Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me (Isaiah 46:9, KJV).

ABSTRACT

This article explores the recurring patterns in biblical history, drawing from stories like Israel’s confrontation with Sihon to illustrate how remembering God’s past leadings equips the community to navigate present challenges, avoid repeating errors, and foster unbreakable unity as a militant force, while highlighting God’s unchanging love that threads through all generations, urging personal reflection and collective application to face modern adversities with hope and purpose.

ECHOES OF THE PAST: WHISPERS FOR THE FUTURE

History repeats in cycles that reveal profound spiritual lessons for us all. We often sense these echoes in our own experiences, where familiar struggles and victories reappear in new forms. Scripture captures this reality directly. Deuteronomy 32:7 urges us: “Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.” This isn’t just dusty advice; it’s a lifeline. Ellen G. White illustrates this through her writings, noting how divine principles persist across eras. In Education we read: “The Bible is the most ancient and the most comprehensive history that men possess. It came fresh from the fountain of eternal truth, and throughout the ages a divine hand has preserved its purity” (Education, p. 173, 1903). A passage from Patriarchs and Prophets reminds us: “In reviewing our past history, having traveled over every step of advance to our present standing, I can say, Praise God! As I see what the Lord has wrought, I am filled with astonishment, and with confidence in Christ as leader” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 314, 1890). These insights reinforce the value of historical awareness in strengthening our faith. But what shadows from ancient conflicts like Sihon’s still linger to teach us survival today?

WHAT SHADOWS DOES SIHON CAST TODAY?

The story of Israel’s encounter with Sihon, king of the Amorites (Numbers 21:21-25), is a stark reminder of the importance of remembering history. The Israelites, seeking peaceful passage, were met with aggression. Sihon’s hostility forced Israel into battle, a battle they won, claiming Sihon’s land. This wasn’t just a land grab; it was a lesson etched in blood: Knowing your history can be a matter of survival. Centuries later, Jephthah used this very history to defend Israel’s claim to the land against the Amorites (Judges 11:12-23). He didn’t just rely on hearsay; he knew the details. His knowledge became his shield and his sword. Scripture further supports this by showing how past events instruct future generations, as in 1 Corinthians 10:11: “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” Romans 15:4 adds: “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” Through inspired counsel we are told: “The record of the experience through which the people of God passed in the early history of our work must be republished” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 17, p. 344, 1906). A prophetic voice once wrote: “Many lessons may be learned by a study of our past history” (Letter 105, 1903). This demonstrates how vital it is to preserve and understand our history, so we are not doomed to repeat its mistakes. Yet, if patterns persist, is there truly nothing new under the sun that we must confront?

IS THERE TRULY NOTHING NEW UNDER THE SUN?

Ecclesiastes 1:9 tells us, “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” This can feel disheartening, but it’s also profoundly insightful. Ellen G. White, in The Great Controversy, echoes this sentiment: “The work of God in the earth presents, from age to age, a striking similarity in every great reformation or religious movement” (The Great Controversy, p. 343, 1911). God’s methods, His principles, remain constant. Knowing this allows us to see patterns, to learn from the successes and failures of those who came before. It’s like having a map for a journey we haven’t taken yet. We can anticipate the terrain, prepare for the obstacles, and navigate the path with greater wisdom. Verses affirm this continuity, such as Ecclesiastes 3:15: “That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.” Job 8:8-9 states: “For enquire, I pray thee, of the former age, and prepare thyself to the search of their fathers: (For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth are a shadow:).” In The Review and Herald we read: “History is repeating. With the open Bible before them, and professing to reverence its teachings, many of the religious leaders of our time are destroying faith in it as the word of God” (The Review and Herald, December 18, 1888). The inspired pen notes: “Past history will be repeated; old controversies will arouse to new life, and peril will beset God’s people on every side” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 116, 1923). But if we overlook these divine leadings, what dangerous path might we tread unwittingly?

WHAT PERILS LIE IN FORGETTING PATHS?

“We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history” (Life Sketches, p. 196, 1915). These words from Sr. White are a powerful warning. Forgetting God’s leading, ignoring the lessons of the past, is like sailing without a compass. We become vulnerable to the currents of error, tossed about by every wind of doctrine. The Israelites’ journey, with its highs and lows, serves as a cautionary tale. When they remembered God’s faithfulness, they prospered. When they forgot, they stumbled. We must engrave these lessons on our hearts, lest we repeat their mistakes. Psalm 77:11 declares: “I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.” Deuteronomy 8:2 adds: “And thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.” Through inspired counsel we learn: “When we lose sight of what the Lord has done in the past for His people, we lose sight of His present working in their behalf” (Manuscript 23, 1899). A passage from Selected Messages reminds us: “We are in danger of forgetting the important lessons God has given us” (Selected Messages, book 2, p. 369, 1958). Still, if unity binds us like an army, how does that strength manifest in our shared mission?

HOW DOES UNITY MAKE US UNSTOPPABLE?

The Bible uses powerful metaphors to describe the church. In the Song of Solomon, the church is depicted as an army, “terrible as an army with banners” (Song of Solomon 6:4, KJV). This imagery emphasizes unity, strength, and purpose. Just as a physical army needs cohesion to be effective, so does the church. The early Christian church, united in purpose, “continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42, KJV). This unity fueled their mission, allowing them to spread the Gospel like wildfire (Acts of the Apostles, pp. 90-91, 1911). When we are united, we are an unstoppable force for good. Ephesians 4:3 urges: “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Philippians 2:2 adds: “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” Sr. White emphasizes: “Unity is the strength of the church” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 145, 1909). The inspired pen affirms: “In unity there is a life, a power that can be obtained in no other way” (The Upward Look, p. 149, 1982). Yet, amidst these bonds, how does God’s love weave its eternal thread through the ages?

