Walk on Water (Matthew 14.22-33)

"So there we were, 12 men in our prime straining at the oars, putting all our backs into it, trying to make progress. The wind was howl. The waves were relentless.

We had set out from shore early that evening. We were rowing flat out for eight hours and only got three and a half miles. How do you think we were feeling? Well, I’ll tell you. We were exhausted, demoralised, and beginning to wonder how long all this was going to last.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, we see this… figure walking on the sea not far from the boat. I’m telling you now, I have never been so petrified in all my life. I felt this shiver run down my back. I don’t know if I believe in the paranormal, but this was spooky. Some of my mates were so freaked out they started to scream.

But when all the commotion calmed down, we heard a familiar voice. It was Jesus. It looked like he was walking on the water. He was walking on the water!  He looked over to us, and said, “Man up guys; it’s me. There’s no need to panic.”

If you’ve never seen anyone walk on water before – and I suppose you haven’t – you can’t imagine what it’s like. I can’t describe it. You’d have to be there.

Anyway, Peter sitting next to me, all of a sudden says, “Lord, if it is you, tell me to come to you on the water.”

As soon as he said that I turned round and said to him, “I don’t think you’ve thought this through have you pal?”

I saw the look on his face. It was a look that said, “Me and my big mouth!” But the thing about men is this; if you say you’re going to do something in front of your mates – you’ve got to do it, haven’t you?

Peter was always talking like that. Impulsive, that’s the word. It’s as if his brain only ever started working several seconds after his mouth moved.

So when Jesus shouted back, “Come on then” I’m sure I heard Peter swear under his breath. At that moment in time he looked like he would rather have a dozen ferrets down his trousers than have to leave that boat.

Anyway, the boat was heaving up and down with the waves and the wind. We were all watching, wondering what was going to happen. Some of us were poking each other in the ribs and laughing out loud. It was like the blokes on Top Gear when one of them breaks down in the middle of nowhere! “Bye bye, Peter! Ha ha ha!”

He had to do it now. And I tell you what; he put one foot over the side of the boat and then another. He was sitting right on the edge of the deck. Slowly but surely, he slid his backside towards the water – and let go of the side of the boat! And he actually started to walk towards Jesus on the water.

None of us were laughing now. But after a moment, Peter looked round at the howling wind and the rolling waves. He lost his nerve, and started to sink. “Lord, save me.” He sounded genuinely scared. No one thought this was funny now.

But Jesus immediately reached out and he took hold of him. “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” he said.

To be honest, in the moment, it was terrifying. But looking back there was nothing to be afraid of."

When I was about 12, I went swimming with my little brother and I told him I could jump off the top diving platform. In fact, I lied to him and boasted that I’d done it before and it was easy. He thought I was an absolute hero. “Wow,” he said. “Show me!” When I got to the top of the stairs, at the highest diving board, the pool below looked about the size of a postage stamp. It seemed to take me about half an hour of looking over the edge, holding on to the rail, before I summoned up the courage to jump in.

Of course it is one thing to say you will do something, it is quite another to actually do it.

It’s one thing to stand up today and say “Yes, I am going to make a stand for Christ” but I’d be the first to admit that it’s much harder to do it than say it.

But there comes a time in life when, like Peter who got out of the boat and took a step of faith, you have to stand up and be counted. As John Ortberg says, if you want to walk on water you've got to get out of the boat.

The story about walking on the water shows us that Jesus helps us to achieve the impossible in life.

Think about the hardest thing you face in your life this morning... With Christ, you can do it. Nothing is impossible with God. Peter said, “If this is really you, Jesus, then tell me to come to you, help me to do something that is impossible for me to do by myself, to walk on water.”

Bringing up a child is not actually impossible – but it is hard. Having four children myself I’ll tell you what I’ve found; the days go slowly – but the years go quickly. Today your little ones think you know everything. But before you know it they will be 16. Then they’ll think they know everything and you know nothing.

How are you going to shape Christian values in their lives in the meantime? You’ve got to make sure you keep walking and don’t sink.

