81. Rock Goes The Gospel - Alice Cooper "He's Back - The Man Behind The Mask"

"He's Back (The Man Behind the Mask)" by Alice Cooper was released as the lead single from his 1986 album Constrictor, and the theme song of Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives, a slasher film and sixth part of the Friday the 13th film series released in the same year. The song is heard various times throughout the film and in the end credits. Two other songs, "Teenage Frankenstein" (also from Constrictor) and "Hard Rock Summer" (which did not appear outside of the Jason Lives soundtrack) are also featured in the film.

You're with your baby
And you're parked alone
On a summer night

You're deep in love
But you're deeper in the woods
You think you're doin' alright

You heard a voice
Did you see that face
Or was it just a dream?

It can't be real
That only happens, babe
On the movie screen

If you see him comin'
Get away if you can
He's a dangerous man
Throws a dangerous party, man

He's back
The man behind the mask
And he's out of control

He's back
The man behind the mask
He crawled out of his hole
Just to rock and roll

He's going out tonight
Going to make his rounds to get his fill
Standing straight and tall
He's a ton of fun and he's dressed to kill

You know you read he was gone
It was surely is him
But he's back on the prowl
Again and again and again

Don't you know
He's back
The man behind the mask
And he's out of control

He's back
The man behind the mask
He crawled out of his hole
Just to rock and roll

You know you read he was gone
It was surely is him
But he's back on the prowl
Again and again and again

He's back
The man behind the mask
And he's out of control

He's back
The man behind the mask
He crawled out of his hole
Just to rock and roll

He's back
The man behind the mask
And he's out of control

He's back
The man behind the mask
He crawled out of his hole
Just to rock and roll

He's back
The man behind the mask
And he's out of control

He's back
The man behind the mask
He crawled out of his hole
Just to rock and roll

He's back

This song is essentially about fear. It's the archetypal monster story. When I was growing up I heard and was scared of the stories of the Boogeyman. I was glued to the TV in the 1970's and watched the Scooby Doo and the monsters that chased Shaggy, Scooby, Daphne, Fred and Velma. this song has that kind of a feel to it. Also being the theme tune to Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives helps in the fear department. There are many reasons for fear in our lives. We have fear and courage in equal measures sometimes when we face danger. For some people there is a pathological fear of open spaces, or spiders, or any number of things. For many there is a creeping fear of death or dying, or the fear of losing someone dear to them. Fear appears in the bible in countless places. Lets for a moment in this mornings devotion look a little at fear.

The Bible mentions two specific types of fear. The first type is beneficial and is to be encouraged. The second type is a detriment and is to be overcome. The first type of fear is fear of the Lord. This type of fear does not necessarily mean to be afraid of something. Rather, it is a reverential awe of God; a reverence for His power and glory. However, it is also a proper respect for His wrath and anger. In other words, the fear of the Lord is a total acknowledgement of all that God is, which comes through knowing Him and His attributes.

Fear of the Lord brings with it many blessings and benefits. It is the beginning of wisdom and leads to good understanding.

Psalm 111:10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practise it have a good understanding. His praise endures for ever! "

Only fools despise wisdom and discipline, the Fear of the Lord brings wisdom.

 Proverbs 1:7. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction." fools despise wisdom and instruction."

The fear of the Lord leads to life, rest, peace, and contentment 

Proverbs 19:23 "The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm."

The fear of the Lord is the fountain of life

Proverbs 14:26-27  "In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence, and his children will have a refuge. 27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,  that one may turn away from the snares of death." 

The fear of the Lord provides a security and a place of safety for us.

You can see in the scriptures how fearing God should be encouraged. However, the second type of fear mentioned in the Bible is not beneficial at all. This is the “spirit of fear” mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind”  A spirit of fearfulness and timidity does not come from God.

2 Timothy 1: 3- 7 3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

However, sometimes we are afraid, sometimes this “spirit of fear” overcomes us, and to overcome it we need to trust in and love God completely. “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18). No one is perfect, and God knows this. That is why He has liberally sprinkled encouragement against fear throughout the Bible. Beginning in the book of Genesis and continuing throughout the book of Revelation, God reminds us to “Fear not.” So Today "Do not fear" Don't fear but trust and reverence God in your lives.

80. Rock Goes The Gospel - Mr Mister "Broken Wings"

"Broken Wings" is a song recorded by American pop rock band Mr. Mister. It was released in September 1985 as the lead single from their second album "Welcome to the Real World". The song peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in December 1985, where it remained for two weeks. It was released as the band was just about to embark on a U.S. tour opening for Tina Turner. The song peaked at number four in the United Kingdom, the highest chart position the group ever achieved in Britain.

This song was inspired by a book the lyricist John Lang read called Broken Wings, which was written by the Lebanese poet-philosopher Kahlil Gibran. The book is about picking up the pieces of your life and moving on. The line, "Take these broken wings and learn to fly" appears in The Beatles song "Blackbird." Paul McCartney and John Lennon both drew from the work of Kahlil Gibran, as the first 2 lines of The Beatles "Julia" came from Gibran's 1926 poem Sand And Foam: "Half of what I say is meaningless, but I say it just to reach you, Julia." The book The Broken Wings, which was written in 1912 is a story of a love that is doomed by oriental social convention.