HOW DOES LOVE WEAVE THROUGH AGES?

God’s love is the constant thread woven through the tapestry of history. As the psalmist declares, “For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations” (Psalm 100:5, KJV). Even when the Israelites strayed, God’s love pursued them, offering chances for repentance and restoration. This enduring love, this unwavering commitment to His people, is the very reason history matters. God’s dealings with humanity, His patience, His mercy, are all recorded for our benefit. He doesn’t want us to stumble in the dark; He provides the light of past experiences to guide our way. In the New Testament, we see the ultimate expression of this love in Jesus Christ. He is the culmination of all history, the embodiment of God’s grace. Therefore, studying history is not just an academic exercise; it’s an encounter with God’s love, a love that transcends time and circumstance. This love is the anchor that keeps us steady through the storms of life. Jeremiah 31:3 proclaims: “The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” Psalm 136:26 adds: “O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.” A prophetic voice once wrote: “The love of God is a golden chain, binding finite human beings to Himself. This love passes our knowledge” (The Signs of the Times, July 13, 1904). In Early Writings we read: “I have seen the tender love that God has for His people, and it is very great” (Early Writings, p. 39, 1882). But how do these historical echoes resonate in my own experiences?

WHAT ECHOES RESOUND IN MY LIFE?

I’ve seen this principle play out in my own life. Times when I’ve ignored the lessons of the past, I’ve stumbled. But when I’ve taken the time to reflect, to learn from my mistakes and the mistakes of others, I’ve found wisdom and strength. It’s not always easy to face our failures, but it’s essential for growth. Just like the Israelites, we all have our own “Sihons” to face, our own challenges to overcome. But by remembering God’s faithfulness, by learning from the past, we can face the future with courage and hope. Psalm 143:5 states: “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.” Joshua 4:6-7 adds: “That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones? Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.” Through inspired counsel we are told: “Sacred history presents many illustrations of the results of true education. It presents many noble examples of men whose characters were formed under divine direction” (Education, p. 51, 1903). A passage from Manuscript Releases reminds us: “We should study the history of the nations, and see how God’s purpose has been wrought out” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 18, p. 113, 1990). Still, as we apply this personally, how do we as the community share our collective story to inspire one another?

HOW DO WE SHARE OUR SACRED STORY?

As the community, we must also heed this call to remember. We must cherish our history, both the triumphs and the struggles. Sr. White’s words ring true: “We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history” (Life Sketches, p. 196, 1915). Let us not forget the sacrifices made by those who came before us. Let us not forget the lessons learned through trial and error. Let us stand united, like an army with banners, advancing the cause of truth and righteousness. Just as Jephthah used history to defend Israel, we must be ready to defend the truth in our day. We must be informed, knowledgeable, and rooted in the Word of God. Colossians 3:14 declares: “And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” John 17:21 adds: “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” The inspired pen urges: “Strive earnestly for unity. Pray for it, work for it. It will bring spiritual health, elevation of thought, nobility of character, heavenly-mindedness” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 240, 1902). A prophetic voice once wrote: “Christ is the uniting link in the golden chain which binds [us] together in God” (Our High Calling, p. 184, 1961). Now, with this shared foundation, are we prepared to face today’s Sihons in our modern battles?

FACING TODAY’S SIHONS: READY?

Today, the church faces new “Sihons”—new challenges to its faith and mission. These challenges may look different from those faced by the Israelites, but the underlying principles remain the same. We see the rise of secularism, the erosion of moral values, and the spread of false teachings. How do we respond? We respond by remembering. We remember God’s faithfulness in the past. We remember the lessons learned by those who came before us. We study the Word of God, and we allow it to shape our lives. We stand united, a church militant, ready to defend the truth. Psalm 78:7 affirms: “That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments.” Nehemiah 9:17 adds: “And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.” Through inspired counsel we learn: “History repeats itself. The same masterful mind that plotted against the faithful in ages past is now at work to gain control of the Protestant churches” (The Faith I Live By, p. 331, 1958). In Christ Triumphant we read: “Past history will be repeated. A determined conflict is to be waged in the Christian world” (Christ Triumphant, p. 273, 1999). Finally, if remembering is our shield, how can we all answer the call to this shared responsibility?

HEED THE CALL TO REMEMBER NOW?

The call to remember is not just for individuals; it’s for all of us. It’s a call to cherish our history, to learn from it, and to use it as a guide for the future. It’s a call to stand together, united in faith and purpose, ready to face whatever challenges may come. Let us heed the words of Deuteronomy 32:7: “Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.” Let us learn from the echoes of the past, so that we can create a brighter future, a future where God’s love reigns supreme. Hebrews 13:8 states: “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” Lamentations 3:22-23 adds: “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” Sr. White concludes: “We should link up the past with the present and the future” (The Review and Herald, May 25, 1905). A passage from Last Day Events reminds us: “We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us” (Last Day Events, p. 72, 1992).

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into the truths of historical remembrance, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these themes of echoing history and unity to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned members to new seekers, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about learning from biblical history in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of God’s enduring love and the lessons from past echoes?