Christian Living

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EXPLORE THE PAST


C. S. Lewis proposed that we read one book from the past for every current alternative. Why? He supposed that otherwise we would lose perspective. Granted, we are unable to relive the past, but should learn from it. Otherwise, we are likely to repeat its failures, and fail to profit from its successes.
Examples proliferate from Scripture. For instance, the creation narrative in context of the exodus served not only to explain how things came into being, but as ideally constituted. Consequently, to suggest that man was born free, and should live free from bondage. So that it serves as something akin to an emancipation proclamation.
It came to pass that the chosen people were delivered from slavery. In due time, God prompted Moses to send out spies to survey the promised land. Upon their return, they reported: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey. But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large” (Num. 13:27-28). When the people heard this, they were intimidated and failed to proceed. Had they weighed in God’s promise and recent provision, they should have taken courage. In any case, the past held the key to their current situation.
A generation perished in the wilderness. After which, a new generation under the leadership of Joshua anticipated entry into the promised land. They would succeed on this occasion, having learned from the past and with the wilderness wandering fresh in their corporate memory.
Fast forward. “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign county” (Heb. 11:8-9). “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (v. 1). It was for this reason that those from antiquity were commended.
Lewis also observed that while we are often surprised by the way God works; in retrospect, we can often recognize God’s providential involvement. Then, too, as an indication of his exceptional creativity. As did Abraham on this occasion.
“By faith Abraham, even though he was past age—and Sarah herself was barren—was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and the as countless as the sand on the seashore” (vv. 11-12). So it was that the patriarch, having exercised faith in one regard was disposed to exercise it in another. Thus we are reminded that the past is ever with us, whether we recognize it or not.
“By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death” (vv. 17, 19). Not literally so, since God provided an alternative sacrifice. Yet, the patriarch was correct in reasoning that God is consistent in what he says and what he does. If for on other reason, the past is eminently pertinent.
Upon further reflection, my mother comes to mind. “Mother ran a tight ship. She had a disapproving stare that would freeze you in your tracks. I figured she had refined it in the classroom, as a rural grade school teacher” (“Blanche Inch,” Mothers of Writers, vol 1—Jaime Long, ed., p. 262). Hers was a loving discipline, which I have increasingly come to appreciate with the passing of time.
“Mother was generous to a fault. She would prepare food for those who were ill, and distribute clothing to the needy. She always assumed someone was worse off that we were. So it would seem.” As in Jewish tradition, she coupled industry with generosity.
In these and countless other ways, we are enjoined to explore the past. This assuredly serves as a critical means of engaging the present. Without which, we fail to distinguish between legitimate change and purposeful continuity. While in context of the observation, “For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones” (Prov. 2:6-8).

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