The Tzlach cites a popular expression focusing on the significance of time which says, "The past is gone (aiyen) the future is not-yet here (adayin) and the present is like the blink of an eye (k'heref aiyen)".
While this is true most of the time for most people, it does not apply to the Jewish nation. Case in point: while it is understood that the past might affect the future, we have as an integral part of our mesorah (tradition), that the future affects the present and past, as I will demonstrate.
That our rich past positivity influences our future can be seen by the selfless actions of Rachel Imeinu. The Talmud (Yevamos 64A) teaches that our matriarchs were barren because Hashem desired their prayers. Deep heartfelt prayers create a stronger bond and connection between the petitioner and the Divine. Thus, when Rachel is granted a child, we are told (30:22) "G-d remembered Rachel, He hearkened to her and He opened her womb". The words "G-d remembered" are understand by Chazal (Bava Basra 123A) to indicate that Hashem remembered her giving the secret signs shared between her and Yaakov to her sister Leah on the night she was to marry Yaakov in order to spare her sister great humiliation. This incredible act of self- sacrifice, not knowing at the time that she would marry Yaakov a week later, was not only beneficial in her having children, but we are taught in the introduction to Eicha (24) and in Kina (26) of Tisha Ba'av, that the prophet Yirmiyahu awakens the patriarchs and matriarchs to arouse Hashem's mercy to allow the Jewish nation to return to their land and relationship to Hashem. However, none of the Avos are successful until Rachel Imeinu entreats, "I allowed a tzarah (rival) to come into my house (my sister) therefore Hashem you forgive them for bringing the tzarah of idolatry into your home."
The haftorah we read annually on Rosh Hashana from Yirmiyahu cites the magnanimity of Rachel (31:15) "So said Hashem: restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears; for there is a reward for your accomplishment - the words of Hashem - and they shall return from the enemies' land". The "accomplishment" is understood by Rashi to be her sharing the signs with her sister. The future redemption of Klal Yisroel is anchored in her rich meritorious past.
In addition, the medrash at the beginning of Chayei Sarah(Berashis Raba 58:3) teaches that Rabbi Akiva was sitting and teaching and the people were dozing; in order to arouse them he shared the following: "Why was Queen Esther privileged to rule over 127 provinces, because her great-grandmother Sarah lived for 127 years". This was more than a pedagogic tactic. The nation at the time of Roman persecution was giving up hope and faith. In order to ignite their spirits Rabbi Akiva told them that they possess in their arsenal an invaluable commodity, perhaps bigger and greater than themselves, namely the merit of their ancestors. Thus the deposit that Sarah made through her noble life in the Divine Bank of Israel accrued dividends for her offspring for many generations to come. The past unties with the future.
The Jewish nation is unique in that the future as well effects and influences the present/past. The medrash (Ibid 63 :2) on the opening verse of parshas Toldos teaches based upon Yeshiyah (29:22) that Jacob redeemed Avraham. The medrash understands this to mean that Avraham Avinu was miraculously spared the inferno of Ur Kasdim in the merit of his grandson Yaakov. (The Sfas Emes understands that since Avraham was not yet circumcised when he was thrown into the furnace, he did not yet have enough of his own merit to survive.) Moreover, the medrash in parshas Noach on the challenging verse (8:21) that follows Noach's bringing offerings after the flood states that, "Hashem smelled the pleasing aroma, and Hashem said in His heart: 'I will not continue to curse again the ground because of man, since the imagery of man's heart is evil from his youth nor will I again continue to smite every living being, as I have done'". What does it mean that He smelled - Hashem is incorporeal!? The medrash (ibid 34:9) understands this to mean that He saw the heroism and self-sacrifice of Chananya, Mishael, and Azaria being thrown by Nebuchadnezzar into the furnace. The future sterling charterer of these righteous, courageous, young men was beneficial to prior generations.
Chanukah is rapidly approaching. The second blessing we recite prior to lighting the menorah is that He performed miracles for our ancestors in those days at this time. The last phrase, at this time, is usually understood to pinpoint the time of the year. However, in keeping with our theme, it can also be understood to mean He performed miracles for our ancestors that they might not have been worthy of, but Hashem looked to the future (bazman ha'zeh - at this time) and in our merit, and that of subsequent generations, He performed miracles for them.
The exciting lesson derived from above is that every chayal (Israeli soldier) is accompanied by 3,000 years of Jewish history and a glorious future of Torah and mitzvos to protect him. In addition, Hashem gave the land of Israel to the Jewish nation on condition we are faithful to His laws (Tehillim 105:44-45). Our personal rededication to Torah and mitzvos is another real way we can help our solders.