While I was thousands of miles away, it was strange to see London in the headlines. Fires, fights and rioting quite literally on my doorstep. It doesn't take the work of a skilled analyst to read the reports and suggest that those individuals desperately need direction and prayer.

But yesterday, our church began a new series, working through the book of Romans - a city whose leaders were up in arms and which famously was set ablaze as well. Paul wrote to them, assuring them that they needed to know Jesus was King in the midst of the lawlessness. He'd say the same to us today.

Now, I know this topic comes a few weeks late. But as I was reminded yesterday...most of London has resumed business as usual. The scares and scars of August are old news now and those who were frightened to walk the streets before, are now confidently striding back towards comfort again.

The title of this new series is 'London has a new King'. For the purposes of this post though, I'd like to change that slightly: 'London has an old King'. He's the same one that has dealt with unrest, violence, disobedience, discomfort and anger since ancient Rome. But more importantly, He's the same one that deals with comfort, self-reliance, pride and selfishness. While I was away, every single Facebook status was about the riots. People were questioning why it was happening, what could be done and most importantly probably, how they could avoid it effecting them.

Just because you can walk comfortably down the streets again, don't forget those ruffled feathers you had a few weeks back - God still has the answers, even though the dust has now settled.

'Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. "What a huge harvest!" he said to his disciples.' (Matt9 v 35-38a, MSG)

His heart breaks for the rioting crowds; but it also does for those tutting, avoiding and questioning as well.