I love history. As I’m studying Scripture, I put myself in the shoes of Biblical characters and examine their reactions from the standpoint of culture, and I glean more application for my life now. When I immerse myself in first-century Jewish society, I see a clearer picture of Jesus, and I gain a deeper understanding of my fellow man. In addition, as I learn about the chronology of world civilizations, I enlarge my knowledge of the arc of time and begin to see patterns in the unfolding of events on this planet. In fact, the more I examine what’s happened before, the more wholeheartedly I agree with King Saul when he wrote that in man’s attempt to find meaning, there is nothing new under the sun. The behavior of humanity hasn’t changed, nor have our efforts to gain power, make a name for ourselves, and somehow become immortal. Throughout the compendium of the ages, leaders have risen and fallen despite their attempts to ensure that their legacy outlives the span of their lives. And today, many people continue to struggle to find their place in this gigantic and impersonal world. Thankfully, there is One who swallows up the fear of death, bestows an eternal inheritance, and usurps the fear of mortality, and His Name is Jesus. He is the age-old hope for human hearts, and because He wrote the whole book of time, He has placed each and every one of us in this chapter for a reason.

My friend, if you’re wondering about your place in history, consider your Savior, who is both the Beginning and the End. He could have chosen any era in which to put you on planet earth, but He picked right now. As challenging as this season is, the struggles you see are nothing new to humanity, nor are they a shock to God. Though uncertainty surrounds you, when you keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, He will light your way, make your path straight, and use your steadfast faith to draw others to Himself. The Author of Creation has written the entirety of your story, and because He has granted you immortality, it is exceedingly good!