Have you ever thought about passing along a legacy of faith? Or what this means to our culture?
William Bradford, one of the original Pilgrims, wrote Of Plymouth Plantation. In this easy-to read history, you see examples over and over again of the Pilgrim’s faith. They stood on the biblical fact that salvation is by faith alone placed in Christ alone. Salvation does not come out of the empty traditions of men or by works. In Europe, they suffered much persecution as a result of their faith. When they arrived at the New World, they encountered great trials and near starvation. They looked not on their suffering, losses, and persecution, but lifted their eyes to the heavens on behalf of their country and quieted their spirits. Their Christian behavior left a deep impression on the minds of many. Their peace, courage, and shining testimony came out of a faith already present and a repeated commitment to look to Christ and God’s word.
If you are not familiar with this portion of history, it is partly because within this century there has been an overt attempt to strip the historical record of any mention of God and His providential dealing in the matters of nations and peoples. Today we are seeing different organizations pressure our leaders to remove God’s name from money, buildings, textbooks, and end public prayers. The example of the Pilgrims sets the record straight that God was and still is involved in the affairs of America. Without remembering our true roots, it is inevitable that we as Americans will lose sight of our original call from God.
Judges 2:7 reads “And the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua who had seen all the great work the Lord had done for Israel…and there arose another generation after them who did not know the work that He had done for Israel. And the children did evil in the sight of the Lord and served Baal.” They forgot their history!
This Thanksgiving, may we also look to Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, seeing the incredibly compassionate, merciful, just, loving Father God behind this whole free gift of Salvation – giving this awesome legacy to our children, husbands and whoever will hear and believe by God’s amazing grace. And don’t forget the Pilgrims and their example as you celebrate. The spiritual wellbeing of future generations depends on it.
