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

WHEN A SERVANT RULES

Solomon, the wisest son of Adam, once said, “For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear: For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat; For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.” Proverbs 30:21-23.

Servants come in all sizes, shapes, and attitudes, but the common denominator of them all is that of service they render to others. While it may be opined that all men are servants to someone or something, it is nevertheless true that there is a difference between a servant and a ruler. Such differences are attributable to the Creator Who, as Paul said, “Made of one blood all men and appointed the bounds of their habitation.” Acts 17: 26. Not only did He do this, but He also created the three major, distinct races of men in the offspring of Noah: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

“Shem” means “Name or monument,” “Ham” means “Dark, swarthy,” and “Japheth”

means “Fair.” Shem is the father of the Hebrews and many other nations through Abraham, and the relatives of Abraham of which scant knowledge is available. Ham produced such offspring as Phut (black as tar) Canaan, etc. Japheth produced the Scandinavian people of light skin, eyes, and hair. However from these three many nations have evolved through wars and other forces of intermingling. Stil the predominant categories of earth’s population remains basically threefold: Caucasoid, Negroid, and Mongoloid despite a mixture of these in many countries. A point is being driven forward, so let the wise think!

Some of the offspring of the early progenitors are not noted as having any specific, outstanding marks or characteristics given by the Creator. Others are. He pulled from the descendants of Shem, our father Abraham, and blessed his seed through Isaac with covenants of faith, law, and church. He divinely characterized the offspring of Ishmael as wild people who would dwell in the midst of their brethren. Genesis 16:12. He further placed a curse on the descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham, making them a servant of servants. Genesis 9:25.

These things are not this writer's thoughts or fabrications. They are the Creator’s record.

Suppose that one should arise having the combined characteristics of the offspring of both Canaan (servant) and Ishmael (wild man). Moreover, consider that such an one were somehow exalted to become a ruler. That would certainly make the wise sayings of Solomon take on greater and more present meaning. “. . . the earth is disquieted . . . and cannot bear. . .

for a servant when he reigneth. . .” Such a ruling servant would doubtless be interested in his own agenda, creating disruption and mayhem rather than compassionate good for the people over which he rules. Certainly, that should be more than enough to cause folks to pray: “Lord, please deliver us from the rule of a servant.” That would be appropriate.

FOR THOUGHT: Consider what Solomon meant in Proverbs 30:21. What specifically did he have in mind? What are the problems associated with other mentioned in this passage of scripture? Do you believe all races of people may be amalgamated into one, or that the three major distinctions created in the sons of Noah will remain while the earth stands? Why?

WHEN DOES THE GREAT TRIBULATION BEGIN??

“But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.”

I Thessalonians 5:4

The title is a question often asked. Inquirers are not so much interested in the tribulation as they are trying to pinpoint the time of the rapture and resurrection. This, of course, they would determine according to their belief of when that happens during the last seven years of this age. It will be noted as pre-trib, middle of the week, or post-trib rapture. But the question seems to always come out first, “May it be known when the tribulation period begins?” Think about this for a moment.

It is frivolous to try to pinpoint these events of the last days. Even Jesus said that time of His appearing was not known to Him, but by the Father only. However, balance that with the Holy Spirit inspired writings of the apostle Paul to the Thessalonians. They had heard that the coming of the Lord would be as a thief in the night. Paul went on to say, “But ye brethren are not children of the night that that day should overtake you as a thief.” I Thessalonians 5:4.

So, all the more do we give detailed study of the Holy writings in relation to prophecy and current events.

Daniel was informed by angelic messenger that the prince of secular government that was to come (Antichrist) would, at the initiation of the last seven years, make a league of peace with Israel, but would break that treaty in the middle of those years. So the first three and one-half years would be a mock peace filled with material prosperity. The last three and one-half years would bring tribulation such as has not been seen on the earth.

If the children of light are not to be caught in surprise about these events as will the children of darkness, then it appears quite logical that should one live to see a league of peace made with Israel that they will gladly accept for all the benefits it appears to procure for them, then that would be a good time to mark the calendar.

It is not accidental that the eyes of the world are focused on the middle east. The pressure remains high on Israel as a canning pressure cooker that could explode. The Arabs want Israel destroyed, and the Palestinians want a separate state within the borders of Israel.

These are significant problems which combined with many others give rise to the solutions of Antichrist through the nations which have become antichrist. The end result of all this will be Armageddon, and the return of the Lord Jesus with all His saints, including all who have been resurrected or raptured. The apostle John said, “Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!” Amen, and Amen!!!

FOR THOUGHT: What all is implied by Paul’s statement in I Thessalonians 5:4? Do you think Bible-believing Christians will be awake to the events of the end of the age? What does the phrase “not in darkness” mean?

WHICH WAY IS FORWARD?