Baby I don't understand
Why we can't just hold on
To each others hands
This time will be the last
I fear unless I make it all so clear
I need you so

Take these broken wings
And learn to fly again
And learn to live so free
And when we hear the voices sing
The book of love will open up
And let us in

Baby I think tonight
We can take what was wrong
And make it right
I need you so
Baby it's all I know
That you're half of the flesh
And blood makes me whole
I need you so

The song "Broken Wings" is about  learning to fly again after a relationship breakdown, or it could also be a serious circumstance that has happened in your life. The song is a restoration song, a song of hope in the face of hopelessness. "Learn to fly again and live so free" The person in the song is demonstrating immense hope, that things can be restored and become better. "We can take what was wrong and make it right" This song reminds me this morning of the passage in Isaiah 40 about the character of God, the power and majesty of God and the Hope that is instilled in people who "Wait for him" Trust in him.

Isaiah 40:28-31

Have you not known?Have you not heard?The Lord is the everlasting God,the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. 30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; 31 but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Just like in the song of Hope by Mr Mister the passage in Isaiah refers to recovery of hope and strength. Those that wait on the Lord, or those that put their trust in him will "Mount up like eagles" Those who were weary will fly. In the New Testament there are many that could lay claim to that fact of being so weary and putting their whole trust in Jesus and being raised up. The blind, the lame, the outcast, the women, the ones that have been rejected and without hope. None more so than the story of the Samaritan woman in John 4. Where Jesus is weary and sits by a well at Sychar and a woman comes to draw water. she comes not at the allotted time to do so but at a time when no-one will be there. She encounters Jesus and that encounter changes her life. 

John 4: 6-30
6 Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.” 17 The woman answered him, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You are right in saying, ‘I have no husband’; 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.” 19 The woman said to him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshipped on this mountain, but you say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship.” 21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe me,the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” 25 The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.” 26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.” 27 Just then his disciples came back. They marvelled that he was talking with a woman, but no one said, “What do you seek?” or, “Why are you talking with her?” 28 So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” 30 They went out of the town and were coming to him.

She has "Broken Wings" and has been looking for love in all the wrong places. But now at the well she comes face to face with Jesus who later in the story she testifies to meeting and is the reason for her confidence and changed life. In the gospel of John she returns to the town and proclaims "Come, see a man" She has learned how to fly again after so much hopelessness.

She has discovered what many discover when they encounter Jesus - Life.  Jesus encounters many in the gospels who are in need of learning to fly again and he gives them strength, he heals them or raises them to life again. He is the restorer of Hope. Many find the prophesy of Isaiah true in their lives through the ministry of Jesus. The same is true of today.

The ministry of Jesus is still active in the world in which we live. By the Holy Spirit through the Church, Jesus continues to give Hope to the hopeless and Strength to the weary through the hands and feet of ordinary people. Today if you are in need to restoration, of renewed hope then I can think of no other in whom you might receive those things except Jesus.

Jesus can meet you a fresh in your present set of circumstances. It doesn't matter if you have been at this place before, The woman in the story had been looking for love and fulfilment in five husbands and did not find resolution till she encountered Jesus.

May God bless you today, may You have tons of hope, lift up those wings and fly. 

79. Rock Goes The Gospel - Rush "Freewill"

"Freewill" is the second track on Rush's 1980 album Permanent Waves. It is written by Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson with lyrics by Neil Peart. The song's lyrics deal with the subject of free will, emphasizing that free will is not a gift but rather a choice; explaining that no-one can attempt to evade the fact that they must choose, but that evasion is itself a choice. "Freewill" is Neil Peart's attempt to proclaim a disbelief in God. There are many things that Peart gets wrong in the song, and many things he gets wrong about God. The main thing is that he sees the idea of God as some impersonal puppet master and that somehow belief in spiritual things is futile.

There are those who think that life has nothing left to chance
A host of holy horrors to direct our aimless dance

A planet of play things
We dance on the strings
Of powers we cannot perceive
'The stars aren't aligned
Or the gods are malign...'
Blame is better to give than receive

[Chorus:]
You can choose a ready guide in some celestial voice
If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice
You can choose from phantom fears and kindness that can kill
I will choose a path that's clear
I will choose freewill

There are those who think
That they were dealt a losing hand
The cards were stacked against them
They weren't born in Lotusland

All preordained
A prisoner in chains
A victim of venomous fate
Kicked in the face
You can't pray for a place
In heaven's unearthly estate

[Chorus]

Each of us
A cell of awareness
Imperfect and incomplete
Genetic blends
With uncertain ends
On a fortune hunt that's far too fleet

[Chorus]

The song is great a musical piece and the words hang together lyrically. But there is no truth in it. Yes there is "Freewill" God has designed the human family with "Freewill" and the danger is that with free will comes the "Freewill" to reject God. This is the one continuous thing since the garden of Eden incident that humankind has "Free-willed" and taken the choice to reject God. We live in a world that has rejected God and the idea of God. The bible tells the story of God and the plan of restoration. From Genesis to Revelation we find a story that involves hundreds of characters, dramatic scenes, battles, intrigue, love, abandonment, loss of cities, slavery, captivity. Biblical history tells the story of a God who is deeply committed to a relationship with his creation. Far away from the idea that God is distant. He is present in his nearness. He is not in some fluffy cloud heaven but inhabits the world today.

