Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

Psalm 23 has comforted the hearts of God’s people since it was first written by David. It is read at many funerals, but should not be confined to that period in one’s life for providing the comfort which its words give. Not only is it a poetical masterpiece, it is a divine revelation about God’s superintending care of his children. Many of us committed this psalm to memory as children, and if you have not already done that let me encourage you to do so; committing our life to its teaching may take a lifetime. May God help us to do so.

Superscription

A Psalm of David. This common superscription in the psalms at-tributes this psalm to David as its author. The psalm was written after David had grown old enough to have enemies (v. 5) and to have experienced the threat of death from his enemies (v. 4).

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

Jehovah is David’s shepherd (Qal ptc. of ra’ah, “to pasture, tend, graze. . . ptc. used as a substantive,” BDB 945). The concept of Jehovah as a shepherd is common (see Gen. 49:24; Ps. 80:1; Isa. 40:11; 49:9, 10; Jer. 31:10; Ezek. 34:6-19; etc.) and is used in a special sense to describe Jesus as the “good Shepherd” (John 10:1-19, 26-28; Heb. 13:20; 1 Pet. 2:25; 5:4; Rev. 7:17). God is not described as a “rancher,” for cows have to be driven whereas sheep are “led.” God does not drive us against our will to force obedience.

The concept of Jehovah as a shepherd is better understood by those who know the work of a shepherd. We can understand this better by reading what the legitimate work of a shepherd is. In Ezekiel 34, the prophet condemned the shepherds of Israel because they were not doing the work of a shepherd. By his criticism, we can learn what the work of a shepherd is. Ezekiel wrote, “Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: but ye feed not the flock. The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them” (34:4).

One of the most beautiful pictures of Jesus was that which depicts him as the “Good Shepherd.” In the parable of Luke 15:4-7, the Lord shows God’s loving care for those who are lost.

What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

  Jesus as the Good Shepherd laid down his life for the sheep (John 10:11). He knows his sheep by name (John 10:3) and they hear (recognize) his voice and follow him (John 10:14). What intimacy exists between God, the Shepherd, and his children. To know that God knows me by name and cares for me as depicted in these verses is very reassuring. It brings peace, serenity, and calmness to my soul to know my God is my Shepherd. Compare Isaiah 40:11  “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.”

His primary work of leading is described in this verse. He leads one to places where there is no want, where there is safety and peace (vv. 1-2). I shall not want is translated from chasar, “to lack, need, be lacking, decrease” BDB 341). Compare Ps. 34:9  “O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him.”

As a shepherd, God has provided for every need of his sheep. There is nothing lacking. There should not be interpreted in a materialistic sense to mean that his saints are financially wealthy, never experience sickness or have accidents. Rather, this is saying that the God has provided for every spiritual need of his children. There is no need in God’s children wandering into the barren deserts of the spiritual wastelands of human religions  searching the Koran of the Muslims, the Book of Mormon, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Baghavad Ghita, or other “holy” books in search for answers to man’s spiritual needs. God’s provisions for man are sufficient  “I shall not want.”

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

The reference is to the custom of shepherds leading their sheep to the shade for repose in the heat of the day. The Lord’s shepherding of David takes him to green (navah: “pasture, meadow. . . grassy pasture,” BDB 627) pastures (dheshe’: “grass,” BDB 206) where he maketh me to lie down (rabats: “stretch oneself out, lie down, lie stretched out. . . Hiph. cause to lie down… [for repose],” BDB 918). His being in green pastures emphasizes the point of v. 1  “I shall not want.” These are places in which his every need is supplied.