Which way is forward? This may seem a silly question on the surface, but the answer is not so simple and clear as one might wish it to be. Motion may not always be forward, and not knowing the difference can be disastrous. Let an automobile race illustrate the point.

An automobile cross country race hosted many contestants. Each car had a driver and a navigator. The race route was through difficult terrain. One car was decidedly ahead of the others when an unmarked crossroads was approached. The driver demanded to know which way to go. The navigator said he did not know. He said that he was so sure that they would never be in the lead that he neglected to study the route. There were roads to take, but two of the three would not take them forward to their goal.

Another unlearned driver was proud of his just acquired automobile. He was so proud that he wanted to show his buddies that he could out race them. In the course of his attempt, the car came apart. To hear him tell it, he put the gear shift lever into “D” for “drag.” As he picked up speed, he realized he was not outrunning his buddies in their cars, so he shifted the lever into “R” for “Race” and that is when it all started to come apart, so he quickly shifted it into

“P” for “Pass.” and that was the end of it.

Now if this appears ridiculous, just survey what makes a lot of religions “tick” and it wil seem fairly sane. In short, motion or activity does not necessarily mean a person or group is making forward progress. Jesus indicated this as he described the religious generation into which He came so long ago. “And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I like the men of this generation? and to what are they like? They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.” Luke 7:31-32. They were zealous of activity for the sake of activity, rather than being zealous of practicing strict adherence to the will of the Lord so plainly revealed in the Bible. God’s viewpoint of “forward” is activity within His holy will. That kind of “forward” is inclusive of the old paths; of waiting on the Lord as described in Isa. 40:31.

Then here is walking and running without weariness; a perpetual renewing of strength; the direction God calls “forward.”

There are a lot of churches, and religious groups who think they are churches, wallowing in the pitfall of well-meaning, but carnal, religious activity. Such becomes religious protocol, and it fosters a staleness that will turn embers into ice cubes. God’s ways are tried and true, and a must for every believer. They are as God told Moses, “. . . Wherefore criest thou unto me?

speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward.” Exo. 14:15. Believers are to follow life actions designed by THE BOOK, to be assured their way really is forward!

FOR THOUGHT: Do you think a lot of modern-day church activities have little to do with implementing Bible instructions? Explain. Do you see much of the Bible as archaic and unsuited for modern times? Why? If not, why not? How important is it to you that churches and individuals claiming to be Christian stay true to Bible teachings?

WHO IS MY NEIGHBOR?

“But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?” Luke 10:29.

This classic question penned in Luke 10:29 was asked of Jesus by a certain lawyer. It is a question that continues to be pondered as men seek to justify themselves and/or their actions in life. Of course, it continues to be asked because men are not willing to let the simple and forthright teachings of Jesus be the final answer. However, Jesus’ answer is the final truth whether it is accepted or not.

The context of the question centers around the terms of fulfilling the Law of Moses. First, one is to love God with all his heart, then he is to love his neighbor as himself. So, who is my neighbor? To what degree am I allowed to discriminate, and still do what I should do? Think with me about what is being taught here.

Does this mean that one should run right out and find someone in need, and give him all his earthly possessions? Hardly! Should this happen on a wide scale, all commerce would stop and the whole world become immediately impoverished. Jesus did not intend that. In fact, the Bible teaches us that the lazy folks who will not work should neither eat. II Thess. 3:10. Does this mean that poverty should be eliminated in one’s local vicinity? No! Jesus said, “The poor you have with you always.” Matthew 26:11.

A true Christian should not pass up opportunities to be helpful to others genuinely in need, whoever they may be. In the “Good Samaritan story,” it was the priest and Levite who miserably failed the test. They had the opportunity and means to be helpful, but chose not to become involved. Then it was the generally despised Samaritan who actually performed the helpful deed.

Realizing the unknown victim was in desperate need of a helping hand, he gladly gave it. The Samaritan realized the victim was his neighbor even though he may have never seen him before, and he was also not of his race.

Jesus’ teaching here is very plain and unmistakable. The neighbor to the unknown victim of crime was not the priest or Levite. It was the Samaritan. Jesus made the obvious application:

“Go and do thou likewise.”

It really is true. What is kept, is lost. What is invested in others is kept, and it multiplies.

Christians should be keenly aware of the plight of others. Those who need help the most are most likely those who will not ask for it. When opportunity knocks, it moves on if not readily answered.

Opportunities are precious, and the believer should be ready to be a good neighbor.

FOR THOUGHT: In the realm of your world, do you rejoice to help others, or do you resent the idea, preferring to think that everyone should help themselves? Have you ever been in a situation of needing help? Did you get it readily, or did you feel others shy away from your need? How did those things make you feel? Who do you consider to be you neighbor?

WHO WANTS A CHURCH?

“Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.”

Ephesians 3:21

The strength of America serves as insulation from the ills of the rest of the world, at least for a time. Whether it is a cultural trend, a financial difficulty, an esteem of religion, or a shift in governmental thinking, it all comes into American life, but usually more delayed and slowly.

That process is speeding up due to the wearing away of the insulation. I illustrate the point with this story.

Spearheading mission work of the churches of the American Baptist Association in Australia, Laura and I visited that country in 1972. One of the goals was to help secure an advantageous place for a permanent church building of the initial mission begun by Calvary Baptist Church in Duncan, Oklahoma in 1968. In the process, several business, and civic leaders were consulted, and potential sites visited.

Success was achieved in the procuring of a two-acre estate called “Mountain view” in the Leumeah area near Sydney. A New Testament church is located there today.

However, in the search for suitable property, a number of new housing areas were considered. Based on the thinking that new housing areas in the U.S. desired a church adjacent to them, authorities were consulted about the possibility.

To the dismay of the missionary and myself, the reply most often received was, “Who wants a church?” The tone of the reply conveyed more than the simple words. It was so unrealistic to hear such disdain for the work of the Lord, and it was inconceivable that such an attitude would ever prevail in America.

Fast forward to today! Nearly fifty years have passed since that long ago visit. In that time much has occurred to marginalize the work of the Lord in general and churches in particular. One might not be shocked to hear “Who wants a church” not only in America, but in the southern “Bible belt” as well. The insulation is gone. America walks much in step with the nations of the world with whom the church means little to nothing at all.

As general esteem of the Lord’s work diminishes, His true churches may be entering what could be their finest hour of standing for the faith once delivered to the saints. Doubtless, markers indicate the nearness of the end of the church age, the glorious return of our Lord and Savior, and the eternal joy of rapture and resurrection. It is time for Christians to look up with excitement over the millennial age that is soon to happen.

On that day, the church of the Lord Jesus Christ will be honored as the bride of Christ, and elevated to rulership with Him in that marvelous thousand years of peace. But it does not stop there as Eph. 3:21 declares the church will provide glory to God throughout all ages, world without end. Amen! Who wants a church? Is it any wonder John prayed, Even so, Come Lord Jesus!

FOR THOUGHT: Do you perceive a rapid decline in appreciation in society for the Lord’s work?

What do you think are the main contributing factors for what you see occurring?

How do you evaluate your opportunity to stand against encroaching evils that marginalize the church? Are you thankful for insight and opportunity or would you rather not have such?

WILL A MAN ROB GOD?

“Wil a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.”

Malachi 3:8-9.

I know, I know! Everybody’s mind is made up from the title of this article what it is going to be all about. When pastors choose this title and use Malachi 3:8, it is almost always a message of giving money to the cause of the church. Certainly, a lot of churchgoers do rob God in the matters of tithes and offerings as the context of this passage of scripture indicates, but that is not the primary burden of this article. So how could this be any different? Well, think with me and see!

Robbery of God takes on a much grander scale of which tithes and offerings are but a symptom. Consider that when one repents from sin and receives Christ Jesus into his heart, he is born from above, and his spirit sealed with the Holy Spirit of God, Ephesians 4:30. That person has been purchased by the blood of Jesus. He is no longer his own!. As such he is to render praise and honor to his Savior (how logical). It is good that a large number do exactly that, but a growing number of present disciples give place to any excuse to miss church worship services or to give of themselves in any noticeable way to honor the God of their salvation. Many believers would be embarrassed beyond words if called upon to lead in prayer, because prayer is a stranger to them.

So, how many ways will a man rob God of the just honor due Him? Will a man rob God of the glory He is to receive from him in His church; of His rightful place in his heart; of His rightful place in his home; in the power of personal testimony that he is failing to portray to others? It seems the list of ways modern Christians do rob God is quite long!

The problem is a heart problem! Moreover, that speaks to the attitude toward tithes and offerings. Jesus pungently said it when He taught that where a man’s heart is, there will also be his treasure. Christians should determine where their money goes, and where their leisure time is spent. Wherever they find joy, it is where their treasure is. Certainly, it is a precious few who find their heart, and their treasure in the things of God. Among far too many the decisions are repeatedly made to rob God! It is the kind of robbery that a sermon, or brow-beating, or grudging change will NOT remedy, because it underscores heart trouble.

Knowing that we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of deeds whether they are good or evil, wisdom cries out for a return of the heart to the God who bought it with His precious blood. When that cry is heeded, all the other things will be properly placed.

FOR THOUGHT: As a Christian, do you see yourself as actually being purchased and owned by the Creator/Savior you claim to trust? If not, why not?

If God prescribes Christian behavior, and if Christians choose their own criteria instead, do you consider that to be robbery? Why? If not, why not?