God gives everyone the freedom to choose him or reject him. The bible is littered with people who have made the choice to reject or to receive God. Rejection has consequences as well as receiving has consequences. When we often talk about "Freewill" we talk about it in a way that is individualistic and selfish not a "Freewill" that is concerned with the world and selfless. "Freewill" has been used in the past to justify the most horrible of actions and inhumanities. Let's not go there again. In John's gospel we find John the apostle talking about those that receive or reject Jesus.

John 1:1-13

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. 

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him.8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. 

9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

John speaks of what it looks like to receive Jesus and what are the consequences of receiving Jesus. John's prologue starts like reading Genesis. We find God in it, we find choice in it, we find here a description of what God is like in this prologue. We find a description also of what happens to the person who receives and does not reject Jesus. We also find Jesus' role in the creation it's-self and the relationship that a person will come into because of their reception or welcome of Jesus. John says that we become family, we become children of God. People who are now related to God. The old order of things now reversed. That which happened in the Garden of Eden now over because of Jesus. the "Freewill" choice to chose has had it's fulfilment when Jesus is chosen. When he is received. We become people who are in relationship with God. The Rush song "Freewill" is an anthem to Neil Peart's understanding of the way things are. My own understanding is not like Peart's. Paradise was lost in the Garden and is now found in Jesus. That would be my own understanding. Far from being puppets at the hands of an impersonal puppet master. Those who receive Jesus take their rightful place as children of God. "Freewill" has led me to the feet of Jesus and I have chosen to follow him" I would not trade places with anyone. what about you?

78. Rock Goes The Gospel - Toto "Hold The Line"

Hold the Line" is a song by the American rock band Toto. Written by the band's keyboardist David Paich, the song was featured on their debut 1978 eponymous album. This musical nugget was the first single by Toto, a group made up of six very talented session musicians who had backed up artists like Boz Scaggs, Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand and Jackson Browne. The song deals with the mysteries of love.

It's not in the way that you hold me
It's not in the way you say you care
It's not in the way you've been treating my friends
It's not in the way that you'll stay till the end
It's not in the way you look or the things that you say that you do

Hold the line
Love isn't always on time

It's not in the words that you told me
It's not in the way you say you're mine
It's not in the way that you came back to me
It's not in the way that your love set me free
It's not in the way you look or the things that you say that you do

Hold the line
Love isn't always on time

It's not in the words that you told me
It's not in the way you say you're mine
It's not in the way that you came back to me
It's not in the way that your love set me free
It's not in the way you look or the things that you say that you do

Hold the line
Love isn't always on time

It's not in the way that you hold me
It's not in the way that you make me feel
You see
It's all about the way you do the things you do
The way you do it
You've got to hold it
Hold it

Hold the line
Love isn't always on time

The song is about "Love" and the passion of one person towards another. Commitment, dedication and at times infatuation. "Hold the line" is another way of saying "Stick with it" give it you full attention. Don't be swerved from it.  Don't be lured away from this thing but hold the line. When I first heard the song it thought the line "Hold the line " was about someone talking on the telephone, but in later reflection it's about unswerving commitment to a course of action.

In the Old Testament when Joshua had taken up the leadership of Israel a command is given to Joshua to lead the people of God, a command to obey and not turn from it to the right or the left. Joshua was called to "Hold the Line"

Joshua 1: 6-9 "6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. 7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

In the New Testament In Paul's letter to the Ephesians  Paul focuses on the 3 things through the letter In the 6 chapters we find Paul speaking of "Seated" "Walking" and "Standing" (Sit, Walk, Stand) in Vs 2 of Chaper five Paul says this about "Walking"

2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

The word for "Walk" means to walk a tightrope, to keep your eyes on the other side, to walk in a way that is circumspect. the meaning of circumspect is "Wary and unwilling to take risks" This means that you will "Hold the line" you are committed to walking in this way. Nothing can deter you from this course of action. You will not be wary, you will not be distracted. On this occasion not taking risks is a good thing, not talking a risk means walking as agreed. "Holding the line" litterally.

In both Joshua and Ephesians we have instructions on how to commit to  a course of action. It will be lent in a few weeks. Lent begins on the 18th February and traditionally Lent is about giving something up. This year it could be about agreeing and sticking to a course of action. Perhaps the Lord Jesus has been prompting you towards a course of action and it's failed to get off the ground. Perhaps Lent would be a good time to commit to that course of action. Intentional commitment. not passive. Stick to it, Hold the line, Walk in it, Dont give it up, follow me, are all ways of saying the same thing.

Jesus is on the look out for those who will commit to intentional discipleship and who will go through with God. May you know God's power in your life as you walk with Jesus "Holding the Line" and remaining faithful to that which he has called you to. AMEN

77. Rock Goes The Gospel - Rainbow "Long Live Rock and Roll"

"Long live Rock and Roll" is the third studio album for Rainbow. Released in 1978 and would be the last album to feature Ronnie James Dio. The title track from the album stands as one of the best songs the band did, not to mention a noble sentiment. This would turn out to be the last great album Rainbow would ever make, although they did enjoy a great deal of chart success in the post-Dio era.

