The Bible, when first translated from Latin into the language for the common people into English, was translated by John Wycliffe, in 1356. It is pretty commonly known that it was at a great risk to his life and it took over 40 years to do. But did you know that the first book of the Bible that was translated was Revelation? During that time period a new social order was arising and there was a false prophet named Abbot Joachim of Calabria who was turning men's minds towards a deceptive Everlasting Gospel, and not the True Gospel. John Wycliffe believed the world was entering the end times and thought the people needed to have an understanding of the Apocalypse.
I think that is a profound thought. Even back in Jesus's day the disciples wanted to know if the end of the world was near, and I am sure it was felt in the early church with the persecution many of them faced. And yet hundreds of years have passed, and the pattern continues. Are we in the last days? It seemed as John Wycliffe felt it in his century. We could be, and even if we aren't it seems like we will face persecution and have trials and tribulations in our own lives. But take heart, Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33).
So where does that leave us? I believe we are therefore called to a deeper understanding of God and responsible for teaching it to our children. That our children will know how to go to God and be led by the Holy Spirit. We need to take back the education and put it into the obedience of God if we are to at least see a change in our own family units.
Dr. Elias Boudinot, President of the Continental Congress in 1783, was quoted, "Ever keep in mind that it is parts that form the whole, and fractions constitute the unit. Good government generally begins in the family, and if the moral character of a people once degenerate, their political character must soon follow."
God give us the strength to follow You as a family.
No comments:
Post a Comment