If you come to Texas, you will discover that much has been written about Sam. His stamp on public life and on the political side of our nation cannot be overstated. He was in the U.S. House of Representatives, a Governor of Tennessee, and a military leader in the War of 1812—all before he moved to Texas. He then became a leader in the Texas Revolution, served as the first and third President of the Republic of Texas, shepherded the treaty that later joined Texas to the United States, was a U.S. Senator from Texas, and then served as Governor of Texas.
Sam was a complex, complicated person; a wayward youth and a wild adult. He was known for his drunkenness, womanizing, and brawling.
What is often overlooked: his spiritual side.
Twice, Sam was drawn to Christian beliefs and sought baptism. Twice, pastors turned him down. When Sam moved to Texas, it was still part of Mexico. No one, then, could own land without becoming a Catholic. Mexican dictator Santa Anna required everyone to practice that one religion. So, Sam arranged to be baptized into the Catholic Church.
Later in life, once Texas had freed itself from the requirements of Santa Anna, Sam experienced a conversion not tied to politics. He chose to commit his life to the Lord.
What happened? A person.
When Sam married Margaret Lea, a woman 26 years his junior, there was frank and open skepticism. But they were happily married 23 years, until Sam's death. Margaret's impact on Sam's life was deep and broad. He made changes he believed were important to his new life (for example, he became a tea-totaler, not even keeping alcohol for guests). He and Margaret produced and raised eight children. And, under her discipleship, Sam slowly began to move in the direction of the Lord. While away from home in Washington, D.C., he began attending the E Street Baptist Church.
Still, it was only after Sam moved his family to the bustling village of Independence, Texas, so his daughters could attend Baylor University—one of the few admitting women at the time—that he seriously considered conversion.
Finally, on November 19, 1854, more than 14 years after marrying Margaret, Sam was baptized in Independence's Little Rocky Creek. What made the difference: the calm, considerate, constant teaching of Margaret, the example she set for Sam as wife and mother, and her own faith in the Lord. It took 14 years of her life, and many, many more of his to arrive at that juncture.
Now, more than 165 years later, the creek is still there, as is the Independence Baptist Church where Sam and Margaret attended. Adults are still baptized in Little Rocky Creek. One can only hope they are being discipled by folks who, like Margaret, will take whatever time is needed. The process is set forth in this week's Matthew passage.
Disciple, baptize, teach them the commands and to obey them. And, finally, help them know that Jesus will be with them always, right up to the very end.
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PHOTO (Bill Paxton, as Sam Houston in the miniseries Texas Rising, next to the real Sam Houston):
https://www.historyvshollywood.com/reelfaces/texas-rising/
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Join us Friday morning on Zoom** and at Our Breakfast Place from 8:00 to 9:00 for DaySpring’s Lectionary Breakfast. There's plenty of good food, plenty of good fellowship, and plenty of good scripture.
Blessings,
Steve
**Contact me for the Zoom link
NOTE: Zoom allows you to mute the camera and the microphone if you don’t wish to be seen or heard.
SCRIPTURES FOR SUNDAY AND THE COMING WEEK
Find them here:
https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/texts.php?id=142
Print them here:
https://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/pdf//Ax_TrinitySunday.pdf
Genesis 1:1-2:4a
Psalm 8
2 Corinthians 13:11-13
Matthew 28:16-20
Trinity Sunday (June 4, 2023)
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