Thoughts on Discipleship by Dr. 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. Still 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?