Jeremiah 23:23-24
As a home schooling Dad, I sometimes get the great privilege of working with my daughter on her school work. Currently I am working with her and some of her friends on the Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane. The main character, Henry Fleming, struggles with the concept of his bravery in battle. Will he stay and fight or will he run?
The first battle comes and Henry and his companions stop the assault of the Southern troops. With much elation, Henry thinks he has answered his question. Everyone will view him as brave and not a coward. But then the unthinkable happens. The Rebels counter-attack causing Henry's nerve to break and he flees in the ensuing confusion.
Henry now debates with himself if he is truly a coward, having run in the face of the enemy. He is injured by another soldier during his flight and when he returns to his company, they believe he was wounded in the battle. No one says anything about his running in fear. His secret is safe!
Using Henry's logic, no one saw it happen so it never happened, I had the kids do some exploring about what the Bible has to say about such things. Boy did I get some great responses.
Jeremiah 23:23-24 "Am I only a God nearby," declares the Lord, 'and not a God far away? Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?" declares the Lord.
In 2 Samuel 12:1-15, we read of David and Bathsheba. David commits this sin in private but God send the prophet, Nathan, to confront David.
The students decided that trying to justify our private sinfulness as Henry did, is a futile practice. We are better off confessing that sin to God and seeking His forgiveness.
Wise suggestions from our youth!
Blessings
Mark
The first battle comes and Henry and his companions stop the assault of the Southern troops. With much elation, Henry thinks he has answered his question. Everyone will view him as brave and not a coward. But then the unthinkable happens. The Rebels counter-attack causing Henry's nerve to break and he flees in the ensuing confusion.
Henry now debates with himself if he is truly a coward, having run in the face of the enemy. He is injured by another soldier during his flight and when he returns to his company, they believe he was wounded in the battle. No one says anything about his running in fear. His secret is safe!
Using Henry's logic, no one saw it happen so it never happened, I had the kids do some exploring about what the Bible has to say about such things. Boy did I get some great responses.
Jeremiah 23:23-24 "Am I only a God nearby," declares the Lord, 'and not a God far away? Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?" declares the Lord.
In 2 Samuel 12:1-15, we read of David and Bathsheba. David commits this sin in private but God send the prophet, Nathan, to confront David.
The students decided that trying to justify our private sinfulness as Henry did, is a futile practice. We are better off confessing that sin to God and seeking His forgiveness.
Wise suggestions from our youth!
Blessings
Mark
posted by BreadBakers at 12:51 PM
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