Hebrews 12:2-3
Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
My mother loved to read history books…particularly stories about the Civil War. She was forever telling me about this horrible battle or that atrocity. At the time, I remarked to her, “That is not my idea of fun reading!” This year, I discovered historical novels, and I have read several so far. I’ve read about the Revolutionary War and George Washington…several stories that were set in European countries during WWII…a conflict in Ireland…and even battles on the “New Frontier” with Native Americans. Recently, I completed two books written by Mary Calvi that were based on love letters between George Washington and Mary Philipse – and Theodore Roosevelt and his beloved Alice Hathaway Lee.
The romance between Washington and Philipse was apparently thwarted by greedy, power-hungry men who did not wish to see them marry. Roosevelt and Alice Hathaway Lee married…and then Alice died of kidney failure shortly after delivering their first child, Alice Lee Roosevelt. Teddy Roosevelt’s mother, Mitty, died of typhoid fever, several hours earlier on the same day as his beloved wife, Alice. Both deaths absolutely devastated Theodore Roosevelt.
Of course, we know that George Washington went on to become our nation’s first President, and Theodore Roosevelt served as the 26th President from 1901 to 1909. Roosevelt’s subsequent marriage to Edith Carow produced five additional children…Theodore III, Kermit, Ethel, Archibald, and Quentin. While I have found the historical novels compelling and entertaining…I have also found them to be enlightening. Often, I read with Google Maps open on my phone – or while searching for background information on the Internet about this area or that skirmish or battle. And quite often, I am struck by how little we have learned from history.
This is what Paul is reminding us… to read the scripture. Study what worked…and what didn’t! In particular, study how Jesus did things – and emulate Him in your daily living. Follow Paul’s recommendation to read accounts that describe great faith and courage on Jesus’ part – and to review them as many times as you need when your faith is lacking.
I will tell you, as alarmed as I am by some of the stories from previous eras in history – and how we don’t seem to be learning from our mistakes – I am also encouraged. Why? Because we survived…and we have lived through some awful times in our “history.” I believe we can do it again – with better results – if we focus on the examples of Jesus and do all we can to live as faithfully as He did.
I honestly believe that God introduced me to these novels this year to build my awareness and give me hope and courage. I know that with Christ, all things are possible. And when we study His example and “history” – and put His words and actions into practice in our own lives – I believe we can realize amazing outcomes. Let’s give it a shot, shall we? Alleluia!
©2023 Debbie Robus
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