Ashlynn’s History Lesson

Bible Reading: Psalm 77:11–12; 2 Timothy 3:16–17

“I hate history!” Ashlynn grumbled. “I don’t see why I have to learn about things that happened such a long time ago.” Her dislike for history carried over to church. “It’s boring to study the kings and judges and all that history in the Bible—especially in the Old Testament,” she told her dad.

“The Bible says all Scripture is inspired by God and helps us understand who Jesus is and what He’s done for us,” said Dad. “We can learn from the lives of people who lived back then—both in Old Testament and New Testament times.” Ashlynn was not convinced.

That summer, Ashlynn’s family visited some famous historical spots. As they walked through places where well-known historical events took place, Ashlynn read the tour brochures and was fascinated by them, much to her surprise. “Wow!” she said after reading about one of the Civil War battles. “They marched in lines across open fields and shot at each other. That sounds awful! And it’s way different from how people fight today.”

Dad nodded. “Things have certainly changed.”

In Washington, DC, Ashlynn enjoyed seeing the various monuments. “I’m beginning to understand more about history,” she said. “It’s kind of cool that someone built all these monuments to remind us of important people and what they did.”

Dad looked thoughtful. “You know what monuments I’d like to see? I wish we could go to Israel and see the monuments people built in Old Testament times to remind themselves of God and the wonderful things He did.”

Ashlynn grinned. “Hey, yeah! Let’s go!”

Dad laughed. “I wish we could, but we can’t. Some of those monuments aren’t even there anymore. But as we read about the people who built them in the Bible, we learn from their lives. When we hear how God helped them and kept His promises to them—even when they sinned—it reminds us that He will do the same for us. Hearing their stories helps us know how great God is and reminds us to trust Jesus in every situation.”

“I guess history isn’t so boring after all,” Ashlynn said. “I think this trip will help me appreciate it more—both in school and at church!” •Raelene E. Phillips

How About You?

Do you find parts of the Bible difficult to read? Do you wonder why so much of it tells the history of the nation of Israel? Their story is our story. We need to know that we sin just like the Israelites did, but that God sent a Savior to rescue us—Jesus. As you read your Bible, think about each story. How does it teach you to think and live as a child of God?

Today’s Key Verse: Romans 15:4 Everything that was written in the [Bible] long ago was written to teach us. By not giving up, God’s Word gives us strength and hope. (NLV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Learn from biblical history