Reflection from the Moderator, Rev Bruce Moore

Remember 

Who are the people that have shaped and formed you?  The 17^th century English physicist Isaac Newton coined a familiar phrase “If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants that have gone before me”.

In the Biblical Story from the book of Hebrews we read “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith (Hebrews 12:1-2). This verse invites us to remember the rich legacy of faith left by those who have gone before us.

I am a 3^rd generational pastor that has been privileged to be part of a beautiful family that showed me by example what it means to live in the ways of Jesus.  As I reflect on my childhood, I think of my Grandfather Rev Joseph Tainton MBE and my own Father Rev Eric Moore OBE who influenced me greatly as ministers of the Church, both with passionate hearts to serve some of the most vulnerable people of society.  But one person whose example continues to shape my story was my dear mother… Jean Ayla Moore OAM - truly one of God’s Angels.

I grew up living in a house that was right next door to the Church in the busy main street of Ipswich.  After the doors of the Mission activities closed for the day… my mum became the front door to the mission by setting up our front porch of the house with a welcoming reception of hospitality that fed the hungry and cared for the homeless.

I remember one particular occasion, as mum served this beautiful meal to one of our frequent guests on the porch, only for him in anger to throw the meal back in her face.  My mum never missed a beat, she continued to love on this person without making a fuss and was truly the hands and feet of Jesus through the unconditional compassion that she showed this person.

This image has continued to leave an imprint on my life that stirs an unrelenting compassion for God’s Justice, Love and Mercy for all people.  That everyone matters to God and there are no exceptions!

The Biblical account of the "great cloud of witnesses" refers to the faithful individuals who lived their lives with unwavering faith and trust in God. Their stories serve as powerful reminders of God's faithfulness and the strength that comes from living a life dedicated to Him.

When we remember these witnesses, we draw inspiration from their perseverance and commitment. Their lives remind us that we are not alone in our struggles and that others have faced similar challenges and emerged victorious through faith. This remembrance encourages us to stay the course, even when things get tough.

Finally, the verse urges us to "run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Remembering the faith and endurance of those before us gives us the strength to continue our own journey. It reminds us that perseverance is key and that we are part of a larger story – God’s Story of faith that spans generations.

Their lives inspire us to cast off our burdens and run our race with perseverance, knowing that we are part of God’s greater story and purpose.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.  May it be in Him that we centre our gaze as the source of all our strength!