On November 13, 1861, when the Civil War was becoming a horrific struggle, President Lincoln, Secretary of State Seward and Secretary Hay wanted to talk strategy with General McClellan.  The general came home that night, heard that his Commander-in-Chief was waiting for him in the parlor, and went straight to his room, making Lincoln wait an hour before getting word that McClellan had gone to bed.   

Lincoln’s staff was angry.  Asked why he showed so much patience he replied, “All I want out of General McClellan is a victory, and if to hold his horse will bring it, I will hold his horse.”   

Lincoln time and again proved himself gracious and faithful.  McClellan proved himself to be an ego maniac and faithless.  He told his wife he wanted to be dictator!  But after forming one of the greatest armies the world had ever seen, he often refused to lead it into battle, always thinking the enemy’s forces were far too numerous. 

Finally, Lincoln said, “If General McClellan does not want to use his army, I would like to borrow it for a time.”  So, he had to fire the popular general, eventually landing on U. S. Grant who led the Union to a lasting victory. 

History is kind to Lincoln because he was gracious and faithful.  History is unkind to McClellan because he was prideful and ineffective. 

Sunday I’m preaching on “Be Gracious and Faithful” from Ruth 1:8-22.  We’ll talk about “Be Gracious in the Face of Tragedy,” verses 8-13; and “Be Faithful,” verses 14-22.  The story of Ruth is about history’s greatest daughter-in-law who spoke some of the most wonderful words in literature.  Please come Sunday as we learn from Ruth and become gracious and faithful. 

Love, 

Jim Meek