"Learning from the Past"

 

“Learning from the Past”

 

In 2016 Karen and I went on a Mediterranean cruise which included stops at a number of ports on Europe’s southern coast. One of the highlights was a boat tour viewing the Amalfi Coast, a 32 mile stretch south of Naples known for its scenic beauty and productive agricultural areas, especially lemon groves (we later visited the “Lemon Capital”, Sorrento, in this region). The guide pointed out about 30 guard towers overlooking the coastline which were built between the 9^th and 16^th centuries to defend against pirate invasions from the Tyrrhenian Sea. They were constructed so that each one could see the two nearest to it and communicate using smoke signals. These structures proved effective until longer range weapons were developed.

This strategy was seen as innovative and clever. However, God had used a similar plan about 1300 years previously. In Nehemiah 4:19-20 His servant said to those building Jerusalem’s wall, “The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!” So instead of fire and smoke the Jewish people used bugle calls to alert of danger. (I wonder if some godly person in 9^th century Italy read this passage and put the principle to use.) Taking some liberties with Matthew 24:42, “…Keep watch, because you do not know on what day your enemy will come.”

Paul wrote his pastoral mentoree, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful….” (2 Timothy 3:16, emphasis added). How? In this case to teach us from the past (“…Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us….”—Romans 15:4). Some historians maintain that quarantining Black Plague victims in 1347 Europe to stop the spread of the epidemic had its origins in the Old Testament practice of separating those with contagious diseases such as leprosy. In 1 Samuel 16:16 we read, “Whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take his harp and play. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better….” So today’s musical therapy had its roots in biblical history. And in our Men’s Bible Study we’re looking at Paul’s ministry strategy described in Acts and discussing how its elements can be applied to today’s opportunities.

God’s truth is timeless and works in all times and cultures. As we learn from the past we’ll be better equipped to serve in the present and future. Can I say with the psalmist, “Long ago I learned from your statutes that you established them to last forever.” (Psalm 119:152)? Can you?

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan