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

WHAT IS THIS SOUND I HEAR?

Sounds are extremely important! The apostle Paul said, I Cor. 14:7. Could one imagine singing without the distinction of musical notations of range, or an instrument being played with no such observance? It would be sheer madness and total confusion. Of course, some of us may be accused of engaging in that sort of practice as others hear us, but it is mostly in jest. Paul went on to say, “For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? I Cor. 14:8. So, in conveying information, sounding an alarm, engaging in music, detecting mechanical malfunctions or so many other things, the distinct sound is important.

Distinct sounds have played monumental roles in history. God caused the enemy armies of Israel to hear the sounds of non-existent, approaching armies before whom they fled. Samuel heard the sounds of lowing cattle and bleating sheep by which he knew Saul had utterly disobeyed the commandments of the Lord to destroy all that drew the breath of life among the Amalekites. The list goes on.

In matters of safety, security, well-being, and especially eternal well-being, it is important that the sounds be distinct and clear. However, it is the delight of Satan to inspire confusing sounds in these matters from so many sources. The common denominators in those sounds are that time is unimportant, and whatever sounds one receives and conveys is just fine. This effectively, but falsely puts man in the driver’s seat of eternal things rather than the Creator. Biblically, it is called iniquity, and it reaps an eternal reward no one wants.

Therefore, let the sound of God’s people be a clarion call! Heaven and hell are real and will serve as the eternal home of all men according to their preparation or lack thereof. Let the eternal truth of God’s Word be sounded with clarity and force for God will approve no other. Pity the Christian who is embarrassed or ashamed to emit such clarion calls for the benefit of men for whom Christ died and rose again. Judgment is coming, time is short, eternity is long, and what is this sound I hear?

FOR THOUGHT: In modern church life, has the sound of urgency regarding faith been left behind or substituted with words of a social gospel? Do you believe that no small number of people find their names on church rolls without the “Born from above, repentance” experience? What is wrong with the thinking that “Words do not matter so much since we are all going to the same place anyway?”