You don’t have to be a regular at church services to be able to recall the story of Jonah and the great fish. It’s a very well known story that has been passed down from generation to generation throughout the ages. I was led – opened my Bible randomly to read and to pray when awakened suddenly – to read and reflect on a section of the story this week.

First consider how the narrative begins:

“The word of the Lord came to Jonah the Amittai. Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.”

Consider also the great wickedness, the murder of a grandmother and her two grand-daughters, which descended on a nation this week ; and which, wickedness, for certain, “ has come before the Lord”. The kind of wickedness which sadly, has happened time and time again, in the nation’s recent history

So back to Jonah! What did he do? He ran away. He was disobedient. He did not call the people of the great city of Nineveh to repentance. And then got into trouble, and cried out to Living God. And this God whose compassion and mercies are “ new every morning”, rescued him from the the pit. From the pit of hell, as the Pentecostals among us would respond! And if you recall, in the end, Nineveh was saved from destruction, as the reluctant prophet Jonah, eventually, carried out his mandate and the people repented “ of the great wickedness”.

Jamaica, like most modern countries, despite our professed allegiance to the words of the National Anthem and the National Pledge, “ Eternal Father bless our land”, and “ Before God and all mankind”, is not a nation which takes orders from God. And therefore our response over the years to this great wickedness of murder, and murder most foul, and other manifestation of evil, has, primarily been to depend on the security forces to bring the perpetrators to justice. Yes, we have also passed more, and more effective laws. Yes, we have done the social interventions; we may argue about the effectiveness, but attempts have been made over the years. Yes, we have tried to grow the economy and lift the living standards of the our people, with the hope in turn that such a goal would be socially beneficial. Yes, we have understood to a certain extent the value of education and in particular, the inculcation of values and attitudes in the minds of our people, that would enure to the good of our society. Yes, we have tried to “ ease the tension “ between the two political parties, and thus have been able to reduce significantly politically motivated violence in our country.

This is the context, then, and no doubt, there is great merit in the decision by the government to call out the national reserves in an attempt to prevent more headlines “ Bloody Sunday as four slain”. We pray God, that this new measure, and others to come, may help to stop the blood from flowing on our streets. And heal a nation in deep distress!

The challenge, however, for the people of God, the church, those who take orders from the Living God, the God of Abraham and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, is how do we react to this wickedness that has surely “ come up before the Lord”. This past week, and, for a long time now! Do we limit ourselves to being good corporate citizens, and contribute where we can to national development, but with a particular concern for the vulnerable and the disenfranchised and those living on the margins of life?

Or have we been given orders like Jonah, and have been disobedient. For whatever reason! And thus, not only the church, and the society in which we are called to be light and salt, have run into trouble, and even now, are yet to with faith and conviction, to call upon God, in the midst of the storm?

And so, in the early morning this week, I believe I was awakened to ponder deeply, and share, these words of wisdom from God. A message which came to Jonah in the depths of the ocean, in the pit of hell, and hopefully known by all who are confronted by evil, regardless of the cause. Words which transcend time and culture and race and ethnicity and circumstance:

“ Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs. But I with a song of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. Salvation comes from the Lord”.

The further question, in this context, of wickedness in Jamaica – murder and murder most foul – and in the USA, – the threat to democracy, to world peace, the support of institutional racism and the neglect of the existential threat to life that is the COVID-19 Pandemic which marked the Presidency of the 45th, and which Presidency over 70 million Americans supported, including sections of the church – is what is the future of our two closely linked countries? Is there a word about judgment, if we don’t repent? What is the word to the authentic church, the believing Christians, at this time in our history?

Consider for a moment, as we ponder those questions, the message, the most important message in the Bible, as revealed in the most well known, universally, verse in Holy Scripture:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

John 3:16 NIV

And the next verse also:

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

John 3:17 NIV

So, in essence, Jonah was a forerunner of Jesus. For both were sent to call people to repentance. One was obedient, even to death on a cross; the other disobedient, and had to be rescued. And then was obedient! Of course Jesus did more, much more than call people to repentance. He died a cruel death, to Atone for the sins of the whole world, and was raised with Power from the dead, so that we may have life and life more abundantly through the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit. And in obedience seek to rescue the stray, search for the lost, bind up the wounded, give light to blind and seek for justice for the wretched of the earth – the least of these my brethren.

The challenge for the church, those called out, and empowered by Christ, to share the message and ministry of reconciliation of sinful humanity to God in and through the shed blood of Christ, in this post Jonah dispensation, is will we be obedient to God, or run away from preaching the Gospel of Christ and Him Crucified, and suffer the consequences of disobedience.

Will we, in Jamaica, like aspects of the church in the USA, shy away from calling evil what it is, evil, because like Jonah we have our own agenda, or simply just afraid to speak truth to power. Who apart from the church has a mandate to call out the kind of evil that has been allowed, and who knows a project which may still be in operation, to desecrate the life of a nation, by facilitating the ownership of guns and ammunition by “ unattached youths”. Or, and, by running away and failing to act decisively to rid this nation, over the years, of this abomination that has caused so much blood to spill on the streets, and to “ come before Lord”.

Two more stories, one is more a Word than a story, from Holy Scriptures, came to my attention as I prayed and considered the story of Jonah. One came to mind as I recalled that young woman praying, if that is the right word, fervently for Donald Trump’s victory at the polls, when it was quite apparent that he was going to lose. Calling down angels from Africa and using all kinds of language to invoke God’s action to overturn the elections. Listen carefully what the Lord says about people like her, and others who take their eyes off the cross of Calvary – a very dangerous thing for a Christian.

THE WORD OF GOD

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.

and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority……

Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind.

They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.”

