Presence

My husband Mike and I recently moved to Edinburgh Scotland.  Yes, I know that most of you already know that but there are a couple of you that might not.  We've been here for about 3 weeks give or take and are just captivated by the beauty and history of the surrounding city.

We've taken a couple of weeks to get our feet here but are doing fairly well and looking forward to what the Lord has in store for us.  In fact, we're looking at a 3 year plan starting today.

However, one Saturday a couple of weeks ago was a stunning day and we were wandering around getting our bearings when we discovered that we live right down the road from St. Mary's Cathedral.  There is a painting that we used during some of our itineration services, which was painted in 1910 in St. Mary's and the original is still there.

We trekked down the road at the end of which was the cathedral.  It's beautiful and very large.  We walked into the sanctuary, after we figured out where the door was, and wouldn't you know there was a choir practice going on.  They were practicing a piece from Thomas Tallis, it was lovely, we got a little misty eyed because we've not sung that type of music in years.  

The atmosphere was hushed even though the singing was going on in the background.  The air a little musty with dust motes floating in and out of the light coming in through the windows.  We walked down the right side of the sanctuary to a small lady chapel where we were encouraged to sit down and pray a while.  Then we saw it, the original painting, across on the left side.  We calmly walked back and up the left side.  Hearts pounding we stood before two paintings.

In one, the one we know, the church is lit up in the front as communion is taken but the back is very shadowed, the chairs askew as a lone woman sits on the floor bent over the seat of the chair in front of her.  She is in obvious distress but behind her Jesus stands, reaching forward to lay a hand on her shoulder to let her know that she is not alone in the midst of her struggle.

The other, which we did not know, is the same scene done in reverse.  Now Jesus stands at the front of the sanctuary as the emblems are given.  In front of him are the people in the congregation worshiping as they wait for communion to be given whilst beside him on each side are the Priests prepared to give.  

One painting is dark and haunted.  The other is light and rejoicing.  And I began to realize that these two paintings represent our walks with Christ.  On the one hand, He is the light of the world and we rejoice in His presence always.  On the other, He is the light of the world and we sob at His feet as we struggle.  

But in each of these times, HE IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.  We've said it before and we will say it again, your circumstances do not determine your anointing.  The bottom line in conflict or in joy is Jesus.

May the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you throughout all.

Blessings,

Mike and Tina Hook

Missionaries to the Children of Scotland