Message from the Pastor

As we approach a new year let us remember God’s goodness to us. John Newton remarked to a friend, that “The Lord is good. He has delivered (past), - he does deliver (present) – he will deliver – (future).” He wrote those words while wishing him a blessed New Year, and unveiled his great hymn –Amazing Grace – also on New Year’s Day (1773). Newton had had a very questionable past but yet had responded to the underserved grace, mercy and love of God.

 In 1 Chronicles 17:16-27 King David was also thinking about these things. He had established his rule over the people of Israel, taken Jerusalem from the Jebusites and made it his capital, built his own palace there, and also brought the ark of the covenant of God’s presence into his city as a permanent location for it. Yet he was troubled that the ark of the covenant was still in what seemed to him an unsuitable and not glorious enough tent. God wouldn’t allow him the privilege of building a temple for it, but did make it clear that His blessing was on David.

 David’s response was not to sulk about not being allowed to build this great structure, but to remember with gratitude and rejoicing God’s past deliverance of his people.

 He was able to give thanks to God for His continued presence with him in particular and the Israelites in general, and to rest in the present relationship and reality.

 He also looked forward to how God would keep the promises that were made to him which would establish his royal lineage in perpetuity (ultimately fulfilled in Christ).

 Finally, he started to make plans and make preparations for the task he was not permitted to complete himself, but which he could make easier for his successor, heir and son Solomon. This showed great humility, foresight and magnanimity on David’s part.

 As we begin 2026 let us similarly trust, rejoice in and work for God’s glory.

                                                              

       Alan