But that’s not fair!

But that’s not fair! We’ve all heard the phrase (especially if we have children) and probably used it ourselves sometimes. Jesus uses a parable to challenge our concept of fairness and illustrate the generosity of God.

Matthew 20:1-16 is a well-known passage often referred to as the ‘Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard’. It’s a human story about workers’ wages and a spiritual message about the generosity of God’s grace.

Jesus begins by describing a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire labourers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay them a denarius, a typical day’s wage, for their work. Later in the day, at the third, sixth, ninth, and even eleventh hours, he hired more labourers, promising to pay them “whatever is right.”

As the day ended, the landowner instructed his supervisor to pay the labourers, beginning with those who were hired last and ending with those who were hired first. To the surprise of those who worked all day, each group received a denarius, regardless of the hours they’d worked. Those who’d worked all day grumbled, thinking they would receive more. However, the landowner responded, “Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?”

The landowner symbolises God, who’s generous and just. He shows that God’s grace is abundant and not dependent on our efforts or time of entry into faith. God’s love and salvation are freely given to all who believe, regardless of their past or how late they come to faith.

The denarius represents salvation, which is equally available to everyone, regardless of their past sins or circumstances. This parable emphasises that all believers are equal in God’s eyes.

The grumbling of the labourers who worked all day illustrates how we often expect to be rewarded based on our efforts. However, God’s grace does not operate on a merit-based system; it’s given freely.

The labourers who grumbled were reminded of their initial agreement with the landowner. This teaches humility, reminding us that we shouldn’t compare our faith journey or blessings to others but should focus on our relationship with God.

In a broader theological context, this parable addresses the concept of salvation by grace through faith. It emphasises that salvation cannot be earned through works alone but is a gift from God. It challenges the human tendency to judge others based on their perceived worthiness and calls for a spirit of humility and gratitude.

Matthew 20:1-16 is a profound passage that teaches about the generosity of God’s grace, equality in his kingdom, the contrast between human expectations and divine grace, and the importance of humility in our faith journey. It encourages us to appreciate God’s unmerited favour and reminds us that his love and salvation are available to all who believe, regardless of their past or when they come to faith.

The Race of Faith (John Clifton)

I’m pleased to share this post by fellow Salvation Army Officer John Clifton…

Following a training programme is crucial to being able to complete any physical event. Towards the end of 2022, I signed up to do an iron-distance triathlon. Knowing I couldn’t just turn up and complete it on the day, I followed, in a manner that could be called ‘religious’, the ‘Be Iron Fit’ programme by Don Fink. It is a 30-week programme that, starting on January 1st, 2023, meant that the event day landed perfectly on July 30th, the race day for Outlaw Nottingham Full. The format of the programme is clearly structured. Monday is rest day (there was an addictive dopamine-rush of achievement from ticking off completion of the first training session on January 1 – a Monday!); Tuesday was swim and run; Wednesday was the brick session (google it); Thursday was swim and cycle; Friday was run (then also swim at a later phase of the programme); Saturday was a long cycle (then followed by a short run brick session; again, google it) and then Sunday was a short cycle and a longer run (not back-to-back, so not a ‘brick’… Ok, here you go…).

Click here to read the full article.

Silent Joy in Grief

130824 Mum & Dad

My father (Fred) died on Wednesday 2 October 2013 at the age of 89, and my mother (Jean) on Sunday 26 May 2019 at the age of 94.

Special days and anniversaries still awaken powerful emotions which lie barely below the surface of my day-to-day life, along with the ongoing emptiness of loss. Additionally, this is combined with the strange feeling of ‘lostness’ that occurs after the death of both parents, a feeling which may be magnified for me because I’m an only child of only children.

I had the following words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer printed on the back of the order of service for both their funerals as they expressed something my family wanted to articulate. These words have become even more meaningful to me with the passing of time, and I hope you find them helpful as well.

There is nothing that can replace the absence of someone dear to us, and one should not even attempt to do so. One must simply hold out and endure it. At first that sounds very hard, but at the same time it is also a great comfort. For to the extent the emptiness truly remains unfilled one remains connected to the other person through it. It is wrong to say that God fills the emptiness. God in no way fills it but much more leaves it precisely unfilled and thus helps us preserve, even in pain, the authentic relationship. Further more, the more beautiful and full the remembrances, the more difficult the separation. But gratitude transforms the torment of memory into silent joy. One bears what was lovely in the past not as a thorn but as a precious gift deep within, a hidden treasure of which one can always be certain.

No Longer I? (Howard Webber)

No Longer I (Front)
No Longer I (Back)

I first met Howard Webber back in the 1970s while working in the Pathology Department of Northampton General Hospital and studying to become Medical Laboratory Scientific Officer. Howard was also in the same line of work and moved to Northampton to take up a position in the Biochemistry Department, the branch of pathology in which I had decided to specialise.

