Dragged somewhat reluctantly to the Kirk this morning, when lying in bed was more attractive, the virus still offering a wearisome effect. Once there I sullenly sat half asleep as the congregation struggled to arrive before opening time. I completely forgot I was supposed to be at the door offering a welcome to one and all and left others to do this.
As I was considering lying flat out along the chairs that he came in. He had been missing for a while, this because he had suffered a seizure while driving, crashed the car without causing damage to others, and spent a couple of weeks in hospital. He looked drained and weary. It was then whispered to me that not long after returning home his wife had died. Poor man! No wonder he looked drained.
My discomfort suddenly appeared insignificant.
As the service progressed I cogitated on the rest of the congregation. The elderly suffering deafness, inability to walk, dementia, heart problems and financial worries. The young full of fears regarding their future, the cost of living and help required for their child's special needs. Few of any age are without problems. Several have serious mental handicaps, others their age, others the routine difficulties of life. Most do look to their God for help, and how he has helped so many here.
The sermon spoke of carrying the cross, following Christ Jesus is not easy, and these problems do not make it any easier, however, I, like many here, know Jesus has been there in the midst of our problems, that he has never left us, that he spends a great deal of time forgiving us and leading us closer to him, all the while caring for our needs.
I was struck by the 'Servant King,' song, how Jesus forgives me by going to a cross, yet I am slow to forgive others! What a God he is, in sickness and in health, and his care is because of his choice to care for us, not because we went pleading to him.