Colossians 2:6-8, 10, 16-19 NIV

A great part of the reason why mischief has entered the inner sanctuary of people’s heart, both in and outside the church, with varying degrees of manifestation of evil and wickedness and error, is that they have lost connection with the head, as Paul avers. For the kingdom of God, is not about eating and drinking, and worshiping of angels and worshiping on a particular day, or following a set of rules, but about Power. The power that comes from believing that Christ died for us on Calvary, and was raised from the dead with Power, so that in and through Him, we may become a “ new man”. “For if any man is in Christ he is a new creation……”

The final Word as we consider this issue of wickedness and repentance and God’s mercy and judgment, comes from another well known story.

About Dives and Lazarus. So we all recall that Lazarus was treated badly, ignored even by Dives the rich man, because Lazarus was poor and of no consequence to him. A nobody! Then the tables turned and both died. One went to be in the bosom of Abraham, in peace. The other went to the pit of hell, in agony. To cut a long story short, Dives wished to warn his brothers, perhaps in Jamaica and the USA, so that they would not suffer the fate that had come upon on him. But Abraham replied that if they wished to avoid the pit of hell, they should, essentially, pay attention to the prophecies in the Old Testament. But Dives, and here we get a glimpse of Salvation, suggested that if someone from the dead, meaning Lazarus, but we all know that Jesus who told the story, was talking about himself, would go and tell his brothers in the USA and Jamaica, they might listen and avoid meeting his fate. Then comes the profound advice from Jesus himself, that if people won’t listen to the prophecies and warnings in the Old Testament, even if someone is raised from the dead, after dying for them on Calvary, is the implication, they will still not heed the warning.

So now we can properly understand what Jonah said in he pit of hell. What He said as we consider the wickedness that came upon our country this week, and last week,and the week before, that : “those who cling to worthless idols, forfeit the grace that could be theirs”.

As the problem surely is that for far too long, in Jamaica and in America, the challenge from the Lord is not only the threat of judgment if we don’t repent, which is very true and very real, but the heartbreaking reality that people would rather cling to idols, worthless idols, whether human or material or philosophical, and forfeit the grace of God that is Jesus and Him Crucified.

That’s the amazing thing! Shocking isn’t it! For what happened in our country and shocked so many of us this week, is the manifestation of the reality, that for far too long, too many of us, have clung to worthless idols – in the dancehall, in politics, in gambling and bettings – bruk outta brukness – in our own imagination, in various forms of entertainment, in our sporting heroes or heroines, all of whom are literally in the hands of God,and not just Diego Maradona – and forfeited the grace of God in Christ Jesus, who alone can set us free from evil, and death and Sin.

In this context, I believe two, one short, emails written to the church this week, find relevance:

THE FIRST EMAIL

More and more, in recent times, stretching back perhaps years now, I marvel at God’s faithfulness in allowing me to fall asleep at nights, and wake up in the morning, without any effort on my part. Amazing isn’t it! This morning in particular, and not for the first time, this feeling of awe was accompanied by words from a song all of us love so much, “ Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father, there is no shadow of turning with thee”.

And later when I began my early morning devotions, “ Strength for today, and bring hope for tomorrow”, stayed with me for a while.

But before the devotions, whilst doing my early morning chores, in the context of yesterday’s message surely, the Lord reminded me of one of Paul’s great declarations about the supreme value of suffering for Christ. And so I share it with you in obedience to the Spirit, while also remembering Oswald Chamber’s meditation for yesterday, which left an impression, once again on my soul late – 11:00 – last night before retiring to bed:

If we get away from dwelling on the tragedy of God on the Cross in our preaching, our preaching produces nothing. It will not transmit the energy of God to man; it may be interesting, but it will have no power. However, when we preach the Cross, the energy of God is released. “…it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.…we preach Christ crucified…” (1 Corinthians 1:21, 23).

ST. PAUL AND SUFFERING AND COMFORT

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.

He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.”

2 Corinthians 1:3-11 NIV

The highlighted section goes to the heart of why St. Paul famously declared, and perhaps which wisdom has been missing from sections of the church in recent times, thus occasioning distraction and even absence of power in the church, according to Oswald Chambers

“ When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified…….so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power. 1 Cor. 2:1-2 NIV

Good Lord, renew your church, one again, beginning with those who wish to know nothing except Christ and him crucified; Lord renew your church, that the church empowered by the crucified, risen and ascended Christ, may renew the nation(s) whose only hope, whether they know it or not, like Maradonna, is in your hands. The One who raises the dead! And who alone can rescue Jamaica from men who murder grandmothers and young girls and from COVID-19.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/front-page/in-the-hands-of-god-football-legend-diego-maradona-dies-at-60_208540?profile=1606

THE SECOND EMAIL

From last night, and reinforced this morning:

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.”

Ephesians 6:13 NIV

The day of evil will come. Whether once or frequently, whether for a short time or prolonged. It will come! And today’s Gleaner headlines “ Bloody Sunday as four slain”, is a case in point. For the day of evil in this regard has been on this land for a long time. But so too personally. So we need to call upon the Name of Jesus often. Even when we feel secure, for the thief who comes to “ steal and to kill and to destroy”, often gives no warning.

Therefore, we need an update to the prayers of Psalm 91; “ He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High God, will abide in his shadow”. Anyone who is in Christ, the hope of glory, and who calls upon his Name, “ Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name – the name that you gave me – so that they be one as we are one”, will be protected from the evil one. John 17 :11-15.

Call on his Name often today. For mercy! And for protection from evil! For self, and family and neighbor and for the least of these my brethren. And the God of mercy will direct us how to feed, and clothe, and give a drink and to visit and to rescue them from evil. From the kingdom of darkness to the Light who is Christ. The One who has defeated death, sin and evil on the cross of Calvary. It is finished!

Which according to Oswald Chambers is:

The greatest note of triumph ever sounded in the ears of a startled universe was that sounded on the Cross of Christ— “It is finished!” (John 19:30). That is the final word in the redemption of humankind.

