Tim Toase, York

I don’t know about anyone else, but what first came to my mind with the thought of being stranded on a desert island was me, sitting on a beach with crystal clear waters lapping up on the shore, the sun beaming down with a gentle breeze; nothing short of tranquillity. Then I actually thought about it, and I’ve been placed on a ‘desert,’ ‘island’. Not so much tranquillity, but more like stifling heat and brutal conditions – stranded on an island. The situation is less about comfort but survival.

I don’t think the situation is so far removed from my life as a Christian. I have to grapple with the continual frustrations of life, boredom, my sinfulness, loneliness, difficulty in trusting God and what He has promised in His word, anxieties, etc. So, really, all I’m being asked to do here is give those verses from God’s word which especially sustain me in life and, therefore, on this hypothetical desert island of mine. I’ve found the verses I’d take with me to have stood the test of trials – albeit in varying degrees of trust.

Which verses would you take to the desert island?
 
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son. Hebrews 1:1-2

These verses in Hebrews would have to go with me. They have and do cut through any confusion. What does God think about the situation I find myself in? What does God think I should do about the situation I find myself in? God has spoken; firstly by the prophets and now in these last days ‘to us by His Son.’ Needless to say, being stranded on a desert island would be confusing. Having these verses in Hebrews though would mean that I could (and can) know for sure that when I turn to God’s word it is He that has spoken, He who tells me how best to live in the situation I find myself. Unless I know God has spoken to me in His word, what use is there in taking any verse with me to the island? That in place, there are other verses that I’d take in my armoury.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

Romans 8:28-29

If I didn’t have Hebrews 1:1-2 as my foundation, and Romans 8:28 to bring clarity to the overarching reason for being a castaway on a desert island, it’d be easy for me to assume that my predicament was purely a random occurrence, pointless pain. But Romans 8:28, coupled with Hebrews 12:5-11, would assure me that I’d need to interpret and look at the situation from the vantage point of all these things happening for my good by a loving – disciplining – heavenly Father; a Father who gave up His Son for me. I’d reassure myself that my Father is using the situation to make me more like His Son, by His Holy Spirit. I don’t know how God would use the constant search for food in a desert environment and the need to somehow produce water, for my good, but this verse assures me that He would. Somehow, in His infinite wisdom and love, He would use it.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33

In honesty, I’d forgotten the context of this verse, our Lord was talking about not worrying about the need of material things like food and clothing. The reason why this is next on the list is because, much like day to day life, life on a desert island would understandably be full of necessities and distractions, not to mention boredom and loneliness. But Jesus tells me to seek the Kingdom of God first and His righteousness. That would need to be my focus on the island – seek first.  This doesn’t mean I’d sit singing hymns making sand castles all day waiting for water to show up, I’d need to graft. God calls us to work (Genesis 2:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:10). In working for and seeking Him, I'd find my joy and delight. His Kingdom would need to be my trajectory and focus. It’s also possible I’d die on the island, so keeping God’s Kingdom as my focus would help me remember where I was heading; this life and world will pass away.

Which Christian from the past would you like to find on the island for company?

Tough question. It’s one thing reading what someone’s written, it’s another thing spending time with them. One of the early church fathers could be helpful; at least I could be stranded with more clarity (I’d hope). I’d ply Ignatius with plenty of questions about the apostle John’s teaching on various doctrines. But the person who comes to mind would be a Christian friend of mine who died a number of years ago. I know with them I could talk about the Lord and seek Him, and they’d encourage me to trust in God’s promises, not least by demonstrating trust themselves and by ‘addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart’.

Which song would you take to the island?

I don't have a favourite, but I don't think I'd get bored of singing Charles Wesley's 'Love divine, all loves excelling'. I think it'd help me remember gospel truths, as well as express and pray a range of thoughts and feelings. For pure adoration, 'Jesus, Thou art all compassion, Pure unbounded love Thou art'. For trouble and difficulty on the island, ‘Breath, O breath Thy loving Spirit, into every troubled breast’. For Spirit-wrought desire to be more like Christ, ‘Take away the love of sinning’. For when I’m at the end of myself on the island, ‘Till in heaven we take our place’.

Love divine, all loves excelling,

Joy of Heaven, to earth come down,

Fix in us Thy humble dwelling,

All Thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, Thou art all compassion,

Pure, unbounded love Thou art;

Visit us with Thy salvation,

Enter every trembling heart.

Breath, O breathe Thy loving Spirit

Into every troubled breast;

Let us all in Thee inherit,

Let us find Thy promised rest.

Take away the love of sinning,

Alpha and Omega be;

End of faith, as its beginning,

Set our hearts at liberty.

Come, almighty to deliver,

Let us all Thy grace receive;

Suddenly return, and never,

Nevermore Thy temples leave:

Thee we would be always blessing,

Serve Thee as Thy hosts above,

Pray, and praise Thee, without ceasing,

Glory in Thy perfect love.

