When I wrote this, I had just boarded a flight from Entebbe, Uganda, to Doha on my way home to Liverpool via Manchester. As some of you know, I have worked with a group of Christian churches in Eastern Uganda for the last four years. I try to visit them once a year, have weekly online Bible studies with them, and help co-host a weekly radio program. Every time I leave Uganda, some impressions are reinforced, and fresh impressions are made. For instance, I am always impressed by how gentle and courteous the average Ugandan is (apart from when they are driving, which is another story). Courtesy is a remarkable trait that doesn't cost you anything. In Uganda, it is normal for a child or a young person to shake hands (often using two hands) and lower themselves to the ground when greeting an older person. This is not an act of subservience but an expression of respect.
In the UK, we must reteach our children to honour their parents and respect older people, their fellow humans and authority. I am not suggesting that every child in this country is disrespectful. Still, it is becoming a trend that erodes the structures of family, community and society. I don't see myself as that old. Still, many years ago, when I was going to school on a bus, if an older person boarded the bus (or a lady or a pregnant mum), we would be expected to stand up and offer them a seat. Even then, people began to resist that expression of respect and courtesy and would often say, 'Son, sit down; you are causing a fuss'. Recently, on the Underground in London, I noted the courtesy of a couple of young Asian men who gave up their seats for ladies - I was impressed.
The Lord Jesus Christ must have been one of the most courteous men ever. His kindness and respect for widows is well recorded, and his care for the vulnerable, the broken, and the hurting was seen regularly. Matthew records that He was 'meek and lowly in heart', and I find no note of disagreement from any who were around at the time. The picture of the Lord Jesus as a lamb points our thoughts to His suffering on the cross. It reminds us of His innocence (he was more than innocent - he was positively holy and righteous) and his gentle and flawless character.
Incredible suffering and pain is a test that often brings out the worst in most of us, especially if the way we are being treated is undeserved, unjust and unfair. But, it is in these times of suffering that the perfect character of Jesus shone the brightest. Think about how He treated those who executed him. He did not threaten them and did not use abusive language. There is no record of him swearing; in fact, it is recorded that He was more concerned about His mother's welfare than His own, John 19. 26, 27. It was a case of unbelievable suffering poured out on a man of unique and amazing character. I can't put it in the same way as the gospel writers. Reading their accounts in Matthew 27, Luke 23, Mark 15 and John 19 would be beneficial.
So, why did I start with the gentleness and courtesy of Ugandan people and end up talking about the character of Jesus? For this reason. We have lost sight of who we are - people created in the image of God. We should respect each other for that reason alone. I think we also are ignoring the pain and problems that come from ignoring God. Sin has damaged us, but the Lord Jesus came to save, heal and restore. The solution is found in the person I have just described - the Lord Jesus. Reformation in society starts with individuals. It's a problem of the heart and soul. The words of the Lord Jesus have been preserved for us so that we might have abundant life. As John the Disciple wrote - 'But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name,' John 20. 31.
All my own photos
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