Issue 1627

Featured Articles A New Start (p.3) The Problem With Politicians (p.8) Baptism and Christening (p.16)

Year 135 Visit us at: www.gladtidingsmagazine.org Issue 1627 Of The Kingdom Of God

A monthly magazine written and published by the (brothers and sisters in Christ) and available throughout the world.

Its objectives are – to encourage the study of the as God’s inspired message to mankind; to call attention to the Divine offer of forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ; and to warn men and women that soon Christ will return to Earth as judge and ruler of God’s world-wide Kingdom.

Glad Tidings Distributors Table Of Contents for orders and payments United Kingdom A New Start Becky Collard, 7 Lindridge Close, 3 Redditch, Worcs. B98 0QJ, UK Tel: +44 (0)7521 079 190 (24 hrs) [email protected] The Kingdom Australia of God 5 Ruth Morgan, 51 Jesmond Road, Croydon, VIC 3136, Australia The Problem [email protected] with Canada 8 Vivian Thorp, 5377 Birdcage Walk, Politicians Burlington, ON L7L 3K5, Canada [email protected] The Bible New Zealand Companion 10 Neil Todd, 14 Morpeth Place, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland 0600, New Zealand Why You [email protected] Should Read U.S.A. 12 Pat Hemingray, 1244 Pennsylvania the Bible Avenue, Oakmont, PA 15139, USA [email protected] The Psalms Other Countries 15 Andrew Johnson, 22 Hazel Drive, Hollywood, Birmingham B47 5RJ, UK [email protected] Baptism and Editor Christening 16 Chris Parkin, 7 Thorntree Lane, Newhall, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE11 0LP, UK An Evening [email protected] Under the Publisher 18 The Glad Tidings Publishing Association Stars A registered charity—Number 248352 Editorial A New Start

IT WAS A DAY of disaster and disgrace. had strict and precise instructions to treat It must have seemed as though everything it with the utmost reverence. It was where was lost, and life was no longer worth the presence of God was. living. It was around 1100 BC. The Israelites had been struggling for a long time. They were leaderless and surrounded by foes, in particular their arch enemies the Philistines were a continual threat on their western border. Their spiritual life was at a low ebb: Artist’s reconstruction of the Ark of the Covenant the High Priest was a weak old man called Eli who served God in the Tabernacle in The army came to Shiloh and requisitioned Shiloh. He was dominated by his two sons the Ark. We’re not told what the reaction of Hophni and Phinehas, who were corrupt Hophni and Phinehas was to this, but they and vicious. accompanied it into battle. As should have been expected, God did Defeat and Catastrophe not take kindly to His Ark being used as One day the army of Israel joined battle a lucky talisman. The Israelite army was with the Philistine army. The account is in destroyed and the Ark was captured by the the Bible in 1 Samuel 4. Israel were defeated Philistines. and fled back to their camp, where they Eli was waiting for news at the gate of had a desperate idea: they would rally Shiloh, trembling with worry. The news themselves for another battle, and this time came that the army had been defeated, his take the Ark of the Covenant with them. sons were dead and the Ark was captured. The Ark was the sacred chest which God At the mention of the Ark he fell backward, had instructed Israel to make. It was the broke his neck and died. focus of their spiritual life, and it was called Phinehas’ wife was heavily pregnant. the Ark of the Covenant (‘covenant’ means When she heard the news she went into ‘agreement’) because it was a symbol of labour, and died in childbirth. She did not the covenant that they had made with God even look at her baby, but with her last to be His people. It was kept in the Holiest breath she named him Ichabod—‘There is Place in the Tabernacle and the Israelites no glory’.

