And it came to pass…

 

Despite the fact that the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible has had a profound effect on British culture and literature I often felt that its ‘sacred language’ weakened its impact on our daily lives so enabling us to compartmentalise biblical teaching from the rest of life. I am thankful that we rarely use it although I do know of a church in Cornwall that still has a note on the pulpit instructing the speaker to only use this version  

I am left with one regret – that in the modern versions we rarely find the phrase used some 120 times in the KJV 

‘and it came to pass…’

This phrase reminds us that life rolls on through the good times and bad 
 
‘And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed …and all went to be taxed, every one into his own city…  an unwelcome and highly disruptive government edict - yet it passed.

Concerning the ‘transfiguration’ we read – ‘it came to pass, as they departed, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here’ what an experience for the disciples, a privilege and joy but the day job beckoned so they had to move on! 

Life is not static – the bad times pass and the good times slip by.

Today's difficulties haven’t come to stay they have come to pass! Today’s problem hasn’t come to burden you; it has come to bring you something needed for your growth. Jesus said, "Do not be anxious about your life,” Seize today’s opportunities and favours, they won’t last but are presented for you to take with gratitude not to shelve. Recognise, enjoy and be grateful for the good times. 

This is the day the Lord has made – let us rejoice and be glad in it – Ps 118 v 24