Andrew S M Clark

‘How did this happen? How has the church become so depleted? How has this land been given over to other gods?’

‘It happened whilst the church was sleeping.’

This conversation, from a while ago, resonates in my heart and mind this afternoon. Some of us who were in the conversation at the time recalled the words. This happened when yet another asked the same question this week.

In the last few moments of stillness here at home, as I sit here alone, I’ve been singing Psalm 85 to the tune of Ebenezer. I’ve also been singing Psalm 23 to the Bays of Harris. There’s just something that connects me to those words and their cry. Their plaintive melodies resonate with my plea for the remnant of God’s people here in these days.

I’ve been speaking to many people about the condition and place of the church in our western islands here in Scotland in recent days here too. We are able to name islands where there is no church, others where around 1 or 2% of the population might attend church and less may be truly converted. Arran, in spite of some encouragement, remains fragile. There is such a strong need for a consolidation of those who trust in Christ and the gospel. They should join hearts, hands and resources to pray and work for the advance of the kingdom.

We’ve enjoyed times of blessing and the sweetness of the Lord’s presence in worship many times in recent days. However, my heart cannot rest whilst multitudes don’t know his love for them. We follow a Lord who leaves the 99 for the 1, and yet, who does not ever become less than a Great Shepherd.

Arran is often called the ‘Sleeping Warrior’. This is due to the ability to discern the shape of a man lying asleep or wounded in our mountain landscape. This view can be seen from various places on the island. Perhaps the church still sleeps, perhaps she lays injured. However well the church is or isn’t doing, we need to arise and be awakened by the resurrection power of Jesus, whose presence, we’re promised, lives in us. For what? God’s glory and the salvation of the nations beginning with where we are. Lord, in your mercy…

Psalm 85:4-13

God our Saviour, now restore us; from us turn away your rage. Will your anger burn against us? Will it last from age to age? Will you not again revive us, That we may rejoice in you? Show us, Lord, your covenant mercy; Your salvation grant anew.

I will hear what God the Lord says, to His saints He offers peace; But His people must not wander and return to foolishness, Surely for all those who fear Him His salvation is at hand, So that once again His glory May be seen within our land.

Love and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace embrace. Righteousness looks down from Heaven; From the earth springs faithfulness. What is good the Lord will give us, and our land its fruit will bear. Righteousness will go before Him and His royal way prepare.