Learn from Looking Back
Reflections: December 31, 2021
This post appeared in the December 31, 2021, issue of the Branson Globe.
One of my childhood memories is of attending New Year’s Eve “watch night” services at church. The congregation gathered for snacks and fellowship, followed by a service which ended with midnight communion and prayer.
A fun part of the evening was a slide show (yes, I’m Kodak-35mm old) of the year’s activities. Children crowded into front pews to watch themselves and their friends in pictures of the previous year’s Christmas program, church picnics, graduation recognition service, and VBS. There were pictures of weddings held at the church and memorial photos of members who passed away during the year. The yearly review set the stage for prayer, trusting God for the upcoming year by recalling blessings and faithful friends from the past.
Throughout the Bible, God’s people are urged to remember historical milestones. Joshua, advanced in age after leading the Israelites in conquest of the land God promised them, gathered the people for a final pep talk recorded in chapter 24. He recalled the deliverance from Egypt, miraculous crossings of the Red Sea and Jordan River, and military victories when the situation looked frightening or impossible. Moses had done the same thing many years earlier, and both used those reminders to encourage the people to continue obeying God.
Sadly, the people forgot. Their disobedience led to years of captivity, but it didn’t change God’s faithfulness. And upon their eventual return, Ezra the priest again reminded them of their history and challenged them to obey God.
The New Testament continues the theme, reviewing the past in order to move the early church forward. In Acts, Stephen gave a lengthy historical review, culminating in a challenge to the religious leaders to accept Jesus as the promised Messiah. While it resulted in his death as a martyr, it also served to advance the gospel, as converts realized God’s messengers hadn’t always been popular. The Apostle Paul often began ministry in a new city by reviewing important Old Testament prophecies that were fulfilled by Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection.
The Bible demonstrates the oft-quoted saying that those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it. Every historical review in scripture ends with a challenge to do better or make the right choice. Without those reviews, it was easier to look at circumstances or personal convenience rather than thinking through possible consequences.
The principle still applies to our nation: An honest examination of the economic and social consequences of past policies can help influence better future decisions; conversely, ignoring or failing to discuss the unpleasant parts of history has already had disastrous consequences. In our personal lives, being honest about what has and hasn’t worked can help us teach children and grandchildren to make better choices.
As we welcome a new year, take time to look back. While it has been a discouraging year for many, try to focus on ways God has been faithful. In my family, that includes grieving the loss of my dad while recalling his faithfulness, generosity, and trust in God even in hard times. For others, it might include being thankful for friends who stepped up to help during illness or following storm damage. Whatever your circumstances, let the Bible encourage you, and enter the new year in obedience to God and confidence in his provision.