answered, ‘Crucify him!’

23 ‘Why? What crime has he committed?’ asked Pilate.

But they shouted all the louder, ‘Crucify him!’

24 When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. ‘I am innocent of this man’s blood,’ he said. ‘It is your responsibility!’

25 All the people answered, ‘His blood is on us and on our children!’

26 Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.
The soldiers mock Jesus

27 Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers round him. 28 They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, 29 and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. ‘Hail, king of the Jews!’ they said. 30 They spat on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. 31 After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.
The crucifixion of Jesus

32 As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. 33 They came to a place called Golgotha (which means ‘the place of the skull’). 34 There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. 35 When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. 36 And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. 37 Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is jesus, the king of the jews.

38 Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. 39 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads 40 and saying, ‘You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!’ 41 In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. 42 ‘He saved others,’ they said, ‘but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, “I am the Son of God.”’ 44 In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.
The death of Jesus

45 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. 46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’).

47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, ‘He’s calling Elijah.’

48 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49 The rest said, ‘Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.’

50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split 52 and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, ‘Surely he was the Son of God!’

55 Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph,[f] and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.
The burial of Jesus

57 As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. 58 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. 59 Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.

Thursday 6 April 2023

ABBA and Judas


The 6th day of April is the day we commemorate the day the music died!  On that date in 1974 the 'Eurovision Song Contest,' which at that time still contained songs, was won by the Swedish group ABBA singing their cheerful, yet hollow 'Waterloo.'  Music was never the same again.
Since the early 60s we had seen music develop from the 'Del Shannon' and 'Pearl Johnson and Teddy Carr,' type of meaningless, bland lyrics into something not just filled with life, such as 'Little Richard' and 'Elvis,' but into real meaningful songs by the 'Beatles,' 'The Rolling Stones,' 'Cream,' 'John Mayall,' 'The Moody Blues,' 'Pink Floyd,' 'Deep Purple,' and hosts of deeply considered musical genius's.  
ABBA killed this.
Music that was attempting to change the world for the better was quickly erased and replaced by banal, bouncy, drivel, always accompanied by flashing lights, badly overdressed men and women, not always easy to tell apart, and cheap, cheery, meaningless trivia, which once again ruled the airwaves.
Where did this lead us?
The 'Eurovision' itself continued with dross for 15 years before realising deviants and weirdo's sold better than feeble music.  Now it is not the song but what kind of pervert that gambols across the stage that counts.  Any song with a meaning will not be tolerated, not that such will be entered anyway.  
The banal 70s bounced emptily across the screen leading only, along with Thatcher's encouragement of greed, to the absurd meaninglessness of the 80s.  Big shoulders and fancy perms, and the women were much the same, dominated while barren groups disturbed our ears with inconsequential noise.  No wonder some took to Rap as they considered this had a meaning for them.  Quite what that meaning may be is a mystery to me, however, it is the result of ABBA arriving on the scene and killing music.      
Excuse me while I cover my ears from ABBA drivel and revive myself with proper music, Jimi Hendrix and 'Purple Haze.' 
Oh that's better!

Arrest Duccio-di-buoninsegna c1310

Judas followed Jesus faithfully for three years.  He was risking arrest and death yet he remained.  We hear from the apostles afterwards that Judas stole from the money bag he carried.  Can we conclude that in spite of the work he had watched with interest, indeed, on occasion doing similar work himself, that he did not trust Jesus with his money, his future, his life?  
At the last supper Jesus informs his men that one of them would betray him.  Not one considered Judas liable to do this.  However, they all stated 'Not I Lord,' and meant it.  When confronted by Jesus Judas however, replies 'Not I Rabbi.'  The eleven saw Jesus as Lord, the Messiah.  Judas saw him as a Rabbi, a teacher, not as Messiah.  Whatever his motives, and it is impossible to understand what they were, money was a sideshow in this.  Judas was disappointed with his Rabbi and sold him for 30 coins, that is about a months wage.   
Once Jesus was arrested and threatened with death Judas offers remorse and attempts to undo what he has done.  The attitude of the Priests, 'That is your responsibility,' speaks much about them.  There is however, no indication Judas yet sees Jesus as Messiah, just a worthy man whom he has condemned.
Peter, having failed to remain awake while Jesus implored his father now fails again by running away and then in the house of Caiaphas three times denies Jesus.  He too faces remorse, yet he still believes in his Messiah.  I am right in thinking Judas did not see a Messiah and had no hope?  Simon Peter saw a Messiah and had some hope, though all appeared lost at the time.
Jesus himself, knowing his father and what lay before him remained in charge of what followed.


Wednesday 5 April 2023

Bobby Walker, Jesus, the Temple and Anguish.


Bobby Walker was the greatest footballer of his generation.  Known by even English commentators as the man with ;twinkling feet,' and considered by no less than Billy Meredith the great Welsh winger (who had over 70 caps for his country) as the best footballer around.
He is of course almost unknown outside of Edinburgh today.
Born in 1879, not far from the origins of the Heart of Midlothian itself, this late Victorian young man moved to Gorgie, watched the Heart of Midlothian bring the Scottish Cup home in 1891, what a delight! and was destined to play for his club.  Beginning as a 14 year old at Dalry Primrose Bobby soon attracted the attention of the Heart of Midlothian.  Interestingly (I say) a picture, which I cannot find online, shows the team in 1896.  Bobby Walker sits at the front alongside his team, and looking at two or three faces around him I find I recognise them!  At least three of the young men pictured are identical with three of the young men who formed the crowd following the Heart of Midlothian during the 1960s.  The family resemblance is too strong to ignore.  I did not know these men as they came on other buses, but they are descended from members of this team.
During 1896 the Heart of Midlothian defeated Hibernians by 3 goals to 1 at Logie Green in Edinburgh.  Amongst the crowd was Bobby Walker, aged 17 and soon to sign himself for this great side.
From his first game for the club, a friendly two all draw against Sunderland, until his last in 1913, a Roseberry Cup semi-final against St Bernard's, Bobby Walker established himself as one of Scotland's greatest ever footballers.
If you read the Glasgow press this fact may have escaped you however.
In those far off days Scotland had two international sides, the SFA Scotland side, and the Scottish League side, both of equal importance then.  Of course we only played against Wales, Ireland and England, no other nation was considered worthy enough to challenge regularly.  However, Bobby Walker obtained a record number of International 'caps,' 29 in all, including an amazing 11 caps against England, another record.
Speaking of records, he managed to play against Hibernians 94 times!  There were many more leagues, cups and friendly games in those days.  He also scored 17 times against Hibernians at Easter Road, even John Roberson in the 80s could only manage 15 there.  Keep in mind Hibernians great centre forward Laurie Reilly only managed 7 against the Hearts and you can tell something of the mans talent.
There is no doubt that his talent was recognised by all in the day, only injury or his own desire stopped him getting more rewards for his ability.   
After football he continued to play in friendlies, though his health was not always good.  At least this avoided his participation in the Great War.  However, his financial dealings were not wise, his pubs lost money, his wife appeared to commit suicide, and he himself did not help by drinking.  A great curse amongst Scots is the drink!  Far too many die from the after effects.  It is to be hoped today's players are encouraged to a different lifestyle to aid long term health.
Bobby Walker died during August 1930, and was buried in Merchison cemetery not far from Tynecastle Park which he graced for so long.  Huge crowds lined the streets as his coffin passed by.  A rather tragic end to a great footballer.
This book comprised much written by Bobby himself in his autobiography, lots of photographs from the time, and masses of statistics at the end to please the most fervent statto.  It is a long read, going year by year of his career, and invites us into a foreign world from the turn of the  century and before the Great War.  So near in time, yet so different from today.  Yet the tale of one talented young man making it to the top in football is no different.  Spotted at a young level, signed and escorted by players more senior to him whom he knew.  And capable of making the most of his talent, and obtaining great reward for it.  He was earning £6 a week at times, a soldier only got 10/- (ten shillings) and many people earned less!  
For fans of football and history this is a book well worth reading.  The man speaks for himself, the pictures and reports speak for the times.  The talent speaks for itself.   