Finish then Thy new creation,

Pure and spotless may we be;

Let us see our whole salvation
Perfectly restored in Thee;

Changed from glory into glory,

Till in Heaven we take our place,

Till we cast our crowns before Thee,

Lost in wonder, love and praise.

Chris Rees, Narberth

I became a Christian 32 years ago and for 23 of those years I have been a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. There have been many verses over the years which have become particularly precious and I have found myself turning to them, bringing them to remembrance and quoting them often to myself on this Christian walk more than other verses. Just like you would have your personal favourites, they become dear to you through the experiences of faith.

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

The Lord lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let the God of my salvation be exalted. Psalm 18:46

Psalm 18 has been a constant portion of strength and this verse was given to me at my Ordination Service. The ministry can take you into some dark places but through the many highs and lows, struggles and successes, the Lord lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let the God of my salvation be exalted.

Honour and majesty are before Him; Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. Psalm 96:6

To help me pray and worship when I’m cast away on this island, more than any other, Psalm 96 comes to mind. It's a reminder that our prayers and worship to God can only be fitting with beauty, honour and majesty. In Jesus Christ, our great High Priest, we have One Who is before Him in all His splendour, offering our prayers and supplication with the dignity He deserves.

The word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” Genesis 15:1

A desert island is a lonely place. God spoke to Abram when he was in a strange and lonely place, an isolated place, it is when we are in such a place ourselves that the word given to Abram becomes more meaningful and true in our own lives.

So all bore witness to Him, and marvelled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. Luke 4:22

The "mouth" can become one of our most besetting sins. Although theology and doctrine may be right, it so often, especially as a Preacher, comes out wrong. So, one of the verses I quote to myself, and have written on my Bible and on my phone is Luke 4:22 speaking of the Lord Jesus, He spoke gracious words.

Be of good courage, and let us be strong for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the Lord do what is good in His sight.” 2 Samuel 10:12

There are many battles in the Christian life and our God expects us to be strong and to be people of courage; cowards do not inherit the kingdom of God.  There have been many occasions when "throwing in the towel" crosses the mind but on the windowsill of the Minister's room in the church you will find this verse from 2 Samuel. It is a reminder that, in our Christian lives, our standing and holding fast to the calling we have is so utterly important; not for ourselves alone but for the whole of God's people, the Church and churches we represent.

Then I was beside Him as a master craftsman; and I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him. Rejoicing in His inhabited world, and my delight was with the sons of men. Proverbs 8:30-31

What is the point of any word, even God's Word, if it does not bring us to a greater knowledge of Him and who He is? Our minds are so small and dark we have no idea, really, of the greatness and goodness of His being! These verses give us a great vision of the Triune God and the blessedness of His being. To think that our fellowship is with the Father and with the Son, Who is the happy and blessed God is amazing.

Which Christian from the past would you like to find on the island for company?

There are many great figures from Church History we all would like to have met and spent time with. For me though it would have to be Martin Luther, the reason for this, he was a great raconteur as we know from his Table Talk, it would be great to have him around the camp fire. What an exciting life he had with thunder bolts nearly killing him, Emperors and Popes out to destroy him, with the stories of his escapes, the stands he took and the famous people he met in his day. It would be good to have him on the Island, he could play His harp and we could sing some of his well known hymns. He could teach me more of the Word of God and pray. But for all this spiritual talk he had a great sense of humour and we would have a good laugh and drink beer.

Which song would you take to the island?

There is only one hymn that I would need on a desert island, in case I enjoy it too much, loving the beauty of the sun going down at night and raising in the morning on this warm tropical beach. The hymn is from 1677 Munster Gesangbuch and this version was translated and adopted by John D. Manton in 1930. It will remind me of the Loveliest One of all.

Fairest Lord Jesus,

Lord of Creation,

Son of God, and Mary's Son,

You only will I love,

You only will I praise,

my soul's delight, my joy my crown!

Fair are the meadows,

fair the forests

clothed in the loveliness of spring;

Jesus is fairer

Jesus is purer,

who makes our broken hearts to sing.

Fair is the sunshine.

fairer the moonlight,

with all its stars in vast array;

Jesus shines fairer

Jesus shines purer,

than all angelic hosts on high.

Nothing in all the earth,

nothing in heaven above

can with His loveliness compare.

Now shall my hearts desire

to Him alone aspire,

My Jesus, Lord and King most fair.

Joshua Luke Reynolds, Tredegar

John Wesley (1703–91) famously said that he was a man of one book only – the Bible. That’s not to say he hadn’t read other books and found them edifying, but that the final point of authority for Wesley was the Word of God. It’s difficult to say which verses I’d take to a desert island. I’d much prefer to take the whole Bible with me! The verses I’ve chosen are those that have helped me the most in my Christian life.

