LETTERS

Servant King

My question was whether the statement: This is our God! in the hymn The Servant King is scriptural.

“Surprisingly, my critics appeal to tradition for an answer but neither the Early Fathers nor Calvin had access to the expertise and scholarship that is now available to us.

Even Scripture itself does not speak with one voice, as our correspondence clearly shows. John’s Gospel, for example, does not give a clear-cut answer to our debate and is best understood as a series of sermons woven around recollections.

The Jewish writer, Jacob Neusner wrote a polemical book, A Rabbi Talks with Jesus. He stated that he could not accept Christian teaching because Jesus appears to replace the Law – with himself; the Kingdom – with himself; even God – with himself.

I think that he misread the Christian scriptures but another Jewish rabbi, Leo Baeck, wrote that Christians substituted faith in Jesus for the faith of Jesus – and that should make us pause. Jesus’ faith was in God, to whom he entrusted himself entirely in life and death. He even said, “Happy is he who does not find that I am an obstacle to faith” – Luke 7:23.

Jesus is certainly unique, as Rory MacLeod contends.

His life and teaching reveal to us the very heart of God and I know of no-one comparable.

At the same time, God does not leave himself without a witness anywhere and the Word remains that which enlightens everyone that comes into the world.

Rory need not fear undermining his own ministry by recognising common ground with those outside the Christian fold.

His privilege is to continue Jesus’ ministry in the service of God and his Kingdom.

Graham Hellier (Rev), Marden, Hereford

It seems that Graham Hellier is at pains to diminish the status of our Lord Jesus Christ, while the whole testimony of scripture does the opposite.

Admittedly it is difficult for our limited minds to grasp that, in the words of the Christmas carol, “Lo! within a manger lies, He who built the starry skies”, but nevertheless the clear teaching of scripture tells us it is so.

Whilst being transfigured before his three disciples in the presence of Moses and Elijah, God the father makes it quite clear that Jesus is His beloved Son in whom He is well pleased. Jesus is not one of many sons, He is God the Son. John tells us that Jesus is the Word and that the Word was with God and the Word was God.

The disciples on the sea of Galilee, after Jesus had stilled the storm, say in amazement: “Who then is this, that even the winds and the waves obey him”?

Cartoon: Bill McArthur

It isn’t just Kendrick who concludes that “this is our God”. All of Christendom down through the ages, who have truly been captivated by Him gladly sing, “ ‘tis the Lord, Oh wondrous story, ‘ tis the Lord, the King of Glory, at His feet we humbly fall, crown Him, crown Him Lord of all.”

Alex Glen, Glasgow

Love As Christ Did

We all know that the Church of Scotland has to focus on mission in an effective way, or as I say – loving the world as Christ did.

So, I have to wonder why energy is expended in discussions on governance and creeds? It is rightly acknowledged that what matters is the culture of an organisation and not the governance.

Our form of governance has both safeguards and flexibility to limit abuse and enable change, so why discuss further? Let’s just get on with following Jesus and just be as effective as we can be, remembering that our lives are not about us.

Our beliefs can be made really, really simple too - the confession that matters is “Jesus is Lord”. I honestly can’t think of anything to add to this confession – not a jot! We can just use this confession and get on with the following – that’s what matters. Others may just respond to this simplicity too?

Organisations like the Church of Scotland can spend way too much time on two things:

• First, navel gazing as a way of avoidance and hoping that we can make progress by rearranging the deck chairs – we can’t.

• Second, trying to find certainty when there is none to be found. We so often forget that certainty is the opposite of faith – not doubt.

Nothing is certain – let us affirm that and help this world find meaning without certainty. Meaning in giving, serving, loving and believing in Jesus as the way of life.

Gordon Sharp, Dundee

Calendar Thanks

Many thanks to all who ordered our Portpatrick calendar in aid of our Guild funds. Exceptional year for support from everyone. Much appreciated and thank you.

Fiona Maxwell, Portpatrick Guild, Wigtownshire