When Peter began to sink, what was the problem? Did he start to doubt that Jesus was really standing on the water? No. There was Jesus, right there, standing and waiting for him. Peter’s problem was that he focused on the wind and the waves. When he took his eyes off Jesus, he began to doubt that he could do it.

You’ve got to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus too. We all have.

And when we fail, as we inevitably will at some point, Jesus is there to pick us up.

When we tell this story, we think about Peter’s failure – he started to sink and drown and he suffered the humiliation of having to be bailed out. But don’t forget that Peter had the guts to get out of his comfort zone in the first place while the others just sat around like lemons.

He had a go. And he actually started to walk on water. How many steps did he take? Two or three? Nine or ten?

Like Peter, there will be days when you and I have that sinking feeling, when everything seems to be going wrong. But when we call out to him, Jesus loves to grab us by the hand. That's why we call him our Saviour.

Setting out to do the impossible with Jesus is the best journey you can ever make.

So, like Peter, take a step of faith in Jesus today. Never mind what other people say, never mind how scary it seems.

It’s better than staying in the boat all your life and always wishing you’d had a go - but played safe and missed out on life’s greatest adventure.

Sermon preached at Saint Mary's Long Newton, 24th June 2012.

Being Grandparents (Deuteronomy 4.1-9, Proverbs 13.22, 16.31, 17.6, Titus 2.1-5)

Just when you've made all the mistakes you can make as a parent, and you finally feel that you’ve pretty well got the hang of being parents, your kids grow up and leave the nest. And before long they have made you grandparents.

Though I am a grandfather to a sweet little girl called Emilie who is about 8 months old, I have only met her once when she was a baby as she lives far away. I will get to see her again next week when my son and his wife travel up for our daughter’s wedding so you can imagine how I am looking forward to all that.

So since I want for experience on the subject of being grandparents I took the trouble of seeking the collective wisdom of about a dozen grandparents from this church this week.

The first question I asked was “What do you think is the most important advice you would give to someone who’d just become a grandparent?” As you might have guessed, I have to declare an interest on this one.

The top themes in the replies were to love the grandchildren, and to enjoy them. As Proverbs 16.31 says “Children’s children are a crown to the aged.”

Grandchildren are a delight of course in sometimes surprising ways. I heard a story about a 7 year-old boy who came home from school and said to his grandmother, “Grandma, guess what? We learned how to make babies today.” The grandmother, more than a little surprised, tried to keep her cool. “That's interesting.” she said. “How do you make babies?” “It's simple,” replied the boy. “You just drop the ‘y’ and add ‘i-e-s’.”

We love the delightful things they come out with don’t we?

In my little survey people also said to be as available for them as possible but without being afraid to say “no” if necessary. I took this to mean setting limits on excessive requests from parents to babysit their children. And of course, it is their job, not yours.

The second question I asked was “What do you think are the biggest pitfalls or difficulties in being a grandparent?” The overwhelming two answers to emerge were interfering with the family by taking over the parent role and spoiling the grandchildren.

The interference issue is key. Your grown up children might well take a different approach to parenting to your own and this can be especially difficult if your children choose not to follow you in your Christian faith. But I can hardly imagine a situation where undermining parents would turn out well for your grandchildren.

I never thought my parents or Kathie’s parents could quite do the job we did for our children. I’m sure we all felt the same when our children were young as parents; however helpful and supportive our parents were no one knew our children quite like we did and it was our job to raise our children and pass on our values as best we could. Interference just makes things tense.

As for spoiling the grandchildren – whenever I used to visit my grandparents in Wimbledon they always used to give me £5 when it was time to say goodbye which was a lot of money when I was a boy.

I began to see my grandparents as a bit of a cash cow which says more about me than about them, but going overboard on giving material things can actually weaken the genuine affection between the generations.

We need to find a sense of proportion. In the replies to my question, several people said that grandparents have a great opportunity to pass on spiritual blessings to their grandchildren as well as material ones.

Someone said, “I'm a grandparent; I have a right to spoil my grandchildren.” I disagree. In fact, I think we have a responsibility not to.

There’s a difference between treating and spoiling. Treat them by all means, but if you spoil them they will turn out… we’ll, spoiled.

I think there are some wise responses there:
· Love your grandchildren
· Make time to be with them
· Don’t be afraid to say “no” if you need to
· Beware of usurping your children’s role as your grandchildren’s parents
· Treat but don’t spoil the grandchildren
· Pass on spiritual values as well as material treats

Today’s Deuteronomy reading is all about being faithful to God’s word and not drifting from its standard. All the way through Deuteronomy you find this theme; if you want to prosper and live well and live under the hand of God’s blessing you have to live in obedience to God’s word.

People sometimes talk about the Bible as a big black rule book that’s down on people enjoying themselves.

J. John talks about a man who took this view; “The Ten Commandments are so negative – don’t do this, don’t do that. We should do away with them” he said. And J. John thought, “Yes, that you shall not murder really cramps my style!”

In fact, far from being a series of miserable prohibitions, our reading sets out obedience to God’s word as the key to living well and enjoying life.

Verse 1 and 5; God says “Do you want to live and take possession of the land? Well, here’s how - remember to follow my ways and be careful to do so.”

Verses 3-4; God says “Do you want to avoid ruin and disaster? Well, remember those people who went after false idols – look what happened to them! But look, those who kept faith are still here. Think about why.”

Verses 6-8; God says “How do you want a harvest of goodness in your life that is so wonderful that other people will find it attractive and will want to emulate it? Well, remember what I taught you, don’t forget it and put it into practice.”

And verse 9, which has particular resonance for grandparents;

“Be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”

It may be if your children are cool towards your faith that you are in a difficult spot here. We’ve talked already about the pitfalls of interfering and undermining. But however uneasy your children and in-laws might be about your faith, you can still pray fervently for the future generations of your family and the Proverbs underline how living righteously, living consistently is a strong element of that teaching.

And, of course, if your life oozes love, kindness, joy, wisdom, patience, gentleness, faith and consistency we will have more impact for good on our grandchildren than if we just rant on and on about God every time they come to stay. I am not saying "Don't talk about the goodness of the Lord" to your grandchildren if you have an opportunity to do so. I am saying that will be counterproductive if you aren't living an attractive lifestyle at the same time.

Proverbs 13.22 in the Message version says “A good life gets passed on to the grandchildren.”

Mind you grandchildren might not always take in what you pass on. One grandfather told about his granddaughter who was visiting one day and said, “Granddad, I know why you are like God?” He mentally polished his halo and said, “Tell me why.” “Well, you’re both really, really old!” There’s nothing like being compared to the Ancient of Days to brighten up your week is there?

But it’s true that “a good life gets passed on to the grandchildren.” Charles Spurgeon once preached on being a grandparent and said, “We have come to a turning point in the road. If we turn to the right perhaps our children and our children's children will go that way; but if we turn to the left, generations yet unborn will curse our names for having been unfaithful to God and to His Word.”

So let me finish briefly with words from Titus 2 which map out the qualities God most wants grandparents to have in order to influence and shape future generations.

In v1-2, Paul speaks of older men who are becoming temperate, worthy of respect and self-controlled, sound in faith, in love and in endurance. You grandfathers, is that how you want your grandchildren to think of you?

Verse 3 speaks of older women urging, (not telling, not preaching, not nagging) the younger women to keep their family strong and stable - loving their husbands and children and building a place of wholesome security. You grandmothers, you have a role in cheering on your daughters and daughters-in-law to be good, respectful wives.

It speaks of older women having a wholesome lifestyle; reverent in the way they live, not slagging people off or always with a glass of gin but commending all that is good. Is that how you want your grandchildren to think of you?

Our faith - and the beautiful fruit of a life lived in Christ - are the greatest legacy we pass on to our children and grandchildren.

So may the Lord, who shows love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments, give us grace to live consistently for him and may we rejoice to see his blessing and favour echo through to our children – and our children’s children. Amen.  


Sermon preached at All Saints' Preston on Tees, 17th June 2012 

Parenting Teenagers (Psalm 1.1-7 and Luke 2.41-52)

Introduction

Dear Dad,

I'm writing to tell you that I'm pregnant and I've run off with my new boyfriend Andy. Don't worry dad, I'm 15 years old now and I know how to take care of myself.

