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Our nation has taken many blows in her 224 year history, but our present crisis may end her life. Thus, the next few days we will read through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah to seek the Lord's direction for rebuilding America and pray earnestly that the Lord will raise up a leader for her. From Nehemiah:
7.
After the wall had been rebuilt and I had set the doors in place, the gatekeepers and the singers and the Levites were appointed. 2 I put in charge of Jerusalem my brother Hanani, along with a Hananiah the commander of the citadel, because he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most men do. 3 I said to them, ‘‘The gates of Jerusalem are not to be opened until the sun is hot. While the gatekeepers are still on duty, have them shut the doors and bar them. Also appoint residents of Jerusalem as guards, some at their posts and some near their own houses."The List of the Exiles Who Returned
4
Now the city was large and spacious, but there were few people in it, and the houses had not yet been rebuilt. 5 So my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles, the officials and the common people for registration by families. I found the genealogical record of those who had been the first to return. This is what I found written there:6
These are the people of the province who came up from the captivity of the exiles whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had taken captive (they returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his own town, 7 in company with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum and Baanah):The list of the men of Israel:
8
the descendants of Parosh |2,1729
of Shephatiah |37210
of Arah |65211
of Pahath-Moab (through the line of Jeshua and Joab) |2,81812
of Elam |1,25413
of Zattu |84514
of Zaccai |76015
of Binnui |64816
of Bebai |62817
of Azgad |2,32218
of Adonikam |66719
of Bigvai |2,06720
of Adin |65521
of Ater (through Hezekiah) |9822
of Hashum |32823
of Bezai |32424
of Hariph |11225
of Gibeon |9526
the men of Bethlehem and Netophah |18827
of Anathoth |12828
of Beth Azmaveth |4229
of Kiriath Jearim, Kephirah and Beeroth |74330
of Ramah and Geba |62131
of Micmash |12232
of Bethel and Ai |12333
of the other Nebo |5234
of the other Elam |1,25435
of Harim |32036
of Jericho |34537
of Lod, Hadid and Ono |72138
of Senaah |3,93039
The priests:the descendants of Jedaiah (through the family of Jeshua) |973
40
of Immer |1,05241
of Pashhur |1,24742
of Harim |1,01743
The Levites:the descendants of Jeshua (through Kadmiel through the line of
Hodaviah) |74
44
The singers:the descendants of Asaph |148
45
The gatekeepers:the descendants of
Shallum, Ater, Talmon, Akkub, Hatita and Shobai |138
46
The temple servants:the descendants of
Ziha, Hasupha, Tabbaoth,
47
Keros, Sia, Padon,48
Lebana, Hagaba, Shalmai,49
Hanan, Giddel, Gahar,50
Reaiah, Rezin, Nekoda,51
Gazzam, Uzza, Paseah,52
Besai, Meunim, Nephussim,53
Bakbuk, Hakupha, Harhur,54
Bazluth, Mehida, Harsha,55
Barkos, Sisera, Temah,56
Neziah and Hatipha57
The descendants of the servants of Solomon:the descendants of
Sotai, Sophereth, Perida,
58
Jaala, Darkon, Giddel,59
Shephatiah, Hattil,Pokereth-Hazzebaim and Amon
60
The temple servants and the descendants of the servants ofSolomon |392
61
The following came up from the towns of Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Kerub, Addon and Immer, but they could not show that their families were descended from Israel:62
the descendants ofDelaiah, Tobiah and Nekoda |642
63
And from among the priests:the descendants of
Hobaiah, Hakkoz and Barzillai (a man who had married a daughter
of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by that name).
64
These searched for their family records, but they could not find them and so were excluded from the priesthood as unclean. 65 The governor, therefore, ordered them not to eat any of the most sacred food until there should be a priest ministering with the Urim and Thummim.66
The whole company numbered 42,360, 67 besides their 7,337 menservants and maidservants; and they also had 245 men and women singers. 68 There were 736 horses, 245 mules, a 69 435 camels and 6,720 donkeys.70
Some of the heads of the families contributed to the work. The governor gave to the treasury 1,000 drachmas b of gold, 50 bowls and 530 garments for priests. 71 Some of the heads of the families gave to the treasury for the work 20,000 drachmas c of gold and 2,200 minas d of silver. 72 The total given by the rest of the people was 20,000 drachmas of gold, 2,000 minas e of silver and 67 garments for priests.73
The priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers and the temple servants, along with certain of the people and the rest of the Israelites, settled in their own towns.
Our nation has taken many blows in her 224 year history, but our present crisis may end her life. Thus, the next few days we will read through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah to seek the Lord's direction for rebuilding America and pray earnestly that the Lord will raise up a leader for her. From Nehemiah:
1
all the people assembled as one man in the square before the Water Gate. They told Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel.8
So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. 3 He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.4
Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform built for the occasion. Beside him on his right stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah and Maaseiah; and on his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah and Meshullam.5
Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. 6 Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, ‘‘Amen! Amen!" Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.7
The Levites-Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan and Pelaiah-instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there. 8 They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear a and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read.9
Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, ‘‘This day is sacred to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep." For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.10
Nehemiah said, ‘‘Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."11
The Levites calmed all the people, saying, ‘‘Be still, for this is a sacred day. Do not grieve."12
Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.13
On the second day of the month, the heads of all the families, along with the priests and the Levites, gathered around Ezra the scribe to give attention to the words of the Law. 14 They found written in the Law, which the LORD had commanded through Moses, that the Israelites were to live in booths during the feast of the seventh month 15 and that they should proclaim this word and spread it throughout their towns and in Jerusalem: ‘‘Go out into the hill country and bring back branches from olive and wild olive trees, and from myrtles, palms and shade trees, to make booths"-as it is written. b16
So the people went out and brought back branches and built themselves booths on their own roofs, in their courtyards, in the courts of the house of God and in the square by the Water Gate and the one by the Gate of Ephraim. 17 The whole company that had returned from exile built booths and lived in them. From the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day, the Israelites had not celebrated it like this. And their joy was very great.18
Day after day, from the first day to the last, Ezra read from the Book of the Law of God. They celebrated the feast for seven days, and on the eighth day, in accordance with the regulation, there was an assembly.
Our nation has taken many blows in her 224 year history, but our present crisis may end her life. Thus, the next few days we will read through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah to seek the Lord's direction for rebuilding America and pray earnestly that the Lord will raise up a leader for her. From Nehemiah:
The Israelites Confess Their Sins
9
On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth and having dust on their heads. 2 Those of Israelite descent had separated themselves from all foreigners. They stood in their places and confessed their sins and the wickedness of their fathers. 3 They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the LORD their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the LORD their God. 4 Standing on the stairs were the Levites-Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani and Kenani-who called with loud voices to the LORD their God. 5 And the Levites-Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah and Pethahiah-said: ‘‘Stand up and praise the LORD your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting. a"‘‘Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. 6 You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.
