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But even those valuable rewards took a back seat to another kind of gratitude. Throughout the day, as we made our way back home, the messages we sent to one another spoke more about the blessings of traveling with old friends, the gift of making some wonderful new ones, and the gracious hospitality we had received from the Scots we met along the way. As the sermon this Sunday will make plain, the enduring strength of the church -- in every time and place -- has never been found in its buildings, but rather in its people. At the end of the day in the body of Christ, if we can be grateful for anything, we can always be grateful for the people God brings into our lives.
On Reformation Sunday (October 26th), we will share more about what we all experienced on our journey across Scotland. But, for now, I will name just a few key takeaways:
1.The Importance of Enduring Ideas -- The Reformation began as a debate over ideas. John Calvin, John Knox, and other Protestant Reformers had very clear understandings about things like the sovereignty of God, the centrality of biblical scripture, the reality of human sin and brokenness, and the love and grace of Christ. They all made great sacrifices in defense of these ideas. This was a great reminder to me that, when we engage the great challenges of our own time, we must hold fast to our foundational ideas about who God calls us to be, both individually and collectively.
2.Willingness to Stand Up for What We Believe -- In Saint Andrews, Scotland, subtle but powerful messages have been embedded in stonework on roadways and sidewalks. Simple medallions bearing the initials of people long past mark the actual locations where they were burned at the stake for their beliefs. It is all fine and good to have grand ideas, but it is another thing altogether to commit everything to a truth -- and to pledge that you will hold fast to that truth regardless of the cost.
3.The Gift of Kindness -- Life in Scotland has not always been easy. At times, it can be harsh. Strong winds blow, heavy rains fall, and the highland peaks are steep and rocky. But despite the challenges that the Scots have always endured, they remain some of the friendliest and most thoughtful people in the world. We learned this lesson almost immediately on the day of our arrival. After worshiping with the congregation of Govan & Linthouse Parish Church outside of Glasgow, a group of women from the church led us to a fellowship hall and served us a bounteous lunch of soup, sandwiches, and all kinds of sweet treats. The warmth and hospitality of the reception were genuine and overflowing. This trend held up throughout our journey. Bus drivers, innkeepers, ferry boat crew members, tour guides -- you name it, the people of Scotland could not have been more pleasant or welcoming.
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