One of the main lessons that Christianity teaches, but is often ignored both within and without the church, is that we live in evil times. Even though when God created the universe He declared it to be not just good, but “ very good”. And so St. Peter, delivered up of himself this sobering truth, “ save yourselves from this corrupt generation, during his first sermon, shared after The Day of Pentecost. Perhaps one of the most widely quoted passages of English Literature best captures this reality, of evil residing right next door to good, although we are yet as a global family, to fully understood the profound nature of this pronouncement found in the majestic opening lines of The Tale of two Cities by Charles Dickens:

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”

However, a careful reading of the newspapers, on any given day, provides proof that despite the enormous good that is present in the world, there is so much evil. And evil which no one can fully explain!

For who can explain the kind of world we live in when dogs attack a young boy, and he is so badly wounded that he is now in America receiving emergency treatment:

http://www.loopjamaica.com/content/st-ann-boy-mauled-dogs-further-treatment-usa

Who can explain the aberrant behavior of the 45th POTUS, as he continues to defy the will of the people of his country, who voted for Joe Biden. And is supported in this calumny by not only his supporters, but elected officials of “ the home of the free and land of the brave”! A nation whose almost, raison d’être, reason for being, is to spread and defend – don’t forget that part – democracy all over the world.

https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-elections-coronavirus-pandemic-68b79cf2afe8bebbf8516c1737ebcc91

Who can explain why young Kylan Dowdie, about whose case we reported on last week, continues to battle for life in the ICU, while so far five women have been charged for wounding? A most unfortunate incident which is provoking so much discussion in Jamaica. What has gone wrong! So badly wrong!

Who can fully explain the death of over 200,000 Americans, with African Americans and Latinos, disproportionally represented, and counting, dying from this itsy beenie virus, which cannot be seen with the naked eye, but has caused so much grief all over the world? A Pandemic which has devastated life as we know it in Jamaica, to the extent that one of the most joyous times of the year, Christmas, despite the commercialization, is to be celebrated “ under some kind of lockdown”

Who can fully explain why, for many years, in a country not at war, my country, Jamaica, over 1000 souls have been lost to murder, and murder most foul, year after year. And with no end in sight despite the best efforts of the security forces!

Who can explain fully the huge gap, the enormous chasm in living standards between people who live on the edge of society, on gully banks and squatter land, and those who live in mansions with rooms to spare?

Who can fully explain why a mother, whilst being treated at public institution, develops bed sores and has to be rescued by her family, thus sparking a national debate, whilst others have access to good quality care. As a matter of course!

Why provokes the thought in a landlord to become a “ peeping tom” and inside the privacy of his female tenants, much to their embarrassment and causing so much anger. Why?

Jamaica: Peeping Tom landlords to be punished

Why have we treated the environment so badly over time that, according to the experts, the ozone layer has become so badly compromised, that the earth is at grave risk of being overcome by the effects of global warming ; and in fact is already suffering from the devastating effects of climate change? Why? An issue which goes to the heart of the very topical discussion currently being engaged in by the PM and local environmentalists over his government’s decision to overrule a recommendation made by the government’s own experts.

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/pm-defends-mining-decision-economic-activity-can-co-exist-with-environmental-preservation-he-insists_207627?profile=1373

The reality is that although politicians are under pressure to grow the economy so that they can create the economic climate that will lead to more jobs and better living standards, there needs to be a better balance between that admirable goal and protecting the very foundation of life on earth – the environment. Otherwise evil wins, in the long run!

We really live in two different cities all over the world. Some have incredible hope, others live in abject despair. Some are acting with great wisdom, wearing masks for example, while others are doing pure foolishness and disregarding this basic warning. Or as Jamaicans on the streets would say “ a carry out a whole bag a foolinish”.

The thing is that what Christianity explains better than Charles Dickens, is that “ some are in the Light” while others are “ in pure darkness”. This what the Bible teaches, and encourages all mankind to come into the Light who is Christ. The same One who, long before Creation, God purposed in his heart, to rescue mankind from the evil that is Sin, and into the Light. For until then we will continue to be incredulous at what Donald Trump does or says, while the basic truth, is that, if we too don’t come into the Light, like the peeping Tom landlord, we too can be overcome by evil. And suffer grave consequences.

No doubt it is this reality of the best of times and the worse of times that inspired me to write to my church this week. But first a word from one of the all time great Christian writers, C. S. Lewis, whose mediation on the strategy of the devil recommend itself as we probe this issue of evil in the land of good, and why we need to “ save ourselves fro this corrupt generation”, in and though Christ Jesus.

SCREWTAPE’S STRATEGY

( Satan writes to one of his minions). My Dear Wormwood, ……the “ Historical Jesus”, however dangerous he may seem to be to us at some particular point, is always to be encouraged. About the general connection between Christianity and politics, our position is even more delicate. Certainly we do not want men to allow their Christianity to flow over into their political life, for the establishment of a really just society would be a major disaster.

On the other hand we do want, and want very much, to make men treat Christianity as a means; preferably, of course, as a means to their own advancement, but, failing that, as a means to anything – even to social justice.

The thing to do is to is to get a man at first to value social justice as a thing which the Enemy ( God) demands, and then work him on to the stage at which he values Christianity because it may produce social justice. For the Enemy will not be used as a convenience.

Men or nations who think that they can revive the faith in order to make a good society might well thin that they can use the stairs of heaven as a short cut to the pharmacy ( Lewis used the chemist’s shop, of which pharmacy is a update).

Only today I have found a passage in a Christian writer where he recommends his own version of Christianity on the ground that “ only such a faith can outlast the death of old cultures and the birth of new civilizations”. You see the little rift?” “Believe this, not because it is true, but for some other reason”. That’s the game.

Your affectionate uncle Screwtape.

So now we understand why St. Peter, knowing that we can fix this broken world, warned us to “ save ourselves from this corrupt generation”, in Christ Jesus who is the Light. As there are clearly two absolutely different cities in creation. The Heavenly City of God, the New Jerusalem, and the kingdoms of this world where Donald Trump and others, who may surprise you, rule.

