Keep Calm and …….?

Amos lived in a time of great turmoil for the nation of Israel. He came from Judah, but preached to Israel’s northern kingdom. It was a time of great prosperity, and apparent security. He saw that prosperity was limited to the wealthy, and fed on injustice and oppression of the poor. Security was more apparent than real. The poor could not get justice in the courts because rich, powerful people could bribe judges to get a judgement in their favour. Amos said “let justice flow like a stream”. 

We are living in post-Brexit chaos. The pandemic too has disrupted much of our national life. Amos’s words are a warning not to trust solely in things we think are certain. Many things we thought were rock solid and reliable have been thrown into confusion. Increasing energy costs significantly impact on our cost of living. Fuel supplies have been disrupted. Panic-buying at the petrol pumps was a common sight. A shortage of lorry drivers threatens deliveries of essential supplies, including food. Shortages of materials are affecting many areas of industry, including the building trades. Chaos is apparently increasing.

Many Christian and other religious communities actively supported their local communities during the chaotic pandemic crises. HTR supports lots of local community projects but we need to keep adapting to the evolving needs of our HTR community and to the wider community.

Isaiah was a prophet living in chaotic times like ours. He assures us that God says ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass though the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned. For I am the Lord, your God, your Saviour’ (Isaiah 43 v 1-3).