“Enormous satisfaction to this historian who seeks to mine the various quarries of the past in the belief that good history is a good foundation for a better present and future.”
John Hope Franklin (American Historian/Presidential Medal of Freedom winner) 

I enjoy reading and listening to all things historical because it gives me a better understanding of where we are today. History helps me define my identity and my place in time. I do admit I struggle with the idea of “re-writing” history. After all, it is already written and agreed upon. Will it make a difference?  Maybe the approach is not to change history but to enhance it. Or perhaps, include other views that are often left out or not included for various reasons.

It makes me think about Paul reminding us that a renewed mind (Romans 12:2) in Christ begins to shape our mindset and viewpoint to realize we may not have the complete story. Not to be darkened in our understanding but enlightened in new ways that rekindle our spirit, open our heart and intrigue our mind.

“and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds…” Ephesians 4:23 (NRSV)

John Hope Franklin set out to do that through his academic and scholarly research of over 50 years. One of his many books titled “From Slavery to Freedom” has sold over 3.5 million copies. He grew up in segregation and the Jim Crow era. He made it a lifetime quest to include a fuller accurate depiction of how African Americans impacted Southern history. He taught at various colleges, was recognized for accomplishments and accolades for this single quest of including a closer view and perspective not shared in most history books. As a historian, Mr. Franklin wanted to insure a more complete depiction of African Americans. By doing so he exposed the obvious and unspoken injustice by presenting a different point of view or perspective. He wanted to make sure folks had a sense of their own story, their identity, and their inherent and essential value to society. He wanted to give a voice to the unheard so that no one was left out of the story. 

Our Bible is a rich and moving history of our Judeo-Christian heritage. Stories rich in detail of both sinners and saints grappling with life shared in graphic, poetic and prophetic views. These abounding stories are foundational and transformative depending on our stage in life or our current experiences. 

At times are not we guilty of only wanting to see the parts of history we relate to? Or only wanting to see those that align with our perspectives and views?

Jesus used parables to give us a simple and broader picture of each story in a more relatable way. His mission was for us to see the wrongs and rights in our actions, and by doing so to gain wisdom for future endeavors. Jesus called out both sinner and saint to see, hear and experience the complete story. As our good friend Paul Harvey use to say on his weekly show, “And now for the rest of the story.” 

The familiar story of the prodigal son in Luke compels us to identify with either the protagonist (older son), the antagonist (younger son) or the deuteragonist (father). Your view on which role they each played is based on your biases, perspectives, and experiences. Have you walked in the shoes of one or more of these characters? 

^“Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.’ So, he divided his property between them. A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living…then he(brother) became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command.’”
Luke 15: 11-29 (NRSV)

How many times have we squandered opportunities we have had? The prodigal son had it coming to him. He really messed up a good thing. How many times have we judged others as lesser than us?  The oldest son says, “I have toiled and stayed true, I am the more deserving son.” He gets a fatted calf, what am I – chopped liver? What about the father, “I tried to be a good father, did I not raise them right?”

Perhaps that nugget of wisdom Jesus wanted us to grasp was to always seek out the complete story. To rejoice whether you are found after being lost or to celebrate with those that are found and to always remember to leave no one behind.

“Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”
Luke 15:7 (NRSV)

Jesus knew that in life we all will be lost at one time or another much like the squandering son. He also knows that at one time or another we will be like the worried father looking for those lost in our life. Other times we will be the apathetic older brother who judges others as undeserving. Jesus invites us to read and study the complete history of his people including the good, the bad and the ugly. He wants to impart upon us that we belong, we matter, and our Christian heritage provides a foundation from which we can launch.

Your life matters to Jesus for the Bible tell us that we have an opportunity for new life. Past regrets and mistakes fade away in our rear-view mirror and frees us from our past way (our history) of living. We are no longer defined by our troubled past or by those who oppressed, mistreated, or hurt us. In Christ Jesus we have this awesome gift of rewriting our story. How will we be remembered?

^“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
Romans 6:4 (NIV)

Speaking of Christian heritage, it is hard to believe that this fall will mark 35 years of AUMC since its founding. Our church has a disciple-driven tradition and history of raising up lay and clergy candidates over its 35 years of existence. In that time, we have had more than 10 laity answer the call into church ministry. Several went on to pastor churches, become district superintendents and other senior ministry roles. Many of you shared fellowship and encouragement with them. We certainly rejoice in God’s call upon each of them. We celebrate that we have built a church that encourages progression on the pathway of discipleship. Are you next?

Hear the good news. Jesus rewrote history by defeating death on the cross at Calvary for our sins. His command to us is to “share the gospel” and “make disciples.” Praise God for this good history and foundation that we can always count on to be a constant in our lives.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8 (NRSV)

What is your story? Have you shared your history with others who might benefit from it? Will you share Christ’s redeeming story with everyone you encounter along life’s path?

Peace be with you,

Kenny Shortsleeve, Lay Leader