Then the dove came to him in the evening, and behold, a freshly plucked olive leaf was in her mouth; and Noah knew that the waters had receded from the earth.
Genesis 8:11
Dear Friends
Summer is nearing its end and we enter what our North American friends call ‘The Fall’. Colours change as we progress towards winter which, for many, is a difficult time. Longer nights and colder weather, it’s no wonder that Christmas, a festival of light, is so precious to many because of how it interrupts winter’s harsher months.
Our forefathers enjoyed reading what was once called The Book of Nature. What they meant by reading this book was a response akin to Psalm 19 where God’s glory is declared in His handiwork. The palette during autumn is remarkable. I know some of you visited Scotland during the summer months. For me, Scotland is at its best in Autumn. The Book of Nature is no replacement for Scripture though. As we consider autumn, the Bible speaks of a future where decay and darkness will be banished forever...
The eternal summer will be wonderful. In the Narnia books, (yes, I am quoting them again,) the great lion breaks through winter. As he does so, spring blooms and life returns to Narnia. If you struggle with allegory, and don’t particularly enjoy Lewis’ writings, then may I remind you that the Bible uses similar imagery to those stories when it describes the coming of our Lord. In the Book of Malachi, the Old Testament ends in a note of anticipation. The power of the sun is used to denote the twofold nature of that great and terrible day:
’For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, and all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up’, says the Lord of hosts, 'That will leave them neither root nor branch. But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go out and grow fat like stall-fed calves.'
Malachi 4:1-2
Judgement and healing. Burning and basking. The image of calves – the prepared ones – striding into joy. Are you ready for that day? When the sun rises will you be rejoicing or weeping? The Bible clearly states that those who fear the Lord are those who truly know Him. Lewis, you see, understood what Aslan’s movement meant.
Life and light to all he brings, risen with healing in his wings.
Charles Wesley
This Fall, may we be ready for His coming.
I hope you enjoy this online version of the Autumn Edition.
Nathan Munday
