March 12, 2021 (Friday)
On this date in 1933, eight days after his inauguration, President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave his first national radio address—or “fireside chat”—broadcast directly from the White House. I was 1 1/2 years old. He would be the president until his death April 12, 1945, when I was 13 years old.
Radio had come into its own just when it was needed, much like online broadcasts have filled a much needed purpose in these pandemic days when we worship from home via computer.
The phrase “fireside chat” described Roosevelt’s radio addresses. Listeners could picture in their minds the president sitting by a fire in a living room, speaking comforting words to the American people during the dark days of the Depression. The nation was worried, and FDR’s addresses had a calming effect. His words were just words, but they were strong.
Long before the days of mass communication, John the Baptist came to prepare the way for Jesus’ ministry as the Messiah. “I’m not the Messiah,” he said, but “He’s on His way.” People flocked to the wilderness, where he was preaching, just to get a glimpse of him and hear what he was saying. Everyone knew about him, and marveled at his strong message of repentance. His words were just words, but they were strong.
After John prepared the way, Jesus came, and He, too spoke in outdoor places as well as synagogues and homes where people came to hear him. “No one ever talked like this man,” many said. His speech was compelling, but his miracles drew many who wanted to be healed. Jesus healed many, but made the point that forgiveness of sins was his mission. Without radio, T.V. or computers, Jesus had become well known, and as He entered Jerusalem on Sunday before He was crucified the following Friday, Jesus was welcomed by the multitudes. His words had been the greatest ever uttered, and they were remembered. Later they were written down and shared. Eventually, they became a part of our Bible, which we treasure. Just words, but strong words.
Roosevelt’s main message was, “Don’t Worry.” When Jesus was about to be crucified, His message to the disciples was, “Stop letting your hearts be troubled (don’t worry).” That’s His message to us today, as we live through troubled times.,
I HEARD THE VOICE OF JESUS SAY
Horatius Bonar
1836
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
“Come unto me and rest.
Lay down, O weary one,
lay down your head upon my breast.”
I came to Jesus as I was,
so weary, worn, and sad.
I found in him a resting place,
and he has made me glad.
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
“Behold, I freely give
the living water, thirsty one;
stoop down and drink and live.”
I came to Jesus, and I drank
of that life-giving stream.
My thirst was quenched, my soul revived,
and now I live in him.
I heard the voice of Jesus say,
“I am the dawning light.
Look unto me, your morn shall rise,
and all your day be bright.”
I looked to Jesus, and I found
in him my star, my sun,
and in that light of life I’ll walk
till trav’ling days are done.