Bishop's Charge to Synod

Bishop's Charge to Synod 2021

The Israelites set out from Succoth and camped at Etham on the edge of the wilderness. And the Lord went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day, and in a pillar of fire to give them light by night, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place before the people. Exodus 13 (20-22)

I speak to you in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Camping on the edge of the unknown. We certainly know from the Old Testament record, the uncertainty and fear which led to anger and doubt within the people of Israel as they set out on their journey back from the land of slavery in Egypt to the land of promise in Israel. Think about it for a moment. The people of Israel had lived in Egypt for nearly 430 years since Joseph had secured for them a place of refuge in Goshen from the famine that had gripped the land of Canaan. We are all familiar with the stories of Joseph and his brothers, of their jealousy because of his favour in the eyes of their father Jacob, his being sold into slavery in Egypt and eventually rising to prominence in the court of the Pharaoh. A story that could have ended in retribution and revenge, ended with reconciliation and restored relationship....

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