THE LETTER TO MY CHURCH – THE ESSENCE OF WHICH IS THAT DISOBEDIENCE TO GO WHICH CAUSES EVIL IS CAUSED BY A SPIRIT

It’s a sequence of thoughts that led me to write as I began my early morning devotions.

First a letter to a friend, after engaging three people on Twitter about Liberation Theology, as they ( claimed to ) understood what the late and much revered by me and all of us, Canon Ernle Gordon, said abut it.

One contribution provoked me to engage:

Saluting Rev Canon Ernle Gordon who contributed so much to social justice awareness & action. He was motivated by his understanding of the activist Christ, & by commitment to works as strong as faith.

Me: Good tribute my friend and activist. Ernle certainly is deserving of our love and praise. But Christ was certainly no activist in the way that liberation theologians try to portray Him. Just obedient to His Father who gives grace to the humble and scatters the proud in heart

This continued for a while with some contending that Jesus had a manifesto and that he had a cabinet of 12 and was murdered…….that he was a martyr …

And so when I wrote to my friend, lots of things were on my mind, including wisdom from the book of Ephesians which was the Theme for that Sunday, “Be very careful then how you live, not as unwise but as wise for the times we evil ”. And in response, I was led to go through the entire book and found much wisdom right there; and shared what I found in the context of today’s current issues.

THE LETTER

Dear Joseph,

Thanks again for inviting me to speak to your congregation at Highholborn St Church of God on Sunday. An invitation which God arranged so that I could first learn more about Him and His Son and The Holy Spirit as recorded in Ephesians. And then share with others.

 I’ve sent the hymn because I may have misquoted the opening verse. Kindly share with your members, as it will help, as it has helped me, to ward off the plan of the evil one, to tempt us to enter into a transactional relationship with Jesus. Much like what the  “Prosperity Gospel” – which is no gospel at all  – proponents seeks to achieve. And maybe, if not understood well, some aspects  of Liberation Theology, which though capturing  perfectly Jesus’  plan to “ set the captives free”,  may provide an escape route  from repentance, and Redemption; and being made new,  “ if any man is in Christ he is a new creation”, not just empowered mentally and even socially and economically,  by the Power of The Holy Spirit,  which any understanding of the Cross demands. 

Finally in  the words of St. Paul, as he wrote to the church in Ephesus,  “ May God grant you and your congregation a spirit of wisdom and revelation, that you may know him better”. Day by day, to his glory and for his honor.

Your friend for life.

Lucien

THE HYMN

My God I love thee; 

not because I hope for heaven thereby,

 nor yet because who love thee not 

are lost eternally.

Thou, O my Jesus, thou didst me 

upon the cross embrace; 

for me didst bear the nails and the spear,

 and manifold disgrace, 

and griefs and torments numberless 

and sweat of agony;

yea, death itself – and all for me 

who was thine enemy.

Then why, O blessed Jesu Christ,

 should I not love thee well?

 Not for the sake of winning heaven, 

nor of escaping hell; 

not from the hope of gaining aught, 

not seeking a reward;

 but as thyself hast loved me, 

O everlasting Lord.

So would I love thee, dearest Lord, 

and in thy praise will sing; 

solely because thou art my God,

and my most loving King.

The Sequence then continued last night at Bible Study, especially when we discussed the gospel reading about Jesus and the “ least of these “. A Word which sparked quite a bit of discussion, about how individuals, and the church as an institution, ought to respond, to the needs of the weak, and those living on the margins of life. And in the words of the late ArchBishop of Canterbury, William Temple, in a very challenging meditation on this passage entitled WHATEVER YOU DID NOT DO, “ Civilization, as we know it, produces much human refuse. Slum dwellings, long hours of work, underpayment, child labour, lack of education, prostitution – all of these responsible for stunting and warping the development of souls….unless we are exerting all the strength that Christ gives us in ending these bad conditions, then the responsibility for wasted lives lies at our door”.

So we discussed all of these things, and arrived at a point where we wondered how the church was continuing to fulfill its mandate to care for the least of these in this COVID-19 times. In addition to keeping worship services going! A great challenge which needs to be faced, otherwise the church may well be seen to be drifting purposelessly in an hour of great distress in the nation. The thought was even expressed that a zoom meeting with our Archbishop and other priests engaging the congregations in how does the church best operate in these extremely unusual times, would be very helpful.

The Sequence then continued with my reading of E. M. Bounds last night. On the topic MEN OF PRAYER ARE NEEDED. ….What the church needs today is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more and novel methods, but men ( and not to be sexist I would add men and women) whom the the Holy Spirit can use – men of prayer, mighty, men of prayer. The Holy Spirit does not flow though methods but through men. He does not come out of machinery, but on men. He does not anoint plans, but men – who pray.

A point which I was at pains to make on Twitter in response to the those who sought to promote the virtues of Liberation Theology, at least as they understood it. To wit:

The greatest empowerment that the weak and vulnerable need is the gift of the Holy Spirit. So Jesus didn’t come only to empower the weak, and the humble but to make all things, in heaven and earth, new. If any man is in Christ he is a new creation.

Then early this morning, before I got up the Sequence continued. As the Word of God came into my mind during my sleep. From the very book that I preached on during my visit to my friend’s church on Sunday.

One, from chapter two. And so having read it, I was moved to write, without even pausing to pray

“ As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient”. Ephesians 2: 1-2

And the reason why I am writing has to do with this wisdom and revelation from God. That, murder and all kinds of wickedness that seems, not the reality, but seems, to blanket our nation and suffocating righteousness, is caused by a spirit of rebellion against God. And according to our Lord himself, which is what inspired E. M. Bounds to write so prolifically and profoundly and even prophetically about prayer, the famous words that “ This kind can come out only by prayer”. Mark 9:29 NIV. This in response to the disciples’ question, “ Why couldn’t we drive it out”.