7
‘‘You are the LORD God, who chose Abram and brought him out of Ur of the Chaldeans and named him Abraham. 8 You found his heart faithful to you, and you made a covenant with him to give to his descendants the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Jebusites and Girgashites. You have kept your promise because you are righteous.9
‘‘You saw the suffering of our forefathers in Egypt; you heard their cry at the Red Sea. b 10 You sent miraculous signs and wonders against Pharaoh, against all his officials and all the people of his land, for you knew how arrogantly the Egyptians treated them. You made a name for yourself, which remains to this day. 11 You divided the sea before them, so that they passed through it on dry ground, but you hurled their pursuers into the depths, like a stone into mighty waters. 12 By day you led them with a pillar of cloud, and by night with a pillar of fire to give them light on the way they were to take.13
‘‘You came down on Mount Sinai; you spoke to them from heaven. You gave them regulations and laws that are just and right, and decrees and commands that are good. 14 You made known to them your holy Sabbath and gave them commands, decrees and laws through your servant Moses. 15 In their hunger you gave them bread from heaven and in their thirst you brought them water from the rock; you told them to go in and take possession of the land you had sworn with uplifted hand to give them.16
‘‘But they, our forefathers, became arrogant and stiff-necked, and did not obey your commands. 17 They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them. They became stiff-necked and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery. But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them, 18 even when they cast for themselves an image of a calf and said, ‘This is your god, who brought you up out of Egypt,’ or when they committed awful blasphemies.19
‘‘Because of your great compassion you did not abandon them in the desert. By day the pillar of cloud did not cease to guide them on their path, nor the pillar of fire by night to shine on the way they were to take. 20 You gave your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold your manna from their mouths, and you gave them water for their thirst. 21 For forty years you sustained them in the desert; they lacked nothing, their clothes did not wear out nor did their feet become swollen.22
‘‘You gave them kingdoms and nations, allotting to them even the remotest frontiers. They took over the country of Sihon c king of Heshbon and the country of Og king of Bashan. 23 You made their sons as numerous as the stars in the sky, and you brought them into the land that you told their fathers to enter and possess. 24 Their sons went in and took possession of the land. You subdued before them the Canaanites, who lived in the land; you handed the Canaanites over to them, along with their kings and the peoples of the land, to deal with them as they pleased. 25 They captured fortified cities and fertile land; they took possession of houses filled with all kinds of good things, wells already dug, vineyards, olive groves and fruit trees in abundance. They ate to the full and were well-nourished; they reveled in your great goodness.26
‘‘But they were disobedient and rebelled against you; they put your law behind their backs. They killed your prophets, who had admonished them in order to turn them back to you; they committed awful blasphemies. 27 So you handed them over to their enemies, who oppressed them. But when they were oppressed they cried out to you. From heaven you heard them, and in your great compassion you gave them deliverers, who rescued them from the hand of their enemies.28
‘‘But as soon as they were at rest, they again did what was evil in your sight. Then you abandoned them to the hand of their enemies so that they ruled over them. And when they cried out to you again, you heard from heaven, and in your compassion you delivered them time after time.29
‘‘You warned them to return to your law, but they became arrogant and disobeyed your commands. They sinned against your ordinances, by which a man will live if he obeys them. Stubbornly they turned their backs on you, became stiff-necked and refused to listen. 30 For many years you were patient with them. By your Spirit you admonished them through your prophets. Yet they paid no attention, so you handed them over to the neighboring peoples. 31 But in your great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful God.32
‘‘Now therefore, O our God, the great, mighty and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love, do not let all this hardship seem trifling in your eyes-the hardship that has come upon us, upon our kings and leaders, upon our priests and prophets, upon our fathers and all your people, from the days of the kings of Assyria until today. 33 In all that has happened to us, you have been just; you have acted faithfully, while we did wrong. 34 Our kings, our leaders, our priests and our fathers did not follow your law; they did not pay attention to your commands or the warnings you gave them. 35 Even while they were in their kingdom, enjoying your great goodness to them in the spacious and fertile land you gave them, they did not serve you or turn from their evil ways.36
‘‘But see, we are slaves today, slaves in the land you gave our forefathers so they could eat its fruit and the other good things it produces. 37 Because of our sins, its abundant harvest goes to the kings you have placed over us. They rule over our bodies and our cattle as they please. We are in great distress.The Agreement of the People
38
‘‘In view of all this, we are making a binding agreement, putting it in writing, and our leaders, our Levites and our priests are affixing their seals to it."
Our nation has taken many blows in her 224 year history, but our present crisis may end her life. Thus, the next few days we will read through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah to seek the Lord's direction for rebuilding America and pray earnestly that the Lord will raise up a leader for her. From Nehemiah:
10
Nehemiah the governor, the son of Hacaliah.
Zedekiah,
2
Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah,3
Pashhur, Amariah, Malkijah,4
Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch,5
Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah,6
Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch,7
Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin,8
Maaziah, Bilgai and Shemaiah. These were the priests.9
The Levites:Jeshua son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel,
10
and their associates: Shebaniah,Hodiah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan,
11
Mica, Rehob, Hashabiah,12
Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah, 13 Hodiah, Bani and Beninu.14
The leaders of the people:Parosh, Pahath-Moab, Elam, Zattu, Bani,
15
Bunni, Azgad, Bebai,16
Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin,17
Ater, Hezekiah, Azzur,18
Hodiah, Hashum, Bezai,19
Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai,20
Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir,21
Meshezabel, Zadok, Jaddua,22
Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah,23
Hoshea, Hananiah, Hasshub,24
Hallohesh, Pilha, Shobek,25
Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah,26
Ahiah, Hanan, Anan, 27 Malluch, Harim and Baanah.28
‘‘The rest of the people-priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, temple servants and all who separated themselves from the neighboring peoples for the sake of the Law of God, together with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand- 29 all these now join their brothers the nobles, and bind themselves with a curse and an oath to follow the Law of God given through Moses the servant of God and to obey carefully all the commands, regulations and decrees of the LORD our Lord.30
‘‘We promise not to give our daughters in marriage to the peoples around us or take their daughters for our sons.31
‘‘When the neighboring peoples bring merchandise or grain to sell on the Sabbath, we will not buy from them on the Sabbath or on any holy day. Every seventh year we will forgo working the land and will cancel all debts.32
‘‘We assume the responsibility for carrying out the commands to give a third of a shekel a each year for the service of the house of our God: 33 for the bread set out on the table; for the regular grain offerings and burnt offerings; for the offerings on the Sabbaths, New Moon festivals and appointed feasts; for the holy offerings; for sin offerings to make atonement for Israel; and for all the duties of the house of our God.34
‘‘We-the priests, the Levites and the people-have cast lots to determine when each of our families is to bring to the house of our God at set times each year a contribution of wood to burn on the altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the Law.35
‘‘We also assume responsibility for bringing to the house of the LORD each year the firstfruits of our crops and of every fruit tree.36
‘‘As it is also written in the Law, we will bring the firstborn of our sons and of our cattle, of our herds and of our flocks to the house of our God, to the priests ministering there.37
‘‘Moreover, we will bring to the storerooms of the house of our God, to the priests, the first of our ground meal, of our grain offerings, of the fruit of all our trees and of our new wine and oil. And we will bring a tithe of our crops to the Levites, for it is the Levites who collect the tithes in all the towns where we work. 38 A priest descended from Aaron is to accompany the Levites when they receive the tithes, and the Levites are to bring a tenth of the tithes up to the house of our God, to the storerooms of the treasury. 39 The people of Israel, including the Levites, are to bring their contributions of grain, new wine and oil to the storerooms where the articles for the sanctuary are kept and where the ministering priests, the gatekeepers and the singers stay.‘‘We will not neglect the house of our God."
