Friend of the Friendless - Greg King

For a month earlier this year, he appeared on our national news almost nightly.  Defending Ewen McDonald, the accused in the Scott Guy murder case, Greg King rose to prominence for his impassioned defence throughout the trial.  Once the verdict was reached and King had successfully defended his client such that he was found 'Not Guilty' of the murder of Scott Guy, King was 'known' by most New Zealanders.  His stock rose.  As result of his of evident talent, desire for his services grew.  Whatever people thought of the actual verdict, there was widespread admiration for King's ability and intellect.

Last weekend, we were shocked to hear the news of Greg King's death at the relatively young age of 43, leaving behind a wife and two young daughters.  It appears likely that he took the decision to end his own life.  A nation has been stunned by the news.  As with any situation like this, there are many questions and relatively few answers.  

Yesterday, mourners gathered in Wellington Cathedral to farewell and pay tribute to a life cut tragically short.  One of the more striking aspects of his funeral was that people from a wide spread of society gathered.  There were lawyers, MPs, Judges, former All Blacks and other high-flying members of society.  But in the midst of these mourners, there were gang members, wearing their patches.  Tributes flowed from his friends and family, but also from family of the victims in the cases he defended the accused.  Greg King was simply popular with most, if not all.  The day after his death, the NZ Herald led with the headline "Friend of the Friendless".  

As I've reflected on all this, it's saddened me.  King lived with his family just a short walk from our home.  His children are only a little older than ours.  He worked in a profession and I admire and look to learn from.  In short, he was a man from whom many could learn much.  Greg King endeared himself to many, proving that no-one was too far from his reach.  No matter who you were, what you had done, what others thought of you, King had time for you.

It reminds me of Jesus - the people Jesus wants to spend time with are not just the good and the great, but they are the outcasts of society, the people no-one has time for.  In Luke 14, Jesus tells the story of a man preparing a great banquet where he invites people along.  Those invited make their excuses - from being recently married, to buying a field or oxen.  As a result, the man tells his servant to go into the streets and alleys and bring in the poor, lame, blind and crippled.  This has been done and still there is room.  And so, the man tells his servant to go into the roads and country lanes and compel them to come! 

In Greg King, I see something of Jesus - a man who had time for anyone and everyone.  He was a man who had time for the good and the great, but also had time and energy for the least and unlovely.  No matter who you are, or what you've done - come to Jesus.  He waits with arms open wide.  And once you have, go to others, no matter who they are and invite, no, 'compel' them to come to Jesus.

Nevin Spence 1990-2012 - Safe in the arms of Jesus

Death is a great interrupter.  It intrudes and intervenes in the most obnoxious of manners.  It is not part of the world God made and therefore is rightly called "an enemy."  It is unwelcome in our lives, as we deal with the grief, questions, pain and sorrow that death inevitably brings.

This weekend, the world of rugby was stunned by news of the tragic passing of 22 year old rising Ulster star, Nevin Spence, along with his father, Noel and 30 year old brother, Graham.  In what seems to be an horrific faming incident, it appears the three men were killed whilst trying to rescue the family dog (and then each other) from a slurry tank.  Spence's sister, Emma, who was also involved in the incident is being treated for effects of fume inhalation.

As both a rugby fan and someone with Northern Irish connections (my wife is from Ulster), the tragedy feels particularly close to home.  As with the wider Ulster and rugby community, my thoughts and prayers are with the Spence family.  We grieve the loss of these men, and particularly as we are aware of them through the evident talents of Nevin on the rugby field.

However, in the midst of real sadness and grief, and in the midst of the many questions, there is something (or rather someone) that makes a difference.  In an Irish Times article at the end of last year, Nevin described his faith in Jesus.  "Listen, I'm making as many mistakes as you or anybody in the street, I suppose I just have to hold up my hands about it.  I'm not perfect, I don't want to be put on a pedestal as I know my own limitations."

He admitted at school, he drifted away from the Christian upbringing he had.  "I don't think it's too unusual.  I suppose I went off the rails.  I don't mean I was into drugs or anything like that, but I turned my back on Christianity, but something was always pulling me back."