Glad Tidings | 3 It was a terrible day for Israel. They had went wrong and suddenly the crowd was been routed by their enemies, their priest shouting for Jesus’ death (Mark 15:11–14). was dead and the Ark of the Covenant had Now he was gone and their world had been thrown away. It must have seemed as fallen apart. though everything was lost. Then came breathless rumours that he But God, as always, was at work to recover had been seen alive. And as they sat in the situation. People can fail, but He will doubt, he appeared before them (John not. At the Tabernacle in Shiloh the young 20:19). And at last they understood that boy Samuel was in training to lead the this had been no catastrophic accident— nation in a spiritual revival; God Himself they had just become part of the greatest was going to use direct supernatural means event in the history of the world. The Son to ensure the return of the Ark; and down of God had sacrificed his life to save his south in Bethlehem an obscure family of people from their sins, and his Father had farmers was going to produce a shepherd raised him to life to lead them to victory boy who would become King David. over death itself. The dispirited group of Who would have thought on that dreadful disciples was energised to go out and set day when all hope seemed lost that within the world alight preaching the Gospel of 100 years the nation would be basking in God’s Kingdom. the glory of a prosperous kingdom under the wise and godly rulership of its greatest A New Start king? One of the most encouraging verses in the entire Bible is Romans 8:28: Fear and Doubt And we know that all things work together for Fast forward a thousand years or so to good to those who love God, to those who are Jerusalem, around 30 AD. A scared huddle the called according to His purpose. of disciples is gathered in a house behind What does this mean for you and me? If closed doors for fear that those who we love God and become disciples of Jesus arrested and killed their master will return Christ, we have the confidence that there is for them. no mess we can ever find ourselves in that This time the predicament was not of is too dark and difficult for God to sort out. their making. They had been devoted The front cover shows life springing back disciples of Jesus. But the events of the after destruction—God can do this with our last few days had taken them completely lives. More than this, we can look beyond by surprise—a week previously the crowd the present with all its problems to the new had been welcoming them into the city like beginning of eternal, glorious life in His heroes (Matthew 21:1–11), then everything Kingdom. Read on to find out more.

4 | Glad Tidings The Kingdom of God

OUR FATHER in heaven, hallowed be Your answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done this cause I was born…” (John 18:37). on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:9–10). The ‘crime’ that Jesus had committed was This is the opening of the Lord’s Prayer. displayed over his head as he hung dying Every day and in many languages it is on the cross: “Jesus of Nazareth, the king of repeated. But what do the words “Your the Jews” (John 19:19). kingdom come” really mean? After three days God raised Jesus back to When the angel Gabriel announced to life and the hopes of the disciples revived. Mary that she would be the mother of the They asked him, “Lord, will you at this time Son of God, he added, “The Lord God will restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). give him the throne of his father [that is his He replied, “It is not for you to know times or ancestor] David. And he will reign over the seasons which the Father has put in His own house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom authority” (v. 7). He did not deny that the there will be no end” (Luke 1:32–33). Kingdom of Israel would be restored; but When the wise men came seeking the baby he declined to discuss when. Jesus they asked “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2). The Kingdom When Jesus stood on trial, Pilate the Let’s return to Gabriel’s promise to Mary governor asked, “Are you a king then?” Jesus concerning David’s throne. David was a

Glad Tidings | 5 great king of Israel who lived about 1000 shall lie down with the young goat… the earth years before the birth of Jesus. Mary was shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the a descendant of David (Luke 3:23, 31). waters cover the sea (Isaiah 11:2–9). After the death of David the people of Give the king Your judgments, O God… He Israel repeatedly rebelled against God and will judge Your people with righteousness… ignored His laws. So God gave them into the hands of their enemies, saying to the In his days the righteous shall flourish, and last king to rule in Jerusalem, “Now to you, abundance of peace… He shall have dominion O profane, wicked prince of Israel… thus says also from sea to sea… His name shall endure forever… All nations shall call him blessed the Lord God: ‘Remove the turban, and take off the crown… Overthrown, overthrown, I will (Psalm 72). make it overthrown! It shall be no longer, until The Kingdom of God, therefore will be a he comes whose right it is, and I will give it real kingdom on earth. Jesus himself will be to him’” (Ezekiel 21:26–27). the King. Righteous laws will be observed There has never been another Jewish king through all the world so that the nations will in Jerusalem from that day to this! But who learn how God wants people to live. They is ‘he whose right it is’? Of course, it is Jesus will go to Jerusalem to learn of God’s ways. himself. War, hatred and evil will be eliminated and the whole world will reflect God’s love. The What will the Kingdom of God be like? earth will yield food in abundance. Let’s listen to God’s prophets: Some people talk about a kingdom beyond Out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the the sky but the Bible says nothing about word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall such a kingdom. judge between the nations… They shall beat their swords into plowshares… Nation shall not For thus says the Lord, Who created the lift up sword against nation… (Isaiah 2:3–4). heavens, Who is God, Who formed the earth and made it… Who formed it to be The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding… with inhabited… (Isaiah 45:18). righteousness he shall judge the poor… The Many people fear that mankind will destroy wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard the world. No! God created the world and

