Rivertown United Reformed Church

Deeside Pastorate Newsletter – May 2009

Are we afraid of being raised up? OR “Walk Tall!”

As you will know, I have been my current “lamp post” shape since the age of 13/14. What I must inform you now, with great shame in this part of the world, is that, apart from school, and maybe due to my sports experiences there, I have never been a rugby player, let alone a fan. Of course, there was a certain football team based close by, who succeeded, to my great delight, in winning the Cup and League “Double” during my Tottenham residence. But in rugby I faced one insurmountable problem – my shape, and my light weight. No stamina for running; half a tackle - and I was floored. (My brief attempts at boxing produced the same result!).

My first proper paid job (age 18-20) was as a Clerical Officer for what was then the London West Collection of HM Customs and Excise, based at Ebury House, 150 Victoria Street SW1. I commuted daily from my parents’ home, travelling by tube from Manor House to, I believe, Hyde Park Corner, in the height of the “rush hour”. Yes, I was easily pushed from one part of the carriage to another. But - I found my height very useful in the cramped conditions: (1) When pulled into a crowded carriage (as you were in those days, in a very friendly way) I was slim enough to fit in easily; (2) you could actually breathe – not a privilege afforded to all in the commuter herd; (3) better than most, I could actually see the station names as we reached each one, giving me enough time to begin the slow trek through the morass of humankind to the exit doors.

And yet there is a drawback to being tall. You just can’t hide! As a teenager seeking girlfriends, I was always aware of my thinness. Embarrassed at how hard it was to get a jacket that didn’t make me look like a skeleton. It was only when I discovered that I was not alone, that God loved me, was with me, even within me - that God had come to me, to the world in Jesus Christ - that I lost my embarrassment and began a new life as a Christian. God loved me – that was enough. Since that time I have encountered many, many challenging situations. I am sure there are many more to come. But, as the hymn runs, “I know who holds the future”.

Jesus once said “so must the Son of man be lifted up , that whoever believes in him may have eternal life”. (John 3 v 15). Christians know that “lifted up” means Jesus’ death on the cross. It means Jesus’ willingness to put himself, an innocent, into the hands of the guilty and be condemned to death as a common criminal; to challenge the accepted truths, cultures and injustices of his age; to side with, stand up for, the poor and oppressed in a way that harmed no-one but himself.

It has been demonstrated many times that, when public opinion raises its voice, governments do take notice. On matters of faith as well as secular ones. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ says to us today – “Walk Tall! You are followers of the Son of God! Walk Tall! Let your light shine for all the world to see! Walk Tall! Don’t be afraid of letting God take you where he will – raising you up to a higher level, a higher profile! We may not have to follow the example of Isaiah and walk around almost naked for 3 years as a sign of repentance for a heathen takeover (Isaiah 20 vv 1-3). Yet we may still feel we can do very little to change life around us. But whatever action we do take in Jesus’ name will have its effect. Remember I Corinthians 15 vv 42-43: “What is sown is perishable, what is raised is imperishable. It is sown in dishonour, it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness, it is raised in power.”

If you are feeling unsure about this just now, remember, wherever you are reading this, that you are not alone. God has a purpose for you in this world. Here and now. Spend a few moments thinking about God, who has gone through the pain of death out of love for you and me. And then quietly, silently, give your “Yes” to the One who will love you now and forever. So may you know the peace of God, through this and every day, and night.

Your friend and minister, Colin.