On Palm Sunday, though it was not called this at the time, Jesus entered the Temple and upset all the tables of those making money.  This was not just a bad temper, the area in which these money changers and merchants were operating was the 'Court of the Gentiles.'  This area was where all people could come and worship the God of the whole earth, not just Jews, the 'chosen people.'  Instead of prayer what we see are money changers.  A rule had arisen that only Temple money could be used, so someone was getting rich.  The animals brought for sacrifice were rejected as 'not good enough' and only those on sale, at a price, could be used, pigeons, for the poorest, lambs for the wealthier, all at a price using Temple money.  No wonder Jesus was upset!  This was a Temple area set out as 'a place of prayer, for all nations,'  and instead it was a capitalists dream.  No wonder the tables were overturned, the animals set free.  


The word 'sorrow' used here as you know is perilupos which is not covered by sorrow.  'Very sad,' 'deeply grieved,' or 'exceeding sorrowful,' says 'Vines Expository Dictionary of NT words.'  Here is a man who bows before his father knowing that this cross is the only way to save mankind.  Before him lies arrest, opposition, hatred, lies and beatings before being falsely found guilty of being what he is, the 'Son of God!'  
He takes his disciples with him, only eleven are left, with the closet three nearby.  Three times he appeals to his father for this to be taken from him, but there is no other way.  He wrestles with giving up himself to physical assault and then crucifixion, and then separation from his father for the only time in eternity, all for you.  Jesus the man has to choose whether to suffer this because you and I sin, and care little about it, or whether he should keep his body, return to his father and let us all be lost, suffering Hell, the separation from God for ever.  
He chooses to accept the fathers lead, all the while he struggles and his closest friends forget him and fall asleep.  How very like me.


Sunday 1 January 2023

New Years Day, 2023

 
The new year started with a damp saunter down to the Kirk.  The clouds did their best to hinder the sun brightening the morn.  Few were out this early.  A couple of dog walkers were dragged along by eager pooches, a car passed now and again, and a patrol car containing two sleepy officers wended its way down the road hoping everyone would stay quiet, at least until they were awake.  
Many were missing today from church, family gatherings, the cold bug, and left overs from Christmas keeping people inside.  A lot of old women will not come out when the weather is dodgy either.  Still, we managed to murder a couple of songs, pass our bugs onto one another, discover how many had fallen down or been manhandled by the kids or dogs over Christmas, and made our way home rejoicing, sort off.
I failed to 'see in' the new year last night, I was asleep by 11 pm, and even the fireworks from those who ought to know better did not trouble me much.  On YouTube someone walked about Edinburgh at night, offering the live view of the rain drenched city.  People massed about, glittering lights glittered, and wet streets offered an opportunity to break a leg or two.  The thought of mixing with crowds was far indeed from my mind as I watched.  I was glad to be sitting here wearying myself watching others.  
It is now when I come to understand the attitudes of the older generation I knew when young.  Why is it we understand things long after the time when we require to understand things?  And why do young folks have all the energy when people like us, over 35, need the energy more than they do?   
Life can be so unfair!
At this time people tend to either look back or look forward, to my mind it makes no difference.  Whether it is the 1st day of January or the middle of summer life, will go on as it is.  There will be hard times, tragedies, sad occasions.  There will also be good times, excitement, joy and happiness, often.  Just as life normally offers.  
You go into the year trusting yourself, and that has seen you through so far hasn't it?  I go trusting Jesus, well usually, knowing he will always be there, usually gnashing his teeth and asking "Why did you do that?"  He has been leading me for 50 years or so and I cannot fault him, though I have let him down often.  He is our only hope, in good times and in bad ones.  He never fails.
 
I hope you have a 'Happy New Year' indeed.
 

