“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT)
Recently I heard about Samuel Whittemore, so I looked him up on Wikipedia. It’s a fascinating story that challenged and inspired me, so, I want to share it with you.
“Samuel Whittemore Jr.(July 27, 1696 – February 2, 1793)[1][2] was an American farmer and soldier. He was 78 years old[3] when he became the oldest known colonial combatant in the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783).[4]
On April 19, 1775, British forces were returning to Boston from the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the opening engagements of the war. On their march they were continually shot at by American militiamen.
Whittemore was in his fields when he spotted an approaching British relief brigade under Earl Percy, sent to assist the retreat. Whittemore loaded his musket and ambushed the British grenadiers of the 47th Regiment of Foot from behind a nearby stone wall, killing one soldier. He then drew his dueling pistols, killed a second grenadier and mortally wounded a third. By the time Whittemore had fired his third shot, a British detachment had reached his position; Whittemore drew his sword and attacked.[7] He was subsequently shot in the face, bayoneted numerous times, and left for dead in a pool of blood.
He was found by colonial forces, trying to load his musket to resume the fight. He was taken to Dr. Cotton Tufts of Medford, who perceived no hope for his survival. However, Whittemore recovered and lived another 18 years until dying of natural causes at the age of 96.[2][9]”
There’s an old saying I heard many years ago that says: “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog!” How much fight’s in you, dear brother or sister in Christ? Aren’t you sick and tired of being told that since you’re “old” you might as well get out of the way and let the younger people do it.
If you believe that, shame on you. There are things the Lord has taught and is still teaching us that those younger people need to hear. Sure, they’re going to make their own mistakes and learn their own lessons just like we did, but if on occasion one of them will take a moment to listen to us, maybe they’ll learn something.
For example, not many younger people will take the time or make the effort to learn to listen to the Savior’s strong, clear voice. We can teach them how! Not many will spend hours pouring over one verse or sometimes one word, we can help them learn why that’s so important. Not many younger people understand the value of standing up for what’s really right, not just what political wannabee’s say is right.
For example, it’s not right to mutilate children in the name of personal or sexual “rights,” expecting them to make decisions about their own bodies they aren’t equipped to make without their parents’ support and input, then realize when it’s too late they made the wrong decision. It’s not right that the government tries to legislate behavior that laws can never change. It’s not right that we as Jesus followers ignore the signs of the times and flow along like a leaf on the stream while our country goes to hell. There are obviously many other things that deserve our concern, that’s just what came first to mind.
When will we get some courage, like old brother Whittemore, and without regard to what happens to us, stand up for Jesus and tell whoever will listen it’s time to stand for what is right. How will we know what that is? Read your Bible and the newsfeeds and let the Lord liberate your heart and mind to see clearly what’s true and what isn’t.
Listen to Him, He’ll make it clear what you need to do! I still believe there’s a hero in each of us. The Hero in me is named Jesus.
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 