March 25: Joshua 21-22; Psalm 47; 1Corinthians 10

The Importance of History!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians (NIV) 10:1 For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea.

Observation: Paul understands the importance of the Israelites knowing their history. Their history would build their faith as they considered what God had done for the nation of Israel. Their history would also serve as a warning if they would consider how unbelief and sin brought national disasters.

Application: How appropriate this message is for the United States of America. As late as 1954 President Eisenhower encouraged congress to add the words “under God” in the pledge of allegiance to our flag. Indeed, we are “one nation under God…” Today, many, even in places of government, are ignorant of our history. They seem to have no concept of the place God had in the founding and preservation of our nation. By ignoring God we miss both the blessings of encouraged faith and the warnings of impending judgment for sin.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the rich heritage we have. Holy Spirit, continue to bring history to our thoughts. Help us to be wise enough to understand our history and change our ways accordingly. Amen