Our Rector Writes - 4 Jan

(Taken from the church bulletin, which I thought is great reading for all of us who belong to Christ Church Likas!)

Another year is dawning! Dear Father, let it be,
In working or in waiting, another year with Thee;
Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest;

The words of this hymn echoed in my mind as we enter 2009. Another year has dawned. And it is not just another year – it is a very significant year. We are 40! In biblical perspective, the number 40 is unique. The Bible recorded rain for forty days and nights in the days of Noah. It also recorded the forty years of Moses leading Israel in the Wilderness. Moses and Jesus fasted for forty days and night. 40 years also signifies one generation.

While we do not wish to read too much into the number 40 lest we get ourselves into all kinds of error and flaky ideas, it is nonetheless commonly accepted that the number 40 has been deemed as a period of testing either by trials or prosperity. It is also a period of chastisement (not judgment) and ends with a period of restoration, revival or renewal.

What I wish to share with you are my thoughts of the significance of 40 from the perspective of one generation. Christ Church Likas is now 40. One generation has grown up and now plays an important role in the life and witness of the Church. We must now begin to look for a new generation for the task ahead. The present generation must intentionally identify and train the younger ones to love and serve the Lord and to take leadership roles. The present generation must serve as a model and mentor to the new. This is the principle of multiplication as seen in 2 Timothy 2:2 - And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.

Let us ponder together the significance of 40. Like the hymnist Frances Havergal aptly wrote:

Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,
Another year of training for holier work above.
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee.

Happy 40 Christ Church! May the Lord show us His favor and bless the works of our hands!