Monthly address

Reflections from the Glebe House
“I was just thinking...

...Where are all the humble leaders?”

One of my heroes and role models whilst growing up was my village vicar, the Rev. Alan Page. On coming to our parish, although having very few gifts in youth work, he opened up his Rectory to the local children, creating a space where we could come together and learn about God. It was through his ministry that I came to faith shortly after joining that youth group. However, it was his godly character which really spoke to me. In many ways he wasn’t a natural leader, being quiet and quite shy and introverted. Nevertheless, there was a real genuineness to his life which, when I think about it, was characterised especially by humility. 

Our world seems to be in a very precarious place at the moment and seems to be dominated by a handful of powerful men with a frightening amount of power. Whether it’s Trump and Musk in America, Putin in Russia, Erdogan in Turkey, Orban in Hungary or countless others; all over the world, journalists and ordinary members of the public hang on their every word, often in fear. They have been put on a pedestal both by their own self opinion and by public opinion too, and people everywhere kowtow to them. This is exactly what they want. Even many who disagree with them also pander to them out of fear of what they could do when crossed. Our world seems to be saying that if you are going to be an effective leader you have to be strong, confident, single minded and assertive.

In stark but wonderful contrast, Jesus turns this view on its head. In Philippians 2:5-11 Jesus the Son of God, part of the Holy Trinity, co-equal with the Father, we read: did not clutch tightly onto His divine status and refuse to let go. Rather, out of indescribable love He agreed to step down from heavenly glory onto the earth he was instrumental in creating. Having done this, He lowered Himself further by becoming like one of the creatures he had made: a human being. Not only so, but as a human he chose to serve others and not to promote Himself. Finally, he humbled Himself yet more, by submitting to death - and then not just any death, but the cruel and shameful death of a criminal left to hang publicly on a cross. But Philippians does not stop there, just as the Easter story does not stop at Good Friday. God the Father vindicated Jesus and validated His sacrifice by raising Him from the dead and then exalting Him to the highest place, where he now reigns supreme.

That is an attitude that I admire and someone who I want to follow, much more than a self-important strong man. As Christians we are not called to put our trust in powerful people to solve the world’s problems; nor should we live in fear of what such people may do. There is only one name to be revered, and only one person who can solve the world’s problems: it is Jesus. As we move through this Easter season let us reaffirm our commitment to following Him and choose to join Him on His humble way, putting our trust in Him alone.
Andy

Dear Parishioners,

Get ready with your lemon juice for pancake Tuesday is only a few days away - March 4th. Yes, you will have had the nod from the supermarkets with the Easter Eggs on the shelves, in some cases even before Christmas! It’s astounding isn’t it?

Can it really be that time already, we have hardly had time to draw breath! TIME - a most precious and puzzling commodity. Most often there is not enough of it in a day; other times it is wasted, sitting in one spot, gazing at a square box in the corner! You can’t buy it, but you only have to be on the roads, in a traffic jam or a supermarket queue, to realise just how much people value it. The car right on your bumper that risks life and limb to pass on a narrow road. We have all experienced that. I have to admit to feeling smug when you draw up behind them at the next set of traffic lights. Why, you wonder, what was the hurry? If you know me, you will know that I am not a great respecter of this valuable commodity. My name in deaf sign language is - late. I have given Andy a few near heart attacks leaving things to the last minute. But REALLY I have never missed a service through lateness - honestly! Admittedly I am usually the last to arrive at a meeting. In fact I was really surprised when arriving fifteen minutes early (on ONE occasion!) to see the car park full already. I thought I had got the time wrong but no – people actually turn up before the allotted time!

So where is all this going? What is the relationship between time and our spiritual life? Do we see spending time with God - our Abba - a priority? Or would it be the last thing on our list? A few minutes at bedtime? As always, let’s look to our teacher - Jesus. Throughout His life Jesus prayed regularly, both by going into solitude and offering up prayers on the spot. We see that in crisis situations, for example the temptations in the desert and at the other end of His life and ministry, the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus constantly addresses His Father, both directly and by referencing. He had the immediate resource of His Father’s word at His fingertips. He had a close relationship with His Father - regardless of the emotions and the circumstances He encountered.

It’s true that well disciplined Bible study and prayer is a hard thing to do, but what better time to address this than in Lent. In reality, no activity is even necessary, just “be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Move to a new level of trust in Him - it will be a life changer! God issues a challenge to us to get to know Him better, and we have such a blessing when we do this - remember His promise - “come onto me all you who are heavy laden and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Don’t make your Bible study, your prayer life, your relationship with God your Father, just another thing to do. Make it your treat of the day and not a chore. The danger for us as churchgoing Christians is that we spend so much time “doing” for God - that we don’t leave enough time - just being with Him.

Our Lent course this year takes us deeper into our relationship with the Father as we explore His mercy, and helps us discover the simple truth that God loves us passionately, deeply and unconditionally. Knowing that, really knowing it, again it’s a life changer. But can we say the same about Him - do we love Him passionately, deeply, unconditionally? By spending time with God we are recognising that we not only need, but we desire, His presence constantly, not just His help! And when we draw from Him comfort, strength and wisdom, it helps us help others. Time spent with Him is not time wasted for we come away forgiven, restored, renewed.

Time is a precious commodity - so precious you can’t buy it! Don’t waste it. Time spent with Him is never wasted. Jesus’ whole life was time spent with the Father. When the enemy tempts you to pull away - and we are tempted day and daily - use the words of Jesus - look the enemy in the face and say “don’t you know I have to be about my Father’s business”.

Wishing you all a blessed and special Lenten time,

God bless,
Carol