Thoughts on Discipleship by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

PITCH A SHOE OR PITCHING FOR SHOES

The modern phrase: “Pitch a shoe” is an expression of frustration, anger, and/or rejection. Though used in modern times, especially in the South and Midwest for the expressed purposes mentioned above, it is also an ancient action that took place literally under certain conditions. Let’s think for a minute!

In securing the role of Kinsman Redeemer to Naomi and Ruth, Boaz called a witnessing council at the gate of the city to witness a cunningly engineered proposition to a closer kinsman that he might reject the option, leaving Boaz free to purchase the fields of Naomi, and the right to Ruth as his wife. The one closer than he verified his quit claim to the option by loosing or pitching his shoe! See Ruth 4.

In Deut. 25, the specifics of the above law are spelled out. Here it involves the loathing spittle of a widow as well as the loosed or pitched shoe, which forever designated the house of the rejecter as the house of a loosed or pitched shoe.

Aside from the ideas of modern anger and ancient rejection, there is another great teaching moment in the title’s phraseology. Once the manufacturer of shoes hired a salesman to market his shoes to the people in Africa. The salesman booked passage, and upon arrival found everyone barefooted. He told his boss that there was no need to send him shoes because the people here did not use them. In frustration (pitching a shoe) his boss sent another salesman to the same place. Upon arrival he too found everyone barefooted. He immediately wired his boss to send a boatload of shoes because no one there had them. What a difference in attitude and perspective! His was not to “Pitch a shoe,” but to “Pitch for shoes!”

Too often, folks are reminded of a ministerial lament that people are not church-minded or even mindful of the Lord, and pine away in discouragement. Perhaps we would all do well to take on the perspective and attitude of the second salesman. If folks have no or little regard for the Lord and His work; if they do not profess to be saved, then perhaps a fertile, wide open field of great harvest is found. But they must be presented with the gospel. The Holy Spirit will do the rest.

In the story, if the people in Africa all had shoes, but worn-out ones, perhaps the first salesman would have rejoiced. But had that been so, it would mean that others would have already cornered that market, and would not be content with a one-time sale. Maybe, just maybe there is a parallel here to be thoughtfully considered: Not pitching a shoe, but making a pitch for shoes. That is not seeking to build on the work of others, but winning the lost, and teaching them the glorious gospel

FOR THOUGHT: Do you ever wonder why some Christians seek excuses to not serve the Lord while some others are eager and enthusiastic about doing so? What do you think makes them different? How do you feel about engaging in spiritual activities? Are they a burdensome necessity? Are they a joyful opportunity? Why is that?

PLANET EARTH: MY MOTHER!

There is a natal bond between planet Earth and mankind. From the initial days in Eden it speaks of his prime directive or purpose. Think with me!

Adam (mankind) was the name of the first human. Add the feminine ending (ah) to that word in Hebrew and one has “Adamah” which is translated as “Dust, soil, dirt,” the substance of the planet. So, Earth is the mother of mankind, and God is the Creator/Father. Adam was made to be a man from the same elements as the soil, and God breathed into his nostrils the breath of lives: (yes, lives, plural) physical, mental and spiritual. Thus Adam was made the lord of the life sustaining planet. Inquiring minds want to know why.

Previously, the earth was under the care of Lucifer and the myriad of angels under his command. Lucifer coveted the position of the Son, originating opposition to the Will of God; hence, sin! It is believed that Lucifer is responsible for wrecking to the point of utter chaos what was a perfect, life-sustaining planet. Gen.1:2.

Logic would indicate that a controversy over ownership of the planet ensued between God as Creator, and Lucifer claiming it was given to him. There being no other super powers to settle the argument, the planet would thus speak for itself. Of course, being without a brain, or mouth, that seemed impossible, but here is where the import of the bond becomes underscored. God caused the planet to give birth as it were to one like itself, but who could reason, speak and make decisions.That would put Adam into the position of being a walking, talking dirtball, which seems a little humiliating. Actually, it is an extremely exalted position. He would speak for the planet.

So man must be subjected to the influences of God and Lucifer. Eve being deceived and Adam choosing her over the word of his Creator brought sin to the species, and a yielding up of the lordship of the planet to the fallen archangel.

But the story does not end there. The Creator chose to become one of His created beings and succeed where Adam failed. Since it was a decision of commitment that brought sin, it is likewise a decision of commitment that brings life and righteousness. It is also the purpose of the Creator to bring man to a high level of spiritual maturity that will enable him to do in the millennial reign of Christ what he should have been doing from the beginning. He will rule the earth in righteousness to the eternal glory of Jesus, and to the astonishment of His unfathomable grace. Paul says in Romans 8 that the creation groans in travail, awaiting the glorious liberty of the sons of God (its offspring) in which it also will be finally freed from the power of bondage. There is a good reason earth is called “Mother Earth.”

FOR THOUGHT: Do you think many people understand the natal relationship of mankind with the earth, and the responsibility they have to live and speak righteously for it? Can you envision creation groaning in travail, awaiting the liberation of the sons of God? Can you imagine the molecules in multiplied trillions rejoicing in liberty when their offspring is liberated? Are you prepared for this soon coming day?