Besides, Andy is older than me (well, 42 isn't that old these days). He has no money but I know you always said you just wanted me to be happy. I know when you meet Andy you'll like him very much - his piercings and tattoos are so cutting edge.

It's true he has other girlfriends as well but I know he'll be faithful to me - in his own way. He wrote to all 6 mothers of his 9 children the last time he was in jail.

Andy taught me that marijuana is harmless. He even grows it. He says we can trade it with our friends for all the cocaine and alcohol we need. In the meantime, pray they find a cure for AIDS so Andy can get better; he so deserves it!

One day I'm sure we'll be back to visit so you can get to know your grandchildren.

Your loving daughter,

Rosie

PS: I'm next door and none of the above is true. I just wanted you to know that there are worse things in life than my school report which you’ll find in my bedroom. Please call round when it is safe for me to come home.

The Challenge

Parenting teenagers. Ha! What do I know about that? Maybe the sermon title should have been Herding Cats.

In fact, teenagers and cats have a lot in common. They yawn in exactly the same manner. Both feel it’s your privilege to wait on them night and day. Neither turns their head when you call them by name. Neither shares your taste in music. Cats roam outside, return in the middle of the night and leave a dead animal in your bedroom. Teenagers are not above that sort of behaviour. But, when they make up their minds, both cats and teenagers will come to you for a bit of affection and comfort.

Parenting teenagers. In what sense am I qualified to stand up and give a talk on this subject?

In my defense, I have had three children who have gone through their teens and are now in their twenties. I have one more who is 14. So if past and present experience count for anything, I do have a little to draw on. But in mitigation, I have made some pretty spectacular mistakes with each of my four teenagers.

The thing is we only get one go at being parents and there is no training course or inbuilt know-how. We all learn on the job, mostly by trial and error.

So let me state right away that I do not pretend to speak from a position of strength this morning. There are so many things I would do differently if I could have my time again.

It is a demanding job to be a parent and doubly so when they become teenagers.

Parenting toddlers can be back breaking but parenting adolescents can be heart breaking. It can be lonely, it can be bewildering. It can be impossible.

I have sometimes seriously considered whether I can carry on as a church leader, such is the strain that has come directly from parenting my teenagers, one in particular.

Rob Parsons says, “If things are going well (yeah, right!) don’t take all the credit. But if things are going badly, don’t take all the blame.” That’s from a book I recommend called “Teenagers: What Every Parent Has to Know” which I found hugely helpful and which is on sale on the bookstall.

From a parent’s point of view, the teenage years can be traumatic. When they’re small you hear endlessly about the magical day they've had. A decade later you only know about anything they do by reading it on Facebook. Your sweet and sunny little bundle of joy mutates into a moody and withdrawn, eye-rolling door slammer.

Bette Davis once said “If you've never been hated by your child, you’ve never been a parent.” That’s the parent’s point of view then.

From the teenager’s point of view, it’s the parents who change. All-knowing, fun-loving friends become sadistic fascists with no fashion sense and are not to be seen with in public at any costs, lest they die of embarrassment. It never occurred to me as a teenager that one day I would know as little as my mum and dad but one of my children regularly reminds me that that is the level I have sunk to.

Wise Proverbs

Does the Bible have anything at all to say about parenting teenagers?

When I used to read the Proverbs about parenting in the Bible I always saw them as referring to young children but increasingly I see how their wisdom applies in a subtly different way to teenagers too.

“Those who spare the rod hate their children but those who love them are careful to discipline them” (13.24) might be the best known of all the Proverbs about parenting in the Bible – and it is crucially important to set and enforce boundaries. The longer you delay that the harder it is later. So start early, but keep setting boundaries in teenage years too (different ones obviously).

It’s your job to set the limits for what goes and what does not go in your home – and to decide what sanction you apply when your children defy your authority. The Bible says “Don’t embitter your children or they will become discouraged.”

There’s a difference between strict (which is good) and severe (which is not). So a boundary of “You must be home by 9:00pm” with a penalty of solitary confinement for a week if you’re one minute late will obviously be counterproductive. But “Don’t be harsh” doesn’t mean “Anything goes.”

