Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

Every generation has some who think that a new revelation is needed for a new age. The old Bible is viewed as outdated and unable to meet the spiritual needs of the new enlightened generation. There is an element of chronological snobbery inherent in such ideas, for this “enlightened” age will be the next generation’s outdated age.

The Scriptures are not tied to one era of time. They are timeless in that they meet the needs of every generation. “For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations” (Psa. 119:89-90). “Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever” (Psa. 119:160). “The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting” (Psa. 119:144).

Consequently, we should expect that the Bible is just as fitted to the spiritual needs of this generation as it was fitted to meet the needs of the people in Jesus’ own generation.

The Gospel Is a Universal Gospel

The gospel was not limited in application to one race of people; it was given to every creature on God’s earth. “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations” (Matt. 28:18). “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mk. 16:15). The same gospel is to be preached to both Jew and Gentile, bond and free, male and female (Rom. 1:16; Gal. 3:28). The grace of God which brings salvation has appeared to all mankind (Tit. 2:11).

How The Bible Meets The Needs Of Man

The world of men may be divided into three categories, based on the relative spiritual need of each group of men. The Bible is arranged in such a manner as to meet the needs of each group of men.

1. The Bible meets the spiritual needs of unbelievers. Many men are unbelievers. The greatest spiritual need of unbelievers is faith in Jesus. A man cannot be saved without faith in Jesus Christ (Jn. 8:24; 14:6; 3:16-18). The unbeliever will be destroyed in hell (Rev. 21:8). The Bible addresses the need of unbelievers.

There are four books of the New Testament designed to meet the needs of unbelievers: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The purpose of the gospels is to give the eyewitness testimony of those who accompanied with Jesus in order that men might have faith in the Christ. John wrote, “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (20:30-31).

The miracles of Jesus are recorded to give indisputable proof that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. He changed water to wine (Jn. 2:1-11), fed five thousand with five loaves and two fish (Jn. 6), walked on water (Jn. 6:16-21), healed the blind man (Jn. 9), raised Lazarus from the dead (Jn. 11), and many other miracles. The crowning proof that he is the Christ came by his own resurrection from the dead; it is the miracle which “declared (him) to be the Son of God with power” (Rom. 1:4).

The gospels are different. Matthew is particularly designed to prove to the Jewish audience that Jesus is the Messiah, the son of Abraham, the son of David (Matt. 1:1-17; Gen. 12:3). Matthew showed that he was born of a virgin (Matt. 1:21; cf. Isa. 7:14) in the city of Bethlehem (Matt. 2:1-10; Mic. 5:2). His miracles were the fulfillment of prophecy (Isa. 35). His death and resurrection were also foretold (Isa. 53; Psa. 22). Luke’s gospel is not primarily aimed at the Jewish audience, as is seen from his references to the Samaritans (the parable of the Good Samaritan, the Samaritan leper returned to thank Jesus), the genealogy which ties Jesus to Adam, and other items. The four gospels together are sufficient to meet the greatest spiritual need of the unbeliever: to convince him that Jesus is the Messiah, the one who fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies, sacrificing himself on Calvary for the sins of the world.

2. The Bible meets the spiritual needs of the believer. The man who already believes that Jesus is the Christ needs to know what he must do to be saved by the blood of Jesus. The New Testament contains a book designed to tell believers what they must do to become Christians. The book of Acts relates several cases of conversion which demonstrate what one must do to be saved.

Acts 2 records the preaching of the first gospel sermon in which Peter showed that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the Son of God. When men who believed his lesson asked, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Acts 2:38). The greatest need that these believers in Jesus had was to have their sins washed away by Jesus’ blood. Acts 2 relates the conditions which they had to meet in order to be saved by grace.

Acts 8:7-12 relates that Philip told the Samaritans to be saved by Jesus. “But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women” (Acts 8:12). Acts 8:26-40 tells that the Ethiopian eunuch heard the gospel, believed in Jesus, and was baptized in water. Acts 9 (also chaps. 22 and 26) relates that Sail of Tarsus was saved through the gospel of Jesus Christ when he was baptized to have his sins washed away (Acts 22:16). Acts 10 relates the conversion of Cornelius, Acts 16 the conversion of Lydia and the Philippian jailor, Acts 18 the conversion of the Corinthians, and Acts 19 the conversion of the disciples of John the Baptist in Ephesus. From a study of these cases of conversion, the man who believes that Jesus is the Christ can learn what he must do to have his sins washed away by Jesus’ blood. He will see that the believer in Christ must repent and be baptized in water in order to be saved by the blood of Jesus.

3. The Bible meets the spiritual needs of Christians. The last twenty-two books of the New Testament are designed to tell Christians how they should live in order to go to heaven when they die. The greatest need that a Christian has is faithfulness in his service to Christ.

