Alexander Mackenzie

Two hundred sixteen years ago Alexander Mackenzie wrote his name and the date on a boulder overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The young fur trader was unable, however, to locate a passable trade route and following the notoriety for his feat, a knighthood, and a brief foray into Canadian politics; he returned permanently to Scotland.

More than a decade later, President Thomas Jefferson commissioned The Lewis and Clarke expedition based largely upon the information gathered by Mackenzie. The important role Mackenzie played in the exploration and settlement of the West will never be fully known, and he is largely lost from the rich lore of those amazing times.

Several things stand out about Mackenzie which I think could serve as an encouragement for today:

1. He had no government backing. The Genuine Believer in Christ should never become dependent upon government largess, personally or commercially. His hope is placed in the divine provision of Holy God to accomplish what He would. Should He choose to utilize the resources of government that is well and good, however, one should not live as if the good graces of government are necessary to the fulfillment of his life purpose.
2. He demonstrated great courage. The Genuine Believer does not fear the elements or the inhabitants of the land to which he goes. His is a journey of faith whereby the Captain of The Lord’s Host is on the point. Through the valley of the shadow of death, to a table before his enemies; he will not be deterred by threats, taunts, nor jests.
3. His notoriety did not cause him to lose sight of the fact that he was a Scotsman, he never lost his perspective. The Genuine Believer remembers that he was undone, but that The God of Glory in His mercy and love reached out His hand, drew the unworthy to Himself and made him a child of The King.

Let us look toward the future with a sense of dependence upon God’s Divine Provision, the Courage to face the unknown by faith, and the memory of His loving grace fresh on our minds.