On
November 19, 1863, two well-known men gave speeches at the dedication of the
Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The featured speaker,
Edward Everett, was a former congressman, governor, and president of Harvard
University. Considered one of the greatest orators of his day, Mr. Everett
delivered a formal address lasting 2 hours. He was followed by President
Abraham Lincoln, whose speech lasted 2 minutes.
Today,
Lincoln’s speech, the Gettysburg Address, is widely known and quoted, while
Everett’s words have almost been forgotten. It is not just Lincoln’s eloquent
brevity that accounts for this. On that occasion, his words touched the wounded
spirit of a nation fractured by civil war, offering hope for the days to come.
Words do not have to be many to be meaningful. What we call the Lord’s Prayer is among the shortest and most memorable of all the teachings of Jesus. It brings help and healing as it reminds us that God is our heavenly Father whose power is at work on earth, just as it is in heaven (Matt. 6:9-10). He provides food, forgiveness, and fortitude for each day (vv.11-13). And all honor and glory belong to Him (v.13). There is nothing in our past, present, and future that is not included in our Lord’s brief words that help and heal.
“Kind words smooth, and quiet, and comfort the hearer”. Blaise Pascal (RBC)
