Shaped By History
When I look at the lavish luxury I live in today it is hard to believe that my father experienced something so different
Reference: v.7 When the letter arrived, they took the princes and slaughtered all seventy of them. They put their heads in baskets and sent them to Jehu in Jezreel. (TNIV Bible)
Explore: When my father was a child he and his family packed up their entire lives and moved to the other side of the world. Their boat trip took weeks and the conditions were very poor. Their first home in their new country was a chook shed where he and his family set up home until a better abode could be found. When I look at the lavish luxury I live in today it is hard to believe that my father experienced something so different. I hope never to endure the hardships that my father’s generation had to endure but I know that those experiences have still shaped my life to a certain extent. Because of the meager beginnings of my father’s live he always taught us to put our hope in God rather than possessions.
Application: When we read through the Old Testament there are certainly some gory stories that are told. It is not God’s desire that we live in the same way – with gruesome wars and vengeful killings – but it is important that we are willing to be shaped by the stories told and the actions of those who have gone before. These people were willing to put their live on the line for their God and they went to the extreme to eradicate any other gods that were being worshipped and leading the people astray. When we hear of their passion and commitment it can help to shape our faith and how we respond to God.
Prayer: Lord, there are people all throughout history who put their lives on the line to follow You. May we not be half-hearted about our faith but learn from their passion and commitment to You. Amen.
Whose life has had an impact on yours?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.