6 | Glad Tidings filled it with life. Ultimately He will fill the 13:32). But there are reasons to believe that world with His Kingdom and Jesus himself that great event is close at hand. will be the king. The Citizens The King Often Jesus spoke about the Kingdom of What qualities will be essential for a world God as if it was already in existence. Of ruler? course Jesus the King lived among people • Absolute authority to insist that his and he showed us how God wants us to righteous laws be obeyed. live. He has the power to heal those who are ill, to feed those who are hungry. Jesus • The will to care for the poor and gave us a ‘glimpse’ of what the Kingdom of disadvantaged people with justice. God will be like. • Perfect knowledge of people to know If we want to be citizens in the Kingdom of all their intentions and the power to God we must try to live like citizens of God’s solve all problems. Kingdom now. We must be baptised, and • Immortality so that ‘good’ may busy ourselves doing the Lord’s work while continue for ever. we wait patiently for Jesus to come. Only one man has these qualifications. David M Budden Jesus first of all mastered his own nature and always obeyed God. Always he Visit www.gladtidingsmagazine.org showed wisdom. Always ‘self’ was for: overruled. Always Jesus did as God wished. • video content Jesus alone has the right to be the world • searchable article database ruler with absolute authority. • downloadable past editions But when will it happen? When will God www.facebook.com/ GladTidingsMagazine/ send His son to take his throne and establish God's Kingdom? We do not know, Search for Glad Tidings Magazine on YouTube and even Jesus himself did not know (Mark

Glad Tidings | 7 The Problem with Politicians

THIS IS NOT a rant about those who have If we look more broadly taken on the responsibility of government. at what the Bible It is a serious analysis of the serious teaches us about question—why do they so people in general often let us down? we learn some disturbing In 1887 the things: British Lord Acton wrote The heart is a letter to deceitful Bishop Mandell above all Creighton in things, which he coined and desperately a famous phrase: wicked; who can know it? “Power tends to (Jeremiah 17:9). corrupt, and absolute This is an evil in all that is done under the sun: power corrupts that one thing happens to all. Truly the hearts absolutely. Great men are almost always of the sons of men are full of evil; madness is in bad men.” their hearts while they live, and after that they You may or may not sympathise with that go to the dead (Ecclesiastes 9:3). view. But let’s see what the Bible has to say For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of on the subject. God (Romans 3:23). People Are Unreliable The Bible does not flatter people by pretending they're better than they are. It The first problem which the Bible identifies tells us how God sees us. He made us and is that politicians, like all other people, are He knows us. mortal—they are limited in their ability, and they only last for a short time. Why Are We Like This? Do not put your trust in princes, nor in a son So we have to ask, ‘why are we like this if of man, in whom there is no help. His spirit God made us?’ ‘Did God make a mistake?’ departs, he returns to his earth; in that very day These are quite reasonable questions. his plans perish (Psalm 146:3–4). However the Bible shows us that the fault