At the end of a dream
If you know where I mean
When the mist just starts to clear

In a similar way
At the end of today
I could feel the sound of writing on the wall
It cries for you
It's the least that you can do

Like a spiral on the wind
I can hear it screamin' in my mind
Long live rock and roll
Long live rock 'n' roll
Long live rock and roll

In a different time
When the words didn't rhyme
You could never quite be sure
Then on with the change
It was simple but strange
And you knew the feeling seemed to say it all
It cries for you
It's the least that you can do
Like a spiral on the wind
I can hear it screamin' in my mind
Long live rock and roll
Long live rock 'n' roll
Long live rock and roll

If you suddenly see
What has happened to me
You should spread the word around

And tell everyone here
That it's perfectly clear
They can sail above it all on what they've found
It cries for you
It's the best that you can do
Like a sound that's everywhere
I can hear it screaming through the air
Long live rock and roll
Long live rock 'n' roll
Long live rock and roll

"Long live Rock and Roll" is what the song is about. the eternal qualities of Rock and Roll. That music would remain intact for all eternity. It's a high ideal. The truth is that music comes and goes. what is popular this year will perhaps not be in five years time. Each generation is different, each  decade is too. Dio sing with the passion of his convictions but like every thing else will not stand the test of time. Dio certainly was not eternal with Rainbow. What will last for ever? Jesus is clear about this when he speaks with a religious leaders in John 3. Nicodemus comes to Jesus by night to question him and this is part of the conversation. 

John 3: 13 -21 "13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God."

Jesus is clear and truthful with Nicodemus. Paraphrased Jesus said "The only thing that is eternal or everlasting is the life that I give you" The life that Jesus gives is eternal. Where does that life come from one might ask. John 3:16 is the most widely used passage in the bible 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 

Jesus Communicates to Nicodemus that eternal life comes from God and obtaining that eternal life comes from believing in Christ. Just like Nicodemus we need to hear this truth again and again. That we cannot have an eternal dimension unless we believe in Jesus.  the other thing Jesus says is "Shall not perish"  meaning shall never die, shall never be corrupted, but shall pass into eternity. This is the hope of all followers of Jesus. Nicodemus comes and asks one of the most important questions that can be asked about the life that is to come. Jesus gives Nicodemus a straight answer, that answer includes a reflection on how to live toward eternity, everlasting life.  Ronnie James Dio sings "Long Live Rock and Roll" but like all temporal thing is will fade with time. Jesus talks of something that will outlive time itself and how it can be entered. Today focus your life not on the things of the earth but on eternity. Believe the words of Jesus for you destiny, that you can live for ever If you trust in Him. Simple promise, Simple truth, Eternal life. Everything else dies or fades but not the life that Jesus gives. Embrace it today and live in the fullness of it.

76. Rock Goes the Gospel - U2 "One"

"One" is the third track from u2's 1991 album Achtung Baby, and it was released as the record's third single in March 1992. During the album's recording sessions at Hansa Studios in Berlin, conflict arose between the band members over the direction of U2's sound and the quality of their material. Tensions almost prompted the band to break up until they achieved a breakthrough with the improvisation of "One"; the song was written after the band members were inspired by a chord progression that guitarist The Edge was playing in the studio. The lyrics, written by Bono, were inspired by the band members' fractured relationships and the German reunification. Although the lyrics ostensibly describe "disunity", they have been interpreted in other ways. 

In 2005, Bono got involved in the "One" campaign, which tried to convince the US government to give an additional 1% of its budget to help poor regions in Africa. On the Vertigo tour, fans who signed up had their names displayed on video screens when U2 played this.

Is it getting better
Or do you feel the same
Will it make it easier on you now
You got someone to blame
You say...

One love
One life
When it's one need
In the night
One love
We get to share it
Leaves you baby if you
Don't care for it

Did I disappoint you
Or leave a bad taste in your mouth
You act like you never had love
And you want me to go without
Well it's...

Too late
Tonight
To drag the past out into the light
We're one, but we're not the same
We get to
Carry each other
Carry each other
One...

Have you come here for forgiveness
Have you come to raise the dead
Have you come here to play Jesus
To the lepers in your head

Did I ask too much
More than a lot
You gave me nothing
Now it's all I got
We're one
But we're not the same
Well we
Hurt each other
Then we do it again
You say
Love is a temple
Love a higher law
Love is a temple
Love the higher law
You ask me to enter
But then you make me crawl
And I can't be holding on
To what you got
When all you got is hurt

One love
One blood
One life
You got to do what you should
One life
With each other
Sisters
Brothers
One life
But we're not the same
We get to
Carry each other
Carry each other

One...life

One

U2 singing this track with Mary J Blige is powerful. You would not put Mary down as a rock singer but on this occasion it works. This track voices a number of powerful themes the imperfections and inconsistencies of love. Inequality and injustice. Unity and diversity. The list could be endless as the track is full of themes and images. This morning I'm going to think about the theme of  "Unity in the Church" I'm thinking of unity in it's broader sense. Not unity of doctrine or purpose. Not unity of creed or liturgy. Not Unity of denomination. but the unity of love. Jesus in John 17 is in the place of prayer, of deep communion with his father and he is praying about the disciples that father has given him and others too, believers that God has given him are yet to bow the knee. Jesus prays that father will not take the community of faith out of the world but protect then from evil. Jesus also in Vs 21 prays for unity among all believers for unity among those who believe now and for the same for those who will believe in the future. - UNITY. A case could be argued here that Jesus was praying about the gentile mission that the church would take. What ever was in the mind of Christ he felt so compelled to pray.