Let me pause to state that the first step of human apostasy occurs when man looks at God’s divine provisions with disdain and thinks that “green pastures” are to be found somewhere else. I know little about sheep but considerably more about cows. When I grew up as a lad in East Texas, we raised cows. Cows always think the “grass is greener” on the other side of the fence. Constantly, they poke their heads through the barbed wire fence to look for the green grass on the other side. What usually happens is this: a cow comes to a post that has been eaten by termites or just rotted, pokes her head through the barbed wire fence, the post breaks, and the cow is outside the fence. So long as a per-son thinks the “green pastures” are outside of God’s provisions, so long as he thinks the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, he will constantly be stretching against the boundaries of God’s word until he jumps the fence! The first step of apostasy is the concept that life would be better in disobedience to God than in obedience to him. What a difference in concept is that to the thinking of men such as Daniel who thought death in obedience to God was to be preferred over life in disobedience to him!

The text continues to explain that God makes him lie down in green pastures. This emphasizes the rest, safety, and security of the place in which his needs are met. The Lord’s shepherding care is seen in his leading (nahal: “Pi. lead, guide to a water-place or station, and cause to rest there; bring to a station or place of rest; lead, guide, re-fresh,” BDB 624). Still is from menuchah, “resting-place, rest. . . quietness, refreshment” (BDB 629-630). The waters are calm and peaceful (not raging and life-threatening); they provide a place of solitude and safety.

William S. Plumer wrote, “The world around them is a land of deserts and of drought, which yields nothing to satisfy the longing soul. Sooner shall the body be nourished by whirlwinds and the dust, than the spirit with things of mere time and sense” (310).

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

God restores (Polel imperf. of shub: “turn, return.. . Polel bring back. restore, refresh,” BDB 998) his soul (nephesh). Barnes commented, “It refers to the spirit when exhausted, weary, or sad; and the meaning is, that God quick-ens or vivifies the spirit when thus exhausted” (211). There are times when man is drained and exhausted from the circumstances of life. But, Jehovah our Shepherd recognizes the condition of his sheep and provides time and circumstances to vivify the spirit.

God leads (nachah : “lead, guide,” BDB 634) him in the paths (ma `ghal: “entrenchment… track. . . in a fig. sense course of action, or life,” BDB 722) of righteousness (tsedeq: “rightness, righteousness. . . what is right, just, normal; rightness, justness,” BDB 841). God never leads men into paths of wickedness; only the devil will do that. Our modern concept of situation ethics asserts that some-times the path of wickedness is the path in which it is “right” to walk. This denies that is so. God only leads in the paths of righteousness. He directs us in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. He leads me in righteousness because of who he is, not because of what I am.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

God’s guidance and direction in “green pastures,” “be-side still waters,” and so that I “shall not want,” does not preclude one walking through the valley of the shadow of death and facing evil. Any interpretation of vv. 1-3 that so concludes is mistaken.

Yea (gam: “an adv. denoting addition, also moreover, yea,” BDB 168) indicates that there is more to his direction than green pastures and still waters. There are times that one must walk (halak) in the valley (ghay’: “valley,” BDB 160) of the shadow of death (tsalmavet: “death-shadow, deep shadow… deep shadow, darkness. . . fig. of distress … of extreme danger,” BDB 853). We would portray a wrong conclusion if we promised that God’s leading protects a person from ever walking in such places.

In the face of such dangers and possibly even death, the psalmist would experience a sense of security. He would fear (yare’) no evil (ra’). His absence of fear is not from exceptional courage. He fears no evil for the same reason that a child does not fear when his father is with him. He has perfect security because of his reliance on a force greater than the evil that he is facing. Thou art with me! God’s presence gives peace and security in the presence of life-threatening evil.

A young child was walking with his father along a dark path. The toddler said, “Daddy, will you hold my hand?” Sensing his son’s insecurity, the father asked, “Why?” He said, “It’s too dark not to have a Daddy!” How true this is in a deeper sense than the toddler meant. It’s too dark, there are far too many dangers and threats to one’s well being, not to have a Father who is with me when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.