Our nation has taken many blows in her 224 year history, but our present crisis may end her life. Thus, the next few days we will read through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah to seek the Lord's direction for rebuilding America and pray earnestly that the Lord will raise up a leader for her. From Nehemiah:
The New Residents of Jerusalem
11
Now the leaders of the people settled in Jerusalem, and the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of every ten to live in Jerusalem, the holy city, while the remaining nine were to stay in their own towns. 2 The people commended all the men who volunteered to live in Jerusalem.3
These are the provincial leaders who settled in Jerusalem (now some Israelites, priests, Levites, temple servants and descendants of Solomon’s servants lived in the towns of Judah, each on his own property in the various towns, 4 while other people from both Judah and Benjamin lived in Jerusalem):From the descendants of Judah:
Athaiah son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalalel, a descendant of Perez; 5 and Maaseiah son of Baruch, the son of Col-Hozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, a descendant of Shelah. 6 The descendants of Perez who lived in Jerusalem totaled 468 able men.
7
From the descendants of Benjamin:Sallu son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jeshaiah, 8 and his followers, Gabbai and Sallai-928 men. 9 Joel son of Zicri was their chief officer, and Judah son of Hassenuah was over the Second District of the city.
10
From the priests:Jedaiah; the son of Joiarib; Jakin; 11 Seraiah son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, supervisor in the house of God, 12 and their associates, who carried on work for the temple-822 men; Adaiah son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malkijah, 13 and his associates, who were heads of families-242 men; Amashsai son of Azarel, the son of Ahzai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer, 14 and his a associates, who were able men-128. Their chief officer was Zabdiel son of Haggedolim.
15
From the Levites:Shemaiah son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni; 16 Shabbethai and Jozabad, two of the heads of the Levites, who had charge of the outside work of the house of God; 17 Mattaniah son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, the director who led in thanksgiving and prayer; Bakbukiah, second among his associates; and Abda son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun. 18 The Levites in the holy city totaled 284.
19
The gatekeepers:Akkub, Talmon and their associates, who kept watch at the gates-172 men.
20
The rest of the Israelites, with the priests and Levites, were in all the towns of Judah, each on his ancestral property.21
The temple servants lived on the hill of Ophel, and Ziha and Gishpa were in charge of them.22
The chief officer of the Levites in Jerusalem was Uzzi son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Mica. Uzzi was one of Asaph’s descendants, who were the singers responsible for the service of the house of God. 23 The singers were under the king’s orders, which regulated their daily activity.24
Pethahiah son of Meshezabel, one of the descendants of Zerah son of Judah, was the king’s agent in all affairs relating to the people.25
As for the villages with their fields, some of the people of Judah lived in Kiriath Arba and its surrounding settlements, in Dibon and its settlements, in Jekabzeel and its villages, 26 in Jeshua, in Moladah, in Beth Pelet, 27 in Hazar Shual, in Beersheba and its settlements, 28 in Ziklag, in Meconah and its settlements, 29 in En Rimmon, in Zorah, in Jarmuth, 30 Zanoah, Adullam and their villages, in Lachish and its fields, and in Azekah and its settlements. So they were living all the way from Beersheba to the Valley of Hinnom.31
The descendants of the Benjamites from Geba lived in Micmash, Aija, Bethel and its settlements, 32 in Anathoth, Nob and Ananiah, 33 in Hazor, Ramah and Gittaim, 34 in Hadid, Zeboim and Neballat, 35 in Lod and Ono, and in the Valley of the Craftsmen.36
Some of the divisions of the Levites of Judah settled in Benjamin.
Tomorrow, 7 December, we will "Remember Pear Harbor." Here are a few words of a survivor of the attack, James Leamon Forbis:
"I was a coxswain aboard the battleship USS Arizona. That morning I was in the duty section on the bow of the ship doing morning chores. One of my chores was to go back to the stern of the ship on the port side so the chaplain could have church services. We set up the portable organ, the pulpit and chairs. The bugler had already sounded first call on the fantail for morning colors. As he was waiting for eight o'clock some planes came out of the east from Aiea....Very shortly we knew they were Japanese planes. There was nothing for us to do but stand around, and that wasn't safe because we were getting shrapnel and strafing. Our battle stations were in number-four gun turret, which was on the after part of the ship. We went down to the third deck and aft to the powder-handling room and then started climbing up the ladder to the turret. I was on the ladder when a bomb hit on top of the turret. It ricocheted off and knocked me down to the lower handling room. There was a kind of flash and we got smoked out. You couldn't breathe for the stink and smell. We all got scorched. The last word that came over the public-address system was , 'Fire on the quarterdeck.' We couldn't fire the main battery at the planes, for the guns were fourteen-inch, not lightweight antiaircraft weapons. There was nothing we could do...."
The rest of his words and a fascinating account of detail events during the Pear Harbor attack, which killed over 2400 people, can be found in the book, "The Pacific War Remembered, An Oral History Collection" by John T. Mason, Jr.
Japanese attack Pearl Harbor, 1941...A day that will live in infamy.
Today is Pearl Harbor Day. Here are the words of one survivor of the Japanese attack on Dec 7, 1941. James F. Anderson of Fort Worth, Texas, was a first class hospital
corpsman on the USS Solace, the only hospital ship at anchor in Pearl
Harbor. He writes, "On that particular morning we were off the end of Ford
Island with a clear view of Battleship Row. We were tied up between the
old Olympus, Admiral George Dewey's ship, the repair ship Dobbin, and
several destroyers. It had been my intention to go over to the cathedral
that (Sunday) morning. I was standing in line waiting for eight o'clock to
roll around, when our liberty boats would come. We were standing at a
large cargo hatch looking out across the bay and could clearly see the old
battleship Utah, which was used as a target ship...As the (Japanese)planes
came in ---there were five of them, I remember---they dropped
torpedoes...As the torpedoes were going through the water and before they
hit the Utah, the planes flew over the top of our ship. I could see the
red balls on their wings. 'My God, those are Japanese. Let's get this
hatch shut.' Three of us that were standing at this big iron cargo hatch
reached out and pulled it shut. Normally it took an electric wench to pull
it shut. How three of us did it I'll never know. At that moment the
torpedoes hit the Utah and this giant ship appeared to jump---ten maybe
twenty feet in the air. Then the Utah seemed to go over, way over to one
side...The men were jumping into the water and I could see them swimming
to Ford Island...." (The Pacific War Remembered: An Oral History Collection, by John T.
Mason, Jr.)
United States of America enters World War II, 1941
Yesterday, December 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
The United States was at peace with that Nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to the Secretary of State a form reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government had deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Last night the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our Nation.
As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.
Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us.
No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.
I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger.
With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounded determination of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God.
I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December seventh, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.
