THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK – Llanelli Art Society

By Rev David Jones.

Imagine my surprise to be invited to open the Llanellli Art Society summer exhibition at the Neville gallery last Saturday.    I went along early enough to see the exhibits which were of the highest standard –  what an amazing amount of talent we have here in Llanelli!  Some were beautiful landscapes, others were more contemporary, while I must admit one or two had me scratching my head!  An expert in the artistic field had also been invited to comment and judge the exhibits.  His explanations of style and content were of great help to me and the questions I asked he readily answered.  I began to see what I had not seen before and for me who’s artistic knowledge is confined to a failed ‘O’ level in art that was just what I needed.

There may be questions we are asking about God, many things that we do not understand as we see the turmoil and despair in so many parts of the world.  Both in the USA and here in the UK the political scene is throwing up all sorts of possible outcomes that the future seems unclear.  Throw Brexit into the mix and there’s even more confusion and uncertainty.  Then again, the recent and recurring devastation following the attacks in Munich and Nice and other places in the world saddens and angers us all – when will it all end?

If there are questions, then there must be answers somewhere. The very nature and character of God is grounded in love for all of humankind and it is thought faith and insight into God’s word we will find light for our darkness.   Jesus often spoke of God’s love but also of his judgement upon all who do evil.    The Bible tells us that God does not treat us as puppets on a string but rather as his children whom he loves and to whom he has given freewill, which enables us to choose in life which way to follow.   His intent for all of humankind is that we live in peace where hatred and intolerance has no part  because by his spirit he leads us to love others and always to seek their good with no confines of nationhood or creed.  Evil ideologies that indiscriminately cause so much human suffering, the bomber’s hate and the rantings of evil always bring down the wrath of God’s terrible judgment upon all who choose that way.    Jesus answers our questions, assures us of God’s love and invites us to follow his way that gives us hope for better world where in loving God and our neighbour we bring his Kingdom of love and justice a little closer every day.