Finding His Story in History
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September 21
Two Great Minds
Proverbs 27:17
On September 21, 1937, the book The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien was published. It is a classic tale and often required reading in a high school literature class. Tolkien was an incredibly talented author, and the inspiration for this book came as he was grading student essay exams one morning.
What’s His story? You may not know this, but Tolkien shared a close friendship with fellow author C.S. Lewis. That is incredible, right?? Through their friendship, Tolkien brought Lewis back to the Christian faith. It was Lewis that encouraged Tolkien to write his fantasy novels, which by the way, carried some overt Christian themes. Tolkien and Lewis challenged each other, pranked one another, and veritably enjoyed each other’s company, while both focused on God’s will for the world. They lived out Proverbs 27:17, which says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” One can only imagine the conversations these two had as they walked the grounds of the University of Oxford in England. We can also learn from this friendship that had incredible emotional depth. We have an opportunity to build each other up, sharpening one another in preparation for the ensuing battle that will inevitably take place. While we may not have the same level of intellectually stimulating conversations as these two, we can create a meeting of the minds that spreads the kingdom in a new and meaningful way. Who are you sharpening today?
September 22
Wicker Baskets of Faith
Exodus 2:3
On September 22, 2003, David Hempleman-Adams became the first person to cross the Atlantic Ocean in an open wicker basket balloon. The journey was from New Brunswick, Canada, to Blackpool, England. To call him an adventurer is an understatement.
What’s His story? Let’s go to the book of Exodus 1 and 2:1-10, where we find the story of Moses as a baby left in a wicker basket among the reeds and bulrushes of the Nile River in Egypt. Moses’ mother, Jochebed, put him in a basket and placed it in the river to protect him from Pharaoh, who had decreed that Hebrew boys be drowned at birth. His crying alerted one of Pharaoh’s daughters, and she decided to adopt him as her child and, through God’s grace, used Jochebed as his nurse. You could say this was just the beginning of the adventure for Moses. To call him an adventurer would also be an understatement! Do you see the underlying theme between the two stories? Both Hempleman-Adams and Jochebed believed and had faith, but they also trusted and put their faith into action! Both are great examples of pure trust placed into a simple wicker basket. Will you take that first step to put your faith into action? What is your adventure, and how will you trust God along the way?
September 23
Trusting a Bucking Bronco
Psalm 28:7
On September 23, 1897, the first Frontier Days Rodeo took place in Cheyenne, Wyoming. If you have never been to Cheyenne during Frontier Days, I highly recommend it! This is one of the most popular rodeo events in the United States, if not the world. There is something about Wyoming and a rodeo.
What’s His story? While there are mixed opinions about rodeos and the interaction between man and animal, one thing remains certain. There is a distinct connection between horse and man, especially at the rodeo. As a prey animal, the horse inherently lacks trust until a bond is established between its owner, trainer, or rider. It is incredible to observe the transformation. Even better is the change from unbridled mustang to obedient horses through human horsemanship. This is what is required to perform the barrel racing or roping competitions you might see at rodeos. This requires trust in both ways. A horse must trust rider, and a rider must trust a horse. It is also how we must trust Jesus. Psalm 28:7 reminds us of the wonder and joy that awaits our hearts when we believe. It says, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.” My heart leaps like a bucking bronco when I trust in God. Why do we find this so difficult to do? What can horses teach us about God? There is more than you might think. Today, what is stopping you from hopping back on the horse to trust God and feel your heart leap for joy?
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About the Book
What happened today in history, and exactly what does it have to do with God’s story and scripture? Each day is an opportunity to experience God, but how often do we think about mundane historical events being connected to God? How can we reveal His fingerprints in these events, leading to a greater appreciation for history, which is really His story?
With a foreword by Pastor Steven Brumbeloe, you are invited to join this quirky and fun daily journey through time encouraging you to view historical events and scripture in a brand new way. It serves up a daily reminder to expect the unexpected, awakening readers to the world around them and how God can be found anywhere and everywhere throughout history!
About the Author
First-time author, Matt Somerlot, is a native Georgian displaying a deep appreciation for history, trivia, and pure love of scripture. While serving in hospitality for a new church plant, he began a newsletter that included a feature titled “This Day in History with a Biblical Slant,” taking a historical event and bridging it to scripture to reveal God’s fingerprints throughout the annals of history. His appreciation for music, food, art, biology, botany, and random tidbits shines throughout, resulting in an engaging, distinctive, and sometimes witty way to get his readers to see God in a new and unique way!