Our nation has taken many blows in her 224 year history, but our present crisis may end her life. Thus, the next few days we will read through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah to seek the Lord's direction for rebuilding America and pray earnestly that the Lord will raise up a leader for her. From Nehemiah:
Priests and Levites
12
These were the priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and with Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra, 2 Amariah, Malluch, Hattush, 3 Shecaniah, Rehum, Meremoth, 4 Iddo, Ginnethon, a Abijah, 5 Mijamin, b Moadiah, Bilgah, 6 Shemaiah, Joiarib, Jedaiah, 7 Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah and Jedaiah.These were the leaders of the priests and their associates in the days of Jeshua.
8
The Levites were Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and also Mattaniah, who, together with his associates, was in charge of the songs of thanksgiving. 9 Bakbukiah and Unni, their associates, stood opposite them in the services.10
Jeshua was the father of Joiakim, Joiakim the father of Eliashib, Eliashib the father of Joiada, 11 Joiada the father of Jonathan, and Jonathan the father of Jaddua.12
In the days of Joiakim, these were the heads of the priestly families: of Seraiah’s family, Meraiah; of Jeremiah’s, Hananiah; 13 of Ezra’s, Meshullam; of Amariah’s, Jehohanan; 14 of Malluch’s, Jonathan; of Shecaniah’s, c Joseph; 15 of Harim’s, Adna; of Meremoth’s, d Helkai; 16 of Iddo’s, Zechariah; of Ginnethon’s, Meshullam; 17 of Abijah’s, Zicri; of Miniamin’s and of Moadiah’s, Piltai; 18 of Bilgah’s, Shammua; of Shemaiah’s, Jehonathan; 19 of Joiarib’s, Mattenai; of Jedaiah’s, Uzzi; 20 of Sallu’s, Kallai; of Amok’s, Eber; 21 of Hilkiah’s, Hashabiah; of Jedaiah’s, Nethanel.22
The family heads of the Levites in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, Johanan and Jaddua, as well as those of the priests, were recorded in the reign of Darius the Persian. 23 The family heads among the descendants of Levi up to the time of Johanan son of Eliashib were recorded in the book of the annals. 24 And the leaders of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, Jeshua son of Kadmiel, and their associates, who stood opposite them to give praise and thanksgiving, one section responding to the other, as prescribed by David the man of God.25
Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon and Akkub were gatekeepers who guarded the storerooms at the gates. 26 They served in the days of Joiakim son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor and of Ezra the priest and scribe.Dedication of the Wall of Jerusalem
27
At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres. 28 The singers also were brought together from the region around Jerusalem-from the villages of the Netophathites, 29 from Beth Gilgal, and from the area of Geba and Azmaveth, for the singers had built villages for themselves around Jerusalem. 30 When the priests and Levites had purified themselves ceremonially, they purified the people, the gates and the wall.31
I had the leaders of Judah go up on top a of the wall. I also assigned two large choirs to give thanks. One was to proceed on top b of the wall to the right, toward the Dung Gate. 32 Hoshaiah and half the leaders of Judah followed them, 33 along with Azariah, Ezra, Meshullam, 34 Judah, Benjamin, Shemaiah, Jeremiah, 35 as well as some priests with trumpets, and also Zechariah son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micaiah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph, 36 and his associates-Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah and Hanani-with musical instruments prescribed by David the man of God. Ezra the scribe led the procession. 37 At the Fountain Gate they continued directly up the steps of the City of David on the ascent to the wall and passed above the house of David to the Water Gate on the east.38
The second choir proceeded in the opposite direction. I followed them on top c of the wall, together with half the people-past the Tower of the Ovens to the Broad Wall, 39 over the Gate of Ephraim, the Jeshanah d Gate, the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel and the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Sheep Gate. At the Gate of the Guard they stopped.40
The two choirs that gave thanks then took their places in the house of God; so did I, together with half the officials, 41 as well as the priests-Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Micaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah and Hananiah with their trumpets- 42 and also Maaseiah, Shemaiah, Eleazar, Uzzi, Jehohanan, Malkijah, Elam and Ezer. The choirs sang under the direction of Jezrahiah. 43 And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away.44
At that time men were appointed to be in charge of the storerooms for the contributions, firstfruits and tithes. From the fields around the towns they were to bring into the storerooms the portions required by the Law for the priests and the Levites, for Judah was pleased with the ministering priests and Levites. 45 They performed the service of their God and the service of purification, as did also the singers and gatekeepers, according to the commands of David and his son Solomon. 46 For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there had been directors for the singers and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. 47 So in the days of Zerubbabel and of Nehemiah, all Israel contributed the daily portions for the singers and gatekeepers. They also set aside the portion for the other Levites, and the Levites set aside the portion for the descendants of Aaron.
Our nation has taken many blows in her 224 year history, but our present crisis may end her life. Thus, the next few days we will read through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah to seek the Lord's direction for rebuilding America and pray earnestly that the Lord will raise up a leader for her. From Nehemiah:
Nehemiah’s Final Reforms
13
On that day the Book of Moses was read aloud in the hearing of the people and there it was found written that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever be admitted into the assembly of God, 2 because they had not met the Israelites with food and water but had hired Balaam to call a curse down on them. (Our God, however, turned the curse into a blessing.) 3 When the people heard this law, they excluded from Israel all who were of foreign descent.4
Before this, Eliashib the priest had been put in charge of the storerooms of the house of our God. He was closely associated with Tobiah, 5 and he had provided him with a large room formerly used to store the grain offerings and incense and temple articles, and also the tithes of grain, new wine and oil prescribed for the Levites, singers and gatekeepers, as well as the contributions for the priests.6
But while all this was going on, I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I had returned to the king. Some time later I asked his permission 7 and came back to Jerusalem. Here I learned about the evil thing Eliashib had done in providing Tobiah a room in the courts of the house of God. 8 I was greatly displeased and threw all Tobiah’s household goods out of the room. 9 I gave orders to purify the rooms, and then I put back into them the equipment of the house of God, with the grain offerings and the incense.10
I also learned that the portions assigned to the Levites had not been given to them, and that all the Levites and singers responsible for the service had gone back to their own fields. 11 So I rebuked the officials and asked them, ‘‘Why is the house of God neglected?" Then I called them together and stationed them at their posts.12
All Judah brought the tithes of grain, new wine and oil into the storerooms. 13 I put Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, and a Levite named Pedaiah in charge of the storerooms and made Hanan son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah, their assistant, because these men were considered trustworthy. They were made responsible for distributing the supplies to their brothers.14
Remember me for this, O my God, and do not blot out what I have so faithfully done for the house of my God and its services.15
In those days I saw men in Judah treading winepresses on the Sabbath and bringing in grain and loading it on donkeys, together with wine, grapes, figs and all other kinds of loads. And they were bringing all this into Jerusalem on the Sabbath. Therefore I warned them against selling food on that day. 16 Men from Tyre who lived in Jerusalem were bringing in fish and all kinds of merchandise and selling them in Jerusalem on the Sabbath to the people of Judah. 17 I rebuked the nobles of Judah and said to them, ‘‘What is this wicked thing you are doing-desecrating the Sabbath day? 18 Didn’t your forefathers do the same things, so that our God brought all this calamity upon us and upon this city? Now you are stirring up more wrath against Israel by desecrating the Sabbath."19
When evening shadows fell on the gates of Jerusalem before the Sabbath, I ordered the doors to be shut and not opened until the Sabbath was over. I stationed some of my own men at the gates so that no load could be brought in on the Sabbath day. 20 Once or twice the merchants and sellers of all kinds of goods spent the night outside Jerusalem. 21 But I warned them and said, ‘‘Why do you spend the night by the wall? If you do this again, I will lay hands on you." From that time on they no longer came on the Sabbath. 22 Then I commanded the Levites to purify themselves and go and guard the gates in order to keep the Sabbath day holy.Remember me for this also, O my God, and show mercy to me according to your great love.
