“Constancy”
By Rev. Michael Stonhouse
Meditation – Sunday, August 28, 2022
Hebrews 13:1-8,15-16 (Forward, p. 30) CEV p. 1270
Constancy in terms of human conduct, and especially in the exercise of one’s duties and responsibilities, is most rare today. And this is particularly true when the person in question is weighed down with personal worries, difficulties and problems. Constancy can often have ‘short shift’ at times like that. However, there are exceptions. I have just been reading some material celebrating the platinum jubilee of her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth, and I have to say that a constancy to duty, whether to her nation or to her family, has certainly been a hallmark of her life—even before she ascended to the throne.
It is also a hallmark of our God, and of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He has promised that He will never leave us or forsake us. And, furthermore, that He will be there to help us no matter what. That means that we do not have to worry about what others say or do concerning us or be concerned about such things as our personal finances. God remains constant, and constant in His relation to us, no matter what.
And, as a by-product, a spill-over you might say, we too should be constant in our relationships, in our relationships with spouse and family and in our relationships with the church in general. We should be gracious and welcoming, and supportive of those who are undergoing trials or difficulties. (Here our author singles out those who are in jailed or who are suffering, but this could well apply to any sort of problem or serious ‘issue’). We, like our God and Saviour, and like Queen Elizabeth, should remain constant in our devotion to each other, and, as in the case of the Queen to God as well. Amen.
Forward notes: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (verse 8).
“Walking the labyrinth has always been a joy. I may go in grieving and questioning, but meditating in the centre gives the gift of peace. Some years ago, though, after retiring and making plans galore to travel and write, I surprised myself by shouting silently but angrily, ‘What shall I do?’ Suddenly, out of nowhere, the answer came. ‘Be patient.’ Patient? I thought. That doesn’t just mean to be tolerant—it comes from the word for suffer!
“’Be patient’ turned out for me to mean joy because it became my call to the diaconate, a life-changing vocation to go wherever God sent me and to speak whatever he commanded. I learned that our lives are like labyrinths—we often seem to be walking in endless circles. The promise, though, is that we will reach peace and resurrection, seeing Christ as the center, yesterday, today, and forever.
“In truth, we are all sent not just to walk that path but to help others see the centre. We are all asked to speak God’s message that a new life awaits us. All we need to do is be patient.”
Moving Forward: “How can you practice patience today?”