1st January 2026

1st January 2026


Pray (ACts) 


Read (Proverbs 30) 


Message (Scott Woodburn) 


Let me begin today by wishing you a very happy new year but now that’s out of the way, allow me to ask - how will things be different this year? Did you stand in the garden last night vowing that things would change in 2026? Brothers and sisters, give me a few moments today to remind you of the wisdom of Agur the son of Jakeh. We don't know who these people are or even if they are people. The Hebrew words are unclear, with some suggesting Agur should be translated as “the oracle of Jakeh”. Regardless of how we are to translate the opening words, what comes next from Agur is a song of desperation. 


He understood that he lacked the answers to life’s problems declaring “Surely I am too stupid to be a man. I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.” (v2-3). When I read the wisdom of Agur I can’t help but think of Job who well understood his own limitations. Even so, we know that Agur’s problems were different from those of Job.


Agur lamented the fact that he lived in a generation of slander (v10-14). Children cursed their parents (v11) and others thought nothing of destroying the poor and using their aggressive words to do it (v14). Agur’s generation was never satisfied always wanting more (v15-16) and the government of the day was unstable with Agur comparing the authorities to when someone goes above their station in life (v21-23). When a slave becomes a King or a maidservant becomes a mistress, old scores are settled and trouble abounds.


I do not know when Agur penned his words but they sound incredibly modern. As I consider the land of my birth, Agur’s words resonate greatly. But anyone can highlight problems, it is rare for someone to bring solutions. Thankfully, Agur brought both offering an antidote to modern life.


Brothers and sisters, if you are weary this morning and fearful of what the year ahead might bring, hear these ancient words. You do not need to have all the answers (v18-19) - let God worry about keeping the eagle flying. Seek simplicity in your life (v24-28) - the ant is a tiny creature and yet he works hard in the summer so that he can rest in the winter. Whatever you do, do it to the best of your ability (v29-31) - just as the lion doesn’t turn back, do whatever you have been called to do with dignity seeking to honour the Lord. Indeed, Agur’s story could be summarised by saying he desired the truth and he wanted enough to do him (v7-9). What a prayer that is for 2026 - Lord give me your Word each day and give me enough to do me. 


Friends, this year is not a race and the baggage you picked up along life’s way doesn’t need to be be carried. Jesus said "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28—30).


Perhaps before you rush off to change the world you need to stop and reassess life’s goals. Maybe Agur’s prayer will inspire your own - “Lord I do not know the answers, my understanding is so small but I know you. Give me truth, give me enough and give me Jesus.”


Happy new year.


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q60 How is the Sabbath to be sanctified? The Sabbath is to be sanctified by a holy resting all that day, even from such worldly employments and recreations as are lawful on other days; and spending the whole time in the public and private exercises of God’s worship, except so much as is to be taken up in the works of necessity and mercy.
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