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Resources - Meditations
Trowel Building
The Changing of the Guard
Rev. John Terhorst
It is always fascinating to see God at work. His providence never fails to astonish me. As we sometimes sing,
“God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to
perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea and rides upon the storm.”
Two totally unrelated, but recent events highlighted
that again for me.
The first event evokes some sadness. It brought grief to the hearts of
many. I speak of the death and funeral of a pioneer. A pioneer of the
church in South Gippsland. Yet, with the apostle we shout with
confidence, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death is your
sting? ... But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our
Lord Jesus Christ.” Yes, we mourn, but not as those without hope. We are
convinced, as the psalmist confesses that, “weeping may remain for a
night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” That was the first event.
There was a second event. A group of Year Ten students from the
Christian School visited the Philippines. It was a short-term mission
project. They, two from our congregation, were exposed to the wonderful
things God is doing in that country. They witnessed the grace of God at
work in another culture. They also shared their conviction of God’s love
for them. From all accounts it was a tiring but encouraging experience.
Here is how I stand amazed at the providence of our heavenly Father at
work. We bury the earthly remains of a pioneer, yet God raises up new
pioneers. It is like watching the constant changing of the guard. We
mourn the loss of older people with vision, people committed to seeing
the work of God continue. We rejoice with teenagers who saved and
sacrificed to make themselves available for the work of Jesus. To the
one we say, ‘God be with you till we meet again’. To the other we say,
‘Go forth in His name, proclaiming “Jesus reigns”’ How amazing it is to
witness God at work.
With good reason God commands, “Only 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.”
Our culture is rapidly changing, too quickly for some. Our understanding
of what it means to live the Christian life, and how to worship God is
on the move. But God does not change. The love of God does not change.
Salvation by grace through faith in the finished work of Jesus is still
true. It is equally true that God still expects His children to mature
in their walk with Him. It is also accurate that we are still required
to bear witness to His glorious name. These are the things we pass to
our children, and their children. Many of our pioneers are being
promoted to glory, but the work goes on. Even as one generation passes
away, God raises up a new generation of servants to do His bidding.
What role are we playing? Perhaps some are like the thousands of
tourists who travel to Britain to “watch” the changing of the guard.
While it may seem convenient to watch, that is not what we are called
to. What role are we playing? Does our concern for the loss of the ‘good
old days’, get in the way of our mission? That happens at times, it
ought not become the norm. What role are we playing? Hopefully, the role
I spoke of earlier, the role commanded by God. “Only 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.”
Edward H. Plumptre said it well,
“Your hand, O God has guided Your flock from age
to age;
Your faithfulness is written on history’s open page.
Our parents knew your goodness, and we their deeds record;
And both to this bear witness:
One Church, one Faith, one Lord!”
A Prayer:
Gracious God, may I too be obedient to your call, “Only 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.” Amen
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