A WORD IN PASSING - May 2025
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16 The Hawthorn Tree
In the back garden of the Manse is a large Hawthorn tree that is covered with its beautiful blossoms at this time
of the year. The flowers are highly scented, white or occasionally pink and lovely to look at during the day but even
more beautiful when its blossoms are shining in the evening light. The light reflects on the flowers and they
brighten the surrounding area.
This image of the Hawthorn tree, with its blossoms catching the light and reflecting it in such a serene way,
perfectly parallels how Christ’s light shines through us. It’s like His presence illuminates our lives, and in turn, that
light spills over to others, offering warmth, hope, and love in ways we may not even fully realise. It also highlights
the idea that the beauty isn’t just in the initial blossoming, but in how it continues to shine even in the quiet,
reflective moments—like how Christ’s influence can bring peace and radiance in our hearts at all times. It’s such a
powerful image for the way we are meant to reflect His goodness in us to the world.
What about you? Do you often find yourself reflecting the light of Christ and brightening your surrounding in this
way?
Esther Pulham
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April 2025
Regret, Repentance and Restoration
'And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said
to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” So, Peter went out and wept bitterly.'
Luke 22:61-62
After Jesus told Peter that he will deny Him three times before the cock crew, Peter replied, “Lord, I am ready
to go with you both to prison and to death.” Yet we read that after Jesus was arrested, Peter did not stand by him,
he did exactly what Jesus said he would do - deny Him.
Perhaps like Peter, you once reckoned you would always stand strong and felt like you could handle anything in
your walk with God, only to have found yourself stumbling when confronted with trials or difficult moments. Bold
promises of faith faltering when it mattered most. The guilt and regret that follow can be overwhelming.
It was when Jesus turned and looked at Peter - it was that look, not the cock crowing - that brought about the
tears; the reaction of sadness and regret. It was the gaze of Jesus that caused that moment of deep
conviction for Peter. Thankfully, that look was not the end of the story, for the resurrected Jesus was to appear to
the disciples and to especially seek out Peter to forgive, restore and reinstate him; calling him into a yet greater
service, (John 21:15-17).
It's one of many examples in the Bible of God’s grace and mercy. A reminder that,
‘If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.' 1 John 1:9.
God’s forgiveness isn’t just about wiping the slate clean; it’s about transforming us. After Peter’s failure, Jesus
didn’t abandon him. Instead, He reinstated him and called him to a greater purpose: a reflection of God’s
ongoing work in our lives. For despite our shortcomings, God doesn’t give up on us. Indeed, He can use even our
failures as stepping stones toward growth and the fulfilment of His calling upon our lives.
The grace that restored Peter is the same grace that is available to all of us, to all who repent, no matter how far we’ve fallen. Have you had moments in your life where you felt similar regret or failure, and yet found God’s grace reaching and transforming you?
Esther Pulham
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MARCH 2025
"Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?' Matthew 11:3
It's important to recognise that for the believer doubts do not signify a loss of faith. Rather they signify a faith
that is being tested; a faith that's being stretched; a faith that's needing to rethink and readjust in order that it may
grow. And that may be the case whether we've been a follower of Jesus for six months or sixty years!
But where can we find understanding and encouragement at such times? A physical encounter with Jesus here
in this life may not be impossible, but for the majority it will be a remote possibility. But there again, so it was for
John the Baptist locked up in his prison cell. And yet, like John, we can still encounter Jesus through the reports
brought back to us by fellow Christians as they share with us what Jesus is doing in their lives. And, better than
John, we can encounter Jesus through the reports of who He is and what He has done and is doing recorded for us
in Scriptures. And, of course, we can ensure - whether we feel like it or not, whether we feel spiritual or not - that
our life is open to Him as we wait upon the Spirit of Jesus "to guide us in all truth" John 16:13; to "teach us all
things and remind us of everything Jesus has said." John 14:26.
Understanding and encouragement through the testimony of our brothers and sisters in Christ. understanding
and encouragement through the reading of God's Word. Understanding and encouragement through the ministry
of the Spirit of Jesus Himself. All these are available to us in our times of questioning and doubt as a means of
encountering Jesus. But as with John, so with us. In times of questioning and doubt the onus is on us to do
something to take the initiative away from the negativity, and so channel our efforts into a positive seeking of God
that we might 'see Him as He is.'
Doubts and discouragements will come. And understanding and expectations about God may have to change.
Comforting projections may have to go. Our Christin calling may need to be redefined. But however deep the
doubts God is deeper still.
Graham Pulham