Teaching on discipline and boundaries though is actually only a small part of all the wisdom for parents you find in Proverbs.

The overwhelming emphasis there is on verbal encouragement and teaching. “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching” it says in chapter 1, verse 8. When they’re little you just tell them. “Why?” Because. When they’re older “because” doesn’t wash.

I’ve found that it’s got to be much more of a dialogue. “What do you think about bullying at school, drugs, pocket money, tattoos, the best time to do homework, wearing makeup? Why do you think that girl in Year 11 got pregnant?” I’ve found that imparting my values in a two-way conversation in which I really listen to my teenagers’ opinions and commend what I agree with usually pays dividends.

Another Proverb, 22.6, says “Train children up in the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Of course, we know that every parent needs to train a young child to tell the truth and share toys. In Christian families parents need to train their children to pray and teach them the Bible as well.

But, especially as they become teenagers, I believe that training children up in the way they should go is also about discovering each one’s special and unique talent or aptitude or interest and nurturing them in it. Spend time with your teenagers helping them find their path in life and use the gifts that God has given them.

Proverbs 23.25 says “May your father and mother rejoice; may she who gave you birth be joyful!” Children are a gift from the Lord and they should know that they are special treasure.

When children become teenagers there is a great temptation to ease off on the physical expressions of love and esteem because teenagers often feel awkward and might not return the affection - but I think it is really important to keep going. Teenagers might not show it but deep inside I think they love to hear about how special they are and how much they are loved.

By the way, I looked high and low for a verse in the Bible about getting teenagers to tidy their bedroom – and there isn’t one. Apart from perhaps 2 Thessalonians 3.10 which says “Anyone who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” (!) Or perhaps Philippians 2.14 which says “Do everything without complaining or arguing.”

Jesus Was a Teenager Too

Do you ever worry yourself sick about what your teenagers are up to - and where they are? Or do you get anxious about them talking to strangers? If so, you can take great reassurance this morning from the fact that Mary and Joseph had exactly the same issues with Jesus when he was in Year 8.

Luke 2.41-52 situates Jesus at a crucial stage in his human development. The Bible tells us he was age 12, so it was just after his Bar Mitzvah when, as a Jewish boy, he would have officially left his mother’s apron strings and become an apprentice in his father’s line of work.

Anyway, the parent’s worst nightmare happens. They travel home in a large family group. Joseph thinks he is with Mary because up to that age he always has been his mother’s boy. “I thought he was with you.” But Mary thinks he is with Joseph – because he’s now 12, he should be with his dad. “No, I thought he was with you.”

For three days they look for him. Can you imagine their distress? When they finally find him they discover that he has been holding his own with the nation’s top theologians for half a week and he is apparently unaware that he should have been somewhere else.

Look, I know Jesus is the Son of God and in very nature divine. But even so, I think this Bible passage gives us some insight into the truth that teenagers are not quite children anymore - but they’re not quite adults either.

Verse 52 says “He went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them.” He was still a child in that sense. But verses 47-48 say that when his parents see him, they are astonished at his understanding and his answers. That’s the emerging adult.

That's why parenting teenagers is such an art. You have to give teenagers a bit of latitude, let them make some decisions and take some responsibilities. You need to discern that and sometimes the call you make will be along very subtle lines - and may well differ from teenager to teenager. But at the same time your teenagers need to know that you’re not completely letting go just yet. You are still taking responsibility for them.

“Why were you searching for me?” says Jesus. “Didn’t you know I had to be about my father’s business?” They think he’s talking about carpentry, the family business he has just officially entered at his Bar Mitzvah.

But he wasn’t talking about woodwork. And the Bible says this; “They did not understand what he was saying to them.” So the communication barrier between parents and teenagers existed even in Bible times and with a sinless teenager! So cheer up, it’s not just you. There will be times when you just won't feel you can relate to each other.

But I want you to note this; the family went up to Jerusalem for the Passover. “According to the custom” it says in v42. There was a pattern, there was a routine if you like in Jesus’ family. Jesus grew up with that expectation that the Sabbath is for God. We bless our children if they grow up with that too.

