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Moving on

Driving on the road from Prestonpans to North Berwick recently, the sun was shining and the air was warm. The coastal road with its breath-taking views and changing scenery was a reminder of the attraction of East Lothian as a place to live and work.

For the past 9 years, we have been privileged to live and serve in this desirable area, which as we contemplate moving away, (with retirement looming), will soon be a treasured memory. It is sometimes said that “Home is where the heart is” and in many ways, part of our heart will remain here as we think of those we have met and ministered to in church and community.

We have rejoiced in the way that God is at work in lives being changed in the discovery of the gospel which speaks of a loving Father sending his only Son to be our Saviour and friend. In the story of the lost son (Luke 15), told by Jesus, the younger son was restless and unappreciative of all that his father had provided for him in the secure home setting that he had experienced. Eager to be away (with his father’s inheritance money), we read that “he squandered his wealth in wild living.” Ending up skint and disillusioned with his short- lived indulgent lifestyle, he ended up in a despised job feeding pigs (which offended his Jewish sensibilities).“Longing to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating,” his reckless living caused him to examine his heart until he “came to his senses” and decided to return to his father with the confession, “Father I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.” However, his loving and forgiving father had long awaited his return and filled with compassion, ran to meet his recalcitrant son to warmly welcome him home and called for a celebration. Likewise, God has a longing in his heart for our homecoming.

The way back to God is through Jesus who died on a cross for our sin and rose from the dead that we might know forgiveness and reconciliation that Christ may “make his home in your hearts as you trust in him.” (Ephesians 3:17). A heart open to Jesus brings a new start and a forever home.

The King who reigns

The Right Reverend Dr Iain Greenshields, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, presented a bible to our new king saying:

“Sir, to keep you ever mindful of the law and the Gospel of God as the Rule for the whole life and government of Christian Princes, receive this Book, the most valuable thing that this world affords. Here is Wisdom; this is the royal Law; these are the lively Oracles of God.”

A reminder to our king that the King of glory is the one to whom we are accountable and who speaks his truth into our lives that we may humbly give ourselves to the One who reigns over all and gives wisdom and saving grace to those who seek Him.