Our Associate Pastor here on The Hill, who affectionately refers to himself as “jvpastor”, recently returned from a week of seminary studying “Baptist Heritage.” He called in after the first day and reported his expectations of a dull, sleepy course were exceeded by an enthusiastic professor in love with the history of the church in general and informed about the histroy of Baptists in particular. The week did not disappoint. Hearing of those giving their lives for their faith and their convictions proved inspirational.

I wonder if this is something like what happened when families would travel past the pile of rocks next to the Jordan. The ones placed their to remind the people of the way God fulfilled his commitment to give his people a land. I wonder if young men and women would hear how in fantastic ways the place they now called home was once the open range of warring peoples. I wonder if these young people found inspiration when they heard the stories of the victory of God expressed in the lives of his people.

We sure could find some inspiration reading a little history of a day when the way of life brought one’s faith into sharp focus. Following Jesus was not an option, is was necessary, mandatory, your survival depended on the hope brought by that relationship. Today, I fear these stories little inspiration because we can make no connnection with them.

For some whose eschatology calls for increased persecution and dire predicaments in the world, a good dose of how’d they survivie would be good inspiration. You never know when you may be called on – how will you be ready? You better know the stories of how others weathered the storm. I know I want to be ready.

I hope Jason keeps reading and keeps telling the stories …