Your teenagers will learn how real your faith is in your life by the importance you attach to living it out during the week and gathering with other Christians for worship on Sunday. If they observe that it’s not a massive priority for you, don’t be surprised if it never becomes important for them. Why should it?

When children are young they absorb your faith and don’t question it. Primary schools are a supportive environment in this country. But when they get into their teens they have to question it. Don’t get nervous about that. It’s actually healthy. In order for them to own their faith they have to go through a process of searching.

Two Paths

Psalm 1 talks about the two directions people can take. This is a constant theme in Scripture. Jesus talked about two roads; one is broad and you can go fast and it leads to destruction. Many people take it. The other is narrow and winding and only a few find it.

I think this theme and this Psalm are especially pertinent to those in their teens. All are tempted go with the wrong crowd where their faith drains away. Some actually do.

Verse 1 talks about walking in step with the wicked, standing in the way that sinners take and siting in the company of mockers. Faith is tested at secondary school and any teenager who emerges from that with their faith intact will have real backbone and genuine character. What happens to those who end up hanging out with the wrong crowd? Verse 4 tells us that they are like chaff that the wind blows away.

From the earliest years of my children’s lives I resolved that I didn’t much care whether they lived in fancy, big houses or earned huge salaries or enjoyed great successful careers. But it mattered to me greatly that they would grow up to walk with God and live according to his wisdom - and it still does.

I’ve always said to Kathie that I’d rather they worked in McDonald’s and loved the Lord than be lawyers or doctors and be spiritually lost.

If they do go on to have well paid, prestigious careers, then well and good. But it wouldn’t make me any more proud of them and if all that came at the cost of their relationship with God I feel that I will have failed as a parent. Every night I’d pray over their cots – Kathie and I still pray regularly for them – and above all else that they will know God and live for Christ. And if they marry - then to a believer.

Psalm 1 goes on to say “Blessed are those who delight in the law of the Lord and meditate on his law day and night. They are like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither - whatever they do prospers.” What’s the key to real prosperity and flourishing in life? Delighting in God’s word and giving deep consideration to all his ways.

Isn’t that what we want most of all for our teenagers as they journey from childhood to adulthood?

Conclusion

So, to finish – a few bullet points:

· Pray for them every day – they’ll be spiritually impacted by that.
· Be available for them – they’ll treasure that.
· Model a God-first lifestyle – they’ll absorb that.
· Listen to what they say and respect their opinions – they’ll value that.
· Say sorry when you get things wrong – they’ll respect that.
· Build up their self-esteem – they’ll grow confident from that.
· Love them – they need that.

If you’re finding it really hard being a parent to teenagers, that’s because it usually is hard. Maybe that’s why God has chosen someone special like you to do it.

Let’s pray…

Sermon preached at All Saints' Preston on Tees, 10th June 2012

Long to Reign Over Us (Romans 13.1-7)

On the Occasion of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee

It might seem a little anachronistic to some to be holding a national celebration, complete with Union flags in a church. Shouldn't the church and state be kept separate?

In some countries the two are rigorously kept apart. But for centuries, faith has been woven into the fabric of our nation. It's like trying to unpick threads in a tapestry. Where do you start? Even our national anthem is a prayer.

Our Queen, is Head of State to whom Parliament is answerable. But she is also Supreme Governor of the Church of England and Defender of the Faith. As such, she is hardly a neutral on the subject of faith in God.

In fact, faith is a significant factor in what makes Elizabeth II who she is. She herself has not chosen to limit her faith to the private sphere of her personal thoughts and opinions.

It is no surprise that she was in church today. The festivities marking her glorious reign would not be complete for her without a very public celebration of the faith that sustains her.

This is how she put it in her own words during her Christmas message in 2008:

I hope that, like me, you will be comforted by the example of Jesus of Nazareth who, often in circumstances of great adversity, managed to live an outgoing, unselfish and sacrificial life. Countless millions of people around the world continue to celebrate his birthday at Christmas, inspired by his teaching.

He makes it clear that genuine human happiness and satisfaction lie more in giving than receiving; more in serving than in being served.

