My wife, Linda, and I are still basking in the warm glow of the Keswick Convention, which we attended last week. And as one for whom Israel and the Jewish people are always close to my heart, I couldn’t help comparing it to Yeshua’s teaching around the Sea of Galilee.
Keswick has been held annually for 150 years in the heart of the town, set amidst the magnificent English Lake District. It is surrounded by lofty mountains and overlooks the serene Derwent Water, just three miles long and a mile at its widest point. One of the lakeside views was regarded by noted writer and art critic, John Ruskin, as among the three most beautiful sights in all Europe. The lake is even dotted with a few islands which have been the focus of ancient pilgrimages.
The convention now attracts some ten thousand people who come to hear anointed Bible preaching and take part in rousing times of worship. I was particularly reminded this year of the feeding of the five thousand on the hills above Galilee and how we too feed on the miraculous manna from heaven that gives eternal life to those who listen, meditate and act upon the words of Jesus.
Keswick at 150 years old
It would be possible these days, it seems to us, to attend a Reformed and Bible-based conference virtually every month …