Hector Morrison, Inverness

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea, and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’ So God created Man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:26-7

The first is one from the context of creation for that is the primary context for humanity presented to us in scripture, just as it will be the final context for the new humanity in the Second and Last Adam, Jesus Christ, in the new heavens and the new earth of the eternally new creation at last.

But I also choose this passage because in it I believe we get one of the earliest intimations of the Fatherhood of God. I think this becomes clear if one compares the phraseology of this passage with the almost identical phraseology applied to the Adam-Seth, father-son relationship in Genesis 5:1, ‘When God created Man, he made him in the likeness of God … When Adam had lived 130 years, he had a son in his own likeness, in his own image; and he named him Seth.’

Before she goes into labour, she gives birth; before the pains come upon her, she delivers a son. Who has ever heard of such things? Who has ever seen things like this? Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment? Yet no sooner is Zion in labour than she gives birth to her children. Do I bring to the moment of birth and not give delivery?” says the Lord. “Do I close up the womb when I bring to delivery?” says your God. “Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice greatly with her, all you who mourn over her. For you will nurse and be satisfied at her comforting breasts; you will drink deeply and delight in her overflowing abundance. Isaiah 66:7-11

This passage has dominated and shaped my life for much of the past 24 years, in that vv7-8 were the words through which the Lord spoke to my heart about becoming involved in setting up Highland Theological Institute in 1994, which became the Highland Theological College. At a time when a small group of us were being challenged to start a college from scratch within 5 months when we had absolutely no staff, no premises, no resources and no students. It seemed so impossible. We found ourselves saying, ‘Who has heard of such a thing?’ Then the Lord directed me to this verse which I had never taken any notice of before. The result was that a college was born not quite ‘in a day’ but within 5 months. And, perhaps there is a sense in which it was born ‘in a day’ – the day I took God at his word.

Years later, as we went through some of the college’s early struggles, the reassuring words of v9 spoke to my heart again and again. And even now as I write this, vv10-11 have been blessed to my own soul in a fresh way as I wait in faith and expectancy for renewal and revival of God’s cause again in our land – whether in my day or in a coming generation, I wait for it and work and pray towards it.

The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

One of Scripture’s truly magnificent verses. This verse reveals to us both the might and the loving tenderness of our great God. These are words that assure us of the Father’s presence with us and power to save us from any and every difficulty, danger, or whatever. But they speak also of the Father’s delight in us his children, even as he expressed that delight in Christ at his baptism, as he set his face towards all that lay ahead climaxing in that other ‘baptism’ which awaited him at his death. This speaks of his tender compassion towards us, like a mother quieting a distressed or tired child until they fall asleep in loving arms. They speak of the Father, singing sweet lullabies over our heads.

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no-one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshipped God, saying: “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honour and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!” Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?” I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the centre of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Revelation 7:9-11

Ever since 1975, this has been one of my very favourite passages of Scripture. Then, as a two-year-old Christian (having been born again in 1973), I found myself on mission in France with Operation Mobilisation. During the first week of preparation and training, about 1000 of us from several continents and many countries of the world gathered often in times of worship during which we all sang the same songs but in our own language. For me, that experience was a foretaste of heaven and the new creation with the people of God from every nation, language and cultural group worshipping and serving God and the Lamb in the communion of the Holy Spirit.

Who would you like to find on the island for company?

I have found this to be by far the hardest of these questions. Eventually, I have decided that, if I’m not able to have the company of my wife, Annice, then I would plump for John Knox, one of the great heroes of the Scottish Reformation. Knox has had really bad press in much of the past century or two but I would love to have time to sit and chat with him and find out from the man himself what he learned from Calvin and the other European Reformers; also, somewhat anachronistically, what his views would be on the theology of the Westminster Confession, to discover from the man himself where the Confession’s theology differed from his own (as is often claimed today in certain circles).

Which song would you take to the island?

As a Scottish, Highland Presbyterian you might expect me to choose a Psalm, so I won’t disappoint you. I have a number of favourites, but perhaps for this purpose the metrical version of Psalm 73:25-28 (1650 Scottish Psalter) would be appropriate. This is one sung at our wedding in 1981, it reminded us that even as we committed ourselves to one another for our lives together, there was a greater commitment that we had each made to God years earlier, through Christ, which we wanted to re-affirm at the time of our marriage.

