Zetland Park Methodist Church Pastoral Letters
Signs
There is a tremendous argument currently in the popular press concerning the proliferation of traffic/road signs. Many are saying that there have become so numerous that instead of helping the road user, they have become an inherent danger.
There was a magnificent photograph recently published which showed no fewer than 19 signs at one junction. It took me a long time, sat at the breakfast table to discern what was there, and what the intention of the signs on display was. Put I have not got that time when I am behind the wheel of my car, nor indeed if I were a cyclist either motor or the push type. So have the sign makers, and these who call for such signage simply gone stark raving mad?
I can anticipate that the arguments will proliferate as much as the signs and we may well land up with no answer whatever to the problem that is not only festering at our road junctions, but multiplying at an increasing rate across the country. So, Cleveland beware!!
But ------ signs have their use, and so of you may recall a period in this country's history when signs had to be removed for security reasons and unless you really knew the area, 'lost' was surely the appropriate word? 'Signs' are in the main, there for a specific purpose, issuing directions; warning of obstructions; advising; informing, but that then leaves the field wide open for all to 'claim the right' to tell all about their activity ---- see what I mean about the state of the argument?
So, some signs are essential ------ speed; direction; information …….. and if we were law upholding citizens, signs for speed cameras would not be needed ---- but that opens yet another range of argument as to what is needed and what is not. Each and every group will 'claim' some use and some importance, for that is the very nature of our life together on this, God's earth.
And for the Christian? What are those important signs?
- Speed
- how often do we regard our faith as a matter of 'let's get it done and over', and because of our 'speed' in so doing, we miss hearing that 'still, small voice'. For surely if we continue at the rate of knots which we are currently absorbing, God's intention for this corner of His Vineyard will go unheard. 'Slow down, you're going too fast …' Let's turn that downward facing lip on the illuminated road sign upward to a smile, as we observe a slower speed and heard the Voice of God
- Direction
- where are you really going, Christian? When was the last time you took time to read the map? To have a real good look at the Holy Book? Have you observed the crises into which the People of Israel, God's chosen people got themselves into when they failed to check the directions? When they toddled off on their own account and fell apart in the process? Its all in 'the Book' 'Keep your eyes upon Jesus' His way may not be the wide motorway of convenience and the highway to wealth and riches, but it is the road to eternal life however narrow and windy it may seem. Read the map, and find the Living God.
- Information
- There are some wonderful sights and sounds to behold in 'true worship'; when God, Three-in-One, is found through praise, prayer and peace. Our songs and hymns; poems and prose; words as well as music give us so much information about the God we seek to worship. Some may prefer the language of former years, rich and soothing, while others the brash reality of the present age, yet each and both have at their heart the wonder of what God can do with those whom He calls and those whom He seeks to equip and so much more. Remember that opening verse to that Advent hymn …..'There's a light upon the mountain …' There begins that great story, and what a story to tell, so have you found that information yet?
You may be able to add more, much more, but I hope and pray that these will stimulate thought, prayer and response to God and His calling in the coming days.