Further, into my mind came , from the same book of Ephesians, a famous Word.

“ For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against authorities, against powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” 6:12.

So my sisters and brothers in Christ Jesus, the message is clear, if we wish to see a different Jamaica emerge from a post Corona Virus Society, much praying will have to take place. Much mighty praying by men and women who are determined to see the Kingdom of God come on earth as it is in heaven. For indeed, those who are causing so much distress in our country, both in terms of what has been done, and what has been left undone, are under the power of a spirit. Whether in the church or without the church! And that spirit can only be defeated by believing, importunate Prayer, according to the Word of God. And not by plans, or programs, or Liberation Theology. Perhaps, among other reasons, a deep dependence on prayer, which most of us no doubt have learned, as hand sanitizing and masks and social distancing, in and by themselves cannot protect us against this terrible pestilence, ought to be our take home lesson from this experience.

In obedience. Peace

LWJ

Young people reading the Word of God at my church

Solomon was the wisest man,

But he didn’t know the secrets, of a woman.

Solomon was the wisest man,

But he didn’t know the secrets, of a woman.

I am wiser than Solomon,

So girl don’t play no tricks.

Just be calm and be still,

Don’t run me down for my bread,

You wasn’t around when I was slaving myself.

Girl leave soul alone,

‘Cause I’m a big man in this town.

Singing.

I know I am dating myself with this song, and hopefully wisdom comes with age, as that gift is not always manifestly apparent. But Derrick Harriott’s hit song, way back in the 1960’s, came to mind, as I thought about the news for this week. Mind you, the wisdom of Solomon, and not in this case, how a women thinks ; although to know the secrets of a woman generally is a very useful thing for any man.

So what did King Solomon have to say about wisdom? It’s all there at the start of one of the famous books on wisdom in the Bible:

PROVERBS

“The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:

for gaining wisdom and instruction;

for understanding words of insight;

for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair;

for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young— let the wise listen and add to their learning,

and let the discerning get guidance— for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

Proverbs 1:1-7 NIV

The question then arises, why did a mother allow her 17 year old child to go to a party in COVID-19 times, and now that child is battling for life in ICU at UHWI? More importantly, in this context of at the very least a possible charge of wounding with intent , and not that COVID is not important, how are we going to rescue a entire generation of young people who are so prone to engage in violent behavior, “at the drop of a hat”, metaphorically. And in this case a perceived “dis-respect”; a subject explored on TVJ’ Current Affairs program All Angles, hosted by the incomparable Dionne Jackson Miller, the nation’s most respected journalist. A story, about young Kalyan Dowdie, which broke this week, and which I heard on radio yesterday as I made my way back home from work. In fact I would recommend that you listen to the podcast of Giovanni Dennis reporting on this story on Beyond The Headlines hosted by DJMiller. It’s the second story so scroll down slowly until you find it.

Radio Jamaica 94FM

Unfortunately, 17-y-o Kaylan Dowdie’s loved ones may never get a chance to hear her laugh again after she was beaten by a group of women last Saturday night along Barbican Road. She is currently on life support at the University Hospital of the West Indies. (Contributed photo) More in The Jamaica Star: http://jamaica-star.com/article/news/20201113/girl-beaten-brink-death

I am sure the story as narrated by Giovanni Dennis broke the hearts of many last night. How did we ever get here? And then – A guard stabbed to death by a prisoner. A security guard stabbed and injured by a man who refused to a mask when entering a business place and was accosted by the guard. Four dead in a motor vehicle crash, reportedly because the driver was speeding on a wet wet road last weekend when the island experienced so much rain fro the outer bands of a storm. Where is the wisdom of Solomon in all of this? In a book that people don’t read anymore ? No, that’s not the full story.

Did you listen to Emily Shields on Hotline this week “ blowing up”, Rev. Al. Sharpe style, the “prayers”, that at least one young woman, a Christian, and so presumably she is familiar with the Holy Scriptures, offered on the behalf of Donald Trump; in my mind a thoroughly evil man based on his behavior over the last four years in particular, and perhaps going back further, on the night on the election in the USA. When it became apparent that he was about to lose the elections to now President Elect Joe Biden. Try and listen. Scroll down a bit and hear this woman, totally devoid of the wisdom of Solomon, pleading for the victory of a misogynist of the highest order, a racist -unparalleled in the modern history of American Presidents – and a settled and unfettered liar.

Radio Jamaica 94FM

And to compound this error in judgement on the part of this American Christian, a local Bishop in Jamaica, Roan Edwards, delivered himself, on Beyond The Headlines, we need as a people to listen carefully to what’s happening in our country and the world, a stout defense of a Donald Trump. Primarily, but to be fair, not only, because he “ is against abortions, same sex marriage, and for the Jews and retaining Jerusalem as the capital of Israel”. Whilst conveniently ignoring all other evils that this man has done, and not recognizing that even in defending some things which Christians hold as truth, manipulation and not alignment with such truth, is the more likely motive.

And so I was moved to post this message on

FACEBOOK

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel: for he hath visited and redeemed his people. And hath raised up a mighty salvation for us: in the house of his servant David – The Benedictus. Luke 1:68. Redemption is the most important word in the vocabulary of an authentic Christian. Everything begins right there at Calvary. And from there the Wisdom and Power of the Triune God ( Father, Son and Holy Spirit) flows. To make all things new. And to save His people from evil and from error. From error about blind support for Donald Trump, a thoroughly evil man, or anything other political leader! Or leader in any aspect of human life. From error about the spiritual status of the Jews – as in Christ, God has created in Jews and Gentiles one new man ( Ephesians). Therefore, from error about the spiritual importance of the earthly Jerusalem. From error which is the prosperity gospel, which is no gospel at all. And from the ghastly error that God does not answer the prayers of the believing -in the Atonement wrought by Jesus on Calvary – Christian, who like a child, who absolutely trusts a parent, trusts the God, and Father of all mankind, who can do abundantly more than we can ask or imagine, in and through the mighty Name of His holy servant Jesus Christ. That’s why to take your eyes off the Cross, is to fall into error; and lead others there too. Whether you be Bishop, or Pastor, or evangelist. May God have mercy on our souls, as they need pity and correction, but not ridicule.

