Heavenfield

Heavenfield: doesn’t it sound lovely? It is. It’s up in Northumberland. There are wonderful views, and a quaint church sits nestling among the trees. In fact, it is the site of a nasty battle between Oswald of Northumbria and Cadwallon of Wales in 634. The lush fields and handsome trees belie the horrors of ancient violence, silently feeding on the blood-soaked earth. How many of our lovely country lanes and scenic vistas have been forced to host and witness human depravity? Murders, assaults, grudges, unkind words, threats and fears? We humans contaminate the earth with our bloodshed and poisons.

By the same method, the redeemed of the Lord shed abroad the presence of God and His Kingdom values. The next time you are in an ugly, sin-infested, godless place, remember that you bring the Holy Spirit with you, and His unquenchable light and holy presence. 

How beautiful upon the mountains

Are the feet of him who brings good news,

Who proclaims peace,

Who brings glad tidings of good things,

Who proclaims salvation,

Who says to Zion,

“Your God reigns!”

Isaiah 52