John 17:6-21 6 “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you.8 For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world,just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. 20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the  world may believe that you have sent me.

 Unity among those who are culturally, economically, racially, physically, spiritually, socially and religiously diverse seems to be a tall order. Jesus has a focus on the expanding kingdom of God. the kingdom that touches the shores of far off lands and languages. the kingdom of God which is about love and grace to all. "One Love, One blood, One life." why is this so difficult to put into practice in the church. Like in the song "we are one but we are not the same" we hold grudges, and UN-forgiveness against churches and people we have been amongst. Some leave trails of carnage through out there spiritual life. Is unity such a hard thing to achieve. It must have meant something to Jesus! After all he prayed about it. May God give us the grace to remain in unity in the community of God's people. Churches have been divided for decades over doctrine and never the twain shall meet. There are petty divisions over who in the God head is the most important, what bible we should follow. What hymn books or prayer books we should have. To me this is just plain stupid. Jesus has his focus on the world at large, in Jesus mind "unity" will be a powerful instrument and vehicle for the gospel.

May we all learn to value each other and lay down our issues and take up the cause of love for each other and for the world. “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one.

May God give us the church the courage to be united, to stand together for the sake of others, to be the answer to the prayer of Jesus. 

75. Rock Goes The Gospel Paul Simon - "Slip Sliding Away"

"Slip Sliding Away" was originally written in 1975 and was considered to be on the Paul Simon Album of that years "Still Crazy After All These Years" it was decided not to release the song that year. The song was eventually released in 1977 and appeared on the album "Greatest Hits Etc..." It was also released as a single in October 1977 and instantly became a hit. The song has a number of possible meanings. One possible meaning is that the song is about how we reflect on life passing us by - and the regrets we have in that life for the choices we've made. First verse: a man's overpowering love for the (wrong?) woman causes him to "lose" his identity. Second verse: a woman who "became a wife," whose "good days" aren't so good, and who's "bad days" are spent wondering how much life has to offer - and how she made the wrong choice in a husband. Third verse: a father who abandoned his son and traveled far to tell him why, to explain - only to leave, knowing he couldn't ever make his son understand why his dad left him. Last verse: we think we've got it all figured out, but ONLY in the moment. When we look back, we'll wonder why we didn't do things differently.

Slip sliding away, slip sliding away
You know the nearer your destination, 

the more you slip sliding away

Whoah and I know a man, he came from my hometown
He wore his passion for his woman like a thorny crown
He said Dolores, I live in fear
My love for you's so overpowering, 

I'm afraid that I will disappear

[Chorus]

I know a woman, (who) became a wife
These are the very words she uses to describe her life
She said a good day ain't got no rain
She said a bad day is when I lie in the bed
And I think of things that might have been

[Chorus]

And I know a father who had a son
He longed to tell him all the reasons 

for the things he'd done
He came a long way just to explain
He kissed his boy as he lay sleeping
Then he turned around and he headed home again

[Chorus]

Whoah God only knows, God makes his plan
The information's unavailable to the mortal man
We're workin' our jobs, collect our pay
Believe we're gliding down the highway, 

when in fact we're slip sliding away

[Chorus 2x]

The song has many meanings and is written in that way, to prompt reflection on life. Paul simon is a expert lyricist and know how to weave a good song. The song indeed is about life passing us by and the regrets we have for the choices we make. The feeling that kind of reflection engenders is that of life sliding away from beneath us and we are powerless to do anything about it.

The last stanza of the song Paul Simon sings ... "God only knows. God makes his plan..........and believe were gliding down the highway, when infact we're slip sliding away" Whether the term is "Forsaking" "Flee" "Gone Astray" or "Departed" these words can be descriptive of once godly men and women who have left the faith. Peole who have falled away from their first love. And slipped from their daily walk with Jesus and God's plan for their life. It seldom happens abruptly or intentionally . A Godly person does not wake up in the morning and say "I'm Finished with Jesus" It is a gradual and subtle sliding away. Sliding away from prayer, bible study, fellowship, Godly choices, and a slow descend into apathy and unbelief. Paul writes about one such person in his letter to Timothy.

2 Timothy 4:10 "10 For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia."

Once you have experienced His love I'm not sure how you can fell content living outside that love once more. We do not know much about Demas, except that he had deserted Paul for the lure of the world was to much for him. Paul says these things with sadness in his heart. Demas is a casualty and one who is being missed by Paul. There are those sadly in my life too that have slipped away and deserted Christ and his church. Be on your guard daily as apathy and the world's values have a creeping effect and before long we have slidden. If you recognise this morning that this is where you are at ask God like David did in his sliding away "Restore to me the Joy of My Salvation" (Ps51) May you know today a living relationship with Jesus that sustains you and may you resolve to not slip away.