Turn you eyes upon Jesus.

Look full into his wonderful face.

And the things of this world, will grow strangely dim,

In the light of his glory and grace.

O Blessed Jesus I have promised to serve thee to the end, be thou forever near me, my master and my friend. I shall not fear the battle if thou be by my side, nor wander from the pathway, if thou wilt be my guide.

Far too many of our people have wandered away from the Truth, and the Wisdom and Power of God, by looking Beyond the Cross for their salvation.

Not so John the Baptist – “He must increase and I must decrease.” The same John the Baptist whose father sang the words of the Benedictus when John was born – to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.

But also at the end, as although talk shows have a legitimate right, I suppose, to spice up their shows and ridicule nonsense when they encounter it, we who have been rescued by the blood of Jesus, from sin, have no such licenses, and so a post from a well known Christian Rawle Tyson came to mind:

I close with one of two emails that i sent to my church this week, long before the stories were broadcast on radios about the young girl and the foolish Christian woman. About a God who brings order out of chaos. Pray God that he may have mercy on young Kaplan Dowdie. And Donald Trump. And all of us!

EMAIL

Normally I wake up at sunrise. This morning, in pitch darkness, the time was 5:30 am. And shortly before I got up, I wasn’t sleeping and yet not fully awake, this revelation came.

That only God brings order out of chaos. He did it at the beginning of creation, and Jesus spoke to the wind and the rain – What manner of man is this the disciples declared – and it ceased. And therefore only God can calm a weather system that stretches from Jamaica across Cuba to Florida. Awesome!

Further, only God can bring healing to the troubled souls in America. Not Joe Biden. Nor Kamala Harris. Only God can turn around a nation, where men will attack, and stone, and shoot to death, and leave him on the ground, an officer of the law. All because a crony died when the officer attempted to disarm a gunman! Barbaric! And a metaphor for the kind of lawlessness and indiscipline which has enveloped this nation, just like the thick dark cloud which brought so much rain over past coupe of days.

Then the Lord placed in my mind a familiar Word from the Acts of the Apostles, which I have often used in prayer, to further explain our complete dependence on Him.

“ Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and reform miraculous signs and wonders though the name of your servant Jesus.” Acts 4:29-30.

For the reality is that Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. The evil one who has come to “ steal, to kill and to destroy”. So every evil thought and practice, including institutional racism, misogyny and sexism in their various forms, murder, injustice meted out to the poor and powerless in our society by the powerful, corruption in high places, apostasy in its many manifestations – which in essence is disobedience to the Redeemer God – and so much more, comes from the evil one. For the reality is also, that the body of Christ is constantly under threat from the evil one. At least those who have not yet kissed the hand of Baal, and led astray by other idols ( Choose ye this day who ye shall serve, from the OT yesterday, is a constant reminder to us all).

Only God then can stretch out His hand and bring order out of chaos and evil. Only God can enable the church, the body of Christ, to speak his Word boldly. Only God can perform miracles in this corrupt generation and dying world, and He does so only though the name of his holy servant and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

So the message is that, yes let us welcome the removal by the vote, of one of the most divisive and morally bankrupt Presidents in modern American history – although quite a few have had feet of clay. That’s why they dancing in the streets to “what a Bam Bam”.

So yes, let us a society, raise our voices in protest against the level of barbarity which stalks our streets and has invaded our homes. But know this, that only God can stretch out his hand and bring order from the chaos in the hearts of mankind; whether in America or in Jamaica. Only God can protect us with his mighty hand as he chooses, “For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” Romans 9:15 NIV

So let us, as church, join in the celebrations in America, and join with those of goodwill in denouncing evil in Jamaica. But more than that, let us always be in prayer that God will stretch out his hand and have mercy on us. That God will enable us to live and speak his Word with great boldness – in season and out of season. That God in his mercy and according to his will and purpose, and for his glory, will perform miracles in our midst, in and though the mighty name of his Holy Servant and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. And rescue a nation from evil and earthquakes and powerful winds and rains that cause so much disruption and chaos in the lives of ordinary people. The helpless and the poor! Amen.

Peace and in obedience.

Good Lord we pray thee to renew the church with power so that the church may renew the nation(s) where the evil one and a disordered creation, has caused so much chaos. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray.

The sobriquet, what we call in Jamaica a nick name, and what the police famously point out as, a.k.a, “also known as “, Tricky Dicky was earned by former President Richard Nixon, long before he flamed out in the Watergate Scandal – a subject of many books, a movie, and a stark reality of American history. We remember him as a broken man saved only by Presidential pardon. All of this happening long before Donald Trump!

President Bill Clinton, the President who could blow a saxophone like any African American, and who some termed the “ first black President”, was also a man with feet of clay. As until this day his presidency has been dogged by what some believe were shady land deals in Arkansas, which preceded his ascension to the highest office in the land. And who can forget the name Monica Lewinsky! A story which led to him being subjected to an embarrassing impeachment process, and he was only “saved by the bell”, as the Democrat controlled Senate failed to reach a two thirds majority. All of this happened long before Donald Trump !

Who can forget President John F. Kennedy whose assassination date and even the hour of the announcement, “ where were you when the news came of Kennedy’s death’, is still firmly etched in the minds of people all over the world. JFK, as he as known, and now the name of an airport, was a globally popular President. He was the one with nerves of steel that rescued civilization from what could have been a disastrous confrontation with the Russians over the “ Cuban Missile Crisis”. But he was also the author of the “ Bay of Pigs” debacle, as the Americans tried unsuccessfully to get rid of Fidel Castro. And JFK was reportedly a womanizer of epic proportions, despite his back back. All of this long before Donald Trump!

