Devotions From the Pen of Dr. W. A. Dillard by W.A. Dillard - HTML preview

WARM WATER PORTS FOR RUSSIA

After six thousand years of human history, the events spoken of by the ancients are happening like pieces of a giant jigsaw puzzle coming together to form the completed picture.

Almost nothing occurring on the international scene is unimportant. Of recent attention is the invasion and annexation of a coastal part of the Ukraine known as Crimea by Russia. This ancient country was a forced part of the old U.S.S.R. as was Poland, Albania, and other countries freed from Nazi occupation during WWII only to live under the oppression of communism as the iron curtain descended in the late 1940s. They were freed at last to live and operate under their own governments with the collapse of the Soviet system several decades ago. However, Ukraine had something the Russians needed to have under their sole authority, and that is the warm water ports of Crimea. Acquiring this would give Gog and Magog, the countries of the north an open sea route to the Mediterranean. This, among other things, allows mass naval passage; thus, the facilitated ability to make war in that region. Of course, the Ukrainian government was not about to say, “Here it is, it is our gift to you,” although they may as well have done so.

The amazing thing about what has just happened here is the ease with which it occurred. This land has known ancient wars throughout history. Here many have fallen, and soaked the soil with their blood at various times and from different countries. Yet, Russia has, in blatant violation of international law simply marched in and took the coveted country without firing a shot or having any of its soldiers suffering so much as a scratch while the weakened West looked on, and promised to close their bank accounts if they did not behave. Oh, brother!

Ancient Daniel spoke of nations lending their power to an aggressor for a time, and Ezekiel spoke of how the forces of Gog and Magog, Eze. 38, would come into play as the present age rushes to its climax and subsequent end.

But, just what does all this mean? Well, there is no shortage of religionists, who have pushed themselves to the forefront for a short time, that are more than willing to detail these things, even to the cycles of the moon. However, the wise study the Word, and keep it, and these events in their heart and mind. It is fodder for meditation as the Day of the Lord approaches. Al of God’s people should be aware of these things: they are significant.

FOR THOUGHT: The forces of gog and magog are those generally to the north and east of the land of the ancient prophets. Do you see how forces from that general region will play a major role in the last days of this age? After reviewing a map of the middle east, how do you evaluate the importance of Crimea to those forces?

WAS PETER A POPE?

“And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.”

Matthew 23:9.

Much usage of the term “Pope” has been employed of late in international news. It is an interesting word that many attribute spiritually to one man, and credit him as father (pope. papa) to the church: the successor to the apostle Peter, they say. Around Easter, the subject appears more frequently. Never mind that Peter was never a pope or a papa to any church, or that he was a married man with a stated mother-in-law. Think about it!

“Father” comes from the Greek word “pater” meaning “father”. From this word we get the extended adjective “paternal,” etc. Several languages have a similar form of “pater” to indicate that basic idea. The specific term “Pope” is often listed as: Pope (from Latin: papa; from Greek: πάππας pappas,[1] a child's word for father. Of all the many ways these terms may be used, the basic idea of them all is that of origin, progenitor, and creator. We correctly recognize our male parent as “father” and although the idea of caregiver, provider, protector, and instructor may be associated with that person in one’s mind, the basic idea remains progenitor even in the synonyms of “Dad” or “Pop.” These terms certainly are most appropriate in designating our earthly relationships, but in the dimension of the spiritual world greater, more respectful, and worshipful restrictions apply.

Spiritually, the term “Father” became especially endearing to New Testament disciples of Jesus through Whom we came to know our Creator, not so much as “Lord God” but as “Our Father:” a much more loving, mature, and endearing term of close-knit, day to day relationship, as we live within the scope of His holy will. Jesus clearly and commandingly said, “And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.” Matt. 23:9. Jesus also forbade ecclesiastical hierarchy in His church; Matthew 20:20-29. Moreover, those who minister spiritual things in the church are not to be considered priests any more than other members of the church because the entire church is a royal priesthood. I Peter 2:5. Neither is there any man on earth who may take ascendency over others in regard to approaching God or finding acceptability or blessings from God. There is one mediator between God and man and it is that man Christ Jesus, I Tim. 2:5.

