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

ANCIENT LESSONS FOR MODERN TIMES

In the heat of political races, many become distraught and feel there is no way out of the gloom and doom drumbeat of a Christ-denying world. Perhaps all who experience such frustration and depressing prospects would do well to become better acquainted with the hope of Holy Writ. I write specifically of ancient lessons for modern times.

God is the author of the family, human government, and His church: the three most important institutions on earth. He put design in each of them as well as in all of them combined. Moreover, a predetermined end for them, as well as all things, was set long ago , and will not be deterred. Think about it!

Ancient Nebuchadnezzar ruled the first human empire. The hanging gardens of the magnificent city of Babylon remain one of the wonders of the ancient world. But the king was lifted up in pride, and took credit for building the empire himself. It was then that God allowed him to be driven from men; to run with the beast of the field until he learned that the Most High God ruled in the governments of men, and brought to power whom He would. Nothing about that principle has changed.

The empires of Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome rose and fell right on schedule. Quite soon, the stone cut out without hands will smite the human empire, fill the earth, and rule in righteousness even as ancient Daniel saw it in a vision from God.

Furthermore, the last chapter of Holy Writ is still just as true as the first chapter was and is. Then let the people of God rejoice. These things that are happening should evoke the uplook of life. Let every head and heart of faith be looking up for redemption draweth nigh, and there is no power in the universe to stop it, delay it, or thwart it to an alternate purpose. Thus “on Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand!” God still appeals to His people as He did through Jeremiah 6:16, “Thus saith the Lord, . . . ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.”

FOR THOUGHT: Could there be a more appropriate time to seek wise ways in life than today? When you do all you can do to honor God and live safely, do you find comfort in trusting God to do for you what you cannot do for yourself? What do you think of ancient lessons mentioned here, and their application to modern times?