God’s rod (shebet: “rod, staff, club, scepter. . . rod, staff (evidently common article) for smiting. . . fig. of Yahweh’s chastisement. . . shepherd’s implement, club… used in mustering or counting sheep,” BDB 987) and staff (mish `enet: staff, from sha’an: Niph. lean, support one-self,” BDB 1043-1044) give David comfort (nacham: Niph. “be sorry, console oneself; . . . Piel. comfort, console,” BDB 637). The shepherd used his “rod” to defend himself and his flock from enemies; he used his staff to prod along the sheep and to direct them. Both of these instruments in the hand of God, the Shepherd, give comfort to the one walking through the valley of the shadow of death.

We should give praise to God for his rod. It tells of us divine protection of his children when they walked through the valley of the shadow of death. It protects them from enemies who threaten their lives and souls. How reassuring is the knowledge that I have his divine protection during such crises.

We should also give praise to God for his staff as we walk through the shadow of death. The staff prods us to walk in a certain way and brings us back into the right as we begin to stray. There may be times when we need the Shepherd’s correction. Most of us as adults have grown to realize that we are thankful for our parents’ chastening. Without it, our spiritual and moral character would have developed in sinful and wrong ways. Have we grown up enough to appreciate God’s chastening? Can we give thanks to the Father for those rebukes, whether gentle or not so gentle, that have been administered to us by loving elders and faithful preachers who cared for our souls? How blessed we are to have God’s rod and staff to comfort us when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

The figure has changed from God being pictured as the Shepherd to God as the Host. God prepared (`arak: “arrange, set in order. . . arrange a table,” BDB 789) a table (shulchan: “table. . . skin or leather mat spread on ground,” BDB 1020; the table seems to be used by metonymy for what is set on it) for David. Significantly, this table was prepared in the presence (neged: “what is conspicuous or in front, always as adv. or prep. in front of, in sight of, opposite to,” BDB 617) of mine enemies (Qal ptc. of tsarar: “to shew hostility toward, vex… ptc. used as a substantive for enemy,” BDB 865). David’s enemies were not able to prevent God’s ample provisions of David’s needs.

More than merely feeding David, God also anointed his head with oil. Anoint is from dhashen, “be fat, grow fat … causat. make fat. . . i.e. anoint symbol of festivity and joy” (BDB 206). While his enemies are watching, God is providing festivity, luxury, and joy for David. Plumer observes, “When men were sad they covered themselves with dust and ashes. When joyous they washed and anointed themselves, Job ii.12; xlii.6; 2 Sam. xii.20” (315). My cup (chos) runneth over (revayah: “saturation. . i.e. is well filled,” BDB 924). There is no skimping.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all thedays of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

David fully expected (surely: ‘ak: adv. “surely.. . asseverative, often introducing with emphasis the expression of a truth [or supposed truth] newly perceived,” BDB 36) to receive from Jehovah goodness (tob) and mercy (chesed). Shall follow is from radap, “pursue, chase, persecute. . . in a good sense, attend closely upon” (BDB 922). All the days of my life is limited to life on earth. This is not to be construed to say that David never expected any more days of walking through the valley of the shadow of death. Rather, God’s goodness and mercy would be with him even as he walked through that valley.

He also had the confident expectation to dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. To dwell in the house of the Lord is to enjoy his fellowship, presence, and companion-ship. He will dwell there le’orek yamim  length of days. Compare Psa. 27:4  “One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.”

Conclusion

This psalm has inspired many poets to offer praise to God as our Shepherd and Guide. May we fill our hearts with its teaching today  before the time comes when we have to walk through the valley of the shadow of death  so that when the hour comes, we can know that we walk through securely because God our Shepherd is leading us. May it give and grant to us a tranquility of spirit, a serenity, and a blessed peace that will enrich our lives.

