10 things the father does for his returning son in the parable of the lost son

Andrei Mironov, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Luke 15:20-24

So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off,

1. his father saw him
2. and was filled with compassion for him;
3. he ran to his son,
4. threw his arms around him
5. and kissed him.“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants,
6. ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him.
7. Put a ring on his finger
8. and sandals on his feet.
9. Bring the fattened calf and kill it.
10. Let’s have a feast and celebrate.

For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

Lord's Day May 25 2014

Vincent van Gogh, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Great day yesterday. My son, Rhodri, was preaching morning and evening. I have only heard him once or twice before so it was encouraging to hear him preach so well. He took us to Jonah 3 in the morning and in the evening to Mark 3 and 4. It was particularly nice to hear firstly, secondly and thirdly, which I still think are very helpful words in a sermon. He starts in LTS this coming academic year and I'm sure that will be a blessing to him. I can see why some would be happy to have him as pastor now but that thorough theological preparation will be for the
best in the long run.

Wandering sheep

A recent news report says that villagers in East Sussex have been left scratching their heads after the bizarre discovery of 56 sheep wandering around their country lanes.

Locals in the village of Chiddingly, near Lewes, are caring for the flock in their back gardens while neighbourhood police search for the owner.

The sheep were reported to the police after being found on April 13 but as yet no one has come forward to collect them.

I wonder if there's a bit of a parable lurking here. More here.

Aber CU

I spent several hours on trains last Friday and Saturday travelling to and from Aberystwyth, The main purpose of my visit was to speak at the Friday night Christian Union meeting. It also meant, however, that I was able to  catch up with my son Rhodri and his wife Sibyl, who live round the corner from my parents-in-law Geoff and Iola, where I stayed. Ironically, Rhodri was unable to be at the CU as he was busy with the (even more) ironically named Spread the Word project in the theatre.

Anyway I went along with Sibyl to the Real Food group meeting with about 10 of her fellow scientists in a house on Vaenor Street. From there we went on to the main meeting in St Paul's Methodist Centre, where over  a hundred were present. We began with songs containing a series of orthodox but (it seemed to me) rather banal sentiments. This was followed by the inevitable announcements and an enthusiastic promotion by a former student of CAP. The Scripture passage was read then I was briefly interviewed (I'd forgotten this element and was ill prepared to say anything funny I'm afraid) before launching into my message on the given passage - Luke 19:11-27. They seemed to listen well and I enjoyed talking with people after, especially one student who appears to have been converted recently.

I don't do much student work and so I am thrown by how young they all look, the diversity of their backgrounds, the subjects they study, their ambitions, their seriousness and silliness Despite some quibbles I may have, UCCF is a great movement really and I really benefited from the CU when I was a student all those years ago. It is probably the best way to reach out to unconverted students. It's a reminder to pray for these gifted people and their witness.

EL Strivens on the Parables

It's been such a busy week I haven't had chance to mention the Evangelical Library Lunch time Lecture last Monday. The speaker was Robert Strivens. We normally tackle historical subjects but this time the LTS Principal looked at the parables and very helpful it was. I won't say more as I think he's doing it with the students soon. We hope to have it online at the Evangelical Library website in due time. A recording is available from the Library. We were in double figures again attendance wise even though it was jalf term. Next one November 28 with Jeremy Walker on Hugh Latimer. Come along if you can.

Autumn Lectures at the Evangelical Library

This is the programme of Monday lunch time lectures organised for this Autumn at the Evangelical Library in Bounds Green North London.

Each meeting will commence at 1 pm and last approximately 50 minutes. There will be some time allowed for questions and discussion.

September 19

Speaker: Gary Brady

Subject: James Harvey (1826-1893), From Suffolk lad to London merchant

October 24

Speaker: Robert Strivens

Subject: The Parables of Jesus

November 28

Jeremy Walker:

Subject: Hugh Latimer (1487-1555), Preacher of God’s Word

Everyone is welcome. Sorry - no refreshments provided. Why not come early and make a day of it.