February 19, 2024

"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."

Those words spoken over eight score years ago were the opening words of Abraham Lincoln's famous Gettysburg Address speech.  A score is twenty years.   As he spoke in 1860, he referred back to 1776.  

What might we say 87 years from now?   At a horrific battle sight, Lincoln referred to an amazing event when the United States was being birthed.  Four score and seven years since was 1947 and another four score and seven years will be 2034.   Time marches on.  Will we be able to look back on the past with significance about the great things that happened?  The only way will be if we work towards those great things today.   Today is our future past.  

Hebrews speaks of looking to the past.  Hebrews 10:32 says, "But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings..."   It continues on highlighting a not so good past.  But, it makes a point to note that, in the hard times of the past, the Hebrews had compassion, joyfully accepted the hard times, knowing they had a better future.   Looking to the past was meant to encourage them today:  Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.  For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised (Heb. 10:35-36).

It may not be you writing four score and seven years hence.  But those who know you now,  what will they write?   What might you write about today that is impactful to that generation?   No one in 1776 envisioned a Civil War 87 years later.  But their bringing forth that new nation was still impactful then... and it is yet today.  As C.S. Lewis wrote, "There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal."  Your life today can be tremendously impactful to many tomorrow.    Ending that thought of looking to the past, the Hebrews writer says, "But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls"  (v. 39).  

There may be nothing better you can do today to impact your future and other people's future than to "not... shrink back," and to "have faith and preserve your soul."    Whatever challenge is in front of you, trust in the Lord that He has you.  Be confident in that.  Take this one day and walk in it.  Let God worry about the next.  Preserve your soul... do the things necessary to draw you to God (prayer, Bible, church).  And don't shrink back.  Keep walking.  Walk another seven years.  Then a score.   Two score.   Your life - your faith today - can have a positive impact four score and seven years from now.