When I wrote part 1 two days ago, of what will likely turn out to be a trilogy of my thoughts to do with: “Watching on the wall and what I am presently seeing” (see here), I knew it was going to be a huge subject to tackle. After having written in order to set the scene and doing a big update the next day, I recognised that I had not even got into the nitty gritty of considering what has truly been going on.

I ended by posing a challenge to myself and whoever might read what I wrote: “Can you handle the truth”? mindful that a proper understanding of the truth, at least those aspects that pertain to my assignment and effectiveness as a Christian who is living in this world and trying to make a difference when it comes to the cause that truly matters – that of Christ, that it depends on my response.

It occurred to me afterward that the iconic accusation “You want truth, you can’t handle the truth” was one that happened in the film “A few good men” (see here). It was spoken by Colonel Nathan R. Jessep (played by Jack Nicholson) to Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee (played by Tom Cruise) in the film’s famous courtroom scene. Although the context for making that statement in the film is a lot different to what I am seeing as a watchman on the wall now but, importantly, how I should respond, as the pursuit and application of the truth, and handling the truth is central to the way for us to go.

I also wanted to make it clear that what is going on in the world is of such a magnitude and our ability to take it in, let known respond, is so limited, that what matters is the truth that God wants us to be aware off and respond to. At the centre of this is the Gospel message (see here). I also recognised that good, learned Christians see things differently and some prefer not to come to any view when it comes to world events, even those happening in their backyard. But that shouldn’t prevent the remnant church from coming together and earnestly contending for the faith even if their views on what is happening and certain less essential aspects of faith differ. Most importantly, I wanted to reiterate the folly of putting our trust in any individual when it comes to sorting out the mess the world is in right now, but rather are trust and hope must be in the living God.

There are so many consequential things going on the world right now and often these are inter-connected, hard to figure out what is really going on and things are changing by the day. It is difficult to know where to begin and how to present what I am now seeing. Moreover, humility is needed along with speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). The approach I propose, and this is for me to apply in my third of my “Watching on the wall” trilogy, is:

1. What is happening in the UK from a political, cultural and religious perspective
2. What is happening in the USA from a political, cultural and religious perspective
3. What is happening in Israel and the Middle East
4. What is happening elsewhere in the world

Do bear with me, because there is so much on my mind that appears to me as being significant and I want to do my research and reflect further before presenting my thoughts to any who may be interested as best I can. I should add that I have already addressed all of the above categories in recent blogs, which readers can refer to.

As is often the case when I write on something heavy or contentious I like to end on a positive and encouraging note. Rather than share a scripture or some wise saying, I beg reader’s indulgence when it comes to my sharing what might well be my favourite ever poem: “The Windhover” by Gerald Manley Hopkins. In doing so, I present folk not just with the Christ who died, but also the risen Christ who will be coming back as the King and will reign on the whole earth.