We soon realised that we were both Salvationists, and later discovered we also shared the call of God to change direction from our chosen careers to follow vocations as full-time Salvation Army Officers, ministers of religion appointed to corps (church) leadership or other areas of Christian ministry. We both took this step of faith independently, and the majority of both our working lives have been following this calling. Howard is now an officer in retirement like me.

The first part of Howard’s book ‘No Longer I?’ is a candid account of his rich and various experiences in corps life, along with his struggles in those situations (some intensely personal) and the eventual discovery of answers. The second part explores those issues in the light of scripture and is more devotional in style. Both parts work well together, as Howard describes and explores the ups and downs, the joys and the sorrows, on his own journey of faith. He tells it as it is, and I found his writing refreshingly open, honest and powerful.

Let me quote the opening paragraph: I have something I need to say before you go, ‘Miss Barrett called out as I closed the lounge door, so I opened it again and stepped back into the room. Following a brief preamble she got to the point of why she had called me back, ‘I need to tell you that you are the worst officer (minister) this corps (church) has ever had!’ Those harsh words of indictment, spoken in judgment at the end of his first appointment, set the tone for compelling lessons in practical Christian discipleship woven throughout the pages of the book.

This isn’t just a book for Salvationists, but one for anyone desiring to reach into the heart of Christian life and ministry.

Note: The title of the book comes from Paul’s Letter to the Galatians: I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20 RSV)

Binsey Poplars

This poem was written in 1879 by Gerard Manley Hopkins in response to the felling of a row of poplar trees, I share it here after the felling of the iconic sycamore tree at Sycamore Gap in Northumberland.

My aspens dear, whose airy cages quelled,
Quelled or quenched in leaves the leaping sun,
All felled, felled, are all felled;
    Of a fresh and following folded rank
            Not spared, not one
            That dandled a sandalled
            Shadow that swam or sank
On meadow and river and wind-wandering weed-winding bank.
 
O if we but knew what we do
            When we delve or hew—
    Hack and rack the growing green!
            Since country is so tender
    To touch, her being so slender,
    That, like this sleek and seeing ball
    But a prick will make no eye at all,
            Where we, even where we mean
            To mend her we end her,
            When we hew or delve:
After-comers cannot guess the beauty been.
    Ten or twelve, only ten or twelve
            Strokes of havoc unselve
            The sweet especial scene,
            Rural scene, a rural scene,
            Sweet especial rural scene.

Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844–1889)

I’m not retiring from running!

I’ve been a runner on and off over the years, but never as seriously as in the last ten years. I used to run at school, and I especially remember running along the beach when I lived in Filey on the North Yorkshire coast. My decision to take it up again in 2013 was prompted by a desire to raise money for the Salvation Army’s Annual Appeal, as well as the need for a significant challenge to get fit.

So, not having run for many years, I entered the Middlesbrough 10K road race (that’s 6.2 miles). But, after my first training run round the block, I seriously wondered what I’d let myself in for. This was going to be a challenge in my late fifties. In the end though, I ran it twice with both times under an hour.

Now, in my late sixties, I don’t want my young children to see me as an old father, rather as a fit and active dad who’s fun to be with. So, I regularly run 5k parkruns, even if nowhere near my personal best of 25:03 set in 2014 when I was fifty-nine.

Advancing years are working against me, but I’ve currently got no plans to retire from running!

Uplifting Faith (Isaiah 46)

Isaiah 46 contains two sharply contrasting pictures; the first is of people carrying their god, the second one is of God carrying his people.

Isaiah can’t help smiling when he sees the shallow religion of the nations around Israel, what a miserable thing it must be to have a god who is a burden, who must be carried from place to place. So, he draws a humorous picture of a glittering god that looks great, but needs half a dozen men to carry it, a useless burden that weighs them down.

The second picture is of God our Heavenly Father, who carries his people from before birth, through life and past death into eternity.

Read: Isaiah 40:28-31

These two pictures represent two types of religion. On the one hand, one that must be carried, that’s a burden, that’s a duty, which weighs us down and wears us out. On the other hand, one that worships a God who upholds with his powerful arms, one that carries us, lifts us, lightens our spirits, and fills us with peace and joy.

I know which religion I prefer! Unfortunately, there are some Christians who choose the heavy, burdensome religion. Is it any wonder people reject it?

The disciples who met the Risen Jesus on the Emmaus Road recognised him when he broke bread. Their spirits were lifted: Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us? Luke 24:32

Commissioner Catherine Bramwell-Booth wrote:
Come, blessed Jesus, come;
Break bread again for me;
Lord open Thou my eyes that I
Thy living self may see.
Then joy shall fill my heart,
My strength be all renewed
To witness of Thy death and life,
By Thine own power endued.

As we open ourselves up to God our Heavenly Father, and as we come humbly into his presence, he lifts us up and fills us with his nature.