23
Moreover, in those days I saw men of Judah who had married women from Ashdod, Ammon and Moab. 24 Half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod or the language of one of the other peoples, and did not know how to speak the language of Judah. 25 I rebuked them and called curses down on them. I beat some of the men and pulled out their hair. I made them take an oath in God’s name and said: ‘‘You are not to give your daughters in marriage to their sons, nor are you to take their daughters in marriage for your sons or for yourselves. 26 Was it not because of marriages like these that Solomon king of Israel sinned? Among the many nations there was no king like him. He was loved by his God, and God made him king over all Israel, but even he was led into sin by foreign women. 27 Must we hear now that you too are doing all this terrible wickedness and are being unfaithful to our God by marrying foreign women?"28
One of the sons of Joiada son of Eliashib the high priest was son-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite. And I drove him away from me.29
Remember them, O my God, because they defiled the priestly office and the covenant of the priesthood and of the Levites.30
So I purified the priests and the Levites of everything foreign, and assigned them duties, each to his own task. 31 I also made provision for contributions of wood at designated times, and for the firstfruits.Remember me with favor, O my God.
Luther's Early Study of the Bible Between November 9 and 30, 1531
Once when he was a young man he [Martin Luther) happened upon a Bible. In it he read by chance the story about Samuel's mother in the Books of the Kings. The book pleased him immensely, and he thought that he would be happy if he could ever possess such a book. Shortly thereafter he bought a postil; it also pleased him greatly, or it contained more Gospels than it was customary to preach on in the course of a year.
When he became a monk he gave up all his books. Shortly before this he had bought a copy of the Corpus and I do not know what else. He returned these to the bookseller. Besides Plato and Vergil he took nothing with him into the monastery. There the monks gave him a Bible bound in red leather. He made himself so familiar with it that he knew what was on every page, and when some passage was mentioned he knew at once just where it was to be found.
"If I had kept at it," he said, "I would have become exceedingly good at locating things in the Bible. At that time no other study pleased me so much as sacred literature. With great loathing I read physics, and my heart was aglow when the time came to return to the Bible. I made use of the glossa ordinaria. I despised Lyra, although I recognized later on that he had a contribution to make to history. I read the Bible diligently. Sometimes one important statement occupied all my thoughts for a whole day. Such statements appeared especially in the weightier prophets, and (although I could not grasp their meaning) they have stuck in my memory to this day. Such is the assertion in Ezekiel, 'I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked,' etc. [Ezek. 33:11]."
The Order of the Ten Commandments - Early November, 1531
"The first to the seventh commandments follow one another in good order. Murder is a graver sin than adultery, adultery is a graver sin than stealing, etc. the order of the other three commandments is not so apparent. Although I do not presume to make a judgment, it is my opinion that the last three commandments speak, as it were, of the ground or circumstances of the preceding commandments, for it is with the mouth and with coveting (these are the two things that are forbidden in the last three commandments) that one sins against all the other commandments. The order certainly appears to shift in the eighth commandment, for to bear false witness is not a graver sin than to covet your neighbor's wife, nor is it a graver sin to covet your neighbor's house than his wife."
Martin Luther
Today is the birthday of Phillips Brooks(1835-1893), who is most famous for writing the Christmas Carol, "O Little Town of Bethlehem."
"Phillips Brooks was a giant of a man and a prince of a preacher. When his six-foot-six frame filled the pulpit, the people of his churches learned and responded. He served Episcopal congregations in Philadelphia and Massachusetts.
In 1865 Brooks went to the Holy Land and was especially impressed by a Christmas Eve service at Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity, the traditional site of Jesus' birth. Three years later he needed a Christmas song for the children's service at this church in Philadelphia. Since he
loved children, Brooks decided to write the song himself. For inspiration, he thought back to his experience in Bethlehem.
It is said that after Brooks died, one five-year-old girl of the church was upset because she hadn't seen him recently. Her mother told her gently that Bishop Brooks had gone to heaven. The girl's face brightened as she said, "Oh, Mama, how happy the angels will be!"
(from The One Year Book of Hymns)
Did the Writers Understand God's Word? - Fall, 1531
"I wonder whether Peter, Paul, Moses, and all the saints fully and thoroughly understood a single word of God so that they had nothing more to learn from it, for the understanding of God is beyond measure. To be sure, the saints understood the Word of God and could also speak about it, but their practice did not keep pace with it. Here one forever remains a learner. The scholastics illustrated this with a ball which only at one point touches the table on which it rests, although the whole weight of the ball is supported by the table.
"Though I am a great doctor, I haven't yet progressed beyond the instruction of children in the Ten Commandments, the Creed, and the Lord's Prayer. I still learn and pray these every day with my Hans and my little Lena.10 Who understands in all of its ramifications even the opening words,11 'Our Father who art in heaven'? For if I understood these words in faith-that the God who holds heaven and earth in his hand is my Father-I would conclude that therefore I am lord of heaven and earth, therefore Christ is my brother, therefore all things are mine. Gabriel is my servant, Raphael is my coachman, and all the other angels are ministering spirits sent forth by my Father in heaven to serve me in all my necessities, lest I strike my foot against a stone. In order that this faith should not remain untested, my Father comes along and allows me to be thrown into prison or to be drowned in water. Then it will finally become apparent how well we understand these words. Our faith wavers. Our weakness gives rise to the question, 'Who knows if it is true?' So this one word 'your' or 'our' is the most difficult of all in the whole Scripture. It's like the word 'your' in the first commandment, 'I am the Lord your God' [Exod. 20:2]."
Martin Luther
How Luther Handled Troublesome Thoughts - Summer or Fall, 1531
"When I'm troubled by thoughts which pertain to political questions or household affairs [said Martin Luther], I take up a psalm or a text of Paul and fall asleep over it. But the thoughts which come from Satan demand more of me. Then I have to resort to more difficult maneuvers before I extricate myself, although I easily get the upper hand in thoughts of an economic or domestic character. However, when I'm angry with God and ask him whether it's he or I who's wrong, then it's more than I can handle."
Martin Luther
Ludwig von Beethoven's Birthday
About Augustine and Justification - Early November, 1531
"It was Augustine's13 view that the law, fulfilled by the powers of reason, does not justify, even as works of the moral law do not justify the heathen, but that if the Holy Spirit assists, the works of the law do justify. The question is not whether the law or the works of reason justify, but whether the law, kept with the Spirit's help, justifies.
"I reply by saying No. Even if in the power of the Holy Spirit a man were to keep the law completely, he ought nevertheless to pray for divine mercy, for God has ordained that man should be saved not by the law but by Christ. Works never give us a peaceful heart. Christ would never have been sad in spirit unless he had been pressed hard by the law, to which he subjected himself for our sake."
