Summary

Relevance of Scripture Today Word on the Week 18th July 2026.
These have been heady days of heatwave which has brought out the best in our sporting country. Indeed, with no events rained off the only problem was to fit in all the matches! Was this our utopia? Is this as good as it gets?
An article came across my desk this week lamenting the fact that rioting, burning and mini rebellions of recent time were sparked largely by anti-immigrant sentiments.
Typically, there would be a claim that an immigrant had committed an offence and the ‘Fiery Cross’ would circulate via smart phones bringing out the hate inspired rioters. Fire has been their preferred weapon with disastrous results.
These incidents occur in areas where the majority would claim to have some sort of Christian faith. However, they have never been converted to Christ and allow their lives to be changed. Some of the problems in Christ’s day were...
The Jews who would have nothing to do with the Samaritans. The Samaritans were of mixed race comprising colonists and people who remained when the ten tribes were taken into exile. They were left in a part of the land partitioned for them and called Samaria.
Then there were the Tax-collectors. They collaborated with the Roman army of occupation who employed them to gather tax and pay themselves out of the surplus! These people were Jews who had joined forces with the enemy.
And lastly the Gentiles. This was division on ethnic and religious grounds! They had been around since earliest times. They were uncircumcised, hated by Jews but loved by God and may be included in the “Other sheep” Jesus referred to in John 10 verse 16.
These three pictures show a similarity with the times we live in. Jesus’ conduct shows how his agenda cut through the prevailing culture. He engaged with the Samaritan woman and as a result stayed in Samaria for two days. During that time many believed in Him (John 4 whole chapter).
Matthew the tax-collector must have wondered, like us all, what would it be like to follow this Jesus. When Jesus called him he did not hesitate. In fact, he invited Jesus to a meal at his house, along with other tax-collectors, and Jesus accepted (Matthew 9 verses 9/10).
The Gentiles time would come as Simeon predicted – “A light for the gentiles”. We have received that light. It’s time to bring out Beauty for Ashes – what was meant to destroy reveals the Glory of the Lord - Isaiah 61 verse 3