History Just Doesn't Happen

I live in a small English village where community activities are central to the life of the community – but only if you take part!

The annual “Village Play”, a few years ago, tackled an awe inspiring subject of the people who lived in our villages over the last two millennia and who, by taking part, made history.

It was interesting to see that our villages were crossroads for many people whose lives are memorable because of the way in which they have touched history in spiritual ways; Augustine, George Fox, Wesley and others.

Tyndale was a history maker.  I doubt he realised this at the time.  He was so consumed by his passionate love for God and his overwhelming desire to translate the bible, that he forged a path for many to follow in making the bible accessible to ordinary people.  He succeeded in his task, but, paid for it with his life.

The history we produce may not be so dynamic, but each generation lays down foundations for the next to build on.

Records of previous events keep us in touch with past momentous and every day events which become history when they affect our lives now.  I have forgotten who said “Ignore history at your peril”, but the sentiment is that the present is guided by the past and that understanding past events helps us to understand what’s happening around us now.

God is interested in history too.  Recall all those genealogies.  Celebrations of Christmas and Easter may appear to some to be outmoded events, but remembering them continues to point us towards a God who involves himself in history and the present day.  God revealed himself to Moses with the name Yahweh, “I am who I am”,  also translated “I was, I am, I will be” – showing that God was the Lord of the past, the present and the future.  Jesus often spoke in a way to indicate his presence with people would continue and indeed he promises just that in Matthew 28 v 20 “Surely I am with you always”

As we remember the events which have shaped our lives it is good to give room for God to make his story relevant for us so that we can face the days ahead knowing our story is linked with His.