Day 248..."What does the rebuilding of the Temple and Cokesbury have in common?...History teaches us"

Today's reading from Ezra is more hopeful as the rebuilding of the temple is resumed and completed. Haggi the prophet was the difference maker in his inspiring messages to the people. He "stirred them up." The temple was completed in time for Passover observance. Amazingly, this date of Passover is identified as April 21, 516 B.C.. This observance coincides with the history of Cokesbury. (Cokesbury also began on April 21...the year 1957) How about that! Only about 2526 years apart! Isaiah recalls a litany of historical events to inspire his people. One passage especially stood out to me..."look to the rock from which you were hewn, and to the quarry from which you were dug." We are like a rock shaped from the quarry of the Lord.

The Book of Acts has Paul involved in a lengthy teaching about history. He also chooses to retell the history and includes events back to Abraham! Notice how Paul highlights some of the more significant events in Jewish history. Like Haggi, Paul also stirs the people up. This creates dissension to stop Paul's momentum..."But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district." We just read another story like this in Ezra about the temple. (yesterday) Amazing...human nature seems to be builders or those who "tear down." Today's reading did recall much rich history. History does teach us how to better prepare for today and tomorrow. As we prepare to celebrate fifty years at Cokesbury, I am especially mindful of the lessons of history...and what they teach us in going forward to tomorrow. God does plan for us a future with a hope!