Monday, October 5, 2015

LOVING THOSE WHO COME AFTER US

         (I dedicate today’s devotion to my niece Jayne Arvidsen who was laid to rest after a ten year struggle with cancer. Her 35 year career as teacher and her life as daughter, sister, loving wife, mother and grandmother have encouraged all who knew her)

        “I have learned that there is nothing more satisfying than the love of those who come after us,” said Dr. Leonore Goldschmidt, a brave Jewish teacher who defied Hitler.
In 1935 when the Nazis began their policy of officially persecuting the Jews, most Jewish children were locked out of German schools. Rather than run or despair, Dr. Goldschmidt began a school of her own in Berlin with an estate and funds from a deceased cousin. “The Leonore Goldschmidt Private Jewish School” quickly expanded into four buildings with over 500 students and 40 teachers. In plain sight of Hitler and the Nazis, it became a refuge of safety in the midst of systematic Jewish persecution.
With the aid of Walter Huebner, a German official who risked his career, her school was granted a license by the German State. Knowing persecution would increase, she insisted all students learn English to enable them to emigrate to other countries. She got her school licensed by the University of Cambridge and started a chapter there. When her school was shut down by the Nazis in 1939, she and her family emigrated to England with 80 students and teachers. She taught in London until 1968 and died in 1983, always being dedicated to those who came after her.
All capable people, especially Christians, need to be dedicated to those who come after, not just themselves. Our children and grandchildren are those for whom we work and serve. It is only natural that we should value and love them so they will come to know Jesus and walk in His ways.
Psalm 127:3 says, “Children are a heritage from the Lord.” God loves His children and bids us do the same.

Who has shown you love in your life?

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