Martin Luther
Luther's Evaluation of His Wife - Summer or Fall, 1531
"I wouldn't give up my Katy (Katherine von Bora) for France or for Venice - first, because God gave her to me and gave me to her; second, because I have often observed that other women have more shortcomings than my Katy (although she, too, has some shortcomings, they are outweighed by many great virtues); and third, because she keeps faith in marriage, that is, fidelity and respect. "A wife ought to think the same way about her husband."
Martin Luther
The Difference Between Men and Women - Summer or Fall, 1531
"Men have broad shoulders and narrow hips, and accordingly they possess intelligence. Women have narrow shoulders and broad hips. Women ought to stay at home;7 the way they were created indicates this, for they have broad hips and a wide fundament to sit upon [keep house and bear and raise children]."
Martin Luther
Value of Knowledge Gained by Experience - Summer or Fall, 1531
"A doctor of the Scriptures ought to have a good knowledge of the Scriptures and ought to have grasped how the prophets run into one another. It isn't enough to know only one part-as a man might know Isaiah, for example-or to know only one topic of the law or of the gospel. Now, however, doctors are springing up who scarcely have a right comprehension of one topic.
"Teachers of law can humble their students when the students try to put on airs about their learning, because they have a court and get practical experience. On the other hand, we can't humble our students because we have no practical exercises. Yet experience alone makes the theologian."
Martin Luther
A CHRISTMAS STORY
by Rian B. Anderson
Pa never had much compassion for the lazy or those who squandered their means and then never had enough for the necessities. But for those who were genuinely in need, his heart was as big as all outdoors. It was from him that I learned the greatest joy in life comes from giving, not from receiving.
It was Christmas Eve 1881. I was fifteen years old and feeling like the world had caved in on me because there just hadn't been enough money to buy me the rifle that I'd wanted so bad that year for Christmas. We did the chores early that night for some reason. I just figured Pa wanted a little extra time so we could read in the Bible. So after supper was over I took my boots off and stretched out in front of the fireplace and waited for Pa to get down the old Bible. I was still feeling sorry for myself and, to be honest, I wasn't in much of a mood to read scriptures. But Pa didn't get the Bible, instead he bundled up and went outside. I couldn't figure it out because we had already done all the chores. I didn't worry about it long though, I was too busy wallowing in self-pity. Soon Pa came back in. It was a cold clear night out and there was ice in his beard.
"Come on, Matt," he said. "Bundle up good, it's cold out tonight."
I was really upset then. Not only wasn't I getting the rifle for Christmas, now Pa was dragging me out in the cold, and for no earthly reason that I could see. We'd already done all the chores, and I couldn't think of anything else that needed doing, especially not on a night like this. But I knew Pa was not very patient at one dragging one's feet when he'd told them to do something, so I got up and put my boots back on and got my cap, coat, and mittens. Ma gave me a mysterious smile as I opened the door to leave the house. Something was up, but I didn't know what.
Outside, I became even more dismayed. There in front of the house was the work team, already hitched to the big sled. Whatever it was we were going to do wasn't going to be a short, quick, little job. I could tell. We never hitched up the big sled unless we were going to haul a big load. Pa was already up on the seat, reins in hand. I reluctantly climbed up beside him. The cold was already biting at me. I wasn't happy. When I was on, Pa pulled the sled around the house and stopped in front of the woodshed. He got off and I followed.
"I think we'll put on the high sideboards," he said. "Here, help me."
The high sideboards! It had been a bigger job than I wanted to do with just the low sideboards on, but whatever it was we were going to do would be a lot bigger with the high sideboards on. When we had exchanged the sideboards Pa went into the woodshed and came out with an armload of wood---the wood I'd spent all summer hauling down from the mountain, and then all fall sawing into blocks and splitting. What was he doing?
Finally I said something. "Pa," I asked, "what are you doing?"
" You been by the Widow Jensen's lately?" he asked.
The Widow Jensen lived about two miles down the road. Her husband had died a year or so before and left her with three children, the oldest being eight.
Sure, I'd been by, but so what? "Yeah," I said, "why?"
"I rode by just today," Pa said. "Little Jakey was out digging around in the woodpile trying to find a few chips. They're out of wood, Matt."
That was all he said and then he turned and went back into the woodshed for another armload of wood. I followed him.
We loaded the sled so high that I began to wonder if the horses would be able to pull it. Finally, Pa called a halt to our loading, then we went to the smoke house and Pa took down a big ham and a side of bacon. He handed them to me and told me to put them in the sled and wait. When he returned he was carrying a sack of flour over his right shoulder and a smaller sack of something in his left hand.
"What's in the little sack?" I asked.
"Shoes. They're out of shoes. Little Jakey just had gunny sacks wrapped around his feet when he was out in the woodpile this morning. I got the children a little candy too. It just wouldn't be Christmas without a little candy."
We rode the two miles to Widow Jensen's pretty much in silence. I tried to think through what Pa was doing. We didn't have much by worldly standards. Of course, we did have a big woodpile, though most of what was left now was still in the form of logs that I would have to saw into blocks and split before we could use it. We also had meat and flour, so we could spare that, but I knew we didn't have any money, so why was Pa buying them shoes and candy? Really, why was he doing any of this? Widow Jensen had closer neighbors than us. It shouldn't have been our concern. We came in from the blind side of the Jensen house and unloaded the wood as quietly as possible, then we took the meat and flour and shoes to the door. We knocked. The door opened a crack and a timid voice said, "Who is it?"
"Lucas Miles, Ma'am, and my son, Matt. Could we come in for a bit?"
Widow Jensen opened the door and let us in. She had a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. The children were wrapped in another and were sitting in front of the fireplace by a very small fire that hardly gave off any heat at all. Widow Jensen fumbled with a match and finally lit the lamp.
"We brought you a few things, Ma'am," Pa said and set down the sack of flour. I put the meat on the table. Then Pa handed her the sack that had the shoes in it. She opened it hesitantly and took the shoes out one pair at a time. There was a pair for her and one for each of the children---sturdy shoes, the best, shoes that would last. I watched her carefully. She bit her lower lip to keep it from trembling and then tears filled her eyes and started running down her cheeks. She looked up at Pa like she wanted to say something, but it wouldn't come out.
"We brought a load of wood too, Ma'am," Pa said, then he turned to me and said, "Matt, go bring enough in to last for awhile. Let's get that fire up to size and heat this place up."
I wasn't the same person when I went back out to bring in the wood. I had a big lump in my throat and, much as I hate to admit it, there were tears in my eyes too. In my mind I kept seeing those three kids huddled around the fireplace and their mother standing there with tears running down her cheeks and so much gratitude in her heart that she couldn't speak. My heart swelled within me and a joy filled my soul that I'd never known before. I had given at Christmas many times before, but never when it had made so much difference. I could see we were literally saving the lives of these people. I soon had the fire blazing and everyone's spirits soared. The kids started giggling when Pa handed them each a piece of candy and Widow Jensen looked on with a smile that probably hadn't crossed her face for a long time.
She finally turned to us. "God bless you," she said. "I know the Lord himself has sent you. The children and I have been praying that he would send one of his angels to spare us."
