A Man for All Seasons
Dear Friends and Families,
Like me, I’m sure that you have the sensation that as one day bleeds into the next, we can easily lose a sense of domestic rhythm. Weekdays and weekends feel the same, without the normal experiences of travelling, driving to work, sending children to school, playing sport, going out to restaurants, and worshipping with fellow believers at our faith communities.
Thankfully, something which is not beholden to viruses in the changing of the seasons – Spring is here! As I look at upon my own street, it is a joy to see formerly bleak-looking trees begin to sprout blossoms and new shoots, as if they are enduring an outbreak of glorious floral adolescent acne!
As well as the seasons of the planet, it is helpful to also remember that God is sovereign over the seasons of human affairs. In the Old Testament book of Daniel, after having the Babylonian king’s dream interpreted for him by God, the prophet Daniel praises God, pronouncing:
‘Blessed be the name of God from age to age,
for wisdom and power are his.
He changes times and seasons,
deposes kings and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to those who have understanding.
He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what is in the darkness,
and light dwells with him.’ [Daniel 2: 20-22].
God changes times and seasons.
We may not indeed always understand the circumstances which we find ourselves in and we may well question his providence and purposes. However, for those who trust in his goodness, we have the blessings of comfort, consolation and wisdom to navigate the difficult times we face.
Ultimately, we can know the assuring presence of Christ in our lives through the Holy Spirit, who promises that ‘I am with you always, to the end of the age.’ [Matthew 28:20].
Jesus is certainly the man for all seasons!
If you would like to speak further, or have questions about the Christian life, then do please contact me at: [email protected]
I also encourage you to pray the special tree prayer below.
If you would like to explore the certainty of Christ further, the two local Anglican churches (currently meeting online) listed below lead regular Sunday services – both currently online.
St Peter’s, Craigieburn (normally meets at 10.30am on Sundays in the Chapel at Hume Anglican Grammar – 100 Mt Ridley Road, Mickleham)
Locum: Father Charles Potter
Mobile: 0468 331 549 / 03 9308 2452
Email: [email protected]
http://www.humeparish.melbourneanglican.org.au
https://www.facebook.com/humeparishcraigieburn/
Redemption Anglican Church (normally meets at 4.00pm on Sundays at the Hume Tennis and Community Centre - 225 Marathon Blvd, Craigieburn)
Pastor: Reverend Akhil Gardner
Mobile: 0400 021 381
Email: [email protected]
https://www.rccraigieburn.com.au/online
https://www.facebook.com/rccraigieburn/
Prayer for the week
God of our grieving,
help us to find inspiration in nature.
In the weeds that spring up from cracks in concrete,
from grass that sprouts in the highest gutters,
from vegetables that grow from compost.
Remind us that the end is never the end for you,
meaning that there is always another chapter with a twist we may not have expected.
Loving God, we can count the rings in a stump,
and realise how long a tree has stood before it was felled.
May we value the rings in our own timber,
the experiences you have led us through,
the losses that have helped us grow,
however painful.
Thank you for second chances, third chances,
and peace at the last.
Amen.
Song – Way Maker (Leeland)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXQGTInPpZU