THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK.  28th September, 2016

By Rev David Jones

The first USA Presidential debate between Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump will have been held by the time you are read these few thoughts.   The polls have narrowed dramatically in recent weeks especially from the time Mr. Trump was seen as the real outsider – not anymore!  On Saturday Jeremy Corbyn’s increased mandate affirming his leadership of the Labour party was no surprise but would have been unthinkable and even seen as impossible in the days of ‘New’ Labour – now positively very much in the past. The rallying call from the part conference at Liverpool this week was that all sides of the party unite and to get on with effective opposition in the houses of Parliament.  Leaders are elected to lead and should be allowed to get on with it.

The Bible says much about the way in which God called those from different and diverse backgrounds to lead and inspire his people.  Moses, the son of Hebrew slaves takes on the might of Egypt’s power and with God’s help leads his people to freedom. David, the shepherd boy is led to the be the King of a nation slaying the mighty Goliath on the way.  Saul, filled with hatred of the early Christians is confronted by Jesus on the road to Damascus and the Gospel was preached to the ends of the earth.

There will be much written, broadcast and said in coming months as the Presidential race gathers momentum.   In the end, however, it will be down to the people of America as to who will be the next president of the world’s greatest power.   The Bible tells us that while earthly rulers come and go God’s grace and love in Jesus Christ are yesterday, today and forever the same. We are invited, never forced, to make that all important decision to allow Jesus to be our leader.  To practice and follow his ways of love, tolerance and forgiveness and to break down barriers of prejudice and injustice in our world.  The choice is ours!