The Retrospecto-scope – what does it teach us?
After I had given this topic through to Tygie I thought about the verse in Phil 3:13
where Paul says: “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining
towards what is ahead” and it crossed my mind: Will there be people who will
regard the ”retrospecto-scope” as “un-biblical”, “un-spiritual” and “un-Christian”?
I hope not! Because it certainly is not! The Bible often teaches us to “pause” and
look back at what God has done for us. Be reminded of all the detailed things
God has done for us! Because this gives us new wind and courage and confirms
direction to move on and continue the work that we need to do as God’s children!
If we look back, we can learn so much from the past and what happened, that we
should not forget when we look ahead to that which should still be done!
Furthermore, I teach my students and children that “mistakes are not worth
making if we cannot learn from them”.
If have noticed an interesting phenomenon in meetings that I have attended of
the department of health. During strategic planning meetings 15-12yrs ago, when
energetic white liberals had great ideas as to how we should move forward, it
was the black folk from the disadvantaged camp that would to say, “Hey, we
cannot move forward until we have not addressed certain inequalities from the
past”. Sitting in meetings during the past few months it was obvious to me that it
was now the young black minds that propose the way forward and the white folk
object saying: “Hey, you cant just pretend no mistakes were made (in the
immediate) past, you must address the denial of the HIV epidemic, the
corruption, the arms deal” etc. before you can move forward.
Looking at the past, dealing with the past can obviously be an encouragement or
a hindrance in moving forward. We need to use the retrospecto-scope so that it
does remain an encouragement!
At an occasion like this one, the centenary celebration of McCord Hospital, it is
appropriate to look back, identify what God has done and to learn and gather
encouragement from that experience.
In the Bible we find much of this argument. David uses it often in the Psalms, but
let us turn to the last chapters of Joshua this afternoon.
Joshua 23 and 24. (Read Joshua 23:1-6 and 24:1-27)
Joshua looked back at the end of his life and reminded himself and the Israelites,
where they had come from, what God had done for them and how important it
was to keep to his advice/ commandments.
He emphasised how good God had been to the people, how he had kept his
promises and what pleasure, assurance and prosperity could be received from
living according to the will of God. I am sure he remembered how tall the people
were when he first came to survey the Promised Land.
Once the people of Israel realised that God had kept his promises, they all turned
away from the false gods they were worshipping. Gods that could not keep any
promises. They turned to the living God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob
and renewed their covenant with him.
Joshua was in the Promised Land, had lived there for some time and had
experienced peaceful times, but thought it important to remind the people of how
they got into that land.
We are here to celebrate the 100th birthday of McCord Hospital, a hospital that
has been serving the sick, the needy and surrounding community, over the
years, in the name of God. At this time we look back and read of what happened
in the past, how God has blessed those of his children that served diligently
through this Hospital.
As we walk the journey of life, it is important to be able to stop and “press the
pause button” and look back and realise the blessing we have received, so that
we can be strengthened ourselves for that which we still need to do.
I have reminded myself of the beginnings of this hospital by re-reading some
chapters in the book: “Christian Doctor and Nurse”. I find the description of the
beginnings very interesting, and in part amusing. Dr James McCord had
“struggled” to come to Africa as a missionary, because the mission only had
room for one missionary, and that post was occupied. He then ended up in
Adam’s Mission, south from here. He struggled to convince the missionary board
to move to Durban, as it was easier for the patients to get to Durban, from all
over KZN. There he started a “dispensary” which grew to a “cottage hospital” and
then found this land in Berea where he planned to build a hospital. Yet there
were hurdles in the path. Red tape and bureaucracy!! (The things that discourage
me too) Read page 108-109.
Those of you present at this gathering may have different associations and
experiences with McCord Hospital. I assume that most present would be
interested in following a life that would like to serve God. I am not sure if you
have had the opportunity to “pause” and reflect on the promises and tasks that
God has given you to do. (Maybe through a word of scripture, a vision, a dream
etc) Have you thought of circumstances you were in that seemed impossible and
then reminded yourself how God remained faithful to his promises. Think about
situations in your walk with God, times of uncertainty, or difficulties that you have
had on your path. Did God abandon you or not fulfil his promise?