President George W, Bush, the same one who developed a well publicized affection for Michelle Obama, went to war, aided and abetted by Britain’s Tony Blair, against Iraq, because they reportedly had developed “Weapons of Mass Destruction”. Utilizing the so called doctrine of preemptive attack to justify their action. A charge that has so far, with “much water having flowed under the bridge”, failed to pass the “ sniff test”, to put it mildly. They lied, will be the historical record unless something is unearthed to prove otherwise. All of this long before Donald Trump!

What’s the point! It is that a country that produced the quality of a Abraham Lincoln “who reportedly could not tell a lie”, and George Washington et al, beacons of hope in a dark world at that time, and men of high moral standards, followed by others who helped make American the bastion of Democracy – the home of the free – and the guardian of high moral standards, has had a chequered history in recent times.

Donald Trump’s Presidency, however, descended to a new low. And we all know the sad and unbelievable history and salacious details! Which is why the entire world, peopled with men and women who expected better, and hoped for better, from the United Sates of America, was on edge on Election night 2020. And are anxiously awaiting the final results of this fascinating example of how democracy works, or does not work, in a nation whose central doctrine is to spread freedom all over the world. The challenge for humanity and not just for America, is that, this disgraced and morally bankrupt President, managed to get over 70 million votes; nearly half of those polled so far. What kind of mind, what could be the rationale, in the face of so much damming evidence, could be proffered as a reason to vote for Donald Trump in this election? Perhaps the reasons are less profound than we think. Perhaps they represent the history of mankind since the Fall in the Garden of Eden, when Adam choose to disobey God having been charmed and enticed by the master liar, “ did God really say that”, Satan! Who knows.





What I do know is that I was led to write a couple of email to my church this week. One about history of making the right choice, as they have consequences, to my congregation.

EMAIL TO MY CHURCH

Old Testament

Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25

Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers of Israel; and they presented themselves before God. And Joshua said to all the people, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Long ago your ancestors—Terah and his sons Abraham and Nahor—lived beyond the Euphrates and served other gods. Then I took your father Abraham from beyond the River and led him through all the land of Canaan and made his offspring many.

“Now therefore revere the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness; put away the gods that your ancestors served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

Then the people answered, “Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods; for it is the Lord our God who brought us and our ancestors up from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and who did those great signs in our sight. He protected us along all the way that we went, and among all the peoples through whom we passed; and the Lord drove out before us all the peoples, the Amorites who lived in the land. Therefore we also will serve the Lord, for he is our God.”

“After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel.”

Judges 2:10 NIV

https://www.bible.com/111/jdg.2.10.niv

I read an interesting meditation on “ The prayers of a righteous man availeth much “ just now. With an emphasis on the “ righteousness” we have from Christ. And so we ought to be able to pray powerful prayers . Just like Elijah! But my heart was not moved a lot. I was not satisfied. I yearned for more. So I went back to the OT reading for Sunday. And found a treasure! But in order to fully comprehend the treasure in the extract referenced above, we need to read it in conjunction with Judges 2: 10.

Why? Generational memory. And perhaps institutional also. For the great challenge that Christians in this age face, and in any age for that matter, is to forget, as the children of Israel did, what the Lord has done, the goodness and mercy of the Lord God of Abraham, and of Jamaica or the USA, in each generation.

That’s the reason why the Mighty Salvation wrought at the Red Sea, as Moses stretched out the Rod, was so quickly forgotten by a people who craved, and grumbled, for water and good food – which they they claimed they had in Egypt despite the harshness of slavery – in the desert. That’s the same reason why most Jamaican’s, whose forefathers felt the cruel lash of the rawhide whip, and other evils of slavery, and who were rescued by the mighty hand of God on “ Emancipation morn”, have forgotten so quickly and sought after after other gods, in this age; gods their grandparents did not know, and gods that recently appeared.

That kind of forgetfulness would explain, at least in part, the fascination, that even people who call themselves Christians, with man made gods, like Trump, and if truth be told, other political leaders elsewhere. With a whole host of other gods competing for their worship and praise, and on whom they depend for pleasure and in times of trouble.

Enter then into this evil and corrupt generation, from the days of that powerful sermon on the day of Pentecost, by Peter, the Mighty Salvation, heralded in the Benedictus, and for which Paul famously said, “ For I was resolved to know nothing while I was with except Jesus Christ and him crucified”. 1 Cor 2:2 NIV.

Further Paul again, reminds us lest we forget, in that age and in every age, that “ Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified : a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Greeks, but for those who God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God”. 1 Cor. 2:22-24.

This is why, every sermon, every Bible Study, every prayer, every thought, every sigh, every word of praise, should be punctuated by reminders of The Mighty Salvation wrought on Calvary by our Blessed Savior, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Lest we forget, we whose forefathers in Africa and in India, and in China, and in England and Lebanon – out of many one people – used to worship “ gods beyond the River”, just like the children of Israel.

And suffer the consequences of serving others gods, who are no gods at all. A problem which is at the root of most of Jamaica’s social, moral, economic and spiritual ills.

So yes, let us continue to pray that common decency and justice for all, and the brotherhood of man, will win out in America. Yes, let us pray that important national institutions, like an opposition party, and even the governing party, will be made more efficient by renewal. Yes, let us continue to pray for relief from the Corona Virus – and its many challenges, including virtual learning and teaching – and storms and earthquakes and murder most foul and potholes, and immorality and poor housing stocks and people forced to live on gully banks.