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am foremost. 1 Timothy 1:15

One of the most profound verses that has shaped my understanding of the Bible message is Paul’s faithful saying to Timothy. It’s the Gospel, the Good News about Jesus Christ, in a nutshell. Jesus Christ stands at the very heart of the Bible’s message to lost humanity as the Saviour of sinners – even the worst of sinners. He came into this world, assumed my nature, and went to the Cross to rescue the lost and restore me to a right relationship with the living God. The saying is ‘trustworthy’ and ‘deserving of full acceptance’. In other words, the faithful saying that ‘Jesus saves’ is my only comfort in life and in death. The promise of the Gospel is certain, whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

A bruised reed He will not break, the smoking flax He will not put out. Isaiah 42:3

The verse that has helped me the most in times of trouble and spiritual despondency is found in the words of the prophet Isaiah concerning the Lord Jesus. As a Christian I sometimes find myself facing dark nights of the soul where the presence of God feels distant and sin feels overwhelming and I expect I’ll find them on the desert island too. However this verse will remind me of the love and gracious compassion of the Lord Jesus who never breaks bruised Christians and never snuff out the embers of faith! He picks me up, and He lifts me from the slough of despond, and He sets my feet upon the rock of salvation. I mustn’t think harsh thoughts of Christ, He is a gracious and compassionate Saviour.

The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

This is one of the most moving verses in Scripture. This verse reminds me not to think harsh thoughts about the God who ‘delights’ in His redeemed people and ‘rejoices’ over His beloved children with singing. I will still need the word of God to draw me to worship and praise on the island; this verse is an incredible picture of our God and it will move me to pray and to worship the God who freely loves sinners saved by grace such as me.

Come unto me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

As a lay preacher, I usually find myself drawing upon Gospel exhortations urging the lost to embrace Christ as Saviour. Perhaps the most important of these for preaching has been this gracious invitation of the Lord Christ. Sin is like a great weight upon the shoulders of this world, but Jesus Christ offers us rest, everlasting rest and peace, from the burden of sin for all who come to Him in true belief and true repentance. I can think of no greater invitation in the whole Bible than the sweet invitation of our Lord to come and find rest in Him. There won’t be anyone to invite on this desert island but I must remember that I am invited myself! When I’m weary and heavy laden, I will still go to Christ and He will still give me rest.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

The whole of Psalm 46 is an incredible reminder of God’s power to save and protect His people. He is my refuge in each deep distress. He is my strength. He is ever ready to help me in times of trouble as I fight against the world, the flesh, and the devil – the likes of whom will surely still harass me on the island. If I try to live the Christian life in my own strength, then I am doomed to fail, all of my strength is found in His grace. In myself I am weak, but in Him I am strong. His grace is sufficient for me and His strength is made perfect in my weakness. I can always depend on Him and run to Him when the whole world seems to fall apart around me. He is there with arms open ready to save. This verse will give me strength on my desert island!

For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:13

The struggle against sin won’t be over on this desert island. John Owen famously said, ‘Be killing sin, or it will be killing you’. The struggle with sin and temptation is an ever present reality in the Christian life. We must fight against it, but not in the flesh. We must fight in the strength of the Holy Spirit. We need His transforming and sanctifying power to work in our lives to conform us to the image of Christ. The mortification of sin by self-effort to the end of a self-righteousness is the soul and substance of all false religion in the world. We must have the Spirit and only by His power must we crucify sin. This verse will always remind me of the seriousness of sin, and that nothing but the power of the Holy Spirit can enable us to ‘be killing sin’.

The Lord is good to all, and has compassion on all that He had made. Psalm 145:9

This verse helped me to understand the common grace and kindness of God for all creation – men, women, boys and girls, and all his creatures, great and small. It reminds me to think upon His goodness and His patience with sinners. It reminds me to think of the overtures of grace in the Gospel. It reminds me to think of the love He’s shown to lost mankind in sending His one and only Son to die as an atonement for sin. It reminds me that He will make all things well and redeem the whole creation for His glory – and I’ll certainly need to remember that on the island! If He has such compassion upon the world as it is now in sin and degradation, how much more shall His love abound in the world to come!

Which non-biblical Christian from the past would you like to find on the island for company?

I have to say William Williams, Pantycelyn as the theology of his published writings is the focus of my PhD. I believe that the experiential heartfelt religion of the Welsh Calvinistic Methodists is very much needed in our Christianity today. Williams’ hymns and writings bring together a robust Calvinistic orthodoxy with the experiential knowledge of God in Christ. For this reason, I would choose to take William Williams to the desert island and sing his many delightful hymns of praise to Jesus Christ.

Which song would  you take to the island?

My personal favourite is William Williams'  ‘Jesus, Jesus, all sufficient’. There’s no better subject to engage the mind than Jesus Christ. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my time on a desert island.

Jesus, Jesus, all sufficient,

Beyond telling is Thy worth;

In Thy Name lie greater treasures

Than the richest found on earth.

Such abundance,

Is my portion with my God.

In Thy gracious face there’s beauty

Far surpassing every thing

Found in all the earth’s great wonders

Mortal eye hath ever seen.

Rose of Sharon

Thou Thyself art heaven’s delight.