Daily Worship

A Political Pilgrim Who Walked The Straight and Narrow

Albert Bogle January 30, 2017 0 1
Tam-Dalyell--2500x1667.jpg

Psalms 118: 3-9

Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. 4Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever. I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.

There is a wonderful little text hidden away in Paul’s letter to the Galatians Chapter 6 verse 9. It says: “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” 

It’s difficult to be consistent and hold to your principles in politics. The temptation is to go along with the crowd for the sake of popularity, or to gain power.

My ears pricked up last Friday morning  on hearing the announcement of the death of former Labour MP Tam Dalyell, In an interview, Lord Kinnock paid tribute to the former father of the House of Commons, quoting, the late great Willie Ross a former Secretary of State for Scotland, when he described Tam as “Pilgrim”. He then went on to quote the lines of the hymn, ‘There’s no discouragement shall make him once relent his first avowed intent to be a pilgrim. “ 

I thought to myself there could be no greater compliment paid to a politician than for his peers to recognise his integrity in the pursuit of the truth. In Tam Dalyell Westminster had  a shining example of a man who was influenced by his Christian principles and who sought to speak truth to power, even if it made him unpopular. Let us all be inspired by his example of persistence and tenacity in pursuit of righteousness. Kinnock at the end of his interview suggested we might never see his like again

 

Lord,

For women and men of courage 

We give you thanks

For leaders who speak truthfully regardless of the cost 

We give you thanks

For pilgrims and companions who have walked the road ahead 

We give you thanks

Give us the wisdom and insight to learn from their example.

Raise up a new generation who will search out the truth

Above all help us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus

The one who will perfect our faltering faith.