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 21, p. 2
November 7, 1996

By Harold Tabor

It was June 10, 1996 at 1:25 A.M. when Dorothy May Corbin Tabor took her last breath and rested in peace from this life. We had known since late summer 1995 that she had a medical problem. She thought it was from her long use of arthritis medicine. Her doctor, who had been treating her for about ten years, agreed it could be a possible side effect from her strong medicine. But when symptoms persisted, it was necessary for a specialist (a gastroenterologist) to perform a endoscopy. I was present when the doctor began to take four biopsies. The doctor immediately suggested that a surgeon see the pictures. The surgeon talked to us about surgery after Thanksgiving. After the surgery, the surgeon confirmed stomach cancer (Adenocarcigoma of the stomach). He also informed me that it had metastasis into the lower abdomen. While still in the hospital, I asked the surgeon, knowing her condition, how long does she have to live. He said about six months. Dotty and I made the decision not to pursue any cancer treatments. She expressed her feelings that she preferred quality of life for the rest of her time in comparison with quantity of life. She did try an herbal tea that did help for a while. But it is reserved for us to die (Heb 9:27). The question is: How will you handle the question of death?

Trust in the Lord

For the next three months, Dotty seemed to do fine. During Spring break in March, we vacationed together in North Carolina. After the trip, she began to experience swelling of the abdomen. During April and again in May, large amounts of retained fluid had to be removed from her abdomen. In May it was evident that a cancerous mass had appeared in her abdomen. She enrolled in Hospice while in the hospital. Dotty’s only request was that she remain pain free. That promise was kept! I have had two experiences with Hospice during the last six years. My father also had cancer and passed away in our home. Knowing that death is coming can make you fearful or give you confidence. Dotty’s trust was in the Lord! It was our periods of prayer together that helped prepare us for the coming experiences.

Good Grief

O yes, we had our times of grief. I remember on two occasions where we stood holding one another and crying. I am sure that Dotty prayed alone for strength as well as the times that I did. There is a time to weep and a time to mourn (Eccl. 3:4). Why is it that many of my brethren think only of death with weeping and mourning? Are we only looking backwards? We had six months to weep and mourn. And we did! Remember when David’s child by Bathsheba was very sick. While the child was alive, David fasted and wept all night upon the earth. He did this for seven days. And the child died. When David knew that the child was dead, he arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel; and went to worship the Lord. When asked about his actions, David replied; “While the child was alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, `Who can tell whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’ But now he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me” (2 Sam. 12:22-23, NKIV). That was our experience.

Waiting on the Lord

Robert and Arlene Harkrider visited our home. We had hoped that Robert would do us the honor of conducting the service. While Robert and I walked outside, Dotty said to Arlene, “I am at peace. I am just waiting on the Lord.

Whenever his time for me comes is my time. Then you all will have to come to me.” How many faithful Christians really want the Lord to come? Are we ready to stand be-fore the throne of God? “It is far better to be with the Lord” (Phil 1:23). Would any faithful Christian really want his spouse to be allowed to return to live with us here on this earth, knowing the joy, peace, and lack of pain on the other side in “Abraham’s bosom”?

The death of a loved one can be

compared to a departing sailboat.

We stand on the shore and watch as the boat

becomes smaller and smaller until it is a speck of

white cloud,

finally disappearing completely from sight;

and we say, “She’s gone!”

Where has the boat gone?

Gone only from our sight.

She is just as real as she was before she left us,

we just can no longer see her

with our eyes.

As we are saying, “She’s gone!” On the opposite shore others are

joyfully shouting, “Here she comes!”

-Author Unknown

Yes, the last week was hard. To see your spouse of almost thirty-nine years become weaker and weaker, becoming bedfast, and hardly able to do anything for herself, is extremely difficult. I took care of her every need for five weeks. Her mother and sister came to help the last (sixth) week. For their help, I am very thankful. There were signposts that death was near, yet you must be patient and wait for the Lord’s time. Tuesday (June 4) Dotty’s blood pressure began to drop. “How long will she last?” I asked the nurse? She replied, “A couple of days, probably.” When Friday came, the only change was her blood pressure dropping some more. By Sunday evening, it was time to say “good-bye.”