 

74. Rock Goes The Gospel - Queen "Your My Best Friend"

Queen bass player John Deacon wrote this song. All four members of the group wrote at least one of their hits. John Deacon wrote this song about his wife. He enjoyed a rather quiet home life, and particularly in the early days of the group he was very shy and quiet, unwilling to put his song suggestions forward. After Freddie Mercury died in 1991, Deacon became something of a recluse - he was involved in the posthumous album Made in Heaven, and on the 1997 single "No-One But You," he retired from music and has declined to tour with the band on their subsequent tours with Paul Rodgers and Adam Lambert. The band still maintains contact with him, and run decisions by him - according to Brian May, the rule is that if Deacon does not reply to an email, that's his way of saying it has his approval. John Deacon wanted to write a song with an electric piano, Freddie Mercury did not want to play it: "I refused to play that damn thing. It's tiny and horrible and I don't like them. Why play those when you have a lovely superb piano," Freddie said. So John took the electric piano home, learned to play it and started writing this song. This song appeared on three albums "A Night At The Opera" 1975, "Live Killers" 1979 and "Greatest Hits" 1981. This song is essentially about the intimate friendship between two people. It's a classic rock song.

Ooh, you make me live
Whatever this world can give to me
It's you, you're all I see
Ooh, you make me live now honey
Ooh, you make me live

You're the best friend
That I ever had
I've been with you such a long time
You're my sunshine
And I want you to know
That my feelings are true
I really love you
You're my best friend

Ooh, you make me live

I've been wandering round
But I still come back to you
In rain or shine
You've stood by me girl
I'm happy at home (happy at home)
You're my best friend.

Ooh, you make me live
Whenever this world is cruel to me
I got you to help me forgive
Ooh, you make me live now honey
Ooh, you make me live

You're the first one
When things turn out bad
You know I'll never be lonely
You're my only one
And I love the things
I really love the things that you do
You're my best friend

Ooh, you make me live.

I'm happy, happy at home
You're my best friend
You're my best friend
Ooh, you make me live
You, you're my best friend.

They lyrics of this song reverberate with love and passion. They project a happy life in the friendship with another. This is a fortunate thing indeed to find a soul mate in another person. It's the stuff of dreams. some are blessed with this kind of friendship on a daily basis, for others it's something that they hope for very much.  On the 31st October 2014 one of the headlines in the Guardian newspaper read "‘Panic-merchants worry that on-line social networks will replace offline friendships, turning users into basement-dwelling zombies, unable to converse face-to-face’ This was according to the article, thought to be a real danger. It was a an article that was playing down the ability to have true friendships In my opinion the world would be sadder place without long lasting care, the kind of care that comes from true friendships.

Jesus was a person who held out for true friendships. In his life we see this in a number of ways. He had his disciples. 12 in total in whom he invested a lot of time and care. Then there was Peter and John who he seemed to have an even more special relationship. They accompanied Jesus in moments when the others did not. Then there is Lazarus, Martha and Mary. The Bethany household was a place that was visited by Jesus on many occasions and when Lazarus took sick. John 11:3 records the moment when Jesus hears of Lazarus being sick "Lord, the one you love is sick" of course Jesus is also a friend to sinners. Outcasts, vagabonds, ragamuffins, widows, orphans, the rick, the powerful, the infamous all alike found a true heart in Jesus. there is a great moment when Jesus shares his values about friendship

John 15: 12-17  12“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

Jesus talks about "Greater love" the kind of love that exists between friends. Don't you think it is an amazing thought that you can be friends with Jesus? It's a commitment that he will never break. It's a friendship that he is devoted to no matter what. This is an important thing to hang onto. Jesus willingly has become a friend to us. Someone to depend upon, someone to share life with, someone to hear our sorrows and to pour oil on them. Someone who will be truthful with us even when it hurts. Someone who will always see the best in us and who will be consistent till the end.  Jesus gives us the model for friendship, His own model for friendship he calls us to follow this model and no other.  Thank God today that you have been included among the friends of Jesus. He chose you to be so. In the words of the Queen song even if it sounds corny  "You make me live, your my best friend" it is actually true. Praise God.

73. Rock Goes The Gospel - Nirvana "Come as you are"

Taken from Nirvana's 1992 album "Nevermind" Come as You Are" is a song written by Kurt Cobain. "Come as you are" was released as the second single on the album and It was the band's second American Top 40 hit, and second UK top 10 hit.  Kurt Cobain described this song as "About people, and what they're expected to act like." The lyrics are intentionally contradictory and confusing, with one line rebutting the next: "As a friend, as an old enemy"  "Take your time, hurry up" Essentially the song is about life, confusion, chaos, choices, perspectives and expectations.

Come
As you are
As you were
As I want you to be
As a friend
As a friend
As an old enemy
Take your time
Hurry up
The choice is your
Don't be late
Take a rest
As a friend
As an old memoria
Memoria
Memoria
Memoria

Come
Dowsed in mud
Soaked in bleach
As I want you to be
As a trend
As a friend
As an old memoria
Memoria
Memoria
Memoria

And I swear
That I don't have a gun
No I don't have a gun
No I don't have a gun
Memoria
Memoria
Memoria {don't have a gun}

And I swear
That I don't have a gun
No I don't have a gun
No I don't have a gun
No I don't have a gun
No I don't have a gun

Memoria
Memoria

Less than three years after this song was released Cobain would commit suicide by shooting himself. A tragedy and one of Rock and Roll's casualties. In the lyrics of this song we find the verse "Come as you are, Come as you were, Come as I want you to be, come as a friend, come as an enemy" It's this that I want to focus this mornings devotion upon. If you look into the prophet Isaiah's writing you find many times he encourages God's people to come and seek for God. One of the great passages of Isaiah is Isaiah 55.

