Moderator's Address

Part VIII

Risk and Hope

It is clear that we have come to new frontiers in terms of our culture and, arguably, in the way we talk about God. It is bound to be disorientating when we have to explore new landscapes. It may involve loss of the known and, therefore, risk. ‘Don’t you care that we perish?’ cried the disciples in the boat to the sleeping Christ. Of course he cared. And still does. The core of that story is surely to be found in the context of the small community which first received Mark’s gospel. It was fearful that it was about to be swamped by the hostile world of persecution. The Lord’s rebuke to their desperation reminds us, rather than trying to save what we can, to keep focussed on the Lord who is with us in turbulence. It’s a matter of vision and trust as well as risk. Faith in God does not mean security from risk. Rather, it is a secure foundation from which to take risks.

And risk can be exhilarating. I’m reminded of one of the best days of my life – white-water-rafting down the Zambezi. Beginning at the back of the inflatable boat, after two rapids I got to the prow of the dinghy not to be displaced. OK, it may not have been life-threatening – we all had life-jackets - but it was certainly exhilarating. One of the things about the present kairos is taking risks to discover new ways of understanding God. After all, in Christ God took a risk. Jesus risked everything in obedience and love. His crucifixion was the ultimate act of trust. Vulnerable, his way overcame death.

We won’t all take risks. Some of us are very cautious. Yet, if we really have a longing for freedom, movement and change we will surely need a passion for our work and a sense that the Lord is with us. To use a slogan of some years ago - ‘the task before us is not as great as the power behind us.’

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Clare Short

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