If We Forget The Past, We Are Doomed To Repeat It

In the movie, Judgment At Nuremberg (1961), the Chief Judge in the movie, played by Spencer Tracy, delivers one of the most powerful speeches recorded on film. In this scene from the movie, Tracy's character is delivering the final judgement of the four German judges on trial for atrocities committed during the time of the Third Reich (1933 - 1945). 

Under extreme duress to let these men off with probation or light sentences due to the crisis with Russia over the ruling of Germany in 1949, the judge's ruling is fraught with diplomatic and political repercussions for all the parties involved. Yet, this judge, sums up the duty of the court and its responsibilities, to deliver a ruling, despite the outside pressure, and to properly judge the actions of these four men and their injustice toward their fellow man.

Greatest Hits of the Bible

For those of us old enough to remember record albums was there a better treat than to find one that didn't have a bad song on either side? Usually the only way that would happen would be on a "Greatest Hits" compilation but even then you're weren't guaranteed to hear awesome songs on both sides.

If I'm being honest the same thing can be true when I read the Bible. The book of Numbers is not as relatable to me as the book of Luke. (Note: I realize that all scripture is God breathed and suitable for teaching, and that all scripture is truth, but I'm simply referring to my own personal experience of being able to relate to certain books of the Bible above others.)

Now if you'll permit me, I'd like to segue into one of my favorite books of the Bible, the Book of Philippians, a greatest hits collection that doesn't disappoint in its four wisdom-packed chapters. 

A Tribute To "Hammering Hank"

Sometimes a person's career is so noteworthy that it speaks for itself. That is the case with Hank Aaron. 

So after this brief quote from Mickey Mantle I'm posting nothing but statistics from the career of Henry Louis Aaron. #44! Go Braves!

"As far as I'm concerned, Aaron is the best ball player of my era. He is to baseball of the last 15 years what Joe DiMaggio was before him. He's never received the credit he's due." - Mickey Mantle (Baseball Digest - June 1970)

Hank Aaron Baseball Statistics

Hank Aaron holds the top spot for runs batted in (2,297)
He also holds the top spot for total bases (6,856)
Was named an All-Star 25 times (Due to the 4 year stretch when Major League Baseball (MLB) doubled up on the Midsummer Classic)
First in home runs for non-steroid users (755)
Fourth in runs scored (2,174)
Seventh in WAR (143)
Most home runs - one club - career (733 with the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves)

Stealing The Hearts Of The People

"After Absalom, the son of King David, received a blessing from his father, he set out to construct a plan to capture the hearts of the people of Israel. 

Receiving a small group of men from David, Absalom purchased a chariot and horses and had his men run ahead of him wherever he went. Then he started rising early and positioning himself by the road beside the main gate leading into Jerusalem. He would then call out to everyone who passed by, asking them if they had business with the king. When the answer was in the affirmative, he would proclaim, 'See, your claims are good and right; but there is no one deputed by the king to hear you. If only there were a king in the land to hear you and bring you justice.' He would then shake their hands, pull them close for a hug, and kissed them. Thus after four years of this strategy Absalom stole the hearts of the people of Israel." (2 Samuel 15:1 - 6)

This is one of most interesting stories in the Old Testament in regard to family, leadership, politics and betrayal. After being restored in his relationship with his father, the king, Absalom reveals his true motives in regard to his renewed standing as a prince. But he does this in a very public way, with what appears to be little fear of being caught or even confronted. And this public betrayal is not a one-time thing, Absalom executes his plan right in plain sight of the King and his advisors for over four years!