A LIFE WELL LIVED – RICHARD POORE

As Christians, each of us are called out of darkness into the marvellous light of the LORD Jesus Christ. The purpose of such a calling is firstly, to be redeemed from our sins, and then to proclaim the praises of our LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ’s praises to the while world. The proclamation of God’s praises is a clear and unmistakable indication of the transformation in our hearts.
– “9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” – 1 Peter 2:9-10

Let us look at some “children of God” who had lived a life that glorified God. Everyone is a sinner without any question. Each of us is so totally lost that, we are in no position whatsoever, to save ourselves. These “children of God” whom we will study are all saved sinners, who lived a life that pleases the LORD, by His grace and mercy.

For this morning’s meditation, let us look at the life of Rev. Richard Poore, Bishop of Salisbury, UK. Church history records that he endeavoured with all his heart to bring about many good things for the Kingdom of God.
– Richard Poore, bishop of Salisbury, died on 15 April 1237.

– Ecclesiastical Reforms: Rev. Richard Poore implemented major church reforms, issuing some of the earliest surviving English synodal statutes.
– He had been an opponent of pluralities – holding more than one church office at a time – and enforcing strict rules against holding multiple church offices simultaneously.

– Educational Advancements: Rev. Richard Poore promoted education by directing clergy to teach children and supporting schoolmasters, ensuring they did not charge for teaching.
– He was deeply concerned with the care and teaching of children. 
– He developed a system under which some children were taught to teach others, the basic doctrine and prayer.
– He had his clergy remind families every Sunday that small children should not be left unattended in a house where there was fire or water to endanger them.

– Administration & Leadership: Rev. Richard Poore served as Dean of Salisbury (1197–1215) and later Bishop of Salisbury (1217–1228).
– He was a close advisor to the crown, a witness to the 1225 re-issue of the Magna Carta, and served as an executor to King John’s will.

– Establishment of Welfare Care: Rev. Richard Poore set up a retirement home for elderly and sick clergy in the Durham area in 1237. 

Rev. Richard Poore [Richard Poor] did his best in the capacity that was entrusted to him by the LORD Jesus. How about us this morning. We too are called to live a life that brings glory and honour to our LORD, just like Richard Poore, and at the same time, our lives be a blessing to God’s children, and to the Kingdom of God, the world at large.
– “14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.” – Matthew 25:14-15

Someday, latter in our lives, each of us will be called to file our “lifetime returns” with the LORD Jesus, just as we file our annual income tax returns. What would the LORD Jesus say to us, when He looks at our “Balance Sheet?” Would the LORD say to us,
– “21…Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” – Matthew 25:21
Or would the LORD Jesus say,
– “26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant…30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” – Matthew 25:26,30

May we be found to be good and faithful servant, just like Rev. Richard Poore. Even so, the LORD help us.