Monday 26 December 2022

Boxing Day 2022


I have no idea how I got fat, I ate only morsels and chose carefully at that.  Possibly all those puddings made a difference...?
Anyway, I had a good Christmas Day.  A trudge down to the Kirk, here I handed out chocolate to the ladies and miniature whisky to the men, I had promised them all a bottle of whisky for Christmas...
I felt welcomed, even before this, and obtained a lift home easing the walk, and enjoyed a decent lunch.  It was good day I must say.
Today, I remained indoors eating a veg type diet.  I need more veg and mostly that was called for today.  Very enjoyable, if you put cheese on the top!  
A walk round yesterday revealed a very quiet scene.  Today is no different, apart from kids making use of scooters, bikes and who knows what few are about bar dog walkers.  Traffic is sparing, and while one or two shops may open today most will be closed until tomorrow.  In big towns many will crowd into shops for bargains, as if they were indeed 'bargains.'  Having no obvious needs to purchaser and no desire to be ripped off I remain indoors quite happily.
However, news come through of most spending required.  My nephew has just had a baby, or at least his girl has.  Two kilo's in weight and looking fine.  This requires more spending on uncle's part, though I am glad to say uncle's nearer at hand will do all the work, thankfully they are 200 miles away from me!
Once again I will trust the Royal Mail to deliver, sometime in the next four weeks!  Another girl on the family, her cousin now 18 months old, and her arrival gives all the women something to purr about.  That is, they also are miles away and not called upon to do anything!  Purring is best done from a distance.
Nothing else has happened.  Other than the router playing up, speed down to 13 at times, other times it is slower.  Something must be done but all are on holiday.  Ah well, Wednesday maybe.  I may have to visit Tesco in the morning, I expect it will be full of people desperate for things they do not require alongside the few they do need.  I may be one of them.  


I hope my readers have had a decent Christmas.  Commemorating God taking human form is always good, and celebrating the solstice at the same time also worth while.   Jesus was probably born in March or April but as that is too near Easter it cannot be remembered then can it?  I hope your family gatherings were enjoyable and fun.
My family appear a bit disparate at this time, so many going in different directions to visit people who must be visited makes one day together difficult.  I must get up there one day however, just to annoy them.   However, when their cards and gifts eventually arrive I will love them more.  I need the socks...
Happy Christmas...


Saturday 24 December 2022

Christmas Eve 2022


At this time of year there are lots of tinsel covered cards doing the rounds.  The religious ones tend to feature a baby in a wooden crib, crowned with a yellow halo, as indeed are the loving parents featured beside.  Three men dressed in ornate robes, presents in hand stand along side a handful of grubby shepherds carrying a lamb or two.  From the child a glow emits, lighting up the stable and much of the world around, while high above a bright, huge, star glints as it lingers in the cloudless sky.  A touching scene, much loved by many.
However, (the cynical bit begins here) this is not what happened.
Certainly we are told Mary and Joseph went to Bethlehem, certainly we are told there was no room at the 'Inn.' Clearly there was little money for this pair as Joseph could not bribe his way in.  The implication of a 'manger' implies they found rest, either recommended by the 'Inn' or by themselves in a stable.  Clearly also they remained there for some time, all this with Shepherds and Magi may not have taken place in one night, so they had permission from someone to remain there.  Later, on the eighth day Jesus was presented at the Temple, the offering they gave was the cheapest, another indication of poverty.  A young couple, she possibly 14, he only 20, trying to care for a child, yet without revealing Gods words to anyone.  They both come across as worthy individuals.  
This is not the picture we have on Christmas cards.  This is a struggle, similar to many since and at this moment, who bring a child into the world with little resources with which to keep him.  This one however, under the care of the Father God is born, after a long walk for Mary, no donkey for these two, and born in such wretched conditions.  Unlike most in leadership Jesus started at the very bottom, and he was the one through whom this world had been created!  The mother walking, nine months gone, from Nazareth to Bethlehem, up hill and down dale.  Finding nowhere to sleep, giving birth in a stable, with or without animals.  At least they would create warmth, and an interesting atmosphere.  Alone, only the visit from the shepherds and the Magi is recorded, possibly Joseph went out to obtain food, possibly the stable owner cared for them while tending any animals.  Then the presentation in the temple, the words from an old man and an old woman indicating the future, in a distinct manner, and then the warning to leave for Egypt and another long walk carrying the child this time. 
No halo's, no false sentiment, just the Father's provision, childbearing, walking and an interesting future both Joseph and Mary were leaving in Gods hands.  How would you cope?
The child went on to learn his dads business, to learn his people's history, and to teach for three years before being arrested, tried unjustly, beaten, scourged and crucified, while having committed no sin.  He did not die by mistake, he, God in human form, accepted the Father's will as a way of paying the sin debt of all.  He endured this for me, for you, and for all who would believe it.  Not much sentiment there, just a loving God dying for his people, and one that wants us to believe him and rest in him.  He will never fail us.


