[This is one in a series of devotional reflections prepared for Horley Baptist Church during September 2022]
There are many reasons for the changes in the circumstances of life; what will be their impact? Have you ever wondered how people would cope without you? Will the sun keep spinning round the earth at 24 hours per day? Will the moon reflect on your absence? Will there be a collapse of the global economy? Will your colleagues find themselves without a focus for their work? Will your neighbours breathe a sigh of relief? Actually, will anybody notice?
It is difficult to be subjective in assessing our own contribution to the good of mankind. Sometimes we may not appreciate what simply us being there means to other people; conversely, and perhaps more frequently, we are tempted to think of ourselves as rather more significant than we actually are. The Scottish poet Robert Burns had an insight into the dilemma when he wrote his famous lines:
Oh would some power the gift to give us, to see ourselves as others see us! [1]
Are there some things that you consider important but other people dismiss? Maybe there was a project at work that was no longer considered important after you retired. Maybe you earnestly endeavoured to contribute to the life of the church or the local community. Then … his name is vaguely familiar – who was he?
The Bible contains many stories about people who thought they were the hub of the universe, that they were the pivot around which the sun revolved. They forgot that God had given them that position and they forgot that he could take it away.
One such was Nebuchadnezzar; we have read recently about his self-image but his story is not complete without taking another look at his downfall. Having boasted about his achievements he then ignored the warning that he was given. He was driven from his throne and resorted to living like a wild animal eating grass and drinking rain. However, unlike the rich man described in Luke 12, Nebuchadnezzar was given a second chance. After the mother of all culture shocks, he came to recognise that God reigns supreme.
Now I praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble. Daniel 4 v37 [NIVUK]
We cannot count on being offered a second chance so what are we focussing on? Who is at the centre of our universe? What will be our legacy? The death of Jesus did indeed change the world but are we willing to let it change our lives?
[1] ‘Ode to a Louse’, Robert Burns, 1786. (English translation)
Bible quotations: Unless otherwise specified, quotations are taken from the resources of Bible Gateway or Bible Hub, in accordance with the licencing conditions outlined on our Site Policies page.
Bible dates:
Where appropriate, the dates given for Biblical events are based on the Bible Timeline resource
and are subject to the constraints defined on the corresponding webpage.
Horley Baptist Church onlineHBC main site
Confidential prayer link
Return to Tuesday Challenge
Jump to Index of Bible Passages
Contributed by Steve Humphreys; © the Author