Dotty’s family said their last words to Dotty in the evening. I gave Dotty her pain medication and her mother came into the room. She stood beside the bed and rubbed her arm and cheek and said, “See you in heaven.” I, too, said my good-bye, kissed her, and left the room. At 1 A.M., I heard her breathing on a baby monitor becoming slower and slower. I went to be by her side. At 1:25 A. M., Dotty took her last breath.

Our marriage of thirty-eight years eleven months and ten days came to an end (Rom 7:24).

Have you made plans for this experience? I am surprised at how many people do not plan ahead by purchasing cemetery plots/crypts, caskets, making a list of people to call, who to asked to help in various ways, what kind of music to play, who will speak at the service, and where will the service be conducted.

Brother Franklin T. Puckett baptized me into Christ on Mother’s Day at the age of 14. He also performed our wedding in Atlanta on June 30, 1957. It was only fitting for the service to be in Puckett Auditorium on the campus of Florida College where we both had attended and worked. There were over 200 in attendance and numerous flowers. All our family was present. Brother Ferrell Jenkins spoke for us and did a superb job.

How Long Will You Mourn?

There is definitely a period of adjustment. My sons (Timothy and John) and daughters-in-law (Sherri and Anne) were with me the rest of the week. I made it a point to leave town for the next few weeks. I believe that gave me time away from our home to begin making that adjustment. For those who have to stay home with all the things of their spouse still around them, it may prolong the period of adjustment. We had already planned what my daughters-in-law and I would keep and what to give away. It helped not to have to do those things. The Old Testament gives many illustrations: for a father seven days (Gen 50:10); Moses thirty days (Gen. 34:8) and was considered to be extraordinary in length. King Saul (1 Sam. 31:13) seven days; Anna suggests the idea of a lifelong widow-hood of mourning (Luke 2:36-37). I know that the first week is hard and the following weeks get better. It is all in how the individual, both male and female, handle their grief. After being so focused on taking care of your loved one for a length of time, you do not think as clearly about the everyday affairs of life. But, certainly after a month or so depending on how you plan and handle things, you ought to begin a normal life of widow or widower/hood.

Eventually one must begin a regular schedule alone. There will be those things that trigger moments of reflections, like the magnetic strip with a poem on the refrigerator. I found it for the first time on a Sunday evening after worship. It said:

You Are Loved.

This is just a little note

to brighten up your way,

to remind you that

you’re truly loved

each minute of the day.

This is my prayer

for you today

that God’s love

you’ll clearly see;

and may He multiply

back, to you

Yes, I cried the rest of the evening and most of Monday. This will tell you the kind of marital relationship we had. There are many poems that will help you through bereavement and your own personal experiences. Several Christian women have already shared their poems with me that helped them.

A Final Tribute

I appreciate the over 130 cards that I have received since the funeral service. And I appreciate very much the Book Memorials of over $1,000 given in her memory. But I am moved most by the numerous cards with personal notes and letters about Dotty. The following statements are in the words of others: “There was not anyone that didn’t like Dotty.” “I liked Dotty from the first time I met her.” “Dotty was a very special lady and attractive and lovely lady. She came as close to the worthy woman description as anyone I have known. She was a real sweetheart, and I’m blessed by having known her.” “Dotty was a very special woman and a wonderful Christian example. We will treasure our memories of the time spent here. She was a great influence in lots of lives.” “You have had the privilege of sharing life with a wonderful Christian woman. You have been blessed as have your sons. Many of the qualities of the fruit of the spirit listed in Galatians come to mind when thinking of her and our association during the time we taught the five and six year olds.” “She did her work well and didn’t involve herself in the `polities and gossip’ that went on around her.” “She practiced the saying if you cannot say anything nice about someone, then do not say anything at all.”

