Shifting Shadows
Dear Friends and Families,
Last Friday evening I decided to ring and check up on my brother in Sydney. We spoke for about thirty minutes about the current restrictions in NSW and Victoria, and regarding how both of our respective families were handling the present circumstances.
My posture during this conversation was a little unconventional. As it was a clear night, I decided to put in some Bluetooth earbuds and lie on our family’s trampoline in the backyard – what a spectacular view it indeed was!
During the course of the phone call, I gazed into the evening sky, and was able to – ever so slightly – see the various constellations slowly shift through the sky. Of course, the stars were not moving; rather, the earth continued to rotate on its axis.
As I talked and gazed, the following verses from the book of James (a half-brother of Jesus in the Bible) came to my mind: ‘Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.’ [James 1:17.]
As the earth rotates, under the illumination of the stars, the various shadows “shift”. They change. But God does not change.
Our city, state and nation are presently in a flux of weekly, daily, hourly, change. One moment it seems that we are celebrating zero Covid cases; the next, we are back into stay-at-home restrictions. It can be very disorientating.
Fortunately, God’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23) and his Son, Jesus, is the same ‘yesterday, today and forever’ (Hebrews 13:8). When life can feel so fleeting and volatile, we can entrust ourselves to a loving Saviour, who both cares for his creation and desires for us to entrust ourselves to him. He does not change life shifting shadows. How wonderful!
If you would like to speak further, or have questions about the Christian life, then do please contact me at: waterhousep@humegrammar.vic.edu.au
I also encourage you to pray the collect prayer for the week below.
If you would like to explore the certainty of Christ further, the two local Anglican churches (currently meeting online) listed below lead regular Sunday services – both currently online.
St Peter’s, Craigieburn (normally meets at 10.30am on Sundays in the Chapel at Hume Anglican Grammar – 100 Mt Ridley Road, Mickleham)
Locum: Father Charles Potter
Mobile: 0468 331 549 / 03 9308 2452
Email: humeparish@gmail.com
http://www.humeparish.melbourneanglican.org.au
https://www.facebook.com/humeparishcraigieburn/
Redemption Anglican Church (normally meets at 4.00pm on Sundays at the Hume Tennis and Community Centre - 225 Marathon Blvd, Craigieburn)
Pastor: Reverend Akhil Gardner
Mobile: 0400 021 381
Email: akhilgardner@gmail.com
https://www.rccraigieburn.com.au/online
https://www.facebook.com/rccraigieburn/
Prayer for the Week
Mighty God and ruler of all creation,
give new strength to our faith,
that we may recognise your presence even when all hope seems lost.
Help us to face all trials with serenity
as we walk with Christ through the stormy seas of life,
and come at the last to your eternal peace.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Song – God of Wonders (Chris Tomlin)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8mpGJ5FwfU