Last year when Jim Tickner won his first piece of proper silverware in the Bristol Church League, we were all chuffed for the lad and a party seemed appropriate .
To be completely accurate it needs to be pointed out that Jim seemed rather smug as he bathed in the congratulations and good will of the assembled throng.
He positively gloated as he regaled his wife and pals with the glories and sacrifices of that hard-fought campaign. I checked to see if Jim had a shadow and I was not surprised when there was none to be seen.
We all have moments in our lives when a feast or celebration cries out for frenzied activity. Tim Bowman (a plucky pal of ours) is often commissioned to bring the twiglets. Lou Tickner (spouse of Jim) is dispatched to purchase the pork scratchings and Su Bowman is ordered on pain of death to bring copious quantities of lager beer.
I make the lasagne and the salad while my wife Anne sits on the sofa and rebukes us for our sloth and negligence. Such are the delights of a well-earned feast.
He positively gloated as he regaled his wife and pals with the glories and sacrifices of that hard-fought campaign. I checked to see if Jim had a shadow and I was not surprised when there was none to be seen.
We all have moments in our lives when a feast or celebration cries out for frenzied activity. Tim Bowman (a plucky pal of ours) is often commissioned to bring the twiglets. Lou Tickner (spouse of Jim) is dispatched to purchase the pork scratchings and Su Bowman is ordered on pain of death to bring copious quantities of lager beer.
I make the lasagne and the salad while my wife Anne sits on the sofa and rebukes us for our sloth and negligence. Such are the delights of a well-earned feast.
Pop artist Duane Hanson must have been inspired by Jim ^
Su Bowman could become
the patron saint of 'gettin the
beers in' for us lads!
the patron saint of 'gettin the
beers in' for us lads!
Here is a typical passage in the book of Deuteronomy
Use the silver to buy whatever you like: cattle, sheep, wine or other fermented drink, or anything you wish. Then you and your household shall eat there in the presence of the Lord your God and rejoice.
Deuteronomy 14:26
Feasting, celebrating and rejoicing before the face of God are constant reminders to us that the biblical God enjoys watching his people having a serious and committed knees-up. God's world radiates goodness and extravagance - dancing, partying and mucking about can be redeemed. We are not speaking here about a sordid and seedy event but something that is wholesome and pleasing to God.
Use the silver to buy whatever you like: cattle, sheep, wine or other fermented drink, or anything you wish. Then you and your household shall eat there in the presence of the Lord your God and rejoice.
Deuteronomy 14:26
Feasting, celebrating and rejoicing before the face of God are constant reminders to us that the biblical God enjoys watching his people having a serious and committed knees-up. God's world radiates goodness and extravagance - dancing, partying and mucking about can be redeemed. We are not speaking here about a sordid and seedy event but something that is wholesome and pleasing to God.
One of the most intriguing laws in the book of Leviticus concerns the activity known as gleaning
When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the Lord your God.
Leviticus 19:9,10
Can we imagine a farm where asylum seekers and beggars are allowed to join in with the picking of apples and pears? Instead of being shunned and avoided they are welcomed with open arms. The farm labourer is obliged to work far fewer hours because they must leave a substantial part of the crop untouched and ignored.
Wounded, vulnerable men, women and children can enjoy a substantial part of the harvest.
This theme is repeated in other parts of the Mosaic Law.
At the end of every three years, bring all the tithes of that year's produce and store it in your towns, so that the Levites (who have no allotment or inheritance of their own) and the aliens, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, and so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. Deuteronomy 14:28,29
The Old Testament refers very frequently to widows, orphans and foreigners and enjoins us to be generous, tender and open-hearted to such folk. Now that we have some cursory understanding of the Old Testament Law we can suggest the following football vignette which will help us to understand football in a new and fresh way.
When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the Lord your God.
Leviticus 19:9,10
Can we imagine a farm where asylum seekers and beggars are allowed to join in with the picking of apples and pears? Instead of being shunned and avoided they are welcomed with open arms. The farm labourer is obliged to work far fewer hours because they must leave a substantial part of the crop untouched and ignored.