Isaiah 55:1-7 "1 “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. 2 Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labour on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. 3 Give ear and come to me; listen, that you may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David. 4 See, I have made him a witness to the peoples, a ruler and commander of the peoples. 5 Surely you will summon nations you know not, and nations you do not know will come running to you, because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendour.” 6 Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. 7 Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

Here is an invitation to come to God and find restoration and life abundant. It's a promise of the old testament that God's people can come as they are for the times for seeking God is at hand. The promise is that as God's people come God will have mercy and will pardon wrong doings. There will be no anger and wrath on the return. Mercy and freedom will be given in abundance. It's a passage that has hospitality and welcome at it's heart. It's a passage that holds out for relationship. "Come as you are" in other words don't put it on, come in the truth of your situation, come not in pretence, come with your wounds. Come hungry and thirsty. It's a promise that is a wonderful promise from God in the Old Testament. We find a similar promise that has the dynamic of Isaiah 55 in the life and ministry of Jesus. In John's Gospel we find Jesus using similar words to Isaiah

John 7:37 - 44  "On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” 39 By this he meant the Spirit,whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. 40 On hearing his words, some of the people said, “Surely this man is the Prophet.” 41 Others said, “He is the Messiah.” Still others asked, “How can the Messiah come from Galilee? 42 Does not Scripture say that the Messiah will come from David’s descendants and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?” 43 Thus the people were divided because of Jesus. 44 Some wanted to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him."

"Let anyone who is thirsty come" here is the promise reiterated. For Jesus the invitation was the heart and grace of God for the moment. "Come just as you are" The same promise is true for us today. We are given the opportunity and invitation that was given to God's people of old. To come as we are - hungry, tired and weary. We are promised relationship, sustenance and care. Today may you venture to take Jesus up on his invitation and come with exactly what you are and who you are. the promise we are told is for all of us.

A Life Without Jesus

One of the greatest tragedies is that for some of those who profess to follow Jesus don't actually follow him. For some they live the christian life as if Jesus had departed and was never returning. For others the christian life is made up of rules as enslaving as the Old Testament law. Without Jesus the Christian life is impossible. Then why is it, that for some this seems the norm. The first part of this study is a exegetical outline for the text. This helps in a number of ways. It helps focus your mind and heart on the important things. It helps you get into the word of God and mine for the meaning like a miner would mine for coal. It also helps establish and unlock the themes that are found in the passage.  In the Sermon Notes part there are some reflections from Matthew 28:16-20 and some thoughts about what it looks like to have a life without Jesus. This is what I'm preaching on this morning in church. It will take about 40 mins. I could extend this and cultivate a five week series a different point for each week. This could be interesting.

72. Rock Goes The Gospel . Coldplay "Fix You"

"Fix You" was written by all four members of alternative rock band Coldplay for their third album, X&Y. Despite being the lowest-charting single of the album, it is actually their most popular single of the album and is also one of the band's most popular songs aside from "Viva la Vida".Blythe Danner, the mother of Gwyneth Paltrow and former mother-in-law of Chris Martin, stated in an interview in May 2012 that he 'wrote the song for Gwyneth when her father died and I weep every time I hear it'.

"Fix You" is built around an organ accompanied by slow tempo drums and vocals. It was released on 5 September 2005 as the second single from X&Y and has reached number four in the UK charts.

When you try your best but you don't succeed
When you get what you want but not what you need
When you feel so tired but you can't sleep
Stuck in reverse

When the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can't replace
When you love someone but it goes to waste
Could it be worse?

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
I will try to fix you

High up above or down below
When you're too in love to let it go
But if you never try you'll never know
Just what you're worth

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

Tears stream down your face
When you lose something you cannot replace
Tears stream down your face
And I

Tears stream down your face
I promise you I will learn from my mistakes
Tears stream down your face
And I

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

"Fix You" deals with true love, helping someone in your time of need, and learning from your mistakes. Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin hasn't spoken about the specific inspiration for the song, but it could be directed to his wife, Gwyneth Paltrow, who was dealing with the death of her father in 2002. In USA Today, Martin did say where the song started: "My father-in-law Bruce Paltrow bought this big keyboard just before he died. No one had ever plugged it in. I plugged it in, and there was this incredible sound I'd never heard before. All these songs poured out from this one sound. Something has to inspire you, and something else takes over. It's very cloudy."

The song has other fitting thoughts and themes. One of the big themes is a return home after having a severe moment of crisis. The first time I heard this song was at a funeral and when I reflected upon the lyrics I could not get the prodigal son in Luke 15 out of my mind.

Luke 15: 11-32 "11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything. 17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ 20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate. 25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends.30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ 31 And he said to him, ‘Son,you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”

The desire to fix that which is broken is a constant in this song by Coldplay. "Lights will guide you home and ignite your bones, And I will try to fix you"  Incredible lyrics and the haunting way that this is sung puts this song at the highest level of rock songs in the 00's. You can here the prodigal son's father in this songs lyrics. In Luke 15 the son had at the very least disrespected his father, taken his dues and wandered away and done his own thing in life, come to his senses and then returned home. This song by Coldplay fits the fathers response, fits his heart and fits his compassion.