The words seem particularly appropriate for a desert island, where one would certainly long for human company. How much more should we long for the company of the Man from Heaven!

Whom have I in the heavens high

but thee, O Lord, alone?

And in the earth whom I desire

besides thee there is none.

My flesh and heart doth faint and fail,

but God doth fail me never:

For of my heart God is the strength

and portion for ever.

For, lo, they that are far from thee

for ever perish shall;

Them that a whoring from thee go

thou hast destroyed all.

But surely it is good for me

that I draw near to God:

In God I trust, that all thy works

I may declare abroad.

I would certainly wish to have one of the great hymns of the cross which lies at the very core of our faith. I thought first of choosing the hymn, ‘There is a fountain filled with blood,’ not least because of the words ‘redeeming love has been my theme and shall be till I die,’ which must surely be the main theme of every preacher’s ministry?

Eventually I have plumped for the much more recent Getty and Townend hymn, ‘The Power of the cross,’ which captures what, for me, lies at the heart of the message of the cross, the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper and of Christianity as a whole – substitutionary atonement through Christ. This is one of the few songs that has impacted my own soul deeply in recent years. Time and time again, the singing of it has left me broken and in tears, particularly when sung after the preaching of a message in which the cross has been powerfully proclaimed.

Oh, to see the dawn
Of the darkest day:
Christ on the road to Calvary.
Tried by sinful men,
Torn and beaten, then
Nailed to a cross of wood.

This, the power of the cross:
Christ became sin for us,
Took the blame, bore the wrath:
We stand forgiven at the cross.

Oh, to see the pain
Written on Your face
Bearing the awesome weight of sin;
Every bitter thought,
Every evil deed
Crowning Your bloodstained brow.

Now the daylight flees,
Now the ground beneath
Quakes as its Maker bows His head.
Curtain torn in two,
Dead are raised to life;
'Finished!' the victory cry.

Oh, to see my name
Written in the wounds,
For through Your suffering I am free.
Death is crushed to death,
Life is mine to live,
Won through Your selfless love.

Finally, I would have something with a clear eschatology, a song that may not be familiar to many in the UK, ‘One day we’ll see him face to face’. This song was written by the late Rev Dr Geoffrey Bingham, leader of New Creation Teaching Ministries whom I met in Australia in 1999. It speaks of present experience as we anticipate with longing the fullness that awaits us in the new creation. (The music for this song can be found here.)

One Day we’ll see Him face to face,

And then our hearts will beat as one,

That day we’ll know the glory of His grace,

As we on earth have never known.

Sometimes we are surprised by joy,

Sometimes a bliss unbidden comes,

And in that moment of enriching love

Come intimations of our home.

Our hearts are gladdened in this world,

When grace gives sudden sights of love,

But oh, how richer when our hearts in hope

Reach out to fuller bliss above.

’Tis then the sights of heaven abound,

And flood our tired hearts with pain,

The tears of wonder flow in ecstasy,

And we are fully home again.

The years of sorrow and of strife,

The sin that brought a holy shame,

The guilt our hearts could never wholly hide

Will never visit us again.

Dear Lover, Saviour, Jesus Christ,

Our present life is hid in Thee,

But oh! The wonder when we are unveiled

In glory of our liberty.

Till then we live in present hope,

In patience of the coming sight,

And those who share with You in glory now,

We then will meet with great delight.

Delight and bliss and joy and love,

As now our hearts cannot contain,

Will flood us as we see Him face to face

And we are wholly one again.

Dafydd Taylor, Binfield, Berkshire

I’ve been a Christian for almost 24 years and it’s been such a blessing to reflect on how God’s Word has helped and affected me over the years. I would recommend that every Christian do this, even if you haven’t yet been asked to be on Desert Island Verses – it will cause you to worship.

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. The wages of sin is death, the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord. God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 10:8-9, 10:13

I remember getting excited by a ‘Romans Road to Salvation’ gospel tract not long after my conversion. These were the first verses I learned as a Christian and they really helped me understand the gospel better. You’ll be glad to know that I still get excited about those verses and often quote them when I get into gospel conversations with people and when I preach.