Far too many Christians stop growing shortly after they begin their life in Christ. They are like the little boy who fell off his bed during his sleep one night. His mother picked him up and put him back in bed; she asked, “What happened’?” He replied, “I guess I went to sleep too close to where I got in.” Too many Christians go to sleep too close to where they get into Christ. They fail to grow up in Christ as they should.

The twenty-two books, Romans through Revelation, are designed to strengthen and edify the new Christian that he might maintain his faithfulness to Jesus. Books like Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians, and Hebrews strengthen our minds through the revelation of God’s plan for human redemption. Each of these letters to churches and individuals discuss moral subjects, explaining to us how we should live (cf. Rom. 13-16; Eph. 4:16-6:20; Gal. 5-6; Col. 3-4; etc.). As the Christian studies these books, he will learn how he should grow into full maturity from his condition as a babe in Christ. He will learn his responsibilities to tell others about Christ, to be active in good works, to worship regularly, to put on the fruit of the Spirit, etc.

Too, the Bible will give him a glimpse beyond this grave into the New Jerusalem which God has prepared for God’s saints. He will learn of the fellowship which a Christian will enjoy with Christ after the death of this body, the resurrection of the body and the inheritance of heaven. The Lord has promised to tabernacle with his people in heaven, to remove all of the sorrows of this life, to give the saints an eternal inheritance in a place without sin. The glimpse into heaven reminds us of the time when the Lord led Moses up Mt. Nebo to glimpse into the promised land. As Moses’ eyes saw the beautiful land of promise, he wanted to enter the land. We are taken up the mountain of faith to glimpse into heaven in such chapters as Revelation 21. As we see the beauties of heaven, a yearning grows inside us which makes everything on earth pale into insignificance by contrast. This desire for heaven helps us order the priorities of our life.

Conclusion

The Bible is not an outdated book. It is fully sufficient to satisfy the spiritual needs of all men. With confidence in the Bible as God’s divine revelation to man, let us give ourselves devotedly to the study of this inspired book.

Guardian of Truth XXXII: 18, pp. 554, 566
September 15, 1988

By Jimmy Tuten

When one through faith is baptized into Christ he becomes a “new creature” (Gal. 3:26-27; 2 Cor. 5:17). This brings with it the responsibility of growth expressed in Scripture as working out one’s salvation (Phil. 2:12). The maturing needed to become spiritually mature does not come spontaneously. It requires effort, self-denial, watchfulness and prayer. Peter tells us to grow in grace (2 Pet. 3:8). Just as a plant has to be assisted in its growth, so the Christian needs encouragement. But more importantly he will need to exert effort. The Christian is a privileged person, being a member of the family of God (Eph. 3:15; 1 Pet. 2:9). Bound by these, he is to exhibit a life worthy of his sacred calling (1 Pet. 1:15). Only then can he hope to receive the end of his faith, “even the salvation” of his soul (1 Pet. 1:9). To assist in this growth, the Apostle Peter gives a number of admonitions. One of them is: “wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings” (1 Pet. 2:1).

“Putting Away Therefore”

The “laying aside” (KJV), or literally “putting away,” is translated from apothesthai “which is the word for stripping off one’s clothes” (Barclay). The meaning is to lay aside, to “cast off, used figuratively of works of darkness” (Vine). Coming from a participle, it has imperative force. It is therefore a definite act, the putting away once and for all, or simply the denouncing all manner of wickedness. The Christian must avoid whatever is antagonistic to the development of the new life. There must be a complete right-about face.

The things mentioned in our text are dispositions and manifestations that offend against our relationship as brethren. They are hurtful to our Divine nature due to the fact that they represent a class of sins to which Christians are especially prone. The admonition concerning “subjection” in its various relationships are made difficult if such actions are engaged in to any degree (1 Pet. 2:13,18; 3:1). Peter mentions five things his readers had been swaddled in and these must be put aside as one would discard a filthy garment. These are all offenses against the law of love; they come from Satan and have the taint of hell. They are the essence of unbrotherliness that hinder the family of God (1 Tim. 3:15).

Malice: Desire To Hurt

“Malice” frequently carries the idea of wickedness in general, but in our text it suggests the desire to hurt someone (Oberst). It has reference therefore to a special kind of ill-will or malignity, from the slightest beginnings up to the most deadly expression such as slander. Webster defines it as “active ill-will” or “to do mischief.” It is a state of the mind wherein is the intention to do what is unlawful. It falls into a classification of deeds that are diabolic in nature:

(1) Malice: implies deep-seated animosity that delights in causing others to suffer or in seeing them suffer.

(2) Ill will implies hostile or unfriendly feelings such as dispose one to wish evil on others.

(3) Spite: suggests a mean desire to hurt, annoy, or frustrate others, usually displayed in petty, vindictive acts.

