Knowing our History.

750 years ago today, the first English Parliament was held at Westminster. Simon de Monfort, brother-in-law to the King, Henry III, called together people from every area in the country, and what we now have, as a representative democracy, can be traced back to that event. 

And 800 years ago this year, on the banks of the Thames at Runnymede, Henry's father, King John, signed the original version of Magna Carta. 

(I am indebted to the BBC for educating me in these matters - having time, these days, to listen to good radio programmes!)

Unless we know important parts of our history, we can easily think there are simple answers to complex social and political issues. The present levels of disaffection with most things political may have their roots in us not knowing why things are as they are.

The Bible is full of reminders to the people of God to remember their own history. At the meal Jesus shared with his friends, on the night be fore He died, we read 'He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.” (Luke 22.19) So every time we meet to share bread & wine, we remember Jesus, and what he did for us.

And St. Paul kept on reminding his friends that they needed to look back to what Jesus had done for us. For example, 'God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.' (Ephesians 2.4-6) The life, death and resurrection of Jesus are the foundations for our life of faith.

When we know our own spiritual history, it gives us stability and confidence to keep going, especially when things are hard.

At church on Sunday, here in Banbury, Betty & I were listening to an amazing story from one man, whose life was turned round when 'Jesus put his arms around me', as he told us. Then, wonderfully, he started coming to his local church, where we met him. This miracle happened 10 years ago, and he is a wonderful example of how God puts his hands on our lives.

But it all starts when we know our history. Of course, when we know our history, then we can share it!

How are you on yours?

Best wishes,

Richard