Two months on

I'm enjoying the beauty of Spring here. Last week I climbed up one of the hills overlooking the town. It was so tranquil except for the occasional clanging of sheep's bells. I walked past a little stream and then through some olive groves. Finally on top of a rocky outcrop, I could look over the city and towards the mountains. I was thankful to be alive and be able to appreciate the beauty of God's creation.

I'm also thankful for the friends I know here. Last Sunday, I had a jam session with Pablo Delgado, a good friend in Badajoz. He is an excellent bass player and has done quite a bit of arranging too. We had a lot of fun jazzing up some classic hymns and playing a few new worship songs too. He hopes to have the opportunity to study music at university, but has chosen for now to stay with his church (his dad's the pastor) and serve there – usually as a one-man band.

As for my friends in Navalmoral, I don't see enough of them, but on Friday night we had a surprise party for the daughter of the pastor. I am becoming accustomed to manfully eating whatever is put on my plate (and that has sometimes been a question of mind over stomach!) but when I saw we all had plates of completely raw meat, I said a little prayer! At the last moment, the answer came: it was a meat fondue. And it was a lot of fun too – it takes a bit longer than dipping marshmallows in chocolate and seems to involve setting fire to tea towels and the kitchen work surface, but is really good for a social meal.


Today I was asked to play a saxophone solo in the church here in Navalmoral (usually I go to Badajoz). I chose a song called 'A quien iré en necesidad' which means 'Who do I go to when I'm in need'. I told the congregation that we recognise Jesus as the One who took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, but we need to remember the great price He paid for this and for our salvation. Before we think or talk of Jesus as our provider, we need to see Him first as Christ crucified for the forgiveness of our sins. Of course in doing this, Jesus provided the greatest thing we'll ever need – our salvation.

As Christians, we must see everything in light of the cross of Christ. After all, that is the only way we are in relationship with God. Jesus hasn't just showed us a better way to live. He's given us a better way to live – His own life. He didn't say ''I've come to show you the way''. He said, ''I AM THE WAY. No one comes to the Father, but by ME.'' We can't come to God by copying Jesus. That is good, but without the cross it is only 'good works'. Rather we should have faith in what Jesus has done – that “He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” How awesome is the love of God that “He did not spare His only Son” and how great was the love of Jesus that He took the punishment to bring us peace. In everything, let us “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter/finisher of our faith.”