Let’s not be content with a religion of strain and struggle, fear and duty, heavy hearts, and clouded faces, when we can have a faith that carries our burdens, lightens our spirits, and fills us with love, joy, and peace.

True faith is attractive, it draws others to Christ. May we never turn anyone away because our religion is joyless, judgemental, and narrow. 1 John 5:3-4

Jesus condemned the religious leaders of his day because of the heavy loads they put on the people. Matthew 23:1-4

How refreshing, then, are the words of Jesus: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

May that be real in our lives, and may we share it with those around us, as we recognise the true nature of God our Heavenly Father.

Whitby (North Yorkshire)

Following our visit to Goathland with friends in August 2023, we moved on to nearby Whitby, a unique place where history, seaside charm, and Gothic legends converge.

Nestled along the rugged Yorkshire coastline, Whitby is a coastal gem that seamlessly marries history, seaside charm, and an air of Gothic mystique. This picturesque town in North Yorkshire, England, is renowned for its rich maritime heritage, stunning cliffside views, and a literary legacy that has captured the imaginations of many.

Whitby’s history is deeply intertwined with the sea. Its harbour was once a bustling hub for shipbuilding and whaling.

Whitby’s charm extends to its sandy beaches, perfect for leisurely walks or traditional bucket-and-spade family outings. The town’s award-winning fish and chips are a must-try, enjoyed while taking in the panoramic views of Whitby’s iconic red-roofed houses, snugly nestled against the backdrop of lush green hills.

Whitby is forever etched into literary history thanks to Bram Stoker’s “Dracula.” The author was inspired by the town’s eerie ambience and the brooding ruins of Whitby Abbey. The abbey’s Gothic arches atop the East Cliff offer breathtaking vistas of the town and coastline.

We always enjoy a visit to Whitby, but (be warned) it can get very busy on some days.

Goathland (North Yorkshire)

We visited this quintessential English village in August 2023 with family and friends. Goathland captivates with a blend of natural beauty, historic allure, and a touch of cinematic fame. This charming village in North Yorkshire offers an enchanting escape for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and film aficionados alike.

Stepping into Goathland feels like stepping back in time. The village boasts a well-preserved historic character with its stone-built cottages, cobbled streets, and a sense of timeless beauty. As you wander through its quaint lanes you immerse yourself in the rich history that permeates the very air.

Goathland’s heritage railway station is a standout feature, exuding vintage charm, but it’s more than just a relic of the past; it played a pivotal role in the much-loved TV series “Heartbeat.” Additionally, it serves as a key stop on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a renowned heritage railway line that offers a scenic journey through the spectacular Yorkshire countryside.

Goathland has made its mark on the entertainment world as a favoured filming location. It’s famously known as “Aidensfield” in the TV series “Heartbeat.” For Harry Potter enthusiasts, it’s also the real-world counterpart of “Hogsmeade” station, adding a dash of magic to its allure.

Just a stone’s throw from Goathland, the Mallyan Spout waterfall awaits, a natural wonder offering a serene setting for a leisurely walk or a moment of contemplation. Beyond that, the North York Moors provide a vast playground for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and exploration.

Goathland is a village that captures the imagination and leaves an indelible mark on the heart.

A Focus on Forgiveness

In Matthew 18:21-35 the focus is on forgiveness, mercy, and the importance of compassion in interpersonal relationships.

The disciple Peter approaches Jesus with a question: “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Peter’s question reflects the common rabbinic teaching of the time, which suggested forgiving someone up to three times. Peter, perhaps seeking to show great magnanimity, suggests forgiving up to seven times, thinking he is being generous.

Jesus responds with a profound lesson on forgiveness, saying, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” This statement is not meant to be taken literally, but rather emphasises limitless forgiveness. Jesus is teaching that forgiveness shouldn’t be constrained by a specific number but should be extended generously and without bounds.

To illustrate this point further, Jesus tells a parable about a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. In this parable, the king represents God, and the servants symbolise humanity. One servant owes the king an enormous debt, an amount so vast that he could never hope to repay it. The servant pleads for mercy and time to repay the debt. Astonishingly, the king, moved by compassion, forgives the entire debt, cancelling it completely.

However, the forgiven servant encounters another servant who owes him a relatively small sum of money. Instead of showing the same compassion he received, the forgiven servant seizes his fellow servant and demands payment. When the fellow servant begs for mercy and time to repay, the forgiven servant refuses and has him thrown into prison.

Upon hearing of this, the king is furious. He calls the forgiven servant back and chastises him for not showing the same mercy he had received. The king then has the unforgiving servant thrown into prison until he can repay the massive debt he owed.

The parable concludes with Jesus delivering a powerful message: “So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” This message underscores the importance of forgiveness in the Christian faith. Just as God forgives our sins, Christians are called to extend forgiveness to others.

This passage is a cornerstone of Christian ethics, teaching believers to forgive as they have been forgiven by God and to approach forgiveness with a generous and compassionate heart.