Newsletter
November 2001
CHAIRMAN’S CHATTER
Sometimes when we are out walking we come across large rock outcrops, which have been weathered but still stand firm and sure. Other times we have come across stone circles which are usually linked to pagan worship and obviously there for a purpose. But both can serve for us a reminder of how great our God is in creation and of man’s use of it.
I wonder if this is why the prophet Samuel took a stone after God had intervened and helped the Israelites to win the battle over the Philistines. I Samuel c7v12 records –
Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far has the Lord helped us."
He wanted it to serve as a constant reminder of the faithfulness of the Lord, in that every time the Israelites came across it they would remember how God fought the battle for them at Mizpah against the Philistines.Maybe you have a favourite place (or perhaps we should find a place if we haven’t) where God perhaps feels closer than usual because of an experience or a memory that we have. In times of trouble either because of personal issues or because of what is happening nationally we all need to be reminded of how great God is. He is faithful, he can not be moved and we can hide ourselves in Him and He will help us even in perplexing times.
Near to me is the cleft of rock that the hymn writer Augustus Montague Toplady is supposed to have sheltered during a storm which then inspired him to write "Rock of Ages". As I stood in the cleft I think I understood a little of what he meant to be hidden in the forgiving love of God, which shelters, protects and helps us.
Take care
Julie
Thanks for visiting our site !
Please let us know you have seen our web pages by emailing the CRC WebWeaver