My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. Proverbs 3:11-12 cf. Hebrews 12:5-6

I’m ashamed to say that I would occasionally look for pleasure in sin as a teenager. In summer 2001, when I was 18 years old, I was travelling to an ungodly place. I believe God literally stopped me in my tracks. On my journey to this place I had a serious car accident on the motorway. My car rolled at high speed and it was written off. I believe that was God disciplining me. He has also used other Christians to rebuke me at times too. As Hebrews 12:10-11 says, “God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” As painful and unpleasant as it was to be disciplined by God, I believe that I am a holier, more righteous and peaceful man for it.

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16

Only because of what Jesus has done we can praise/pray/worship. I love that v16 says we can approach the throne with confidence. I like that famous photograph of JFK Jr. in the Oval Office under the Resolute Desk while his father is busy at work. That little boy could enter the most powerful room in the world with confidence. We can come before the throne of God with confidence – the ultimate place of power where God the Father rules and reigns over the heavens and the earth.

Grace and peace. Romans 1:7, 1 Corinthians 1:3, 2 Corinthians 1:2, Galatians 1:3, Ephesians 1:2, Philippians 1:2, Colossians 1:2, 1 Thessalonians 1:1, 2 Thessalonians 1:2, 1 Timothy 1:2, 2 Timothy 1:2, Titus 1:4, Philemon 1:3, 1 Peter 1:2, 2 Peter 1:2, 2 John 1:3, Revelation 1:4

I often find myself quoting these three words from the beginning of nearly every Epistle – “Grace and peace.” That’s what we need more than anything – grace for difficulties and hardships and peace for troubles and anxieties. I’m always finding myself praying for grace and peace for my family, the members of my church and all of my brothers and sisters in Christ that I pray for.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

I wouldn’t say that I have been through any severe trials and suffering, but when my wife was hospitalised with hepatitis E; my daughter hospitalised at two week’s old because she was dehydrated, couldn’t keep her food down and had lost over 20% of her body weight; and when the future’s been very uncertain as to where we’d work and live, “My grace is sufficient for you” has been a great help to us.

I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. Luke 16:9

For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 1 Thessalonians 2:19

Hywel said that I’d have a big crown in heaven for being a Welshman living in England! I have been thinking about what are these treasures and rewards that Christians will have in different degrees on Judgement Day. I think there’s a clue in these verses. I think that those verses are saying that the treasures we may be rewarded with in heaven are people. I wonder how many will come to us in glory to thank us for telling them the gospel, praying for their salvation while they were on earth and making it possible for them to hear the gospel through our giving and works of service?

Who would you like to find on the island for company?

The people I have probably read the most from church history are Spurgeon and Matthew Henry but I’ve always had a fascination with Billy Graham; we all probably know someone who was converted at one of his crusades and I think I’ve listened to more of his preaching than anyone else who is dead. We probably wouldn’t agree with everything he believed and did, but he could certainly preach the gospel powerfully, simply and clearly. For a great orator and one of the most famous men on the planet, he also came across as very humble and Godly. It would be interesting to spend time with a man who had preached the gospel for over 60 years all over the world to more people than anyone in history. He might be gutted to leave his millions of crowns in heaven to live on a desert island with me though!

Which song would you take to the island?

The first gospel song that I learned as a child in Noddfa, Pontarddulais was “Thank you, Jesus”, a song I sing with my children now. However, if there’s no food or water on this island, I’ll die very soon. I’d love to sing Psalm 116:1-16 (Free Church of Scotland’s New Metrical Version) to the tune of Ellers on my deathbed.

Psalm 116:1-16

I love the LORD because he heard my voice;
He listened when I cried to him for aid.
I’ll call on him as long as I shall live,
Because he turned to hear me when I prayed.

The cords of death gripped and entangled me,
Upon me came the anguish of the grave;
With grief and trouble I was overcome.

Then on the name of God I called: “LORD, save!”

The LORD our God is kind and full of grace;
Both righteous and compassionate is he.
The LORD protects all those of childlike faith;
When I was in great need, he rescued me.