There were two special statements that I personally think give proper tribute to Dorothy. The first was by a preacher and one of two who influenced her coming to college where we met. He said, “She was quiet but a companion of strength, of spirituality, and of genuine concern. I have no doubts that she served you faithfully in the same way she served God. I am confident that she loved you, that she helped you, and that she complemented you in all of your godly pursuits. She was always there both as a friend and a critic, as a mother and example to your children, and as a housewife and keeper of the home. I think of her as a worthy woman whose value was far above rubies  whose value, I’m certain, has increased in your estimate and in the estimate of your children since her death last month.”

The second is from my cousin. “Dotty was truly a lovely and gracious lady. We will miss her very much. . .and she is at peace. Bless you for the constant and loving care you gave her. The cycle of life is so real, so difficult. Praise God that we know how the story really ends. Hold on to His unchanging hand!”

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 20, p. 8-9
October 17, 1996

By Steve Willis

Recently I read “Salvation from a Small Boy” in the July 29, 1996 issue of Time (International Edition). Thinking of the parable-mode of preaching, I thought I might share the article and a few thoughts based on it:

Salvation from a Small Boy

So frequently the victim of nature’s wrath and other, man-made disasters, Bangladesh was savoring the novelty last week of a catastrophe averted. Moreover, Bangladeshi national pride took an upward jolt because the hero of the hour was one of their own: a young boy, whose quick reaction to a threat of grave danger saved hundreds of lives.

Abul Khair, who is 9 and a third-grader in the eastern Bangladesh farming village of Toragar, awoke as usual at dawn on July 13. Crossing the railroad line on his way to a canal, where he gathers snails to feed his ducks, he noticed a break in the rails. He realized he was looking at a potential calamity. The crowded morning express from Chandpur to Chittagong was due at any moment, and if he did not warn the crew in time, the train would derail. After rousing residents of the nearby fish farm to alert them to the danger, Abul raced home, snatched a red undergarment of his grandmother’s and ran back to the railroad. With the whistle of the approaching train in his ears, Abul clambered onto a railroad bridge near the broken section and frantically waved the red cloth. The driver slammed on the brakes, bringing the train to a grinding halt just short of the breach. The sudden stop was the first the 1,000 passengers knew of their close brush with death.

The Bangladesh Railway gave Abul a $63 reward  and the promise of a job with the railroad when he grows up. Moved by the saga, many Bangladeshis sent their own checks and letters of tribute. The Rotary Club of Metropolitan Dhaka promised to finance Abul’s education through the 10th grade, and other admirers are demanding his story be written into textbooks as an inspiration to children. “It was a fabulous act by a child,” editorialized the Dhaka Daily Star, hailing Abul as a hero akin to the fictional Dutch boy who saved Holland from flooding by plugging a hole in a dike. “Now we have one heroic exploit by . . . a child of nine that can compare to any . . . in the world.”

Lessons from Parables

Jesus commonly taught in parables. Parables were lessons based on things in real life that were used to convey a deeper spiritual message. In Matthew 13, Jesus expressed this idea and noted that teaching in parables sifted hearers. It separated those who really wanted to learn spiritual messages from those who didn’t.

The account of “Salvation from a Small Boy” can be used like a parable. It is an account from life. We can further think about spiritual things, if we have a mind to do so. It is possible that you have read the first part of this article, because it was interesting, and something from daily life. But, will you continue on to consider a few spiritual things? Can we consider salvation from the Son of God  A Son’s Salvation?

Compare Jesus, The Son Who Saves

Let us make a few comparisons to the account above to salvation from the Jesus, the Son of God.

Jesus became a Son, “one of us.” The little boy was one of them. The Bible teaches that Jesus took on flesh and blood to be made like his brethren (Neb. 2:14-17). He came unto “his own” to bring salvation (John 1:11). He became a “son” to Joseph and Mary to reveal the Son of God’s identifying with sons of men.

