History was one of my worst subjects in school. I remember my teachers would continually emphasize, “It’s important to learn history so that it can be prevented from repeating itself.” I always wished that I could one day have that admirable understanding of the stories of mankind so I could pass them along to others. But when it came time to recall what I had studied, it became very clear to me that my long-term memory disagreed.

When we tell stories, we are essentially choosing to share a piece of who we are—our histories—with others. We hope that whoever we’re telling these stories to will take them with appreciation and respect for who we are. I believe God is the same way. He chooses what to reveal to mankind about Himself and when mankind is willing to hear with respect and love for who He is, it becomes a wonderful blessing.

Paul recalls the children of Israel and their journey in the wilderness in 1 Corinthians 10. In verse 11 he says, “These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age” (NLT). I encourage you to read their particular story, to refresh your memory and read the lesson Paul draws in the rest of this chapter.

Today, I am proud to say that my attitude and ability to appreciate history has changed, especially since I began my in-depth study of the Bible at the Ambassador Bible Center. I’ve seen God’s history book, the Bible, in a whole new light. His book truly does deserve it’s honorable title of “holy” because through it, God reveals His divine self.

In our own history with God, take on hope in the changeless loving character of God who has chosen to reveal Himself to us in the timeless scriptures of the Holy Bible.