“Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness and who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn…” – Isaiah 51: 1
It’s easy today to forget who we are.
Although for most, it isn’t necessarily harmful if we don’t know our family history. My family tree includes Native American, German and Mexican branches. However, not knowing the details of that lineage hasn’t kept me from living a “decent life.”
But as a Christian – as someone who has chosen to follow Jesus – not remembering history can be harmful. How can I truly be about my purpose if I don’t remember the history of our mission as disciples.
Israel was called to remember its roots in Isaiah 51. Since moving to the D.C. area, I’ve realized just how important it is in this day to remember from which rock we were cut.
“Remain in me, and I will remain in you… I am the vine; you are the branches…” – John 15:4-5
- To reshape your life, conform your life to Christ
More so than ever, I know my purpose is found in a person – the Lord Jesus Christ. That can be so easy to forget when you’re worried about paying bills because you are unemployed. We can fall prey to the troubles of this world if we don’t remember.
In a book on Christianity that I am reading, the author says it like this: If we don’t know our personal and communal histories, we are like children easily manipulated…Historical perspective is important for counteracting the tyranny of current opinions.
Current opinions? Of that there are many – many that persecute us who choose to make Jesus our Lord and many that scoff at our conviction to make the Bible our supreme standard for living (“Forever, O Lord, Your Word is settled in heaven” – Psalm 119:89).
For years, I now see that I was suffering from historical myopia. Are you? But I choose to no longer live that way. I have made tough sacrifices moving from New York to D.C. – selling my home, leaving a great job, uprooting my family to advance the kingdom. After two months, I am still looking for a job. God will provide in His time. Today it is about the mission.
I – and all disciples – must remember we are a chosen people with a very real mission that hasn’t changed since the 1st Century:
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…” - Matthew 28: 19-20
What is really important? Without perspective, we will overvalue what is right in front of us (life’s troubles) and forget what is truly and universally important (saving souls, pleasing God).
- In a world of constant change, you can trust the unchanging Christ
Do you know what your purpose is? If you’d like some help making Jesus your purpose, come check us out at the Washington D.C. International Christian Church. We meet at 10 a.m. every Sunday in D.C. and have several more intimate Bible discussion groups throughout the week.
Hope to see you there. (-:
