Just occasionally in Scripture, there are moments when individuals must act completely alone in serving God. But it is never the ideal. In fact, we can often hear the cries of desperation for friendship and support.
I think of Moses, who wilted when sent by God into Egypt, feeling his deep sense of inadequacy. Then I think of David, whose heart is laid bare in the psalms, and how loneliness and rejection are often the cause of his suffering. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted (Ps 25.16). There is also Elijah, who groans and complains, I, even I only, am left (1 Kgs 19.10).
Even Jesus is most vulnerable when he feels most isolated, complaining to his friends in Gethsemane who failed to stay awake and pray, Could you not watch with me one hour? (Matt 26.40). And then there is Paul. You feel his heartache on death row, asking for a blanket and some books, but mostly needing Timothy’s company and friendship: Do your best to come to me soon... Luke alone is with me (2 Tim 4.9).
It is not good that the man should be alone, the Lord says (Gen 2.18).
The church is our family, and in that family we celebrate the reality of our belonging, and the many ways our gifts can bless and serve one another. That is why this weekend feels momentous on a number of counts.
First, we have just released another home-grown song. Of all the Grace songs, this might be the one we’ve sung the most, and for the longest. But what a stunning and edifying thing it is to hear this recorded for us, and for the wider church. It’s a pleasure to celebrate the gifts of our songwriters, and to support their efforts as our brothers and sisters.
Second, we’re baptising three people on Sunday – Freya, Julius, and Antonia. Baptism is the sign of the new birth, of being brought from out in the cold and into the warmth of the family of God (see Ps 107.4–9). So, in a sense, we’re welcoming these folk as new babies – brothers and sisters – into the growing family.
Third, we’re ordaining two new elders: Tobias Brown and Tom Wheatley. For the church, this is a moment to acknowledge and receive their fatherly role within the community. For me personally, this is the thrill of working alongside a growing team of brothers so that I know I am not alone. Thank God for that.
Here is my point: the church is a family, and you are not alone.
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