Learning from the Past
- By Gayle J. Thorn
- Nov 11, 2019
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 25, 2020
Bible Reading: Job 8:8-10
Throughout history, people have used a variety of things to entertain themselves and get jobs done. Things like board games, needlework. carpentry and woodcarving,
singing, playing musical instruments, reading and writing, painting, and drawing.
Some of these things may seem old-fashioned, but they are alternatives to the electronic or computerized tools and toys we have today. Both the old and the new are useful for teaching us and honing our skills in various areas.
Today’s Bible reading, Job 8:1-10 says, “Ask the former generations and find out what their fathers learned, for we were born only yesterday and know nothing, and our days on earth are but a shadow. Will they not instruct you and tell you? Will they not bring forth words from their understanding?” Job’s friend, Bildad understood that we can learn from the past. He encouraged Job to study the past to see what he could learn from it.
Let’s put Bildad’s encouragement to use in our spiritual lives. Let’s see if we can find ways to use both today’s toys and technologies and the pastimes and tools from the past to enhance our spiritual growth and to share the gospel and God’s love with others. Old or new, quaint or high-tech, we can, and should, use all we have to honor God and enlarge His kingdom.
“Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past.” Deuteronomy 32:7a
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to learn from the past new ways to serve You now and in the future. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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