In spite of myself, the lump returned to my throat and the tears welled up in my eyes again. I'd never thought of Pa in those exact terms before, but after Widow Jensen mentioned it I could see that it was probably true. I was sure that a better man than Pa had never walked the earth. I started remembering all the times he had gone out of his way for Ma and me, and many others. The list seemed endless as I thought on it.
Pa insisted that everyone try on the shoes before we left. I was amazed when they all fit and I wondered how he had known what sizes to get. Then I guessed that if he was on an errand for the Lord that the Lord would make sure he got the right sizes.
Tears were running down Widow Jensen's face again when we stood up to leave. Pa took each of the kids in his big arms and gave them a hug. They clung to him and didn't want us to go. I could see that they missed their pa, and I was glad that I still had mine.
At the door Pa turned to Widow Jensen and said, "The Mrs. wanted me to invite you and the children over for Christmas dinner tomorrow. The turkey will be more than the three of us can eat, and a man can get cantankerous if he has to eat turkey for too many meals. We'll be by to get you about eleven. It'll be nice to have some little ones around again. Matt, here, hasn't been little for quite a spell."
I was the youngest. My two older brothers and two older sisters were all married and had moved away.
Widow Jensen nodded and said, "Thank you, Brother Miles. I don't have to say, "'May the Lord bless you,' I know for certain that He will."
Out on the sled I felt a warmth that came from deep within and I didn't even notice the cold. When we had gone a ways, Pa turned to me and said, "Matt, I want you to know something. Your ma and me have been tucking a little money away here and there all year so we could buy that rifle for you, but we didn't have quite enough. Then yesterday a man who owed me a little money from years back came by to make things square. Your ma and me were real excited, thinking that now we could get you that rifle, and I started into town this morning to do just that. But on the way I saw little Jakey out scratching in the woodpile with his feet wrapped in those gunny sacks and I knew what I had to do. So, Son, I spent the money for shoes and a little candy for those children. I hope you understand."
I understood, and my eyes became wet with tears again. I understood very well, and I was so glad Pa had done it. Just then the rifle seemed very low on my list of priorities. Pa had given me a lot more. He had given me the look on Widow Jensen's face and the radiant smiles of her three children.
For the rest of my life, whenever I saw any of the Jensens, or split a block of wood, I remembered, and remembering brought back that same joy I felt riding home beside Pa that night. Pa had given me much more than a rifle that night, he had given me the best Christmas of my life.
Man's Arrogance and Self-Assurance - Early November, 1531
"It's remarkable that men should be so arrogant and secure when there are so many, indeed countless, evidences around us to suggest that we ought to be humble. The hour of our death is uncertain. The grain on which we live is not in our hands. Neither the sun nor the air, on which our life depends, lies in our power, and we have no control over our sleeping and waking. I shall say nothing of spiritual things, such as the private and public sins which press upon us. Yet our hearts are hard as steel and pay no attention to such evidence."
Martin Luther
Rejection of Transubstantiation November 9, 1531
"In the sacrament of the altar Thomas invented transubstantiation. I think that the bread and wine remain, just as the water remains in baptism and just as the human voice remains when I preach. Yet it is in truth the power of God, as Paul calls it." (Romans 1:16)
Contempt for and Love of God's Word Between November 9 and 30, 1531
When there was talk about contempt for the Word of God among peasants, noblemen, and townspeople, he [Martin Luther] said, "Such contempt ought to be both a consolation and a warning to us, so that we give thanks to God for the blessing of being among those who love his Word, diligently hear and learn God's Word, and find delight in the Holy Scriptures. For it is a great punishment and a severe judgment of God if a man so hates God and his Word that he is unwilling to hear it and neither honors nor esteems the ministers of the Word."
Martin Luther
Treatment of Melancholy, Despair, Etc.
November 30, 1531
"When I was in spiritual distress34 a gentle word would restore my spirit. Sometimes my confessor said to me when I repeatedly discussed silly sins with him, 'You are a fool. God is not incensed against you, but you are incensed against God. God is not angry with you, but you are angry with God.' This was magnificently said, although it was before the light of the gospel.55
"Right here at this table, when the rest of you were in Jena, Pomeranus36 sometimes consoled me when I was sad by saying, no doubt God is thinking what more can I do with this man? I have given him so many excellent gifts, and yet he despairs of my grace!' These words were a great comfort to me. As a voice from heaven they struck me in my heart, although I think Pomeranus did not realize at the time what he had said and that it was so well said.
"Those who are troubled with melancholy," he [Martin Luther] said, "ought to be very careful not to be alone, for God created the fellowship of the church and commanded brotherliness, as the Scriptures testify, 'Woe to him who is alone when he falls,' etc. [Eccles. 4:10]. To be gloomy before God is not pleasing to him, although he would permit us to be depressed before the world. He does not wish me to have a long face in his presence, as he says, 'I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked' [Ezek. 33:11] and 'Bejoice in the Lord' [PhiL 4:4]. He desires not a servant who does not expect good things of him.
"Although I know this, I am of a different mind ten times in the course of a day. But I resist the devil, and often it is with a fart that I chase him away. When he tempts me with silly sins I say, 'devil, yesterday I broke wind too. Have you written it down on your list?' when I say to him, 'You have been put to shame,' he believes it, for he does not want to be despised. Afterward, if I engage him in further conversation, I upbraid him with the pope and say, 'If you do the same as he does, who is your pope that I should celebrate him? Look what an abomination he has prepared, and it continues to this day!' Thus I remind myself of the forgiveness of sin and of Christ and I remind Satan of the abomination of the pope. This abomination is so great that I am of good cheer and rejoice, and I confess that the abomination of the papacy after the time of Christ is a great consolation to me. Consequently those who say that one should not rebuke the pope are dreadful scolds. Go right ahead and inveigh against the pope, especially if the devil disturbs you about justification. He often troubles me with trivialities. I don't notice this when I'm depressed, but when I feel better I recognize it easily.
"Well, then, our furious foe has done us much harm. I know that I shall see him and his flaming missiles in the last day. As long as we have pure teaching he will not harm us, but if the One who gave us the Word and also allowed his only Son to die for us, He did not do this in vain. Accordingly we should entertain the hope that we are saints, that we are saved, and that this will be manifest when it is revealed. Since Christ accepted the thief on the cross37 just as he was and received Paul after all his blasphemies and persecutions,as we have no reason to despair. As a matter of fact, all of us must be saved just as the thief and Paul were. Good God, what do you think it means that he has given his only Son? It means that he also offers whatever else he possesses. We have no reason, therefore, to fear his wrath, although we must continue to fear on account of the old Adam, who is still unable to understand this as it ought to be understood. If we had only the first three words of the Creed,39 'I believe in God the Father,' they would still be far beyond our understanding and reason. In short, it does not occur to man that God is Father. If it did, man could not live for a single moment. Accordingly in this infirm flesh we must have faith, for if we were capable of fully believing, heaven would already be here. There is therefore no reason to fear, in so far as the object of fear is concerned, and yet we cannot understand and are compelled on account of the weakness of our flesh to suffer assaults of fear and desperation. Thus the catechism remains lord,40 and there is nobody who understands it I am accordingly compelled to pray it every day, even aloud, and whenever I happen to be prevented by the press of duties from observing my hour of prayer, the entire day is bad for me. Prayer helps us very much and gives us a cheerful heart, not on account of any merit in the work, but because we have spoken with God and found everything to be in order.
