June 6, 2012 (Ecclesiastes 1-3, Psalm 45; Ephesians 2)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new.” Ecclesiastes 1:9 NLT
Observation: Life is a cycle; it just repeats itself over and over. Take the children of Israel for example, from one generation to another they cycled to and away from God. One generation would destroy the idols and turn to God, and then the next generation would forget all the suffering and go back to worshipping idols once again. A vicious cycle that lifted some up and cast others down. The present generation forgets the struggles and lessons learned by past generations and ignorantly repeat the same cycle. This fate awaits us as well. All too soon, the lessons and struggles we face and learn today will be forgotten and a future generation will suffer because of their failure to remember and take heed.
Application: Many of the struggles and suffering we face today are due to us forgetting the lessons learned by our forefathers. We don’t remember what happened in the past, and in future generations, no one will remember what we are doing now. History can be a great teacher if it is embraced and heeded. Unfortunately most view history as useless, old, and outdated. Useless to us, because we have evolved into a more brilliant people. Useless to us, because we are wiser than our forefathers ever dreamed of being. Useless to us, because we have more knowledge than any other generation before us. We have become so blinded by our own wisdom, knowledge and brilliance that we don’t even recognize the oncoming train that will soon plow us down. History merely repeats itself; it has all been done before.
Prayer: Dear Lord thank You for this wonderful day You have made! Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. Thank You for the lessons You taught our forefathers, help us to take heed and spare ourselves from the pains they suffered. Teach me Your ways. Give me wisdom to know what’s right and the courage to do what’s right, even when it’s hard, in Jesus name, Amen!