Wounded, vulnerable men, women and children can enjoy a substantial part of the harvest.
This theme is repeated in other parts of the Mosaic Law.
At the end of every three years, bring all the tithes of that year's produce and store it in your towns, so that the Levites (who have no allotment or inheritance of their own) and the aliens, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, and so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. Deuteronomy 14:28,29
The Old Testament refers very frequently to widows, orphans and foreigners and enjoins us to be generous, tender and open-hearted to such folk. Now that we have some cursory understanding of the Old Testament Law we can suggest the following football vignette which will help us to understand football in a new and fresh way.
Ronaldo was walking along the streets of Rio de Janeiro one fine day. He had just been awarded the Golden Boot for his eight goals in the World Cup final and he was over the moon. The previous evening he and Roberto Carlos had been studying the book of Leviticus in their weekly Bible study and Ronaldo had nutmegged Roberto on several occasions with his studious grasp of the selected passages. Carlos had looked so furtive and ill-equipped as the world's most famous player displayed his impressive biblical erudition.
Just then seven homeless orphans came into view. Ronaldo smiled as the ragamuffins bellowed and screamed their delight and approval. 'Ronaldo, Ronaldo,' they chanted in unison.
Just then Roberto Carlos sauntered up clutching seven ice creams and offered them to the children. 'Still smarting from last night?' beamed the World's Greatest Player. 'Huh!' mumbled the sullen Carlos. 'Let's get down to a serious game of footie with these lads" Ronaldo suggested and patted the left-back affectionately on the shoulder.
'Show these lads your ferocious bender.' 'Yes, yes, go on Roberto, do your thing" shouted the orphans.
Carlos' irritable demeanour visibly melted as the game exploded into intense activity. Two hours later the happy group decided to hold an impromptu prayer session; they were all sweating and exhausted from the furious pace of the game.
Ronaldo could not wait to share his good news. 'You lads are not going to believe this but I've managed to find your parents and they will be arriving shortly. I've paid off all their debts and they are no longer bonded slaves working two hundred miles away for that evil rogue Senor Oliveras de Santos. They are free and looking forward to our party tonight!'
The boys were speechless. 'Oh and by the way" chipped in the smiling and emotionally rejuvenated Carlos, 'Ronaldo and I have bought a couple of houses for you and your parents and your careers as waifs and strays are now officially terminated.'
Just then seven homeless orphans came into view. Ronaldo smiled as the ragamuffins bellowed and screamed their delight and approval. 'Ronaldo, Ronaldo,' they chanted in unison.
Just then Roberto Carlos sauntered up clutching seven ice creams and offered them to the children. 'Still smarting from last night?' beamed the World's Greatest Player. 'Huh!' mumbled the sullen Carlos. 'Let's get down to a serious game of footie with these lads" Ronaldo suggested and patted the left-back affectionately on the shoulder.
'Show these lads your ferocious bender.' 'Yes, yes, go on Roberto, do your thing" shouted the orphans.
Carlos' irritable demeanour visibly melted as the game exploded into intense activity. Two hours later the happy group decided to hold an impromptu prayer session; they were all sweating and exhausted from the furious pace of the game.
Ronaldo could not wait to share his good news. 'You lads are not going to believe this but I've managed to find your parents and they will be arriving shortly. I've paid off all their debts and they are no longer bonded slaves working two hundred miles away for that evil rogue Senor Oliveras de Santos. They are free and looking forward to our party tonight!'
The boys were speechless. 'Oh and by the way" chipped in the smiling and emotionally rejuvenated Carlos, 'Ronaldo and I have bought a couple of houses for you and your parents and your careers as waifs and strays are now officially terminated.'
If humans hear what God is saying through his word they cannot fail to be impressed.
When people respond faithfully to God's word we begin to glimpse what the Bible calls shalom. Shalom refers to exciting scenarios which breathe peace, justice and good will.
When people respond faithfully to God's word we begin to glimpse what the Bible calls shalom. Shalom refers to exciting scenarios which breathe peace, justice and good will.
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