Rest, O my soul; God has been good to you
For you, O LORD, have saved my soul from death,
My feet from stumbling and my eyes from tears,
That I may live for you while I have breath.

I trusted in the LORD, and then I spoke;
I said in anguish: “I am sorely tried”.
And in the very depths of my dismay,
“All men are liars—every one!” I cried.

How can I thank the LORD for all he’s done?
With gratitude salvation’s cup I’ll raise;
I’ll call upon his name, and will fulfil
My vows to him before his people’s face.

The LORD holds dear the death of all his saints.
Hear me, O LORD! I am your servant true;
 I am your servant and your handmaid’s son,
And from my chains I have been freed by you.

Huw Fulcher, Cardiff

It’s testament to God’s grace that the verses I would take with me would be different depending on what part of my life you asked me in! The fact that the Bible has verses that cover every season of the Christian life is a joy to know in itself. Similarly with songs, my favourites have changed over the years, I have a bit of an “all or nothing” personality (as my wife can tell you!) and I find that this seeps into songs and songwriters! Despite my yo-yo like tendencies it really is a blessing to know that our God is not like that, His Words endure for eternity and are always relevant.

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from before your birth, carried from the womb; even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. Isaiah 46:3-4

For me, these two verses are becoming more and more an anthem in my life for many different reasons. The fact that not just our dependence but even our existence rests in Him fills me with such hope. Our Lord is with us day and night carrying us through this life giving us what we need daily. While these verses weren’t instrumental in my salvation they strongly bring it to my attention now with the definitive fact that God saves, I am nothing but a wretched sinner. I definitely think that this would be a great encouragement to me on the island; knowing that God’s provision for me is not connected to my proximity to civilisation!

This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. Acts 2:23

This verse is such a mix of sorrow and joy that I think it encapsulates our mourning of sin and joy of Christ on the cross so well! God from before the world began put our plan of salvation into action, Jesus willingly came to this earth and offered Himself up to be killed by His creation. While Peter was talking about the lawless men that existed at the time we are still complicit! It strikes me to the core that I am one that helped nail Jesus to that cross but it equally fills me with joy that this was planned. This is a verse I am finding more and more helpful when I am faced with the opportunity to sin. Remembering my part in the crucifixion of my Saviour but also remembering the grace of God through it.

Who would you like to find on the island for company?

While I have a wide array of men and women I could choose from throughout history I’ve decided to go with John Bunyan. I only recently learned of the life of Bunyan and the suffering he faced for the sake of the Gospel and would think he would make a good candidate to cheer us both while being stuck there! On top of that I would love to find out why he wrote books with exceedingly long titles like The Holy War – The Losing and Taking Again of the Town of Man-soul (The Holy War Made by Shaddai upon Diabolus, for the Regaining of the World).

Which song would you take to the island?

This is a real tough one as there are so many to choose from! If I definitely had to settle on one song I think it would be Higher Throne by Keith & Kristyn Getty:

There is a higher throne
Than all this world has known,
Where faithful ones from ev’ry tongue
Will one day come.
Before the Son we’ll stand,
Made faultless through the Lamb;
Believing hearts find promised grace—
Salvation comes.

Hear heaven’s voices sing;
Their thund’rous anthem rings
Through em’rald courts and sapphire skies.
Their praises rise.
All glory, wisdom, pow’r,
Strength, thanks, and honor are
To God our King, who reigns on high
Forevermore.

And there we’ll find our home,
Our life before the throne;
We’ll honor Him in perfect song
Where we belong.
He’ll wipe each tear-stained eye
As thirst and hunger die.
The Lamb becomes our Shepherd King;
We’ll reign with Him.

While it’s not a classic hymn like And can it be or It is well with my soul I think the lyrics capture the hope and expectation of Heaven incredibly well. I’ve chosen this particular song because it has helped me for a while keep my eyes fixed on my inheritance in Heaven and the knowledge that this present Earth will pass. Singing those words has comforted me greatly in times of suffering and stress, knowing that while I press on now there is a glory beyond compare that awaits. When I’m washed up on the beach of this desert island a reminder that my current circumstances are but a speck compared to the eternity that awaits will keep me going I’m sure!