Nevin was involved with a local Baptist church in rural Northern Ireland and was known as a Christian in both the squad and the wider rugby community.  Talking of being a Christian at Ulster rugby club, he said "The Ulster team is a great place to be a Christian.  It's funny, Paul Marshall (Ulster half-back) and I would help each other at training, if we catch each other swearing or whatever, it's just good to know we're looking out for each other."  

Whilst the death of a promising rugby player at just 22 is unquestionably a tragedy, the fact that Nevin had trusted in Jesus to take him through life and into eternity means that our grief for Nevin is not without hope.  We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring those have died 'in Him' with Jesus when He returns. 

For the Christian, we do not avoid obvious grief and sadness, neither do we ignore it.  Rather, we acknowledge the pain and tears, the separation and suffering, but we also look forward to the day when  God will "wipe away every tear from (his people's) eyes", when "there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away". 

Nevin was trusting in Jesus.  This simple old hymn is the kind of trust and hope that Christians have in the face of death and tragedy.

Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe from corroding care,

Safe from the world’s temptations, sin cannot harm me there.

Free from the blight of sorrow, free from my doubts and fears;

Only a few more trials, only a few more tears!

Safe in the arms of Jesus, safe on His gentle breast

There by His love o’ershaded, sweetly my soul shall rest.

Jesus, my heart’s dear Refuge, Jesus has died for me;

Firm on the Rock of Ages,ever my trust shall be.

Here let me wait with patience, wait till the night is over;

Wait till I see the morning break on the golden shore.

Do you have a similar trust in Jesus both in life and for eternity?  

The King and I

Monarchy hasn't been far from the news this week.  Between the death of the King of Tonga and HRH Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee celebrations, it seems that Royalty is a significant part of current affairs.  In the same week, whilst reading through the Bible with a student, we came across a call to Timothy, a Biblical preacher not to be irreverant.  It got me thinking about the importance of reverence in our attitude and actions towards God.

Whilst musing this thought, I came across a clip from the late Sir Norman Wisdom, one of Britain's finest comedians of the last generation.  In it, he describes an audience in front of the Queen, where after performing, he turns to leave the stage, and his nerves get the better of him.  Without thinking, he turns his back on the Queen.  Suddenly, he remembers 'You're not supposed to turn your back on the Queen!', so beats a hasty retreat, but in the process of walking backwards trips up and smashes several on-stage vases.  Apparently, the Queen felt this was part of the show and so laughed along with Norman Wisdom.

A comical reminder from Sir Norman Wisdom of the reverence towards a member of Royalty.  In a similar vein, watching TV One's news coverage from Tonga, I was struck by Paul Hobbs' reporting in smart dress and saying it was out of respect and reverence for the Royal family.  Again, reverence is a right attitude to one in such a position.

As Christians, we believe that there is to be a reverence and rightful respect for God.  The approach to a King or Queen here on earth does not compare to the sense of awe and wonder we are to have towards the King of Kings.

However, another story from this week's news gave me a different perspective on the Kingship of Jesus.  As reported on One News tonight, HRH Queen Elizabeth II showed up uninvited at the wedding of an ordinary couple in Manchester, England.    The thought of Her Majesty at the wedding of ordinary people is incredible, and while she was only there briefly, she illustrates something of what God has done in Jesus.  The God of the whole Universe humbled Himself and became nothing, entering our world as a little baby and identifying with us - coming amongst us.

Our attitudes towards the King of Kings are to be rightfully respectful.  We should never enter His presence lightly.  However, He is the One who also chose to come amongst us, to make His presence with us.  The God, the King who demands reverence but demonstrates humility.

Life, death & Whitney Houston

I've not posted here for a while, but am currently sat in an airport lounge, where I've just been told the news that Whitney Houston has died. I'm trying to 'avoid' the news, given I've got some recorded sports matches I'd like to see later in the day that I don't know the results of, but it seems clear it was unexpected. At 48, she could hardly be described as old, and it must be seen as somewhat of a surprise.

