Recorded History | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Recorded History | Previous Challenge Entry
By Edmond Ng
06/07/10
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Now therefore if it seem good to the king, let him search in the king's library, which is in Babylon, whether it hath been decreed by Cyrus the king, that the house of God in Jerusalem should be built, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter. (Ezra 5:17 DRB)

I used to frequently visit the main public library near where I studied in my high school years. Although it had since been demolished, the library still holds a very special place in my heart. It was there a stranger invited me to a church-organized youth club near the library’s vicinity that I received Jesus as my Lord and Savior in the first meeting I attended. It was also there I first found my love for writing while serving as a committee member in a writing club organized by the library to promote local literature.

Just months before the library was pulled down a few years ago, a call was made to the public for people who have fond memories of the library to submit their reminiscences in the form of short write-ups, photography and drawings. These submissions were shortlisted by a press editor, proofread and edited before they were sent for publishing into a coffee table book entitled, Moments in Time: Memories of the National Library.

I was privileged and honored to be among the many writers who have their articles published as part of the recorded history of the library. This book boasts of content containing works from more than a hundred individuals with writings of many diverse stories, including love story, reminiscence and humor. Contributors of the write-ups and photographs in the book were made up of people from different walks of life, including library staff, past library users, educators, students among many others.

Like the book that recorded the history of the library, the Bible also records many events of the past and stories of individuals who have excelled or failed in their walk with God. The Bible is made up of 66 books written by some 40 authors covering a period of approximately 1600 years. It includes many diverse stories of recorded history, teachings, prophesies and a love story that is central to the theme of the entire Bible. This love story relates God’s immense love for the world that He gave His one and only Son to die on the cross, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). Authors of the Bible come from different walks of life and include kings and princes, poets and philosophers, prophets, statesmen, and even fishermen.

All the books of the Old and New Testament are now complete in a single book—the Holy Bible. Few would have come to know the Lord if not for the Bible, for there would not have been the recorded history of what God had done for us and for the people before us (Exodus 13:8-9). Even in the days of the Old Testament, things would have been very different for Israel and the house of God if not for the recorded history found in the library archives of the king (Ezra 5:17).

We are a privileged people to have God’s word in a book. Although we cannot add anything to it nor take words away from it (Revelation 22:18-19), we can be a part of its history in the making. Written in the Bible are many prophesies, with us still within the church age before our Lord's return. Till then, history as we know it in this life has yet to come to an end, and the new chapter will begin only in the new order where tears and mourning, pain and death will be no more (Revelation 21).

Let us therefore not be afraid or hesitate to do our part in making history within God’s word. If we do well, we shall be with Him when He returns (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). In the meantime, let us not forget all His benefits, for He has redeemed our lives from the pit and crowned us with love and compassion (Psalm 103:2, 4).

Thank You dear Lord for preserving the historical records of Your word that we are able till this day know the plans You have for us. Help us always to remember Your kindness Lord, that we may not be complacent, but be forever grateful for Your immense love to willingly die on the cross to save us.

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