8 | Glad Tidings does not lie with God. It lies with us and has Christ, whom God raised from the dead its origins with the first man, Adam. Adam never to die again. was made “very good” (Genesis 1:31). Jesus, whilst being one of Adam’s However he disobeyed God’s command and ate of the tree that God had told him descendants, “committed no sin” (1 Peter not to eat. 2:22), so “God raised him from the dead” (Acts 13:30) to everlasting life. So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, And “Christ, having been raised from the and a tree desirable to make one wise, she dead, dies no more. Death no longer has took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her dominion over him” (Romans 6:9). husband with her, and he ate (Genesis 3:6). The resurrection of Jesus is the guarantee Genesis chapter 3 goes on to relate how that those who faithfully follow him will Adam and Eve’s disobedience brought a also rise from the dead to die no more. In curse on them and their descendants. A 1 Corinthians 15, a chapter which speaks at later comment upon their failure and the length about the resurrection of believers, consequences that followed is “… through the Apostle Paul says “For as in Adam all one man sin entered the world, and death die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive” through sin, and thus death spread to all men, (1 Corinthians 15:22). because all sinned” (Romans 5:12). Adam’s descendants became worse and Why We Can Trust Jesus Christ worse, until “the Lord saw that the wickedness People enter politics (usually) because they of man was great in the earth, and that every want to make a difference and do good in intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil the world. However, with even the best of continually” (Genesis 6:5). intentions they are limited in what they can achieve. They are powerless to address the One Good Man main problem—which is that we are all by What we have seen so far might lead us nature sinners, and we are therefore going to feel that we are in a hopeless situation. to die. However the Bible shows us that, despite our condition, there is hope for us. Jesus Christ died to save us from our sins. And the Bible contains the promise that We have seen already that the reason why when he returns to earth he will form we cannot rely on man is because, as the a government which will address all its Psalmist put it, “his spirit departs, he returns problems—including the problem of sin to his earth; in that very day his plans perish” and death. (Psalm 146:4). We need to find a man who does not die. That man is the Lord Jesus Peter L Forbes

Glad Tidings | 9 The

IT’S GOOD to read the Bible in a this. This one is known as the ‘Bible structured way. Various Bible reading Companion’. It was devised by a 14-year calendars exist which can help you do old called Robert Roberts in the 1850s,

10 | Glad Tidings The Bible Companion

and has been in widespread use ever since. reader to read the entire Bible through in There are three portions of the Bible for a year—the once and the each day of the year, and it enables the twice.

By kind permission of ‘’.

Glad Tidings | 11 Why You Should Read the Bible

SO YOU BELIEVE in God? Well, I assume often he quoted it and said “it is written…” you do because you’re reading this For instance during his temptations in the magazine. So therefore you may also be wilderness his reply to the tempter was “It familiar with the Bible. I'd like to share some is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, reasons why you should read it. but by every word that proceeds from the The Bible (also known as ‘scripture’) is the mouth of God’” (Matthew 4:4); and “It is Word of God, and it is unlike any other written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord book. We are told this by the Apostle Peter: your God’” (verse 7). He also prefaced his answers to questions from the Pharisees Knowing this first, that no prophecy of with “Have you not read…” (Matthew 12:3, 5; scripture is of any private interpretation, for 19:4). prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20–21).

After his resurrection from the dead Jesus met two of his disciples on the road to Jesus Believed the Bible Emmaus, and he said “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets Our Bible is divided into two parts: the Old have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have Testament which deals with the history of suffered these things and to enter into his the world before Jesus Christ, and the New glory?” (Luke 24:25–26). Testament which commences with the birth of Jesus. The Bible Foretells the Future The Old Testament was Jesus’ Bible. He The Bible claims to tell the future, and its believed it to be the Word of God. He held it veracity has been proven by many of its to be the “last word” in authority, and very prophecies coming to pass. This gives

12 | Glad Tidings Bible readers the confidence that those behold, I will save you from afar, and your seed prophecies which have not yet been fulfilled from the land of their captivity. Jacob shall will be, at some time in the future. return, have rest and be quiet, and no one shall make him afraid. For I am with you,’ says the Lord, ‘to save you; though I make a full end of all nations where I have scattered you, yet I will not make a complete end of you (Jeremiah 30:10–11).

Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done…’ (Isaiah 46:9–10). Moses prophesied the future of the Israelite The Bible’s Message nation after they had entered the Promised The Bible is made up of 66 books: 39 in Land—they would be blessed in everything the Old Testament and 27 in the New. if they loved God and obeyed His There are three types of book in the Old commandments, but they would be cursed Testament—history, poetry and prophecy. and cast out of the land and scattered into In the New Testament there are also three many nations if they rebelled against Him types—history, letters and prophecy. and worshipped false gods. This is detailed The books were written by many different in Deuteronomy chapter 28. The Jews authors over a long period of time, but disobeyed God and were cast out of their because they were written under inspiration land on two occasions, the last time being of God’s Holy Spirit the message is the AD70, which the Lord Jesus prophesied in same—the Lord God in heaven has a plan his Olivet prophecy (Matthew 24, Mark 13 and purpose for humankind. and Luke 21). This plan and purpose is centred around It was also prophesied that the Jews would the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God. We repossess their land—which they did in find the Lord Jesus Christ throughout the 1948 when the nation of Israel was re- Old Testament in the form of shadows established. and reflections, and in prophecy; just as ‘Therefore do not fear, O My servant Jacob,’ he said about himself to the two on the says the Lord, ‘nor be dismayed, O Israel; for Emmaus road: “O foolish ones, and slow of

Glad Tidings | 13 heart to believe in all that the prophets have But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of these things and to enter into his glory?” (Luke God, from that time waiting till his enemies are 24:25–26). made his footstool (Hebrews 10:12–13). In Conclusion The Bible is the guidebook for life, for all who believe it and seek to learn and understand its message. As the Apostle Paul said: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for The Bible’s Promise correction, for instruction in righteousness, The Bible explains how God set out to save that the man of God may be complete, humankind from sin and death. This way thoroughly equipped for every good work of salvation has been brought about by the (2 Timothy 3:16–17). willing sacrifice of His only begotten Son It promises eternal life to all Jesus’ faithful, who died to save us from our sins: obedient followers, as he said in his prayer For God so loved the world that He gave His to God before his crucifixion: only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, him should not perish but have everlasting life that Your Son also may glorify You, as You (John 3:16). have given him authority over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent (John 17:1–3). The Bible is a unique book. It tells the future, it contains the wonderful Gospel of salvation and it tells us what we must do in order to obtain eternal life in the coming Jesus was raised from death and is now in Kingdom of God upon earth. heaven with his Father, where he acts as a Jesus held it to be wholly God’s Word, and it priest to bring his people to God. And the demands that we should too. Bible promises that he will return to earth to establish his kingdom: Grahame A Cooper

14 | Glad Tidings 66 Books of the Bible —19 The Psalms

THE PSALMS are songs of praise, prayer Christ in the Psalms and prophecy, written by David, Hezekiah The work of Jesus Christ was foretold in and others. the Psalms, as it was in all parts of the Old Testament (see Luke 24:44). Jesus knew the Psalms: they provide an insight into his mind and thoughts. Some Psalms are obviously about him: • His Sufferings— Psalms 22; 40; 69; 118. • His Resurrection— Psalms 16; 91. 17th Century painting of King David singing a Psalm while playing the • His Future Rule— harp Psalms 2; 24; 45; 72; 110; 122. Personal Treasure The Psalms and Music Over the centuries faithful people have The Psalms were originally sung, and derived great personal strength and accompanied by musical instruments (a comfort from the Psalms. There are number of Psalms have the names of the chapters suited to almost every situation in original tunes life—times of sorrow, danger or joy. and other instructions in Norman Owen their ‘titles’). By kind permission of ‘The Christadelphian’ The Psalms were intended Some interesting links with other for personal use parts of the Bible as well as for congregational worship. ttPsalm 2:8,9—see Revelation 2:26, 27. Particular Psalms may be prayers or meditations, or both; some recount ttPsalm 16:10—see Acts 2:27, 31. highlights from the history of Israel or the ttPsalm 72:8—see Zechariah 9:10. personal experiences of the Psalmist.