Maybe controversially, I think that the Kings Kaleidoscope version of Higher Throne is better than Keith and Kristyn’s. If you’re wondering what tune I’ll be singing, it will definitely be this one!

Joe Toplis, Newport

A very big thank you for asking me to do this; it is a real privilege to write among some great brothers and sisters of Christ. It has taken a lot for me to not be that guy who will say Genesis 1:1 - Revelations 22:21.

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41

This verse was one that always stuck out to me having becoming a Christian. It was a warning that became ingrained into my mind and as a super energetic young Christian, one warning I would surely never stumble at … oh. The problem I had was I used to cut this verse short, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak”. No wonder I kept messing up! There, in front of those words I would recite to myself, were the words to help me, but I never took notice, “Watch and pray”. I thank God, in His grace He showed me and helped me understand His word. I thank Him that now I can ready myself in daily life by reading the bible and coming to Him in prayer. I'm not saying my prayer life is perfect by any means, but there is that opportunity to come to God and ask for his strength to overcome temptation and live for Him. Thank you Lord!

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8: 38-39

These verses have always been a comfort to me, I have always struggled with the question, ‘how could God love me’? He does, and so much more than I could possibly manage, wow! He loves me with a perfect love that nothing can stop, not even death. An unmeasurable and endless love!

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21

These beautiful words show us the gift of salvation. If someone asks you why you’re a Christian, show them this. I remember sitting in church looking at the cross at the front (something I had not paid much attention to) when it hit me, this verse shows us who Jesus is and why He died on that cross for us. For so long Jesus was just a good role model to me; someone I could emulate to be a good person. ‘Good people go to heaven right? And I’m good.’ Well, I wasn’t, and I was so unaware of how far short I fell of God’s glory. I could never be good enough on my own but this verse shows me how I could be, I need Jesus! When God put this on my heart, it was like I couldn’t think of anything else. Over and over again I would think, ‘I need Jesus’, and even though I tried to fight it for a bit, I gave my heart to Jesus and asked him to be my Lord and Saviour. When I think back to when I did, the line from Amazing Grace comes to mind: ‘How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed’. I did nothing to gain salvation but “by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Who would you like to find on the island for company?

I would have to choose Charles Spurgeon, not just to compare beards but to listen to him speak about Christ. I was first introduced to his work at my first Christian conference. Many friends had recommended his ‘Morning and Evening’ daily readings book and I remember thinking, ‘it just repeats itself every year’? Thankfully, the Christian faith is a journey where we don't stop growing and it's amazing what the Lord reveals to us as we grow more and more. Spurgeon has always been known as being cross-centred and his theology is cross-shaped and that was always something that resonated with me.

Which song would you take to the island?

I honestly didn't think choosing a hymn would be as difficult as it has been. So, after much deliberation I've chosen ‘I need Thee every hour’ by Robert Lowry. I always find myself singing this hymn to myself; at home, in the car and in work (I try and count it evangelism if I sing it in work). The words just say it right, the world tells us to be independent but I can't be, I am Christ-dependent. Dependent every hour.

I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.

I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
Oh, bless me now, my Saviour,
I come to Thee.

I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their pow’r when Thou art nigh.

I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is vain.

I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfil.

I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
Oh, make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son.

Andrew Davies, Llantarnam

I am grateful for the opportunity to remember the mercies of God in my past, to reflect on His goodness in the present, and to rejoice at the glorious future He has promised. My desire is to live every day by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me. I want to become more like Him. And I look forward to the day when, with all believers, I shall see Him face to face.

It is almost impossible to highlight specific verses because the entire Bible has been my inspiration and strength over the years. Similarly, there are so many people I would love to meet on the island.  And the hymn books contain such a rich tapestry of truth that I am disappointed not to be able to take them. But as I am under orders I will have a go!

