Blessings to you and yours from MCF-A

Blessings to you and yours from MCF-A

For they are life to him who finds them, and healing to all his flesh.  Proverbs 4:22 (RSV)

The ‘they’ here are the Words of Wisdom pronounced by the teacher who is Solomon.  In the post New Testament context these are the Words of Jesus who is the source of Wisdom and the Holy Spirit who brings understanding to the Word and healing to our souls when we receive the Word and drink deeply of the Water of Life.  Much later we find in the Gospel of John., Peter stating that Jesus has the Words of Eternal Life.

In Defence there is much discussion post the Royal Commission on Defence and Veteran Suicide about how to ensure healing for members of Defence and enabling people to make the morally right decisions.  It is interesting that our name covers off all the necessary elements – we are ‘Military’ supporting and working with all involved in the military – past and present.  We are ‘Christian’ that is followers of the Way of Christ, studying His words of hope, healing and life.  We are ‘Fellowship’ sharing His Words to those we associate with in the Military context – present or past.

As such we have an important role in supporting the Christian Chaplains who are also doing this and supporting our fellow pilgrims in the military.  We are not just pilgrims but also disciples, studying the Word and being prepared to share it with love, grace and compassion in all seasons, as we strive to reach the vital ground of people souls for Christ.  It was interesting at the Chief of Army’s History Conference that he emphasised the importance of the spiritual aspect of soldiers and during one of the presentations the speaker when questioned about GEN Hurley’s (previous Chief of the ADF and previous Governor General of Australia) ability to work well in the mess of Somalia put it down to his strong Christian beliefs and his involvement with the MCF.

It is important as we rush headlong towards Christmas that we remain focussed on what we in the MCF are on about.  Jesus – He is the Reason for the Season, because of His birth, ministry, death and resurrection we are able to have fellowship with Him.  Jesus birth and death are the most pivotal events in the history of humankind and even the secular dating system pivots on His birth.

Could I encourage you all to take a well-earned break over the Christmas – New Year Period taking time to recharge your batteries physically, mentally and spiritually.

Godspeed

Steve

MCF Chair