Sunday 20 November 2022

Sunday Readings

Jeremiah: 23:1.  ‘Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!’ declares the Lord. 2 Therefore this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds who tend my people: ‘Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done,’ declares the Lord. 3 ‘I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase in number. 4 I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing,’ declares the Lord.
‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord,
    ‘when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch,
a King who will reign wisely
    and do what is just and right in the land.
In his days Judah will be saved
    and Israel will live in safety.
This is the name by which he will be called:
    The Lord Our Righteous Saviour.

Today's Sunday reading according to the CoE features Jeremiah and Luke.  Always one from the old and one from the new testaments.  
Sometimes the speakers follow them!
Not being able to make it today, a result of rain and rusty knees, I read these passages and guess what the visiting speaker today would have said.  This is difficult as I have no knowledge of him whatsoever.  Indeed, as I must acknowledge, I have no knowledge whatsoever!
One thing is clear from a quick reading here, as always it is not what we do, it is what God does that matters.  The leaders have failed, it is the Lord who takes action.  Sin is the problem, it is the Lord who deals with it, at least for those who repent. 
The Lord creates, the Lord leads, and when we follow life is indeed life abundant. This, unfortunately, does not imply it will be easy.  Christians suffer the usual diseases, famines, and life problems all others have.  Christians also have sin within and have to fight sin daily in themselves.  No 'Holy Willies' in the Christian Church.  They also walk contrary to the thinking of the world. This causes problems with governments who wish to follow the world or just be obeyed.  
This passage begins with a warning to those leaders in Jerusalem around 600 BC, he could just as easily have been speaking to the CoE Bishops now under the leadership of 'Stonewall,' and influenced by the worlds outlook rather than scripture truth.  I wonder if their attitude is because far too many have a middle class, well educated Oxbridge background, and have risen too fast and too far in ecclesiastical circles rather than spend time on the ground at parish level, thus being removed from the man in the pew?  Mixing only with our peers limits our understanding.  This leads to the flock being badly led, God will take a hand once again, in the CoE as he has done in the past.
The Jeremiah story is amazing.  A very reluctant young man, forced into a position he did not want, who stood up in public and proclaimed the 'Word of the Lord' to the unwilling citizens.  Jerusalem had fallen far from Yahweh.  From the King down corruption reigned, God forgotten, society ruined, murder, crime, corrupt judges, and few worshipping Yahweh. He spent many years loudly abused and opposed by the majority of the townsfolk, laughed at and ridiculed, and almost killed.  Yet he preached on until the end when he was proved right.  They still rejected him!  
Because all people agree with a course of action, this does not make it right.
The people of Jerusalem were attacked by the Babylonians.  They did not change their ways, and ten years later they were completely destroyed by the same Babylonians, and many were removed to Babylon itself, never to return.  The Lord had spoken.
The present Anglican church has many who seek God, however, instead of following scripture they preach 'Love,' and 'inclusion,' and avoid 'repentance.  Repentance, the giving our self over to follow Jesus.  The CoE will end badly.
As is the case so often, when the Lord speaks into a situation it does not confine itself to the time, the whole old testament is looking forward to the Lords dealing with the nature we all possess, the Self, the sin sick self that puts itself on the throne and ruins life for all others. 
I know about that.
Gods answer, 'The Lord, our righteous saviour.'

