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

RACIAL CHARACTERISTICS PRE-DETERMINED

In spite of their exalted stature as great men of God, some have made sinful errors that were, and are, far-reaching. Consider the sin of Adam and Eve. Think about the sin of Abraham and Sarah. Now some will surely think me a self-righteous bigot for what I write, but I stand on the plain truth of the Word of the Lord. Some things are predestined, and what is predestined will be, and that without deviation. Think with me!

God has pronounced blessings on His people of covenant. Those specifically are Israel of the Old Testament and the true church of the Lord Jesus Christ in the New Covenant. He has also pronounced characteristics on some folks that are not desirable, but they are just as true.

Today, the focus of the world is on the middle-east. The problem makers are specific people, from different national boundaries. The Arab people are the offspring of Abraham through his ill-gotten son, Ishmael. The character of Ishmael that he would pass on to his offspring is as certain as the sinful nature that is passed on to all from Adam. That characteristic is noted specifically in Genesis 16:12, “And the angel of the LORD said to her, Behold,art with child,shaltbearson,shalt call name Ishmael; because the LORD heard affliction.he will be a wild man;his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.” The Old Testament word that is translated “wild man” is “Para” and means “wild donkey.” It is so translated in the KJV of the Bible some 8-10 times.

As a wild donkey he will not be dependable for policies and treaties over long periods of time. In fact his predestined nature that has held true, and continues to hold true, is that “his hand is against every man, and every man’s hand against him.” That underscores the difficulties involved by the fact that “he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.” So, it is fixed! The nations of earth must do whatever is necessary to co-exist with them until the Prince of Peace returns to earth and sets things exactly right. Like the Gibeonites of old who became a thorn and constant challenge to Israel, so modern Arabs are more than a little challenge to the nations. Perhaps God is using this to goad men in the right direction. The appropriate question might be: is anyone listening!

FOR THOUGHT: Do you believe the divine pronouncement of specific human characters continues to hold true in their offspring? What about Adam and Eve and the sin they brought upon themselves? Is that still true for every human being? Why?