October 9, 2024 - Good Morning! It's Wednesday, October 9.
At the close of yesterday's devotion, we left Horatio Spafford at a low point in his life, as he experienced the tragic loss of all four of his daughters in a shipwreck. It was a moment that inspired a song that has given comfort and hope to millions of worshippers over the last 150 years - "It is Well With My Soul".
But as the radio commentator Paul Harvey used to say - now for the rest of the story. On returning to their hometown of Chicago, a city rebuilding from a great fire, Horatio and Anna Spafford began to rebuild their lives. They had three more children, a boy and two girls. But tragedy struck this family again, when Horatio Jr., at the age of four, died of meningitis. Just then, when the Spafford's needed the love of their church the most, some began to whisper that their tragedies were a punishment from God for some secret sin. Incredibly, the Spafford family was shunned by their own church family.
Horatio decided that there was no place for them any longer in Chicago and they embarked on the amazing adventure of resettling in the holy city of Jerusalem. What began with a group of 13 family members and friends grew to over 150, forming what came to be known as the American Colony. Spafford died in 1888, but his family remained and his vision continued, a vision to reach out to all the people of Jerusalem.
The American Colony served Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike, distributing food and medicine, providing educational classes, establishing an orphanage. The ministry existed until the 1950's, an oasis of cooperation and connection in a place often marked by conflict and chaos. The original location of the American Colony is now a luxury hotel, still owned by members of the Spafford family. And it is still a gathering place for journalists and diplomats, and for people of every ethnic background. The famous Oslo Accord agreement between Israel and Palestine, that was signed at the White House in 1993, had its beginnings in secret meetings the year before in Room 16 of the American Colony Hotel.
As unrest and conflict continue today in the Middle East, the legacy of Horatio Spafford continues to speak. A legacy of finding a way to be a blessing of God, even in the face of crushing loss and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. These words speak to us today -
When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrow like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul!
Meet you back here tomorrow,
David
cindertex50@yahoo.com