But, lest we forget, at our own peril, let us as church, remember always for ourselves, and teach the wider community whom we are called to serve, that a “ corrupt generation” can only be rescued, permanently, by the shed blood of Christ on Calvary. A gift of God, that keeps on giving, and giving and giving. Even if we don’t have a “ Good Christmas” this year, in these unusual times. But in the midst of the best of times, and in the worse of times, remember, forever, that, “ Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again”. Regardless of who becomes the next POTUS or President of the PNP. Or if the rain does not stop by Saturday. Or to quote Habakkuk ( 2”17-18 NIV), just came to mind as I wrote:

“ Though the fig tree does not bud

and there are no grapes on the vines,

though the olive crop fails ( can you imagine life without mangoes) and the fields produce no food ( bad bad drought),

though there are no sheep in the pen ( no jerk pork or chicken, no ham for Christmas, no Turkey for Thanksgiving and no family to celebrate with),

yet will I rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior ( and Jesus opened their minds that they could understand the Scriptures, and what it said about Him – Luke 24:45)

As I close, familiar words, powerful words, and eternally relevant words, remind us of the Mighty Salvation and of our relationship with this Crucified Christ. Words which have become like an anthem for me; to strengthen and guide me, and remind me in the midst of my struggles with evil forces, and daily trials, that I am not an orphan. I have a Comforter. I have a Savior. Just call on His Name. Often! For mercy!

O Jesus, I have promised

to serve to the end;

be thou forever near me,

my master and my friend;

I shall not fear the battle

if thy art by my side,

nor wander from the pathway,

if thou wilt be my guide.

Peace. I obedience.

Lord renew thy church with the knowledge that Christ in us is the hope of glory, and that Christ in the nation, is the only sure hope of renewal, and that choices have consequences. Lord renew the church in this Blessed Assurance that the church may help to renew the nation(s) ; that people all over the world, may choose to follow Christ and Him Crucified, and find the Peace that passeth all human understanding and much more than what any leader can promise.

LWJ

And having sent the email, I was led to post these messages of Facebook

FACEBOOK

Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me, and keep all my commands always, that it may go well with them and their children,forever -Deut 5:29. Why we have #murdermostfoul in Jamaica and #unusualtrumpets in the USA!

These commands I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them upon your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up -Deut. 4:6-7. #Educatingachild

On reflection though perhaps the most relevant post, apart from the Holy Scriptures was the words of hymn that a friend taught us in Bible study this week. The words of which are preceded and flowed by bits of commentary:

FACEBOOK

It’s amazing how we in Jamaica have invested so much of our emotions in American Politics. Perhaps because the decision that they make will affect not only the USA but the entire world. And yet, and yet, there is another decision, one about Truth, that we all called to make, which has not just global implications, but cosmic and eternal consequences. Choices indeed have consequences.

Last night in BIble study, Las Newman, introduced, to some,and reminded others, about this challenging hymn ; whose words, in this context, of elections, and murder most foul and other socially debilitating ills, are very profound and bear much reflection and meditation. I commend them to you and hope you will commend them to others who love The Truth who is Christ Crucified and Raised from the dead.

Once to every man and nation

comes the moment to decide,

in the strife of truth with falsehood,

for the good or evil side;

some great cause, God’s new Messiah,

offering each the bloom or blight –

and the choice goes by for ever

‘twixt that darkness and that light.

Then to side with truth is noble,

when we share her wretched crust,

ere her cause bring fame and profit,

and ‘tis prosperous to be just;

then it is the brave man chooses,

while the coward stands aside,

till the multitude make virtue

of the faith they had denied.

By the light of burning martyrs,

Christ, thy bleeding feet we track

toiling our new Calvaries ever

with cross that turns not back.

New occasions teach us new duties;

time makes ancient good uncouth;

they must upward still and onward

who would keep abreast of truth.

Though the cause of evil prosper,

yet ‘tis truth alone is strong;

though her portion be the scaffold,

and upon throne be wrong –

yet that scaffold sways the future,

and , behind the dim unknown,

standeth God within the shadow,

keeping watch above his own.

Comment: For the truth is that many of us equate, “ on the throne be wrong”, with the 45th. But that is far from the truth. In America! And in other parts of the world where nations have challenging political leaders. As the reality is that “ the cause of evil prospers wildly “, but thank God The Truth, is not only strong, but “ sways the future”. And though we are often puzzled, bemused even, and in some cases, in despair, whether believer or not, The Truth is that “ beyond the dim unknown” of Corona and Murder most foul, and corruption in high places, and Justice denied to the wretched of the earth, and the future of America and Jamaica, “ standeth God within the shadow keeping watch above his own”.

And we know that, because many years ago, in Gethsemane, “ once for every man and woman came the moment for Christ to decide”. Not my will but thine O Lord. For the salvation of our souls and for entry in the eternal Kingdom of God.

Choose ye this day, then, not for Trump or Biden, not for Lisa or Mark, nor for Andrew, but choose to respond to the Living God, and worship Him, who has chosen us all in Christ Jesus. Not to perish!

Finally, for those who have persisted and read the blog in its entirely, I close with an extract of a note I sent to pastors and leaders in some churches this week. About the need for a Revival! Why? Because there are important lessons we need to learn from this Elections about how mankind has been misled, and elements of the church also in the USA. And how our lack of faith and languid prayers have contributed to this sorry mess!

THE FINAL SECTION OF THE MESSAGE ABOUT REVIVAL

And so we might go on multiplying illustration upon illustration to show the place of prayer in revival and to demonstrate that every mighty movement of the Spirit of God has had its source in the prayer-chamber. The lesson of it all is this, that as workers together with God we must regard ourselves as in not a little measure responsible for the conditions which prevail around us today. 

Are we concerned about the coldness of the church? Do we grieve over the lack of conversions? Does our soul go out to God in midnight cries for the outpouring of his Spirit?

If not, part of the blame lies at out door. If we do our part, God will do his. Around us is a world lost in sin, above us is a God willing and able to save ; it is ours to build the bridge that links heaven and earth, and the prayer is the mighty instrument that does the work.

And so the old cry comes to us with insistent voice, “ Pray, brethren, pray”.