History. I never appreciated the subject when I was in school. I always thought it was pointless to study things that took place long ago. "What does this have to do with today?" is the question I used to ask.
Now that I'm older and have quite a bit of my own history behind me, I can appreciate how reflecting on what "was" provides a better understanding of what "is" and what "will be."
Today, Wednesday February 17, 2010 marks the first day of Lent, a time of fasting and repentence in preparation for Easter. This solemn practice dates back many years to the earliest days of the church and will certainly continue until Kingdom come. However, there are some in the church today who don't know anything about Lent. There are also those who do know about it, but merely observe Lent out of tradition without taking the time to travel back in time to study its origins and connection to Jesus' 40-day fast and His ultimate sacrifice.
Without an appreciation and understanding of the history of Lent, the fasting and other acts of self-denial and charity are no more than diets and things to suffer through.
When we fully recognize that His story (Jesus's) is the beginning of our story we will be better able to appreciate how observing this time of self-examination and self-denial leads to personal growth and a closer relationship with the One who loves us more than anyone else.
When we understand that His story IS history--the true revelation of what was and is and is to come--we can keep moving forward to see what the end will be, and we know that end is victory, for we are "more than conquerers through Christ Jesus." We won't allow the drama and trauma of life in the "now" make us forget what was and what will be.
When we think about His story of unconditional love for us demonstrated through His life, death, burial and resurrection, we are even free to "love like we mean it" (shout out to Family Life ministries!) because we know what love really means.
As you look back through your own history, if you look closely and prayerfully, you will see threads of HIS story all along the way--times of tortuous testing, tumultous trials, and troubling temptations all toppled by total triumph!
History is a great teacher and a great motivator. But HIS story is a wellspring of love, hope, joy, strength and peace that surpasses all understanding.
BNcouraged!
Rev. Karen
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