The Transit Camp

The Transit Camp- by Colin Wilson

"So how's the church where you are?" That was the big question posed to me last week by a visitor from other parts. And I had to think for a moment to come up with a concise response. "It feels a bit like a transit camp" I replied. "Of course we mainly know where the church has been - over recent years and even centuries. But I am not entirely sure of where God is taking it to now." And three thousand years ago I might have given the same reply.

At that time the Israelites were pestering God to give them a king. Whilst God warned them of the consequences of rejecting Him, he nevertheless acceded to their insistent demands. And they got King Saul as their first (earthly) monarch. But while Saul started well he finished badly. And there was a period towards the end of his reign when he was still on the throne, but had lost God's favour. He was therefore impotent. He was yesterday's man but remained, for a while, on the stage.

This position is not unique in history, and ten years ago an embittered cabinet minister thrust a caustic barb into his Prime Minister. But what Norman Lamont said in his resignation speech could equally have been applied to King Saul. With powerful rhetoric, the departing Chancellor accused John Major's government of being "in office, but not in power." It was indeed the case. Sadly, it is also true of much of the Christian church in the West today. The religious structures are still in place, but the spiritual authority - as in King Saul's final years - has departed.

But even as Saul's reign was moving to a close, God anointed an heir. However David was then just a shepherd boy. And for a time he had to remain out of sight; hidden in a cave until the time of his accession arrived. So for a period the nation of Israel was in a rather unsettled position. The "old", while still there, was fading; but the "new" had not yet come.

So too today. And yet there will be many, just like David, who are being groomed by God; but, for the moment, are still waiting in the wings. Only time will reveal who they are, but there could be a few surprises. In the anointing of David as Saul's successor, the prophet Samuel confounded David's father and his other sons. God chose the youngest of the family with the reminder; "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." He chooses the "foolish" to shame the "wise"; and the "weak" to shame the "strong".

Those that God will use are those whose hearts are set on the things of God. Kingdom builders rather than empire builders. Those who will reject the worldliness that has crept into the church of God. Those who will turn away from the idolatry of "success" as judged by "numbers" and "buildings". But if the future is yet unclear, what is certain is that the status quo is being dismantled.

For some, impending change may appear threatening. In others, the sense of expectancy and opportunity is palpable and dynamic. So, "How's things in the church?" It will be even more interesting tomorrow than today.