I asked my Spiritual Director, “Why don’t we learn from history (WW1 and 2)?” Her response, “We don’t, each generation has to relearn.” Her response struck a chord within me. Sadly, I have got to say there is much truth to her statement. History repeated is basically the history of human civilization.
Each generation has to relearn how to deal with the challenges that befalls their lives (their country and the world). The sins of the father is often repeated.
In Jesus, we can trust that He is unchanging:
8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 NRSVC
Hence the world may change and fall into turmoil, and repeat the sins of the past, but God remains the same – yesterday, today, forever. Yes, we will have moments of doubt and darkness. I admit I have been questioning my own faith lately, but realize that is exactly what Satan wants. Satan wants confusion, division, doubt and fear. These are energies that feed his vile appetite.
I can only battle this by keeping Jesus centered in my live, and living out God’s divine will.
Stand firm in God’s plan is paramount:
11 For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Jeremiah 29:11.
If God has plans for me and you, imagine His grip over the world. “He’s got the whole world in His hands!”
I often think of Job and his trial.
In Job 8:8, in fact the whole chapter, there is a long reply from Bildad the Shuhite about the importance of respecting history and the seeds of wisdom that comes from our past. In fact many came to see Job and brought with them their points of view and explanation as to why Job was suffering. Not one of them prayed or asked God. In fact they did not know God. Each visitor was unable to understand God’s divine hand in Job’s life.
42 Then Job answered the Lord:
2 “I know that you can do all things,
and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
3 ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’
Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,
things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
4 ‘Hear, and I will speak;
I will question you, and you declare to me.’
5 I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,
but now my eye sees you;
6 therefore I despise myself,
and repent in dust and ashes.” Job 42 NRSVC
Indeed we do not learn from our past, each generation has to relearn life lessons – life is after all a journey of not only individuals, but communities, but countries. In a life without Jesus, we become empty shells looking towards the world to fill it. With Christ within, we can live our life in faith, hope and charity – and look forward to a life in God’s Kingdom.
One last word, I often think abut the parable of Lazarus and the rich man. In Matthew 16:19. The rich man begs Abraham to send someone from the dead to warn his family of the consequences of sin. (Abraham) said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’” Luke 16:19-31.
God Bless your journey in Jesus Christ 💖
Be Inspired! 