Less We Forget

Less We Forget!

.... The tumult and the shouting dies—
The Captains and the Kings depart—
Still stands Thine ancient sacrifice,
An humble and a contrite heart.
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget—lest we forget!....

                                                                - Rudyard Kipling    

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I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold!

(Alexander Smellie, "The Hour of Silence" 1899)

"I will bring this third part through the fire and make them pure. I will refine them like silver and purify them like gold!" Zechariah 13:9 

I gather from this verse, that though the days are ever so evil, God will always have His chosen ones. There always is the third part--there always are the few in Sardis, who walk with Christ in white. I trust that I belong to the little flock.

I learn also that, though the members of His Church are insignificant in this evil world--they are very precious to Jesus. He compares them not to dull lead--but to silver and gold. He has Himself clothed them with their attractiveness. My Lord, I draw my silvery sheen and golden brightness from You alone.

But I see that, as beloved as His people are, it is His purpose to refine them. The jeweler uses every method to beautify the metals which he prizes most. If the citizens of this world escape the sharpness of God's discipline--the citizens of the heavenly Kingdom cannot. He chastens me, because He loves me!

And I find, too, that the sorrow may be very severe. He brings His children through the fire--the quivering and scorching fire! "I have refined you in the furnace of suffering!" Isaiah 48:10 

"For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it!" Hebrews 12:11. Oh that blessed Afterward! The fire purifies the dross from me; it kindles my hidden graces to life! 

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            Again, this writer has been reading "talking books" about America's early history, the sacrifices of our forefathers during the American Revolution.  I have been listening to a book on General Washington, again, astonished that we were able to win the war against the British.  Just think of these unprepared, colonial states, putting together a fighting force against the world's greatest power!  Many early Americans were very comfortable living under England's rule.  Just a small percentage of the early colonials participated in the revolution.  General George Washington's army was so poorly prepared for war that they were actually fighting with spears... Benjamin Franklin had suggested bows and arrows.  Often, farmers' cows were killed and their hides used to put around their bare feet as make shift shoes.  They did not have tents or blankets to keep out the cold in those desperate winters.  One American soldier, in rags, a ragged blanket over him, body covered in puss pustules, bushy beard and hair, was not recognized by his own brother. 

            These are our ancestors; the nation which we have inherited.  Surely God chose America for a special place in world history.  Surely God chose America for a special mission of His church.  90% of all Christian missionaries to remote corners of the world have gone out from America.  Almost any city, town, cross-roads, the length and breadth of this great prosperous nation you will find a church edifice, a place to worship God.  These churches, whether a majestic cathedral or simple wood framed building, proclaimed the free will of free men.  God's greatest gift to man, free will.  It is a real tragedy that after more than 200 years the benefactors-heirs of this great national struggle, political and spiritual are willing to surrender their freedoms so easily.