Why have people tolerated hardship for others good causes? Or, why some people endured suffering so that others can cherish? Do we admire people who suffered and provided us great benefits to our generation?
History reminds us that many great people endured hardships so that the future generation can have freedom, and a better life. For instance, the 1st-century Christians who suffered hardships under the Roman Empire (Nero), and since then because of their suffering, generations embraced freedom.
American history reminds us that how the Pilgrims, known as the Puritans who first came to America and started their hard life in the 17th century. Since then not only Americans but also other nations and/or communities in the world became beneficiaries of their hard work and labor.
The Puritans were Christians who wanted the Church of England to be purified of any liturgy, ceremonies, or practices that were not found in Scripture (Bible). The Bible was Puritans sole authority, and they believed it applied to every area of life. Yes, we (Americans) are the beneficiaries of the Puritan’s hard work and labor.
On this resurrection day of Jesus Christ, we believers cherish God’s greatest gift of the “eternal life,” which was purchased for us by His son’s precious blood (Rom. 6:23 NKJV). As we know that the “Christianity” began with the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It was with the great difficulties, this message passed on to us by the 1st-century believers, including his disciples so that we can have this free “gift of eternal life.” On this Easter Sunday day, how can we forget His greatest gift?
I’m reminded of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism and one of God’s humble servants’ statement that “what one generation tolerates, the next generation will embrace.” It’s true, because of his hard work my generation is embracing the freedom. Had it not for his ministry, I don’t think today I and my family would be a Christian. How can we forget Wesley brothers hard work? I’m sure many us today in our Easter Sunday services sang Charles Wesley’s one of the greatest hymns “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today.” What a meaningful and life-changing messages these two brothers gave to us.
Therefore, I admire them and started writing a blog, after prayerful thoughts every Sunday since last (2016) Easter on related topics and try to publish it on the social media. I thank God for providing me thoughts to do so about His work and servants who provided us the “Good News.”
As one of the beneficiaries, how can I forget great people who endured hardships in the past so that our generation can cherish? I think it is our responsibility to make sure the future generation can also embrace the freedom that we enjoyed.
Once again I’m reminded of John Wesley’s statement that “ I am not afraid that the people called Methodists should ever cease to exist either in Europe or America. But I am afraid lest they should only exist as a dead sect, having the form of religion without the power. And this undoubtedly will be the case unless they hold fast both the doctrine, spirit, and discipline with which they first set out.” Let us hold fast the doctrine, spirit, and discipline so that the next generation also can embrace it.” Happy Easter to you all!