We can surely be grateful that, two thousand years after the birth of Jesus, so many of us are able to draw inspiration from his life and message, and to find in him a source of strength and courage.

Last Christmas, she was even more candid about how her faith undergirds and inspires her life of service to us, her subjects.

Finding hope in adversity is one of the themes of Christmas. Jesus was born into a world full of fear. The angels came to frightened shepherds with hope in their voices: 'Fear not', they urged, 'we bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour who is Christ the Lord.'

Although we are capable of great acts of kindness, history teaches us that we sometimes need saving from ourselves - from our recklessness or our greed.

God sent into the world a unique person - neither a philosopher nor a general, important though they are, but a Saviour, with the power to forgive.

Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian faith. It can heal broken families, it can restore friendships and it can reconcile divided communities. It is in forgiveness that we feel the power of God's love.

In the last verse of this beautiful carol, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, there's a prayer:
O Holy Child of Bethlehem,
Descend to us we pray.
Cast out our sin
And enter in.
Be born in us today.

It is my prayer that on this Christmas day we might all find room in our lives for the message of the angels and for the love of God through Christ our Lord.

All the speech lacked was an altar call!

If you will forgive me for a moment, I would like to briefly share with you a bit of my own personal journey. In 1977 our nation celebrated the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. I was 16 at the time and alternating between apathy and hostility towards the celebrations.

I complained about the huge waste of public money. I whinged about the extensive coverage on TV.  I bought the Sex Pistols’ records “Anarchy in the UK” and their version of “God Save the Queen” - and played them endlessly - and loudly to the great irritation of my parents.

I thought then that the monarchy was outdated, undemocratic and out of touch. I sneered at the luxury, the class divide, the protocol, the deference. I was a proud republican.

I am happy to admit that I was wrong. Over the years, I have come to hold the exact opposite view to the one I held then. What do you think changed my mind?

Was it that I learned to appreciate the monarchy’s endurance over time?

Was it that the alternative (President Cameron, Clegg or Milliband) was no improvement?

Was it that I worked out that she earns the nation a fortune from tourism?

Not really. The truth is that the Queen herself won my heart.

Our reading from Romans 13 says Give to everyone what you owe: if respect, then respect; if honour, then honour.

We owe Queen Elizabeth II enormous respect and honour.

Respect because she sets the standard for the nation. In 60 years of nonstop public service she has not put a foot wrong.

Respect because her values of faith, responsibility, discretion, service, loyalty and family are the ideals that make a nation strong.

Honour because her stature and greatness and nobility are rooted in her character.

Honour because being Queen is not a role she chose nor, I believe, is it one she craved as a young woman. But, happily for us, it is one she accepted and has fulfilled with absolute devotion.

I was talking with a few members of the congregation here the other week and I asked if anyone had actually met the Queen. Several had been near her but one had actually spoken with her.

She was hosting a tea for representatives of various charities. My friend worked as a children’s counsellor. She must have been well briefed because there were about 100 people there and the Queen seemed to know what each one did.

She turned to my friend and asked “Tell me, how do you help children to grieve?” Little did she know then that she would have to help her own grandchildren to mourn the loss of Princess Diana in full view of a rather critical nation.

When Elizabeth was crowned queen she was given a copy of the Bible.

And, as it was presented to her, the Archbishop said these words; “We present you with this book, the most valuable thing this world affords. Here is wisdom, this is the royal law; these are the living oracles of God.”

I’m told she reads it every day and has proved a great inspiration to her throughout her reign.

In view of this, we would like to offer you a Jubilee edition of a part of the Bible - the New Testament. 

It has a special introductory section with verses you an look up when anxious, lonely, seeking guidance, bereaved and so on. There's also a little section (with pictures) all about the Queen and her faith but the most important part is what comes afterwards.

I encourage you to read it with an open heart, asking that God will speak to you through it. Copies are available on the way out. It is our gift to you.

I close with verse 4 from our reading – I could hardly find a more appropriate verse in the whole Bible for an occasion such as this.

For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good.

Amen. God save the Queen.


Sermon preached at Saint Mary's Long Newton, 5th June 2012