Leaning Forward: The glance back

Yesterday was a satisfying glance back, but only that, a glance. Harriet, The Chester, my brother Mike, his wife Sally, and a crowd of like-minded seekers worshiped with our fast- forward on pause so we could look back. It was the fiftieth anniversary of Edwards Rd. Baptist Church, Greenville, SC. Hundreds of us relished the sight. But, it was a glance, no more. Mature people know we can't go back.

Scripture leans us distinctly forward. When angels with flaming swords were assigned to guard the gates of the Garden of Eden the message was clear: one, perfection is no longer possible; and two, there's no going back. During the Exodus, the children of Israel often wished to return to the relative comforts of Egypt but were consistently moved forward by the promise of a land flowing with milk and honey. The prophets moved the nation to covenant renewal with the promise of redemption. Jesus would not be detoured away from the finishing business of the cross. And, the Apostle Paul wrote to forget the past and press on toward the prize of the high calling of Christ. As much and as often as we'd like, there's no going back.

But, there is the glance back, the quick reference point of the rear-view mirror to see where we've been. That's what the fiftieth homecoming of ERBC was for me, a momentary cessation of motion to permit moments with important touch-stones of the past. So, Sunday, Pastor Aaron Rayburn, the wise leader of ERBC now, invited people from the past to speak, challenge, and inspire those in attendance with the Word of God, and remembrances from the epochs of the church. We laughed and cried, reflected on valued friends and events, and thanked God for a precious past. The anecdote's and stories previous pastors Bill Palmer and Earl Crumpler told were a blessing. H.S. Yarborough and Jerry Brown, both previous music ministers at ERBC, both sang, surprising everyone with the strength and beauty of voices given to Him many years ago. Alistair Walker, a previous interim pastor, brought a great Bible message. The ERBC Choir sang, as did Turning Point, led by previous music minister Danny Whipple. It was a blessing in every way.

Then, there were the wonderful people that had shared the ERBC experience over the last fifty years. Many of the people who were in the youth group with me fifty years ago had returned. Most of us had been in school together from grade school through Wade Hampton High School. Four of us has gone on to The Citadel together. Of course, the servants who had taught and trained us were there too, those still living. We loved them, thanked them, and remembered those in eternity. It was a tremendous glance back.

But, only that. The Bible instructs God's people to remember. Moses wrote a song to help Israel remember God's guidance through the wilderness. The historians kept meticulous records of their people and history. King David's Psalms are a record of God's hand in his life and reign. Over and over God taught His people to cling to their ancient landmarks, to perpetuate their faith in their generations, and to take the glance back at His glorious deliverance.

Why? So they could move forward under the assurance of His care, knowing the total reliability of His promise. They were to recite and rehearse their history so they could boldly move forward to the future He had planned for them. The glance back was commanded so they could move forward.

Often there is confusion about it. We want more, for the glance back to morph into a going back. But, it is not to be.

Solomon wrote, "Don't say, 'Why were the former days better than these? For it is not wise for you to ask this.'" (Ecclesiastes 7:10), the theme verse of this blog. It's just a gentle reminder of what God wired into life: we cannot go back, and must be thank- ful for the occasional glance there.

BTW, Cindy, Jimmy, Emily, Chuck, Charlie, Gerrie, Steve, Beth, Don, Fran, Teresa, Quito, Joy, Mike, Sally, Jerry, Bill, Ellen, Betty, Pat, Jan, Stan, Russell, Vicki, and all the rest, you made my glance back a day I will remember often in the days ahead.

Thank you all.