The death of anyone 'before their time' is always a shock to us, but death should not be the great surprise. George Bernard Shaw called it "the Ultimate Statistic" - 100% of people die. This morning, I was musing on the verse in the Bible that says "It is appointed to people to die once and after this the judgment." They're not things we look forward to or anticipate, but for all there will be a day. Thinking about death is somewhat morbid, but reminding ourselves of someone's life needn't be so. For me, Whitney Houston holds powerful memories of the period when she came to the fore, largely through her work with 'The Bodyguard' and her incredible song "I will always love you." I was a late developer when it came to buying albums, so hers was my first. For that reason, the memory of Houston will remain strong. It appears her life was cut short and her talents seemingly somewhat wasted. The challenge for us all is to make the most of life, to number our days and to remember that one day, our appointment day will come when we will face God our Judge. Making the most of these days of life is important, but being ready for the 'afterlife' is far more important.

A Real Sticky mess

Although there's a massive game of rugby ahead this weekend, with the Rugby World Cup semi-final against Australia at Eden Park, there's really only one story that dominates the news in NZ - that of the Rena disaster off the shores of the Bay of Plenty.

We don't really know all the circumstances that led to a 47000 tonne contatiner ship with a full load of cargo ending up grounded on the Astrolabe reef on the coastline by Tauranga, but suffice to say, we know that it is a disaster of potentially enormous proportions with unimaginable consequences.

Over the years, Christians have not really been known for the environmental care and enthusiasm. However, right from the outset in the Bible, from the first book of Genesis and its first chapters, God leaves humans with the responsibility of looking after His creation.

Here's how Genesis 1:27-28 puts it:

"So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.”

So, how we respond when accidents or disasters happen?

1 - Recognise it's part of the widespread devastation and corruption that sin has caused.
2 - Realise that this doesn't negate our responsibility or duties.
3 - React accordingly & do whatever is within our powers/abilities to prevent God's creation from being harmed or damaged any further.
4 - Resist the temptation to build heaven on earth, being aware that only when God restores and finishes His new creation will things be made perfect again.

Of course, all the above applies to any part of God's creation, whether in a disaster situation or elsewhere. We must look after it, as best as we can, but be realistic and not fatalistic, knowing that until God reveals His new creation, that we will continue to face these challenges, disasters and opportunities

The Pain & The Glory - Dan Carter & RWC 2011

Bill Shankly, the former Liverpool Football Club manager allegedly once said

"Some people believe football is a matter of life and death...I can assure you it is much, much more important than that."

Shankly's quote suggests the importance many people place on sport. Here in NZ, there is no doubting that. Each night, our 6pm TV news has 10 minutes of sporting news, and one of the consistent comments visitors to these shores make is about our obsession with sport.

Writing about this weekend's news of Dan Carter's groin injury and the impact it has on him & the All Blacks' squad & our whole nation, Brian Moore, the former England hooker said "It is a remarkable experience to be in a country where the entire mood is genuinely swayed by this type of sports news; you cannot grasp it and probably will not believe it unless you are actually in New Zealand." DC is a legend, and obviously, the team will miss his presence, experience, all round play & specifically, his kicking abilities.

Over the past few weeks, I have had the privilege of spending time close up with two well-known players for teams in the Rugby World Cup. Both played a significant part in their team's efforts, both have had the unfortunate experience of not making it beyond pool play. Having chatted with both, prior to matches and then after the big matches, it has been a unique insight for me into the pain and the glory that professional sport brings.

Of course, we all know that sport has highs and lows - that's part of its attraction. If it were not for the victories and the glory, would we take part? But along with these comes the possibility of defeat and maybe even shame or pain.

As I watched and listened to these two top pros talk about and live out their Rugby World Cup experience and their professional careers, both exemplified a balanced perspective on the place of sport in their lives. Sure, both would have loved to have been there on October 23rd at Eden Park - neither will be. Without doubt, both felt real pain, sadness and disappointment (one describing it as "gut-wrenching"), but both were aware life is much more than a game (or 48 games) of rugby.

