Comment By Torchlight

Nigerian Distress

The end of hostilities in Nigeria has left the Federal Government a harrowing problem of rehabilitation At the time of writing, conflicting reports make it impossible to assess the extent of the problem but that it calls for speedy and resolute action is obvious.

There should .be continuous and fervent prayer for those on whom this heavy burden falls that adequate relief may soon reach those who are in desperate need. We should pray, too, that the underlying enmities which were at the root of the conflict may be healed and that Nigeria may now enjoy peace and prosperity.

Pollution

The increasing concern regarding pollution was underlined by the British Prime Minister's reference to "pollution of environment" as being one of the problems discussed with U.S.A. during his recent visit there. The conclusion reached by those who have studied the problem is that man, by tampering with the balance of nature, may be sowing the seeds of his own destruction. Examples are, pollution of the atmosphere by poisonous fumes, of rivers by industrial waste. and sewage, and, perhaps, worst of all, the effects of radiation, through nuclear testing.

The salutary reminder in all this is that God has designed laws for the orderly control of His universe and that man ignores or challenges these at his peril. Frequently in his attempt to master his environment man appears to be successful for a time, but then has to retreat in the face" of superior powers. There have been striking examples of this in recent years. In spite of 'the wonderful powers entrusted by God to man it remains true that, "The earth is the LORD's and the fulness thereof" (Psalm 24.1).

"The LORD hath establishhed "His throne. in the heavens;

And His kingdom ruleth over all" (Psalm 103.19)

"He marvelled...

He had, "measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, and meted put heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance" (Isaiah 40.12). But now, with human feet, He climbed the steep, winding track to Nazareth. For well-nigh thirty years He had lived there until He.. left the carpenter's bench to go to Jordan where He was "anointed. with the Holy Spirit and with power" (Acts 10.38). The itinerant Preacher visiting the cities and villages of Galilee, had returned to Nazareth "where he had been brought up". The narrow streets the squat dwellings, the shops and the market-place were all familiar to Him. There stood the austere synagogue He had frequented on sabbath days since boyhood.

His arrival at Nazareth caused no stir; the city was not excited. On the sabbath the customary synagogue service was held, but the visiting Preacher was not appreciated. The audience was critical and unresponsive. It was admitted that this Man spoke with uncommon wisdom, and it could not be denied that He had remarkable powers. But He had no authority, He was a nobody. The people of Nazareth could not abide a mere carpenter-cum-preacher, "they were offended in Him". Incredible!

The Son of God turned sadly away from obdurate Nazareth. "His own country" had dishonoured the great Prophet. It is recorded that as He went on His way, "He marvelled". At what? "He marvelled because of their unbelief" (Mark 6.6). We marvel, too! But before we hasten to condemn the men of Nazareth let us recall the' warning, "Take heed, brethren, lest haply there shall be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief" (Hebrews 3.12). The coldness of our hearts should keep us humble, and "Lord, increase our faith" should be our constant prayer.

"Oh, wonder to myself I am, That I can view the dying Lamb, Can scan the wondrous mystery o'er, And not be moved to love Him more".

The Life Indeed

"The Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1.14). "Who His own self bare our sins in His body upon the tree" (1 Peter2.24). "He... is risen" (Luke 24.6). He "abolished death, and brought life and incorruption to light through the gospel" (2 Timothy 1.10). If these things are true the world is for .us ,quite a different place from the world of other people. We shall convince the world, not by arguing with it or lecturing it, but by making it envious: envious of the life that is life, indeed. (D.L. Manning)

unknown | Mar 1970
Comment By Torchlight