Thought for the week (we 2nd February 2014)

It was no great surprise when the news broke last week that Wales Full back Leigh Halfpenny had signed a two year deal with French team Toulon.

Leigh, named man of the series after the victorious British and Irish Lions tour of Australia and BBC Wales Sports personality of the year will join the European champions and will be among an eight strong Welsh contingent playing in French rugby next season.

Leigh Halfpenny has given outstanding commitment to his game both for the Blues, Wales and the British Lions and this young man from Gorseinon has become one of the best goal kickers in the world and because of his all round game is considered on the finest all backs as well. Besides which his professionalism and conduct both on and off the field has and continues to be faultless.

Leigh’s departure from the Cardiff Blues was described in the press as part of the Welsh ‘Exodus’ of rugby players to European teams. That is an interesting analogy and has within it, of course, a Biblical perspective.

The book of Exodus in the Old Testament tells of God’s deliverance of the children of Israel from the four hundred years of captivity in Egypt and which led them to the ‘promised’ land, described as ‘flowing with milk and honey’

The exodus of the old Testament was full of hope and promise, of freedom following years of oppression and fear. Perhaps we need to experience such an exodus now in our own lives. To decide that we do have a future whatever our circumstances may be.

To make faith the starting block as we trust God’s promise to be with us whatever the future holds. Then having made that step of faith to learn more of the love and faithfulness that he has promised. The ‘Exodus’ eventually brought God’s people to their promised destination. Of even greater assurance is Jesus’ promise when he said ‘I will be with you even to the end of the age’ .

With such an assurance we can go forward with confidence and hope and be sure that we made the best move of all!