Glad Tidings | 15 Baptism and Christening In England the number of people claiming repent, then be baptised. They preached to be ‘Christian’ has dropped dramatically this with urgency and zeal (Acts 2:37–39). over the past few decades. Consequently, Going down into the water is a symbol of attendance at church services is low. being buried with Jesus in death. Emerging In particular, infant christening is often out of the water again is a symbol of being replaced by secular ‘naming ceremonies’. raised with Jesus from death to a new life: The massive decrease in religious faith is of a life of trying to follow Jesus and a life concern to many people. And what about of hope of sharing eternal life with him children who have not been christened: are (Romans 6:2–5). It is a pledge to follow they in danger? Jesus. A Command Baptism ‘washes away’ all previous sins, so that the believer can have a relationship The traditional church ritual of sprinkling with God. And it means that from then on the forehead of a baby should really be all the believer’s sins can be forgiven, as called ‘christening’ and not ‘baptism’. long as they remain faithful (1 John 1:9). According to the Bible baptism is different: it is undertaken by adults who have expressed a faith in the death and Faith, Not Magic resurrection of Jesus Christ as Son of God, During the first three centuries AD adult and it involves the complete immersion of baptism was ‘the rule’. The established the person in water. church later introduced child christening. Belief and commitment are obviously Baptism was commanded by Jesus (Mark impossible for a baby: a baby cannot be 16:15–16) and also by his followers the aware of sin and death, cannot repent apostles (for example Acts 22:16). It and cannot decide to follow Jesus. So the was done where there was much water church reasoned that the child’s ‘baptism’ (John 3:23, Acts 8:36–39). Jesus himself insisted that he was baptised to ‘fulfil all had to be ‘confirmed’ later when they had righteousness’ (Matthew 3:13–17). The grown up. apostles taught that baptism is the first Some suggested that christening ‘cleansed act of obedience a believer must do, after the nature’ of the child, even that it acknowledging their desperate need to ‘exorcised’ evil (such as demons). Midwives be forgiven and to be saved from eternal have been encouraged to christen very ill death. Their message was: believe, then babies in order to ensure they do not die

16 | Glad Tidings in an ‘un-consecrated’ state. Because the along with all his household as a sign of the act of christening is seen as a ritual that is covenant between them and God. powerful in itself, the theory arose that it is There were very good health reasons for best performed with ‘holy water’. this practice, and under the Law which God But this is all a gave to Israel it was commanded for the far cry from Bible Jewish nation. But circumcision does not practices. According do what baptism does. The Apostle Paul to the Bible, neither argued vehemently against those in the the water nor the early church who were teaching that non- ceremony itself have Jewish Christians should be circumcised any magical qualities. (Galatians 6:12–15). ‘For in Christ Jesus The idea of holy neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails water transforming anything, but a new creation’ (verse 15). someone owes more to superstition than God’s Commands, Not Ours Bible teaching. Jesus said some very hard words to the Bible baptism is Jewish leaders of his day. In their zeal to an act of faith and please God they had invented all sorts of obedience, reflecting rules and procedures which added to the a person’s desire to Law which God had given them. Jesus enter a relationship saw that some of these extra rules actually with God and their served to invalidate God’s law (Matthew determination to 15:3–6): ‘You have made the commandment follow Jesus. In itself, of God of no effect by your tradition’ (verse 6). dipping in water achieves nothing. That Replacing baptism with christening is does not mean that baptism is unnecessary, clearly reminiscent of what the Jewish because it is a commandment of God. It is leaders did. No person, government or an outward sign that a person wants to be church ever has a right to change the ‘born again’. commandments of God. He is right and we must try to do what He says, not what we Circumcision think. Some have compared christening with the So if a baby is not christened it will do no Jewish ritual of circumcision, in which a harm. What will do harm is to grow up in baby boy has his foreskin removed, usually ignorance of the Gospel message and the at eight days old. This ritual is as old as the work of the Lord Jesus (John 3:17–18). Jewish race, it originates in Genesis 17:10–14 when God told Abraham to be circumcised Anna Hart