Luke 23:33.  When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals – one on his right, the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.  35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.’  36 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37 and said, ‘If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.’  38 There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the Jews.  
39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: ‘Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’  40 But the other criminal rebuked him. ‘Don’t you fear God,’ he said, ‘since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.’ 42 Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.'  43 Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’

The Lord, a righteous saviour did arrive.   He came at a time when a 'Messiah' of some sort was expected.  He did not however, arrive as expected.  Born, probably in a cave used as a stable, round the corner from everyone else, out of sight.  Raised in an obscure, unimportant village way up north,  a mere jobbing builder of limited income.  Uneducated according to the 'Eton' standards of the Jewish leaders of his day, and a man indistinguishable from the crowd, yet here was the saviour.
After a short period teaching and encouraging repentance and faith in himself, this man from 'up north,' was then crucified by the Jewish leaders through the unwilling Romans.  Fear for their position, fear that he was the Messiah, and demonic activity saw to the death of Jesus of Nazareth.   
However, a closer reading of any of the gospel reports reveals Jesus, not as a victim of oppression but as one willingly laying down his self, taking the eternal punishment for the sinful nature we all share, and yet as he did so offering forgiveness and eternal life to all around him.  Few, while six in iron nails are thumped into their hands and feet would offer such forgiveness.  He was no victim like the two beside him, he was a man, fully God and fully man, laying down his life, his Self, for you and me, and all who would receive him.  
By this means God, Yahweh, had dealt with sin for all who come to him in repentance, that is those who change their ways and 'follow' Jesus.'  This is indeed a righteous saviour, one who did no wrong, upset those who do, and paid the punishment price for those unable to endure eternity separate from God.    
No wonder they sing songs like this...

Wednesday 21 September 2022

Cancelled Truth

 


As mentioned the other day I have been banned from Twitter for standing up for the truth.  Naturally I appealed this nonsense and await a reply.  Until then I am banned, I suspect they will keep me waiting in the hope I delete the truth and save them the bother.  They are foolhardy if they think this.
However, while we await a known apparent infringement of their rules an email arrived informing me I was permanently banned from the 'Online Daily Mail.'  Tsk!  They did not even have the decency to inform me as to what I said wrong.  This is annoying.  I looked it up and wonder what could be the problem, possibly not agreeing with the Queens mob, possibly not agreeing with the Mail most days I suspect.  Anyway, that is one name that will not be seen again on the 'Mail Online' sadly.  
Of course I discovered another name I use there still works, three Brexiteers proved that tis morning, and so I am limited to using that one alone for now.  No more agreeing with myself to boost numbers...
The 'cancel culture' is an undemocratic movement, and when those strongly opposed to it begin cancelling those with whom they disagree it speaks volumes about them, and society in general.
Society is often confused, conflicted, and led by those who really care nothing for society.  This has left this nation with a browbeaten population, youth with much confusion as to what life they ought to be living, no belief in right and wrong, just an exaggerated expression of 'Me First,' and 'My feelings are important.'  The 'silent majority,' many of whom queued up to pay respects to their queen the other day are being let down by those who ought to lead them.  Politicians, church leaders, the media and whoever has a voice in society ought to be speaking truth.  This is not happening.  UK Politicians in government are owned by US Billionaires, and speak policy that benefits the rich, this is not leading the people, just the few.  Church leaders are taking the congregations with them under 'Stonewall' control. Jesus is forgotten, scripture ignored, the nation kept in ignorance by those who ought to proclaim Jesu crucified from the housetops.  The nearest we have seen this in recent days was the Archbishop speaking at the queens funeral, an almost proper sermon, so rare even from him, though she would have agreed. Those who consider men or women believing they were born in the wrong body browbeat any who rightly oppose them, nobody wishes to stand up to the mob!  Facebook and Twitter and other social media do not know how to cope, and just continue to gather data.  TV and press offer 'Bread & Circus's' while journalism and investigation is passed over according to whoever owns the works.  
Amos the prophet, saw such events many years ago.  The Lord himself loved the people, even though they had walked away from him and ignored him.  He sent many prophets but Amos sums up some of our day quite well.  The rich get richer, the poor do not get justice, and soon judgement falls. 
Individually and as a nation we cannot continue to live so far from a God who created us and who desperately wants us, so he can give us real life, a life that satisfies.  
How God cares, how Jesus weeps.