Some Thoughts

Sometimes my wife and I will tease each other when the other tries to help: “No! Wanna do it mySELF!” We get a good chuckle and then carry on helping one another. (Humor is usually so helpful!)

Along with the idea of not trying to do things on our own, I’m particularly thankful today for the historic confessions and catechisms handed down to us from our fathers. God has been teaching his church for many millenia and by now we “ought to be teachers” instead of trying to reinvent the wheel again every generation. I was listening to a talk from the fellows at the Reformed Forum recently (I don’t remember which episode, forgive me), and N. Batzig said something (a few things, really!) that has really stuck with me (paraphrased): “Sometimes the [Westminster] Confession is criticised for not having a section on the Holy Spirit — but that’s because the Holy Spirit is all through it, from beginning to end. He’s working with the Word to convert sinners, regenerate hearts-and-minds, sanctify, and preserve us, edify us in the sacraments…He’s everywhere.” I recently scanned through much of the Confession just looking for mention of the person and/or work of the Holy Spirit, and was amazed to see how frequently he is mentioned.

I’m thankful that we don’t have to “do it ourselves.” I would think it wise advice to “look, and ask for the ancient paths” (Jer. 6:16 [show] [16]Thus says the LORD: "Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'
), to sit humbled at our grandfathers’ feet, take up, eat, and learn. Let’s not neglect this wonderful “heritage from the Lord.”