"Having been taught by experience I can say how you ought to restore your spirit when you suffer from spiritual depression. When you are assailed by gloom, despair, or a troubled conscience
you should eat, drink, and talk with others. It you can find help for yourself by thinking of a girl, do so.
"There was a bishop who had a sister in a convent. She was disturbed by various dreams about her brother. She betook herself to her brother and complained to him that she was again and again agitated by bad dreams. He at once prepared a sumptuous dinner and urged his sister to eat and drink. The following day he asked her whether she had been annoyed by dreams during the night. 'No,' she responded. 'I slept well and had no dreams at all.' 'Go, then,' he said. 'Take care of your body in defiance of Satan, and the bad dreams will stop.'
"But this you ought to know, that other remedies are suitable for other persons. Copious drinking benefits me when I am in this condition. But I would not advise a young person to drink more because this might stimulate his sexual desire. In short, abstinence is beneficial for some and a drinking bout for others. Augustine says wisely in his rule, 'Not equally for all because you are not all equally strong. So he speaks about the body and so we can speak about illnesses of the spirit."
Martin Luther
Christmas Eve
"Are You the Only One Who Is Right?"
Between November 30 and December 14, 1531
"Above all, we must be certain that this [our] teaching is the Word of God. When this is established, we shall be sure that the cause must and will remain and that no devil can suppress it. God be praised, I am certain that it is the Word of our Lord God, I have driven from my heart all other beliefs in the world, whatever they may be, and I have almost overcome that most difficult of all thoughts which arises in the heart, 'Do you claim to be the only one who has the true Word of God and no one else has it?' In this sense-that is, in the name of the church-they are now attacking us most severely. I find this argument [of our opponents] everywhere in all the prophets, to whom men said, 'We are the people of God; you are only a few.' Only in such a way should one rely upon oneself and say, 'All the rest of you are wrong.' But a consolation is added when the Word declares, 'I shall give you children, people who will accept it.'"
Martin Luther
Christmas Day
General George Washington crosses the Delaware River from the Pennsylvania Shore at McConkey Ford to attack the Hessians in Trenton, New Jersey, 1776
Luke 2: 1 - 201 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to his own town to register.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ a [ a Or Messiah. ``The Christ" (Greek) and ``the Messiah" (Hebrew) both mean ``the Anointed One"; also in verse 26.] the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 "Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
The New International Version, (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.
St. Stephen, Martyr
The Continental Army under the command of General George Washington, attacks the Hessians at Trenton, New Jersey, 1776, in the first decisive "amphibious" victory of the Revolutionary War.
God's Grace Is Hard to Believe - Between November 30 and December 14, 1531
"It's very difficult for a man to believe that God is gracious to him. The human heart can't grasp this. What happened in my case? I was once terrified by the sacrament which Dr. Staupitz carried in a procession in Eisleben on the feast of Corpus Christi. I went along in the procession and wore the dress of a priest. Afterward I made confession to Dr. Staupitz, and he said to me, 'Your thought is not of Christ.' With this word he comforted me well. This is the way we are. Christ offers himself to us together with the forgiveness of sins, and yet we flee from his face.
-This also happened to me as a boy in my homeland when we sang in order to gather sausages. A townsman jokingly cried out, 'what are you boys up to? May this or that evil overtake you!' At the same time he ran toward us with two sausages. With my companion I took to my feet and ran away from the man who was offering his gift. This is precisely what happens to us in our relation to God. He gave us Christ with all his gifts, and yet we flee from him and regard him as our judge."
Martin Luther
Cheerfulness and Reverence Before God - Between December 14, 1531, and January 22,1532
"If it is true that God speaks with us in the Holy Scriptures, either he must be a rascal who does not do what he says or he must be the highest majesty who, when he opens his mouth, does three times as much as he promises. With one word he created the whole world, Genesis 1. It is therefore established that God speaks, and so one will learn to esteem his word highly. David recognized and believed this, and so he wrote, 'God has spoken to me in his sanctuary' [Ps. 60:6]. He had to pay for this, too, and that is why God put him to such severe trials, involving murder, adultery, exile, etc. So David wrote in a psalm, 'Serve the Lord with fear, and exult with trembling' [Ps. 2:11]. Let somebody bring this into harmony for me: exult and fear! My son Hans can do it in relation to me, but I can't do it in relation to God. When I'm writing or doing something else, my Hans sings a little tune for me. If he becomes too noisy and I rebuke him a little for it, he continues to sing but does it more privately and with a certain awe and uneasiness. This is what God wishes: that we be always cheerful, but with reverence."
Martin Luther
Holy Innocents, Martyrs
Matthew 2: 1-25
The Visit of the Magi
2
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, ‘‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."3
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5 ‘‘In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, ‘‘for this is what the prophet has written:6
"‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,7
Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘‘Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."9
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.The Escape to Egypt
13
When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘‘Get up," he said, ‘‘take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him."14
So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘‘Out of Egypt I called my son."16
When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. 17 Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:18
‘‘A voice is heard in Ramah,
Luther Is Occupied with Many Duties - Between December 14, 1531, and January 22, 1532
"I am very busy. Four persons are dependent on me, and each of them demands my time for himself. Four times a week I preach in public, twice a week I lecture, and in addition I hear cases,write letters, and am working on a book for publication. It is a good thing that God came to my aid and gave me a wife. She takes care of domestic matters, so that I do not have to be responsible for these too."
Martin Luther
Judges Decide on the Basis of Evidence - Between December 14, 1531, and January 22, 1532
(Dr. Martin Luther was asked,)Did David do the right thing when he killed the man who said that he had slain Saul but (if I am not mistaken) had not really done so?
"I reply that he did the right thing. So a judge also does right if he makes a wrong judgment in a case in which he relies on the testimony of witnesses. No one can be sure of witnesses. One must believe them and be content with this. Lawyers also carry on their task by faith. They can safely rely on testimonies, even if they discover afterward that they were false, for 'on the evidence of two witnesses, or of three witnesses, shall a charge be sustained' [Deut. 19:15]. Besides, they have a rule, 'A judge should pronounce sentence according to the charges and the proofs.'
"A jurist can be a scoundrel but a theologian ought to be a godly man. The reason is that a jurist has power over the bodily things with which he deals, but it requires a godly man to be a theologian because God himself, his heaven and all his gifts, righteousness, the forgiveness of sin, and everything else are entrusted to him. God himself relies upon him, for it is written, 'If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven' [John 20:23]."
Martin Luther
New Year's Eve - May God Bless you in the New Year!
Luther Drinks to God's Honor - Between November 30 and December 14, 1531
"If our Lord God can pardon me for having crucified and martyred him for about twenty years [by saying mass], he can also approve of my occasionally taking a drink in his honor. God grant it, no matter how the world may wish to interpret it!"
Martin Luther
Happy Easter!
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!" So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen. Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed.
The fire of the Holy Spirit decends on the Apostles in Jerusalem