A reminder for
today
Let your roots grow
down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow
strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. (Colossians 2:7)
Today is a public holiday here in South Africa so that is
why I am only writing to you now. We had to do a little grocery shopping after
moving in and this delayed my thoughts a little. However I want to write to you
about this day many years ago.
On 16 December 1838 the Battle of Blood River took place
near the Ncome River in KwaZulu Natal. The Battle of Blood River was between
the Voortrekkers under the leadership of Andries Pretorius and the Zulu's under
the leadership of Dingane the Zulu King.
About 10 000-20 000 Zulu warriors led by Dingane's generals
Dambuza (Nzobo) and Ndlela kaSompisi attacked the Voortrekkers, but the 470
Voortrekkers, with the advantage of gun powder, warded them off.
The battle began at dawn and was over by midday. More than
3000 Zulu casualties were counted around the laager. Only, 3 Voortrekkers
(including Voortrekker leader Pretorius) were wounded, none were killed. The
Ncome River became red with the blood of the slain. Hence the river became
known as "Blood River".
This victory was only possible due to one reason and one
reason only. As the Tugela River was flood, the Wencommando crossed near
Spioenkop. At Waschbank, on Sunday 9 December, Sarel Cilliers stood on a gun
carriage before the men had who assembled for worship and he proposed a solemn
vow: “My brethren and fellow countrymen, at this moment we stand before
the Holy God of Heaven and earth to make a promise. If He will be with us and
protect us and deliver the enemy into our hands so that we may triumph over
him, that we may observe the day and the date as an anniversary in each year
and a day of Thanksgiving like the Sabbath, in His honor; and that we shall
enjoin our children that they must take part with us in this, for remembrance
even for our posterity; and if anyone sees a difficulty in this, let them
return from this place. For the honor of His Name shall be joyfully exalted,
and to Him the fame and the honor of the victory must be given.”
God saved those men and women because of their faith and made possible
one of the largest miracles in history. Unfortunately when we talk about this
here in South Africa the lost will always see it as black against white, when
in actual fact it was Christians like Paul against a fierce army driven by hate
and mislead by our common enemy – satan.
So today I want you to let your roots grow down into him, and let
your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you
were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
Lord, we are so grateful that you watches over us. Thank you
for all that you do for us. In Jesus name.
Have an awesome day dear friend of Jesus.
Cheers
