via TJC
“…if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land … But if you turn aside and forsake my statutes and my commandments that I have set before you, and go and serve other gods and worship them, then I will pluck you up from my land that I have given you, and this house that I have consecrated for my name, I will cast out of my sight, and I will make it a proverb and a byword among all peoples.” 2 Chronicles 7:14,19-20 (ESV)
2nd Chronicles begins with Solomon and his building of the Temple, and ends with the Temple destroyed, and the people of Judah returning after 70 years of exile. The writer was piecing together how they got to where they were (returning from exile), knowing the glory from where they started. The writer had to choose which stories to tell (chronicle) and which to leave out.
The stories we choose to tell are important. Stories about heroes can inspire children (& adults), and we can all learn lessons (good or bad) from stories that are memorable and stick with us. The choice of stories also relates directly to our time and our place in America.
When I was in school, there was a separating of facts from American myths told to my grandparents when they were in school (Myth: George Washington cut down a cherry tree) from facts (Fact: “Honest Abe” was a recognition by professional colleges of Lincoln’s work as Lawyer, and not a later political rebranding). The first point here is that the truth does matter.
The second point is intentionality: Choosing age-appropriate (heroic) stories that can inspire and unite (or confuse and divide) also matters greatly. What we choose and who we choose to communicate to influences beliefs; and those beliefs ultimately lead to actions and consequences. Today in America kids in school (and even in church) may learn about Critical Race Theory (CRT) which WILL shape their view of America’s own past. The point here is NOT to discuss the merits of CRT, but to point out one current issue and its implications for shaping beliefs.
This week as you read more about 2nd Chronicles, also be thinking about what the author of Chronicles chose and what you might choose if you were writing about your past.
Daily Battle Order:
Are you able to separate truth from fiction, or are you just relaying the half-truths (=lies) that the enemy is spreading in our own culture? How you tell the truth is also important.
Your Battle Order for today: Consider how the stories that you tell your children/grandchildren, and how the stories you share with your colleagues, are influencing them.
Fri, Apr 14
Camp Lookout
The Battles of Chickamauga and Chattanooga give us pivotal stories of battle that provide lessons for each of us as Kingdom men in our own battles today. Join us for great meals, campfire discussions and a day on the actual battlefields.
Right on! What stories to tell and how to live them out is something I've been learning through this past Lenten season.