So, what does this writer think about all the hoopla? Wel , it is just that,“ Hoopla.” But, it is more profitable to point out truth and errors than to negatively criticize. There is one Judge of us all. No one will escape an appointment before Him, and He will not deviate from His Holy Word.

The personal responsibility to know, and to do righteously is too immense to entertain such foolishness of false religion for very long. So, is that fried chicken I smell coming from the kitchen?

Maybe there is a biscuit and a little gravy there, too!

FOR THOUGHT: If there is one mediator between men and God as I Timothy 2:5 states, does that not underscore the foolishness of some hierarchies and priesthoods? Since the apostle Peter was a married man, how does that fit with the idea of a modern pope?

WAS THERE REALLY A SEANCE IN THE BIBLE?

I Samuel 28 relates the story of a successful séance. Do we believe that this really happened? Yes, indeed! The greatest reason for believing this literal event successfully occurred is that it is affirmed in the Bible. Moreover, there is additional, strong, Biblical support for it. God preserved the incident in His Holy Word, so it is to be believed regardless of peripheral reasoning. However the peripheral, biblical support is assuring.

One must consider that this is an Old Testament event. In that time period departed spirits of men all went into Hades, the world of the departed ones. Hades consisted of two compartments: one for the saved, and one for the lost. This is most graphically seen in Luke 16

regarding the rich man and Lazarus. The compartment of Hades for the lost was a place of torment. The compartment of the saved is referenced as Abraham’s Bosom, or Paradise. There was an uncrossable gulf between the two, but communication was apparently possible, via Luke 16. Jesus went into this paradise, and promised one repentant thief on the cross that he too would be with him there that very day. The apostle Peter tells us that Jesus preached to the spirits in Paradise who were disobedient during the days of Noah. I Peter 3:18-22.

However, it is apparent that Satan held some sort of claim over the entire world of the dead until Christ Jesus experientially defeated death on the cross. For this reason, people who had committed themselves to Satan ( possessors of a familiar spirit) had the ability to explore to some degree that world. The witch of Endor actually did contact, and request the appearance of Samuel from the world of the dead. Both she and Saul recognized the prophet. Samuel then correctly prophesied the death of Saul and his sons in battle with the Philistines the very next day.

But when Jesus arose, the New Testament is adamant that he possessed the keys of death, hell, and the grave. Eph 4:8-10. Not only did he rise from the world of the dead, he carried Paradise or Abraham’s Bosom into the present heaven where the spirits of saved people in this age are immediately transported. upon death. Matt. 27:53

The difference in resting places for the saved dead then hinge on the completed work of Jesus on the cross. Before His experiential victory, it was the Paradise of Hades; afterward, it is the heaven of the throne of God. Before His experiential victory, Satan held a claim over the world of the dead for their sins although forgiven, had not yet been successfully paid for by the perfect work of Jesus. Afterward, it is the resting place in heaven, and there is no Satanic claim on those in Christ.

FOR THOUGHT: Does the incident of the witch of Endor and Saul make you more thankful that this could not happen today due to the successful work of Jesus? Do you believe individuals may give themselves to Satan just as saved people give themselves to Jesus? Does this account for much of the evil activities carried on today?

WHAT DID ABEL DO THAT WAS SO RIGHT?

Abel was the first person to be murdered. A debate precipitated his murder, and a proper act of worship precipitated the debate. Important details surrounding this incident are not spelled out in so many words, but they are present in the construction of the ancient language.

“In the process of time” is a phrase that may designate years or decades, but it probably indicates these men were heads of households, since in early history patriarchal priesthood was the consistent practice. So, Cain and Abel brought an offering unto the Lord. Abel brought of the firstlings of the flock, but Cain brought the fruit of the field. God had respect unto Abel and unto his offering, but He did not have respect unto Cain and his offering. Cain was terribly angry, and as he and Abel walked in the field they talked. “Talked” in the Hebrew is in the intensive stem of the verb meaning they talked intensively and heatedly. It could be called a debate. Of course, Cain was wrong. When one is wrong, there are only two options: repent and get right or become angry. Cain chose the latter, and in his anger he sought to silence the voice of truth by killing his brother.