Jesus Realized the Calamity Coming

Upon Unknowing Men

The Bible says that God winked at the times of ignorance (Acts 17:30) and offered salvation through Jesus. The Law was given to proclaim sin and its dire consequences (Rom. 7:7ff). When Jesus heard of a physical calamity, a tower fell and killed a number of men, he said, “I tell you, unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3). Men recognized physical calamities; Jesus realized spiritual calamities associated with sin.

Jesus Alerted Others to the Coming Danger

Just as the boy alerted the village, Jesus alerted the people of his day: “Repent, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15). He sent apostles out teaching, “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved . . .” (Mark 16:16). He made arrangement beyond that day to ours, that the apostles would teach others what they had been taught (See Matt. 28:20; 2 Tim. 2:2). Jesus said, “. . .for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. He who rejects Me, and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke will judge him in the last day” (John 12:47-48).

Something “red” brought the salvation, Jesus’ blood: “this is My blood of the covenant, which is shed on behalf of many for forgiveness of sins (Matt. 26:28). Jesus offered himself. By being “lifted up” himself, Jesus would offer salvation (John 3:14-16) to those rushing head-long to disaster spiritually. When we are baptized into Christ, we are “baptized into His death” (Rom. 6:3-4), thus coming in contact with the saving blood of Jesus.

Praise for the Son

The little boy received much praise and honor among his country men. It is a shame that many don’t seem to praise Jesus as they should. Some wish to write the Story of Abul into history. Many today are denying the historical accounts (the Gospels) of Jesus. However, if people do not confess Jesus in this life, they will indeed confess him in the next: “Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:9-11).

What if .. .

Consider these “What if’s” about the boy and about salvation offered by Jesus: What if the son had shown no concern in his actions for the people on the train? Suppose he went on to find the snails for his ducks? Suppose Jesus had no concern for us? As so many had sinned against God, we might think he had the right to allow us to fall into perdition. What if the boy could not find a way to signal the train? What if he was unable to make his signal seen? What if Jesus found no one to preach the gospel?

What if the son’s warning was unheeded? Disaster! Now, what if you do not heed the warning of God’s Son after he has come to warn and provide a way of escape to those who believe and obey him?

Learn the lesson of A Son’s Salvation.

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 19, p. 24-25
October 3, 1996

By Randy Reynolds

When one ceases to faithfully serve the Lord, normally it is not an over-night departure. It is a gradual process that involves a few steps before it finally takes place. This is why it is very difficult to reason with those who have fallen. By the time it happens they are generally unwilling to be touched by those truths that once motivated them to faith and service. Yet, the effort must be made because they may still be moved to return to the Lord.

The apostle Paul, in Romans 1:20-21 (although at this place he addresses the Gentile nation who at one time existed without a written revelation from God) seems to address the events that are at work in a person’s life before his fall.

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are with-out excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but be-came futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

Within these two verses (actually within verse 21) we find what may be referred to as steps that are at work in the life of one who had at one time been enlightened. Some have suggested that there are four steps that are involved. Concerning this person the apostle Paul would say, “So that they are without excuse.”

They Are Without Excuse Because They Once Knew God

This statement simply implies that at one time they knew some things about God. They knew that he is alive, they knew of his great power and they knew of his divinity. When applying this to a Christian we could say that they knew of the love that he has for his creation in the sending of his Son to suffer and die upon the cross. Also, they once knew the precious promises that God has given to the faithful. The hope of heaven was once a hope that they held onto. The Hebrew writer speaks of this hope as anchoring the soul, making us both steadfast and sure (cf. Heb. 6:19).

In my estimation it is precisely this that the writer of Hebrews writes of in that same sixth chapter. “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame” (Heb. 6:4-6).

Imagine, if you can, one reaching the point of totally rejecting those good things of God that you now enjoy. Imagine allowing the precious faith that you now enjoy and treasure to suffer shipwreck. They are without excuse!

