“What thou, my Lord, hast suffered was all for sinner’s gain; mine, mine was the transgression, but thine the deadly pain. Lo, here I fall, my Savior! ‘Tis I deserve thy place; look on me with thy favor, vouchsafe to me thy grace” Bernard of Clairvaux
Join us this Good Friday, March 30, 2018 at 7:00pm at Pottsville Associate Presbyterian Church for a Service of Readings and Hymns. For directions, click here. For more information email us at pottsvillearp@gmail.com.
Deputy Marshall, Bass Reeves set the standard for relentless pursuit. Born to slave parents in 1838 in Crawford County Arkansas, Reeves would become the first black U.S. Deputy Marshal west of the Mississippi and one of the greatest frontier heroes in our nation’s history.
Appointed by the infamous Judge Isaac Parker because of his significant knowledge of the area and ability to speak several tribal languages, Bass Reeves earned his place in history as one of the most effective lawmen in Indian Territory, bringing in more than 3,000 outlaws during his 35 years of service.
Though Reeves could not read or write it did not diminish his effectiveness in apprehending fugitives. He memorized every warrant and never failed to produce the right one. Reeves earned a reputation for his courage, success and ingenuity. He was a master of disguises and often utilized aliases. A meticulous dresser, he was known for his trademark hat and two Colt pistols, butt forward for a fast draw. Ambidextrous, he rarely missed his mark. He was so renowned for his relentless pursuit, that noted female outlaw, Belle Starr turned herself in at Fort Smith when she heard Reeves had a warrant for her arrest.
But despite his reputation, Reeve’s tenacity and effectiveness is as nothing compared to the Lord’s relentless pursuit of those He calls. In spite of Jacob’s trickery and his grasping self-concern and self-conceit, the Lord pursued him as he fled from the wrath of his brother Esau. In this pursuit, the Lord revealed Himself and His promises. In running for his life as a fugitive, Jacob found life through the relentless pursuit of God.
Join us for worship at Pottsville Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church this Lord’s Day, March 4, as we examine the story of Jacob’s flight from home in Genesis 28 and consider how God relentlessly pursues us, even when we are not pursuing Him. For directions click here. We look forward to seeing you
In the great preamble of Ecclesiastes, Solomon laments how quickly we forget significant events which have only recently occurred when he declares,
“There is no remembrance of former things, nor will there be any remembrance of later things yet to be, among those who come after.” Ecclesiastes 1:11.
As one theologian remarked, commenting on this verse, “the only thing we learn from history is that we do not learn from history.”
It seems hard to imagine that only a few months ago, we participated in a mass migration to the “path of totality” to witness a total eclipse of the sun. So much of the business of living has happened since then, that this absolutely stunning witness to the glory of our God, his faithfulness and reliability, has quickly given way to the uncertainty of new crises du jour. Indeed we learn from history that we do not learn from history.
Because of advancements in astronomy and mathematics over the millennia of human history, the ability to predict with certainty the exact trajectory, time and duration of something as remarkable as a solar eclipse is a testimony to the power, wisdom and faithfulness of God to create certainties in the midst of what appears to be a very uncertain world.
For the ancient world, however, the unexpectedness of a solar eclipse brought terror. It seemed to confirm the latent fear of darkened pagan hearts and minds that their gods were capricious and angry – unpredictable and bent on judgment and destruction. Yet we read of the God of the Bible that,
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17
The word translated shadow is an ancient word which means “eclipse.” The Lord is a God who is constant and kind. He never changes. He is as good as His Word. Consider what the scripture says about God’s promises.
Not one word of all the good promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass. Joshua 21:45
For all the promises of God find their Yes in [Christ Jesus]. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. 2 Corinthians 1:20
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 2 Peter 3:9.
Join us for worship at Pottsville Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church this Lord’s Day, January 14, as we examine the story of Isaac’s birth in Genesis 21 and consider the trustworthiness of a God who makes and keeps promises. For directions click here. We look forward to seeing you.
Pottsville Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church 