If you enjoy history, you also understand some frustations in finding the truth in history. One must be aware that all writers have a bias no matter how hard they try not to have that bias. Some writers report history only because they have a story to tell the world as they see it. You will also find history writers picking up quotes from the same person. I always have to ask, how does everyone know that this one person knew what he was talking about? It is very hard to find the truth on some subjects.
In 1919 during his libel suit against the Chicago Tribune, Henry Ford said, “History is bunk.”
On another occasion, when he was asked about history’s meaning, Ford said, “History is the succession of one damned thing after another.”
Ford’s view of the meaning of history is not held by most people and for good reason. If the world has no meaning then life has no meaning.
Others try to rewrite history in order that history will then share their own agenda. For the last few years some scholars in China are trying to change 1400 years of history in order that China may claim the land of Koguryo (now Korea) as their own. Why does China care? Koguryo's ancient borders extend into northern China, where nearly 2 million ethnic Koreans now live. Beijing apparently fears that if North and South Korea were ever to reunite, these Koreans might try to secede from China, reclaiming Koguryo as part of Korea.
So to play it safe China will rewrite history. Now, if they pull this off and all the history books in China read as they have changed them, how can a school age child in China 100 years from now know the truth about Korea? It will be very hard. The problem is not limited to China.
Karl Marx tried this also. Marx being an atheist had no room for God. He wanted a history that showed his political views to support his dogma. Marx took Hegel historical dialectic, coupled it with Feuerbach’s materialism, and produced his own vision of history that had purpose and was going to support his coming society. Feuerbach had said, “man is what he eats” meaning that material factors are everything. Marx used this to impact his time and land and to drive the vision he wished to place on the world.
Many people, though not atheist as was Marx, bought right into this idea. The over all scheme behind Marxism is that in time man can fix anything on his own and faith in God is really not necessary. Mankind now has this view that they can make the world better all by themselves. Over the past thirty years, many people have proclaimed the imminent arrival of the paperless office. Yet, the use of e-mail in an organization causes an average 40 percent increase in paper consumption.
Do you recall what World War I was nicknamed? “The war to end all wars” was the reason to join up in the war, but now seems more like a joke.
I have my own bias in history. I see turning points in history that not all people see. I see history as how God has turned the hearts of men. I talked to a few younger people about Martin Luther and they only know of Martin Luther King, Jr. Now King had his own moment in time that is to be remembered, but today many do not know of the man King was named for regarding his standing for the truth years before that change the whole course of mankind.
The Bible is not a history book, but it does have history in it. Secular history concentrates on kings, leaders, generals, and those that took a stand. I guess you could say secular history books tell us about VIPs. The Bible concentrates more on a group of people called the saints. These saints are at times leaders too, but often they are insignificant people to the world that would never make it in the history books.
History books focus on wars, battles, and treaties followed by more wars, battles, and treaties. The Bible also tells of battles, but the main focus is on a war between good and evil with the victor as Jesus Christ and peace found in His death.
History books focus on a changing map of the world as one nation takes another and the rise and fall of great empires. The Bible focuses is on a multi-national community called the church, which has no real land on this earth, and waits for their King whose empire will never end.
In Ephesians chapter three, Paul tells us about how through the history of time, the church was hidden from man as a mystery.
Ephesians 3
6 This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.
7 Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power.
8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
9 and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things,
10 so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.
11This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord,
12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.
13 So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.
Notice in verse 10 as I ask, what is the "manifold wisdom of God" that Paul speaks of, found in the church?
First we see in the text that the church (all believers as a whole) is where we will find the common union of mankind. This is not to say that all of mankind will believe. In fact they will not all believe. What I mean is that the gospel of Jesus Christ brings people from all backgrounds, all age groups, all races, all languages, rich and poor, leaders and followers into fellowship one with another under one name. That name is Jesus Christ. Before this church age, Gentiles were not members of the same body. The church is a community of sinners redeemed by Christ and forgiven by God. If salvation came by works, we would not see this community. You would see boasting and feelings of superior spiritual merit. In fact when you find problems in your church, you can always link it back to these things. When man’s focus is on how they can do it better than others or how they must lead the way, they remove focus on what binds the church together. Christ is our leader. If you feel higher than others, you need to get over yourself and on your knees.
Secondly, the text reveals that one of roles of the church is that the wisdom of God might be known, showing us that the Saints of God are what God uses to share the gospel. I want to be careful here. I’m not saying if it was not for we mere men that the gospel would not be heard. God will find away to work out His plan no matter what we do. God does not need us, but God has chosen to us, the Saints of God, to spread the gospel to all nations. I have used Saints here for a reason. Many of us look to the local church to spread the gospel. While this is a good idea, it really is the job of each one of us. I’m not saying you can’t work with the local believers as a group. The problem is that many never take part in this, and feel okay that at least their church is doing something. I’m saying you need to do something. At work, at play, some way, some how share the gospel. It’s your job.
Thirdly, in verse 13 you will see that if you share the gospel, you will suffer.
John 15:19
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
If you know anything about church history you will also know that when the church suffers it also grows the most. I’m not saying we should pray for suffering. I’m saying if we are not suffering to some point, we must not be doing our job.
Does the world love you as a believer? Do you fit in as just one of the guys? Or do people respect you and tell their jokes in the corner? If the non-believer does not feel a little discomfort around you, there must be something wrong with your gospel story. Please don’t be self-righteous in this sharing. That is worse than saying nothing at all. You are a sinner just as others. Do not forget this. Yet you know the One that saves sinners. Do you not think they should hear about Him?
God has let history unfold like a great drama. Mankind is the actors on His stage. Satan is the evil resister of Christ and His Church. Great men in history past like Marin Luther, have trusted in Christ and overcome Satan with the power found in Christ’s redeeming blood. There were hidden mysteries in God’s drama that when revealed has shown to be good news for all nations on this stage.
Now it is you and I on that stage. Satan is still attacking the saints. Many still do not know of the good news. How does the world see you when under attack? Does it see the manifold wisdom of God in you as you play out your life? Does the world even know of your faith?
Ephesians 3
21Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen
If they do not know of your faith, you bring no glory to God.