Jesus once said to a person wanting his brother to give him a portion of the inheritance to "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in the abundance of possessions." Whilst he was talking specifically about material possessions, there is a danger that the immaterial possessions - the fame, the glory, the power, the honour, which all could come with a RWC win become our be all and end all. Jesus says "Watch out!"

The stand-out difference with the two players was their perspective that whatever the outcome, in victory or defeat, glory or shame, that their life was about much more than this. Both players exemplified a life where a relationship with Jesus is more important than anything else.

How then do I react when Dan Carter injures his groin and thus ends his Rugby World Cup? With the disappointment and sadness the rest of the country shares. With real empathy for him, as I can't imagine how he'll really be feeling. But also with a sense of balance...it is only a game. In life, there are things far more important than this. Even Bill Shankly would have to admit that - events like the Hillsborough disaster, the Pike River tragedy, Christchurch & Japan 2011 show there are more important things in life than just sport. Don't get me wrong, I love sport and will be cheering the ABs all the way, but if they lose, if they fail, or even if they win, there is a more important relationship I have and treasure.

Making Life Work - it's not brain surgery

Over the past 2 months, I've been caught up in the busyness of life. The pressures of balancing work, family, travel, leisure etc have meant I've failed to update this blog as regularly as I'd hoped or I would like. For this, I can only apologise and endeavour for the same to not happen again in the coming months.

Earlier this week, I managed to make time to watch the first episode of Prime's new medical drama, Monroe. Featuring James Nesbitt as Monroe, a brilliant and unusual neuro-surgeon, it chronicles his life at hospital and at home as he seeks to deal with life or death situations and the entanglement brain injury and illness brings for all those involved.

I'm a fan of Nesbitt and his work. I like that he hasn't sought to reinvent himself, or move from his Northern Irish roots to make himself more mainstream. The fact he is currently living in Wellington for the year, whilst filming of 'The Hobbit' takes place endears me to him even more.

I enjoyed Monroe. Again, personal reasons helped me feel this. It's filmed in Leeds, the city in which I grew up, with the hospital being set in the former Leeds Girls' High School, which was linked with the all boys' school I attended. The corridors are familiar and the surrounds are 'home'. But it was more than familiarity and sentiment that made me enjoy Monroe.

The first episode introduced Monroe, his colleagues and family - his wife, teenaged son headed away to University and his 13 year old daughter (who we don't see). Only after the plot unravels, do we discover Monroe's daughter died on the operating table whilst having a brain tumour removed. As Monroe prepares a young married woman and her husband for her brain tumour to be removed, we get a sense of the importance and value of life, and the pain of suffering. The drama's makers, ITV, clearly convey the agony and difficulty that illness, uncertainty and death bring into our lives.

After Monroe's teenaged son, Nick has left home and gone to University, he arrives home to be told by his wife Anna that she is leaving him. The decision isn't rushed, but has been considered and contemplated for six years.

As I watched Monroe, I was enveloped in the drama understanding and appreciating the dilemmas of his daily work, recognising the pressures of 21st century life, as career and family choices need to be made with implications that affect a whole raft of people.

Life today is busy. We live in a world that demands our time, energies and input. For many, we fail in different areas as the pressure of life takes it toll. For the likes of Dominique Strauss-Kahn and Anthony Wiener, the failings are very public and humiliating. For most of us, our failings are much more private and personal - the kind of things that will never hit the headlines, the things that no-one may ever or need know.

Some years ago, I read a helpful book called "Making Life Work". Using the Bible book of Proverbs, the author Bill Hybels takes the reader through the Biblical wisdom contained in that book. Today, the Bible is much maligned and mocked. However, I believe it contains much practical and sensible advice as to how to live life. Contrary to the way many view it's main character, Jesus, He was One who came to "lighten our load". He is the One who says "Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

As Blaise Pascal said "There is a God shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator, made known through Jesus”. Whilst we may fill our lives with all sorts of other things, only when we allow God to fill our lives will we find the rest and fulfillment our lives long for. I'm thankful to Monroe for reminding me that in the busyness of life, we need to return to the One who brings rest.