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

I had been labouring to find happiness and to know God for myself but had become heavy laden with failure. It was all about me. Then a sermon of my father’s on the hypocrisy of Ananias and Sapphira shook me to the core and shattered my pretence. The simplicity and directness of the Saviour’s invitation came home to me with great sweetness. I realised that the promise of rest was not found in faith as such but in His Person. It is all about Him! He is the rest! At great cost to Him the gift to me was free! So, believing His word, I came to Him one Saturday evening in my bedroom and asked Him to receive me. The following day at the end of the evening service in the “second meeting” I publicly acknowledged Him by raising my hand. An elderly saint and elder shouted “Hallelujah”, and my father, the pastor, said, “I can shout it louder than you, Harry!”

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 1 Timothy 1:15

Archibald Alexander, of Princeton, a minister for 60 years and a Professor of Divinity for 40 years, died on October 22, 1851. As he lay dying, a friend heard him quote this verse and whisper: “All my theology is reduced now to this narrow compass”. To which I can say a resounding, “Amen”. 

Archibald Alexander

 The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

I have quoted this verse at every wedding I have conducted in 53 years of Christian ministry and it has never ceased to move me. How wonderfully gracious God is to unworthy sinners! What is greater than to know His ever-smiling face and to serve the cause of such a Friend?

I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord. Psalm 118:17

On February 25^th, 1981, I was in the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, London, awaiting major spinal surgery the following day. Pam, my wife, had left, and I was on my own, feeling very nervous. I read the four passages of Scripture scheduled for that day (a practice I have followed over the years). One of them was this verse, it stood out like a beacon and the room filled with a sense of the presence and peace of God. It was a very special moment in my life.

There are several lessons I have learned from that evening. The first is the importance of the daily discipline of reading God’s Word. This is how God speaks to us and if we close our Bibles we cut ourselves off from the source of our strength. Secondly, it is the truth that must govern our emotions. My feelings might have got the better of me had I allowed them. But the Word of God straightens out and controls our thinking. Thirdly, the Lord surprises us with joy. I had not anticipated the fact that each chapter I read that evening would exactly suit my circumstances, especially Psalm 118. Nor had I expected the room to fill up with His presence. But it did.  Fourthly, my calling in life was to declare the wonderful works of God, of which His triumph over sin, death and hell in the Cross and Resurrection is the greatest work of all.

                                                             

How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? Hebrews 2:3

On Sunday morning, March 1^st, 1981, just three days after surgery, I listened to a sermon on tape, preached on this verse by Dr Martyn Lloyd Jones. He spoke movingly of the great Author of our salvation, the great cost, and the great glory to come. A few hours later Pam came in to visit me and said, “the Doctor died this morning”.  I had just heard him speak of the glory; now he was there! “Glory, glory dwelleth in Immanuel’s land”.

Who would you like to find on the island?

I would like to ask Paul lots of questions, including whether he wrote the Epistle to the Hebrews! I am sure Martin Luther would be great company. John Calvin and Jonathan Edwards would certainly stretch and deepen my understanding. My brother Wynford and I would resume our many fishing trips. But as I am allowed to meet only one person it would have to be my father. His direct, powerful, evangelistic preaching; his personal encouragement and love; the roundedness and godliness of his life have been the major influences, under God, for my life. As a boy I would sometimes go into his study (not an office!) and find him on his knees, weeping before God for lost souls, mine included. He never turned me away; he was never too busy to see me, just like my heavenly Father. I should like to see him again. Thank God, one day, I will. And it won’t be on a desert island!

Which song would you take?

Thankfully, many hymns and songs remain in my memory. But when mind and memory begin to fail I would read over and over again John Newton’s matchless hymn. Hopefully, I might still be able to sing it. In tune!

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds

In a believer’s ear!

It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,

And drives away his fear.

It makes the wounded spirit whole,

And calms the troubled breast.

‘Tis manna to the hungry soul,

And to the weary rest.

Dear name, the rock on which I build,

My shield and hiding place,

My never-failing treasury filled

With boundless stores of grace.

Jesus! My Shepherd, Brother, Friend,

My Prophet, Priest and King,

My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End,

Accept the praise I bring.

Weak is the effort of my heart,

And cold my warmest thought;

But when I see Thee as Thou art,

I’ll praise Thee as I ought.

Till then I would Thy love proclaim

With every fleeting breath;

And may the music of Thy Name

Refresh my soul in death!

John Newton, 1725-1807