“And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.’” Mark 16:15 (NKJV)
Many of our greatest history-makers followed the Holy Spirit’s leading.
In 1492 Christopher Columbus risked his life as he followed the Holy Spirit’s leading to an uncharted New World. He knew that he would be risking his life, but he had no real choice. The Lord put the idea in his mind, and he had to follow Him. He said that the gospel must be preached to every land to fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah, and Columbus felt time was of the essence.
King James, the King of England who gave us the first modern translation of the Bible, proclaimed in 1606 the authority for the three ships to set sail on charter by way of the Virginia Company. He wrote in the 1st Virginia Charter, “We, greatly commending and graciously accepting of their desires to the furtherance of...Christian religion to such a people as yet live in darkness…”
John Smith, Reverend Hunt and Capt. Newport were among the group of weary travelers aboard those three ships who dropped anchor at Cape Henry in Virginia Beach in April of 1607. They felt God’s leading all through their journey. Upon landing, they suffered an attack from the Indians. Immediately Hunt led them into three days of prayer and fasting for repentance of sins and in preparation of dedication of the land to God.
They erected a cross on the land and prayed a prayer of dedication to the God who led them to it. After Hunt prayed and asked for God’s blessings, he read Acts 26: 17-18. While reading the scriptures he was overwhelmed by God’s Spirit to the point he was gripped with emotion. He raised his trembling hands and eyes to heaven and prayed, “From these shores the Gospel shall go forth to not only this New World, but also to the entire world.”
On this day in 1607 the first permanent British settlement in North America, Jamestown, Virginia, was established. God’s hand was upon this crew who followed the Holy Spirit’s leading to America.
As we celebrate our country’s founding principles today we should look at the sacrifices made by our ancestors for the freedom of our nation. Columbus, King James, and John Smith are just a few of those who’ve sacrificed for us. What are we doing to carry on their work? Let’s never take for granted the sacrifices made by so many for our country.
The Holy Spirit leads, guides and directs every Christian. It is up to us to follow His leading.
Teach your children about the heritage of this great country, and that when they follow the Holy Spirit’s leading, they to can become History Makers. Our future depends on it.
Dear Lord, Help me to follow Your leading and not be ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for I know it is the power that America and all countries need. Help me to be a leader for You. I don’t have the ability on my own, but through You I can do all things. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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