But what did Abel do that was so right? He was a sinner as are all men, and as his brother Cain was. However Hebrews 11:4 tells us “By faith Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice than Cain. . .`` There is the answer. It is still the answer that makes a difference in men today. Now faith is the belief in a promise. This tells us that both Cain and Abel had correct instructions about how to worship and sacrifice unto the Lord. Abel believed and carried out those instructions. Cain did not, but chose to substitute his own way of worship rather than follow the instructions of God.

It must be noted that after six long millenniums and voluminous instructions and experiences, men still choose the way of Cain, which is labeled in the Bible as “Iniquity.” Its judgment is certain, as illustrated by Cain.

It is infinitely more important to follow God in all things rather than substitute the faulty reasoning of sinful men. Abel got a quick ticket home in the ordeal, but by it he also continues to speak to the condemnation of iniquity in men. On the other hand, it is Cain who really lost his life, and the things that count for all eternity.

Truly, God gives us all the opportunity to believe Him and follow Him. This is the thing sinful men must do if they are ever to be right in the sight of God. Abel did, and he was so right!

FOR THOUGHT: Does the scenario of Cain and Abel continue to speak of the primary problem of mankind: how to deal with sin and ego on one hand, and how to be right with God on the other? Why do you think people are generally easily upset when conversation turns to politics and religion? Although committing actual murder over ideas is rare, do men not commit murder in their heart through heated, vehement, negative emotions? How do these things affect you?

WHAT DID ABRAHAM DO THAT WAS SO RIGHT?

It is easy to see the wrong things in another’s life. In Egypt, Abraham lied about Sarah, and encouraged her to do the same thing in order to save his own hide. Abraham tried to help God out with Sarah’s encouragement regarding an heir. That brought Ishmael into the world via Hagar the Egyptian, and a multitude of problems that continue to this day. These things underscore the sinful humanity of Abraham, and they let us know that Abraham was very much as we are. On the other hand, he is called the “Father of the Faithful” so what did he do that was so right?

In summation, one verse of scripture says it all. “Abraham believed God and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” Gen. 15:6; Rom 4:3. This is not the account of Abraham’s being spiritually saved, but a statement about his life being righteous through explicit faith in God’s every word. When will men learn that there is no good in the flesh? The only righteousness men may have that is acceptable to God is the imputed righteousness of Christ Jesus, that comes by receiving His teachings as presented in the Holy Word. Abraham not only trusted God with the eternal well being of his never-dying spirit, he believed Him in all that God told him. This then is the righteousness of life referenced in the above scripture.

Abraham went on to prove his faith in God for all time by offering up Isaac in full confidence that God would raise him from the dead because He had promised that his seed should be called in Isaac, and Isaac as of then had no children, Heb. 11:17-19.

Great and mighty promises were made to Abraham and His seed. Those promises are fiercely argued to this day among the descendants of Ishmael and those of Isaac. This is primarily a material problem as they argue who rightfully owns the land of modern Israel. It is sad that they miss the tremendous import of spiritual things in those promises. The apostle Paul explained the term was not “seeds” as of many but “seed” which is Christ, Gal. 3:16. What an eternal blessing!

The lineage of Abraham, the first of a separated, covenant people constitutes the lineage of Christ.

However it must be emphasized that this production is not counted in the flesh, but in the lineage of “the faith”. Men have the glorious privilege today to be like Abraham. One may repent of sin, trust Jesus as personal Savior and follow as a disciple in “the faith once delivered to the saints.”

This incorporates us into the New Covenant, and like Abraham, be found doing something that is so right!

FOR THOUGHT: Do you see that a lot of modern “Christianity” does not walk righteously before God because they do not believe the teachings of God that conflict with their thinking? Is there any other way for a person to have standing before God than in the imputed righteousness of Jesus? Did not Jesus say, “Why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not what I say?” Is the initial faith experience sufficient or the starting point of doing what is right?

WHAT DID ACHAN DO THAT WAS SO WRONG?