Fork of Hope

On Sunday, the church I was visiting began a series on the book of James.

I was invited to share on chapter 1 verses 1-12. (James 1:1-12 NIV - James, a servant of God and of the Lord - Bible Gateway)

I took a fork to help me out.

It’s the first time I have waved a fork at intervals during a service (and that’s a sentence I never thought I’d type!).

A Fork

The story goes that, after dinner had been eaten, guests were told to ‘hold on to your fork’ - meaning dessert was coming.

The beginning of James offers promises that dessert is coming.

It mentions status. “Wait til you get to chapter 2” said I, waving the fork (hopefully not too manically).

It mentions wisdom. More fork-waving (this time for the coming chapter three).

It echoes the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5). Spot the beatitudes in James (fork gets going again).

 

After the service, something was brought out from the kitchen.

It turned out the church had had a dessert evening on the Friday, and had lots left over.

So there really was dessert!

And I was the only one who had brought a fork.

Pavlova - meringue, strawberry, raspberry, peach and cream

 

Of course, there were plenty of forks at the church, but it got me thinking.

People at that dinner in the story knew there was more to come.

‘Hold on to your forks’ gave hope.

 

What about spiritually?

 

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:30,31

 

Hold on to the ‘fork of hope’ that God can and will renew us.

Sometimes holding on is all we can do.

Hope is hard.

Maybe, as we hold on to our fork, we don’t have much hope.

Let’s hold on anyway.

Maybe, as we hold on to our fork, we don’t dare to hope.

Let’s hold on anyway.

Maybe, as we hold on to our fork, it doesn’t occur to us to hope.

Let’s hold on anyway.

 Don’t forget your fork…..

For I know the plans I have for you,”

declares the Lord,

“plans….to give you hope.”

Jeremiah 29:11