Jesus means the story of the lost son to be about the nation of Israel returning home. The listeners of his day did not all get the point. Some did and would have been heart warmed because of it. This passage is written for every person who is lost, last and least. The song as well as the passage in Luke is a statement of the Love of God to anyone who is broken. As well as the song "Fix You" is sung by the father in the passage irt is also sung by God in life. A desire in the heart of God for the life weary wanderers to come home. If you are out on a limb then know this that God has the welcome lamps lit for you, he sings and speaks over you "Lights will guide you home and ignite your bones, And I will try to fix you"

71. Rock Goes The Gospel ELO "The Diary of Horace Whimp"

Elo's "The Diary of Horace Whimp" was released in 1979 as a single, the song is just like a Beatles song in nature and became a Top Ten hit in the UK and Ireland. The lyrics describe a week in the life of a repressed man who nevertheless overcomes his incredibly shy nature with the help of "a voice from above." The original video is a mixture of real life band footage and a cartoon animated "Horace"

Monday:

Late again,today,he'd be in trouble though
he'd say he was sorry,he'd have to hurry out the bus.

Tuesday:

Horace was so sad,he'd never had a girl that he
could care for,and if he was late once more,he'd be out.

[CHORUS]
Don't be afraid,just knock on the door,
Well he just stood there mumblin' and fumblin'.
Then a voice from above said--
"Horace Wimp,this is your life,
Go out and find yourself a wife.
Make a stand and be a man,
And you will have a great life plan."

Wednesday:

Horace met a girl,she was small and she
was very pretty,he thought he was in love,he was afraid.

Thursday:

Asks her for a date,the cafe down the street
tomorrow evening,his head was reeling,
when she said "Yes O.K."

[Repeat Chorus]

Friday:

Horace,this is it,he asks the girl if maybe they
could marry,when she says "gladly." Horace cries.

Sunday:

Everybody's at the church,when Horace
rushes in and says "Now here come my wife,
for the rest of my life." and she did.

[CHORUS]
Don't be afraid,just knock on the door,
Well he just stood there mumblin' and fumblin'.
Then a voice from above said--
"Horace Wimp,this is your wife,
Go out and find yourself a life.
Make a stand and be a man,
And you will have a great life plan."

"The Diary of Horace Whimp" was from the album "Discovery" which was the band's first number 1 album in the UK, entering the chart at that position and staying there for five weeks. The album would contain five powerful hit songs 1. "Shine a Little Love", 2. "Don't Bring Me Down", 3. "Last Train to London", 4. "Confusion" and 5. "The Diary of Horace Wimp", many of which were heavily influenced by disco (in fact, Richard Tandy came up with its well known nickname, Disco Very). "Don't Bring Me Down" would become one of their only two top three hits in the UK throughout their career ("Xanadú" would be number one in 1980),. "The Diary of Horace Wimp" was also a hit single in the UK, not patterned after the disco sound; instead it was closer to the Beatles in style to the band's earlier hit "Mr. Blue Sky". The album itself was the first ever to generate four top-ten singles (one of which was a Double A-side) from a single LP which was an amazing feat at the time and was eventually certified 2x platinum by the RIAA in 1997.

"Horace Whimp" tells the ordinary story of ordinary people who either are shy or have no prospects to meet someone fall in love and have a life together. Of course this is the dream. In the song it's a girl that is "Horace's" dream for other people they have other things that they dream of and are held back from. The song and the accompanying video charts the week of "Horace Whimp" a self concious shy person. Who discovers that a voice comes to him from above "Then a voice from above said-- "Horace Wimp,this is your life, 

Go out and find yourself a wife. Make a stand and be a man, And you will have a great life plan." The song does not go into the surprise of "Horace" when he hears the voice. He simply goes along with the plan of the voice from above. By the end of the song when he marries the wife that he has found the lyrics have changed to say 

"Horace Wimp,this is your wife, Go out and find yourself a life.

Make a stand and be a man, And you will have a great life plan."

There is a wonderful passage in Jeremiah that fits with this song and charts for us the same feeling of a voice speaking into our lives like the voice did into "Horace's"Life.

Jeremiah 29:11- 14 "11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile."

This well known passage f scripture could well have been written to fit "The Diary of Horace Whimp" It the voice from above, coming from the mouth of the prophet Jeremiah saying roughly " I have a plan for your future welfare, a plan to give you hope and a better life" This is wonderful news at a time when things for the people of God seemed bleak and mundane. Similar to "Horace Whimp's bleakness and mundane life.

A voice breaks through the darkness and redresses the balance. Jesus too had that voice moment from heaven to endorse the plans that God had for the world. In Matthews Gospel we have that voice from above speak

Matthew 3:16- 17 "16 And when Jesus was baptised, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

That voice was for the benefit of others. Jesus on this occasion unlike "Horace Whimp" and us did not need to hear the voice from above. It was spoken for the hearers benefit and endorsed Jesus' ministry. We on the other hand at times need the encouragement from God by him speaking to us. A "Voice from Above" moment can be the most special kind of revelation. It may just be an inward conviction, or a echo of a situation or a word in our minds and hearts that simply wont go away.

It's my prayer today that you will know the certainty of God's leading and guiding in your life. Just the same as "Horace" did. Just the same as Jeremiah promised.