Tell your children of it,
    and let your children tell their children,
    and their children another generation.
-Joel 1:3

“You’re History”

That sounds like a catch-phrase Arnold Schwarzenegger might say before wiping out the bad guy in a movie. Actually, he did. (Terminator 2)

But today, think of it not as a threat, but as a promise.

You, my friend, are history. Whatever the future holds, you will have helped shape it. Maybe in future holographic history books, there will be a picture of you right there in the section on the 21st century.

More than likely, there won’t. More than likely you won’t register even a footnote in the pages of history. That doesn’t mean you have no legacy to leave.

The book of Joel was written during a time of great upheaval–a vicious attack of locusts. He addresses this, but he was writing, in part, for future generations.

He’s passing on the wisdom of staying faithful in desperate times.

Alas, humans don’t always learn from their mistakes. That’s something I imagine Joel knew, but here he gives a call to never let go of God’s promises. And to teach our children well.

We, too, live in an historic time. We aren’t dealing with locusts, but we do seem to be plagued by fear and division. Now is not the time to check out or change the subject when the world’s woes creep in. Now is the time to set an example. To instill truth, courage, and hope into those who are learning from us.

Remember these words?

Then afterward
    I will pour out my spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
    your old men shall dream dreams,
    and your young men shall see visions.
-Joel 2:28

Joel speaks with surprising hope in the midst of this great pain, reminding us readers that God is a God of history, and beyond. God is present to every generation, instilling people of faith with clear vision, even when the world is dark.

On the day of Pentecost, many years later, Peter quotes this scripture to reveal the Holy Spirit present right now, and for all the days to come, embodied in Christ.

Notice that God doesn’t do all the work. Old and young alike are gifted to carry on the message as they forge a new world. That’s a big part of our job.

If history has taught us anything as Christians, it’s that the way forward does not require an action hero, but it does require action to preserve our future.

Our example is Jesus. Remember his famous line?

“I’ll be back”

Have a great week,

Mitch