Welcome to the story we call victory……

Two days ago, we saw how Joshua had to have faith in the final victory, even though he would not see it in his lifetime. He was called to divide up the land based on this future victory.

In the same way, we will probably not see Jesus’ great victory over the powers of sin and death complete and in all its glory in our lifetime.

Two days ago, I went to see the film ‘Selma’ with Andy and the kids. It struck me that however incredible the work of Martin Luther King was, he would not see victory over discrimination and injustice in his lifetime. He knew that too. Others had fought the battle before him. Others wold continue to fight the battle after him. And yet the film ends celebrating the victory that is to come – Glory Hallelujah!

Spend the next three minutes watching the song on Youtube – ‘Glory’ – let it inspire you and encourage you and give you hope –

When it go down we woman and man up
They say, “Stay down” and we stand up
Shots, we on the ground, the camera panned up
King pointed to the mountain top and we ran up

Now the war is not over
Victory isn’t won
And we’ll fight on to the finish
Then when it’s all done
We’ll cry glory, oh glory
We’ll cry glory, oh glory

Welcome to the story we call victory

These words inspired me. Andy just commented on how when I dragged myself out of bed half an hour ago, I seemed completely defeated and miserable……and then in no time at all, studying the Bible and listening to these words of victory and hope, my mood has lifted and the sun is rising on a new day. Witnessing that has inspired him apparently.

Welcome to the story we call victory.

And then in bed this morning, I was reading a blog by Shane Claiborne entitled ‘Oh Freedom: Learning from Selma for Today’s Struggle.’ In it, he reminds us that 50 years on from the events at Selma – yes, 50 years! – the battle is still continuing.

Our nation has once again seen the birth of non-violent protests in cities across the nation as women and men rise to demand equality and a recognition that black lives matter. It is important and necessary to continue to have conversations and take action in pursuit of peace, justice and reconciliation.  Shane Claiborne

This is not just true of life in the States. It is true of life everywhere. It is true of our lives. The battle for peace, justice and reconciliation for all people continues.

Welcome to the story we call victory.

Anyway, back to Joshua. Yesterday, Andy addressed the thorny issue of the division of territory between the twelve tribes of Israel. Just a few thoughts to add there. Caleb reminds Joshua of how faithful he has been (he and Joshua are the only ones to have survived long enough from the original generation to cross into the Promised Land because of their faithfulness) and claims the land of Hebron that God promised him. And this phrase appears three times in this section referring to Caleb –

because he followed the Lord, the God of Israel, wholeheartedly.  Joshua 14: 8,9 and 14

I want to be someone who follows God wholeheartedly.

My other observation is that it was a messy business – wranglings, quarrels, negotiations, even drawing lots! God is God but He is dealing with people – and any dealing with people can end up messy! (especially if it involves money or land or possessions – ‘it’s not fair!’)

When the division of land is completed, God instructs Moses to designate cities of refuge where anyone who has committed murder can flee to to live in safety until their case has been brought to trial.

The word ‘refuge’ has been with me for the last couple of days.

I listened to a talk I first heard at Spring Harvest about Psalm 46, my favourite Psalm –

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.  Psalm 46:1

The speaker talked about how important it is to find time to withdraw and retreat and spend time with God, allowing him to restore our soul. But he also talked about finding a place of refuge within ourselves, where even in the busyness and stresses of life, we can take a moment to ‘Be still and know that I am God.’

Then in ‘Selma’, after receiving an abusive threatening phone call in his own home that distresses his wife and family, Martin Luther King phones up a woman who is fast asleep in bed. He says ‘I need to hear the voice of the Lord.’ The lady sits up, rubs her eyes, says ‘OK Martin’ and starts to sing for him. The singer was Mahalia Jackson (who we listened to singing ‘Joshua fit the battle of Jericho’ the other day). Martin sits with the phone to his ear, tears streaming down his face, soaking in the wonderful sounds and allowing the music to restore his soul. This is his refuge.

And then in Broadchurch, the vicar offers to help Clare find a refuge – a place of safety and freedom from violence.

What is our refuge? A place? A person?

For some, getting home and shutting the front door behind them is that moment of release and relaxation. Home is a refuge from the world.

Or maybe it is bed. Bed feels like the safest place on earth, the only place that we can let go of our anxieties.

Or a bath in the semi-dark surrounded by candles. Or the steam room at the gym.

Or maybe sitting in the car on a cliff top overlooking the sea with music on the radio….maybe that is where you can rest and feel safe.

Or taking a long walk alone in the woods.

Or maybe church. Maybe a quiet service of reflection where you feel alone with God even though there are other people present and you can let the words and music wash over you and release your tensions and restore your soul.

Some of us may be fortunate enough to have people in our lives who can act as a refuge. A partner. A friend. A parent. Someone with whom we feel completely safe and protected. Someone with whom we can relax and let our guard down and be completely ourselves without fear of rejection. Someone who allows us to be ourselves with no demands, expectations or commentary.

Several years ago (five, I think) in February half term, I was at an all-time low. I couldn’t stand Andy. I couldn’t stand my children. I couldn’t stand myself. I dreamed of escape every minute of the day. I felt trapped in my marriage and my home and my family.

So  I ran. I ran away to a friend’s house. I told her exactly how I felt. I cried. I shouted. I swore. I did ugly. She saw the worst of me…..and did not show me the door.

She was my refuge. She was my help in trouble.

I can’t remember what she said or did. It was obviously enough. I am still here. Thank God.

So take a bit of time today to think about your places and people of refuge. We all need them. Retreating and restoring and replenishing are not signs of weakness, but signs of strength.

Jesus withdrew, after all. If he needed to, how much more do we………