They Are Without Excuse Because They Did Not Glorify Him as God

There is a lot involved in glorifying him as God. The word glorify is translated from the Greek word doxazo. According to Strongs this word means “to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application): (made) glorify (-ious), full of (have) glory, honor, magnify.” Simply put, they failed to treat him as God. They failed to reverence him, worship him, obey him and to live their lives according to his inspired will. The Lord sums up this point in John 15:8 where he says, “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciple.”

A good example of this very thing can be found in the life of Moses. In Numbers 20:1ff the children of Israel are without water again. They will receive their water for a second time from a rock. The first time that this took place is in Exodus 17:1-7. On this occasion God told Moses to “strike the rock” with his rod and it would bring forth water for them to drink. On the second occasion God told Moses to “speak to the rock” in order to get water. Moses chose to strike the rock with his rod once again.

Obviously God was upset with Moses. But look how God expresses his displeasure with Moses, “Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, ‘Be-cause you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given you’ (Num. 20:12). The word “hallow” (sanctify KJV) is qadash in the Hebrew and it means “to proclaim holy, sanctify (-ied one).” That’s what Moses failed to do by his disobedience.

Wearing the name “Christian” is a serious thing. It is a name that ex-presses who we are and what we are. It is an identification of ownership, we belong to the Lord. The wearing of this name gives one the opportunity to either bring “glory” or to bring “dishonor.” Obedience brings honor, disobedience brings dishonor. They are without excuse!

They Are Without Excuse Because They Were Not Thankful

Seemingly they failed to see God as the source of their good gifts. They were like nine of the ten lepers that Jesus had healed. All ten came to the Lord desiring to be healed, but only one came back and glorified God for their cleansing, (cf. Luke 17:11-19). In verse 17 Jesus asked these two questions, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?”

Being thankful is simply expressing our gratitude to the One that made so may wonderful gifts possible. The apostle Paul tells us that we are to give thanks in everything simply because it is the will of the Father (cf. 1 Thess. 5:18).

In Ephesians 1:3-13 the apostle Paul mentions the blessings that we have through Jesus Christ, and in v. 3 he calls them “spiritual blessings.” Then beginning in v. 4 Paul begins to name some of those spiritual blessings: we are “chosen” v. 4, we are “adopted” v. 5, we are “accepted” v. 6, we have “redemption in His blood” v. 7, we have been “gathered together in one” v. 10, we have an “inheritance” v. 11, and finally in v. 13 we have been “sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.” No wonder James tells us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (Jas. 1:17). When one is in the process of falling, he has cast aside his thankfulness for the many blessings that God has blessed him with. They are with-out excuse!

They Are Without Excuse Because They Became Futile in Their Thoughts and Their Foolish Hearts Were Darkened

The word “futile” (vain, KJV) means something is empty or worth-less. Jesus said in Matthew 15:9, “Andin vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the comm. ndments of men.” Solomon in the book of Ecclesiastes refers to basically everything as vain when a person is living his life with-out God, that is without God being the focus of his life.

This is how those to whom Paul spoke became futile in their thoughts. Instead of having God as their Master, they became their own master. They thought that their own ways were superior to God’s ways. The inspired wisdom of the prophets inform us that God’s ways and thoughts are much higher than ours, (cf. Isa. 55:8-9), and that God never intended for man to direct his own steps (cf. Jer. 10:23).

With the Gentile nation whom Paul addressed, this resulted in idol worship. The true glory of God was exchanged by them for the images of man and the images of animals. When one falls from his faithful walk as a Christian, he goes back to the ways of the old man of sin and sorrow. When he does, his life is likened to a dog who returns to his own vomit or to the washed pig who returns to wallowing in the filthy mire, (cf. 2 Pet. 2:22). They are without excuse!

I know of no greater tragedy than this for one who once “knew” the Lord! Sadly enough, not every one comes to his senses. Not every one realizes that life with the Father is much greater than life with harlots, riotous living and mealtime with the pigs (cf. Luke 15:11-32).

Guardian of Truth XL: No. 20, p. 6-7
October 17, 1996