When you notice how God has stood to his word, promise, this will give you the
courage to move on with the task laid before you, with the knowledge that God is
there, God is in control and God wants to help you with the fulfilment of this task.
Do we have some time to share briefly? If not I would encourage you to do so
over a cup of tea.
The retropecto-scope should help you gain perspective and reaffirm the direction
your life is taking.
This is an opportune time to reaffirm the direction you want your life to go in.
Joshua also called on the people to re-affirm their stance with God. He had
clearly made his decision. (Read Joshua 24: 14 and 15)
This time of “pause” is a time to reflect, but also to take a decision about your
future and how you should live your life.
I am reminded of advice on how you should live your life that was given at a CMF
Camp in Bloemfontein some time ago. I would like to share with you briefly.
a) The medical profession is a gift of God.
James McCord and Alan Taylor were excellent examples of how to use it to
the glory of God.
b) Advice: Use your work as a tool serving God
 Don’t worry about income.
Easier said than done, James McCord ran the “dispensary” to fund the
beginnings of this hospital. I know of Helga Holst’s trust in God for the
material needs to run this hospital. In this context I am reminded of a
definition of Faith that I came across recently: “Faith is the refusal to
panic”.
 Do your work and God will see to the rest!
Once again James McCord and Alan Taylor were good examples for this
piece of advice.
 Help the needy you meet along the road.
There is no need to worry about the needy on the other side of the globe.
James McCord realised that malnutrition was a major problem amongst
the population he served and did something about it. He arranged for the
waiting patients to be serves with something to eat, and they listed to the
gospel being shared at the same time.
 Be patient in enduring wrong.
Alan Taylor was particularly perturbed about the injustice to Zulu people in
not having access to the study of medicine. He did much to ensure access
of medical training for the Zulu population. The beginnings of a medical
school were not without hiccups. The first 5 recruits were taken in, and in
dealing with people in Lovedale (Fort Hare) they were warned that the
recruits would first have to complete matriculation before being allowed to
do a medical course. 4 of the 5 failed to obtain matriculation. And the one
that passed needed to be “dismissed” for poor conduct shortly thereafter.
After the third try, finally the medical school was “born”.
I have come across an interesting quote which helped me recently to
regain perspective: “Please remember that when you suffer great personal
hardships and severe injustices, it is not time for you to PRAY, but time to
PRAISE!”
 Trust God for protection.
Through all the meetings and upheaval that were endured at the
beginnings of this hospital, God has protected those that served him.
 Fight sin in your life.
Ensure that you live a life that is honourable to the word of God.
 Carry your earthly burdens.
God gave them to you because he thought you needed them to fulfil your
tasks for him.
c) Integrate your faith into your work.
The medical profession provides an ideal opportunity to make this part of their
mission. James McCord arranged for his helpers to speak about spiritual
matters to those waiting in queues to be seen by the doctor. CMDS USA has
brought out the “Saline Solution” which gives many tips in this regard. I
remember a CMF conference where Steve Reid emphasized that we should
be asking: “What is God doing?” and then respond to that. I gave a lecture
recently to junior medical students. I asked them what their motives where to
study medicine. One student provocatively answered; “because he would like
to make much money”. I noticed that he had a bangle stating W.W.J.D. It
gave me a good chance to speak to him about spiritual matters.
The retrospecto-scope sometimes helps us to summarise the past and look
towards the future. As you hear much about how God has been faithful to His
promises of the past 100 years at McCord Hospital , may you be encouraged to
look forward and re-affirm your decision to serve God with your life and
profession.
I would like to end off with a short poem by mother Teresa, which sums up what I
think our ultimate motivation for our service should be.
The poem is called “Anyway”.
Anyway
People are often
unreasonable and self-centred.
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind,
people may accuse you of ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are honest,
people may cheat you.
Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness,
people may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today
may be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have,
and it may never be enough.
Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end,
it is between you and God.
It never was between you and them anyway.
Mother Teresa