Glad Tidings | 17 From a Missionary’s Diary An Evening Under the Stars

We had been warned that today there’d be coming! He is coming! Jesus is coming soon!”) a long journey. We were to lead a two-day And what a sight it was! The meeting Bible School which would be attended by room had been extended by means of a Christadelphians, and other people from makeshift structure of tree branches used the village and also from further afield. as posts supporting a thatch of grass, and We set off early in the morning. Three over a hundred people were sitting on mats Europeans and three native Africans in or dried mud seats, enjoying the gentle a car which was not fit for the roads we breeze in the shade. Many had already were travelling on—they were some of the been there for hours, and as we arrived roughest I have ever experienced. After more came pushing in and gathering two hours’ travelling the sun was high around the edges of the throng. and burning hot. Sweat dripped from us, The weariness of the journey fell away, and our shirts stuck to our backs. Tension was with renewed vigour we set about the day’s rising, tempers frayed. The day which we teaching. had expected to spend talking and helping The day passed quickly. Darkness was slipping away. approached and we had to stop, as there At last we had to stop for a break to stretch was no electric or gas light. And we were our legs and enjoy some shade, but we exhausted. were soon on our way again. Nightfall A brother walked over: “You want to stay with us tonight?” We readily agreed. We’d be happy to sleep in the car. “No need, come to my house.” He led us on a short, dusty walk to a brick bungalow with a corrugated metal roof—it had not fared well in the previous year’s rains, wide Arrival cracks ran up the walls where flooding had After another two and a half hours we undermined the foundations, but it was a finally arrived. What greeted us first was welcoming home. the joyful sound of singing: “Abwerenso! We reclined on a couple of wooden Abwarenso! Jesu’ Abwarenso!” (“He is benches and were given bottles of cola

18 | Glad Tidings (Europeans avoid drinking the local water works of Your hands; You have put all things because their stomachs are too delicate). under his feet (Psalm 8:3–6). We enjoyed the cool of the evening, the stillness after the day’s business, the smell Who is the ‘son of man’? It’s a term that of the cooking pot over the open fire. can be applied to the whole human race, but in Hebrews 2:9 we see that primarily it’s Twilight in Africa does not last long a prophecy of the Lord Jesus Christ who is and night fell quickly. The moon rose in crowned with glory and honour because he breathtaking beauty. At moments like this, well loved Bible passages come to mind: gained the victory over sin and death. Then God made two great lights: the greater This was the night sky Abraham saw, light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule when the God of heaven gave him those the night. He made the stars also (Genesis magnificent promises which form the basis 1:16). of the Gospel: One by one the stars Then He brought him outside and appeared, and soon the said, “Look now toward heaven, Milky Way described a huge and count the stars if you are able speckled band across the to number them.” And He said to dome of heaven, criss-crossed him, “So shall your descendants by shooting stars. We sat and be.” And he believed in the Lord, gazed in awe. Although it was and He accounted it to him for night it was still so light that righteousness (Genesis 15:5–6). we could see the colour of the surrounding foliage. Who are Abraham’s We thought of the Psalmist descendants? Everyone gazing in awe into the night who shares his faith in God sky, and finding his own life put (Galatians 3:9). This beautiful into perspective by the majesty spectacle was a picture of us! of God’s creation: As we each laid down our When I consider Your heavens, weary heads that night there the work of Your fingers, the was no thought about how taxing the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, day had been. There was only gratitude what is man that You are mindful of him, and to our heavenly Father, that we had been the son of man that You visit him? For You have privileged to serve Him in some small way. made him a little lower than the angels, and Sweet repose indeed! You have crowned him with glory and honour. You have made him to have dominion over the David Nightingale

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