On a Green Hill Far Away
1 Timothy 1:15
“This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.”
I ended the last chapter by saying that I sometimes read the Bible at home but did not understand it.
I continued living in the nursing home with my parents, but my isolation was becoming worse. Everyone thought it was because of my stammer or my environment, but in truth, it was because of my sin.
I was becoming a rebel and a thief. If anything was available, you could be sure Keith would take it.
Biscuits, cheese, and cakes were my main targets, but money also became an idol. My dad had a large jar filled with 5p and 1p coins. The trouble was, it never seemed to increase—no matter how much he added to it.
My parents sent me to the Methodist church near our house, but this did not stop this little artful dodger.
These are things I am ashamed of, but they are written here to show that Keith truly was the chief of sinners.
I went to Sunday school and church under duress. I heard the hymn below and thought I was fine:
There is a green hill far away,
Outside a city wall,
Where the dear Lord was crucified,
Who died to save us all…
So I continued going to church, thinking I was safe. After all, Jesus had died, and surely I would go to heaven. Wasn’t God a God of love?
Life went on as normal. My childhood was quite unhappy. My parents had sent me to the private Friends School in Lancaster, where the bullying really intensified. Although I was intelligent, I wanted everything done for me.
My eyesight worsened, and I had to wear strong glasses, which earned me the nickname “Joe 90,” after the television character.
Life was spiralling out of control and was about to get worse when I was moved to Skerton County Secondary School, a place that felt like a madhouse. It was full of some of the toughest boys and girls imaginable.
Yet, this is where my redemption began—but more on that in the next chapter.
It was also at this school that I made two lifelong friends, David and Andrew, my dear brother in Christ, both of whom have been pivotal in my life.
Devotional Thought
Have you ever thought that living in a Christian country or being raised in a Christian home makes you a Christian?
It does not.
Many people trust in their environment. We live in a Christian country, we go to church at Christmas and Easter—surely that’s enough?
I remember going to Sunday school mainly for the sweets and prizes.
I used to read the picture Bible but did not understand it. Who was this Jesus?
Why didn’t my parents explain it?
My mother used to pray with me:
Gentle Jesus, meek and mild,
Look upon a little child,
Bless mummy and daddy…
But I was never told that He could be my Saviour and my Redeemer.
So, have you made it personal?
He desires a personal relationship with you.
Later in this book, you will see this miracle happen to Keith.