(4) Rancor. implies an intensely bitter ill will that rankles.

(5) Malignity: suggests extreme and virulent malevolence that is relentless in “pressing itself.

(6) Grudge. implies ill will inspired by resentment over a grievance.

The Christian cannot and must not harbor malice. “Grudge not one against another, brethren, less ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door” (Jas. 5:9).

Guile: Sin In The Mouth

“Guile” is deceitfulness, especially lying and false speech. It is usually spoken of as being on the lips or found in the mouth. Since the word more literally means a bait or contrivance for entrapping, deceit or fraud, it carries with it the idea of entrapment through speech. No wonder James lays so much stress on the tongue as a world of iniquity (Jas. 3:5-10). “Speak not evil one of another, brethren” (Jas. 3:11).

Hypocrisies: Spirituality In Pretense

The word “hypocrisies” is used metaphorically and indicates pretense. It comes from a word that originally meant an actor on a stage, one who seemed to be the person he was portraying. It means to impersonate. The Christian is not to appear better than what he actually is, or, to put it another way, he is to live and practice spirituality from the heart. Pretense and deception are sinful (it was the leaven of the Pharisees, Matt. 23:25-26). We cannot pretend to be what we know we are not.

Envies: The Sin Of Discontent

Envy is the feelings of discontent connected with ill-will at seeing the good fortune of another. “It springs from jealousies which are, in fact, concealed malice in hearts that are displeased with all beauty, achievement, virtue, or any other desirable qualities in others” (Coffman). Unlike jealousy which displays displeasure over another’s fortune, envy carries with it the desire for what another has achieved advantage over.

Evil Speakings: An Attempt To Injure

Evil speaking involves the attempt to injure another. It describes the speech that the spirit of malignity inspires (i.e., envies). Wuest says: “the words ‘evil speakings’ are in the Greek text ‘speaking down’ a person, referring to the act of defaming, slandering, speaking against another” (First Peter In The Greek New Testament, p. 51). It literally means to run a person down, to belittle, to speak disparagingly about the reputation, worth or character of another. Any form of false or malicious statement is a sin against brethren (cf. the verb form, “speak against” in 1 Pet. 2:12). James says, “speak not one against another, brethren” (4:11). He uses the same word that Peter uses. This is especially needful concerning our conduct toward brethren who are to be the special objects of our love (Gal. 6:10). In fact, having spoken of the need of brotherly love, Peter probably has in mind the cultivation of it when he speaks of these five things to be put away (cf. 1 Pet. 1:22).

Conclusion

The Jerusalem Bible translates 1 Peter 2:1 as follows: “be sure, then, you are never spiteful, or deceitful, or hypocritical, or envious and critical of each other.” We live in a time when brethren seem less concerned about others who make up the family of God. We do not cease to hear or witness the deterioration of brotherliness in congregations throughout the land. This must not to be. “We be brethren.” Dare we lose sight of this significant fact? After our baptism into Christ we began to live a higher life (1 Pet. 1:22). How has it expressed itself in our lives? Will we desire the milk of the Word (1 Pet. 2:2)? Will we grow, or be smothered in the filthy rags of sinfulness?

Guardian of Truth XXXII: 18, pp. 555-556
September 15, 1988

By Harry R. Osborne

The book of Hebrews clearly shows the correlation between suffering and the learning of obedience. The writer declares that Christ was perfected as the author of salvation through sufferings (Heb. 2:10) and that he “learned obedience by the things which he suffered” (Heb. 5:9). The writer exhorts the readers to follow Jesus’ example in chapter 12. He urges them to be perfected in righteousness as they face growing affliction (Heb. 12:1-13).

While the experience of human suffering is universal, the lessons learned from it are not. Whether young or old, rich or poor, righteous or wicked, all of us experience suffering. The reaction we have to such experiences determines whether or not we learn obedience through the things suffered. The same episode may result in a determination furthering obedience or a discouragement furthering rejection of God’s will. The difference in reactions is not brought about by dissimilar events, but by dissimilar hearts.

The Bible is filled with the stories of suffering on the part of people of all ages. We would do well to emulate those who handled adversity properly. The example which stands out above all others is that upon which the Hebrew writer bases his appeal – Jesus.

The Example of Jesus

In the process of defending the necessity of Jesus’ coming in the flesh, the Hebrew writer argues the place of Jesus as the author of salvation ‘upon the basis of his completion of sufferings which secured that salvation (Heb. 2:9-18). In this suffering which culminated in Christ’s death, he was made like his brethren in all things (v. 17). He was tempted to give up and quit as any of us would be in the face of such terrible physical, mental and even spiritual suffering (v. 18). Through it all, however, he never let such a temptation become his determination.

Jesus speaks of this agony in his last public discourse recorded in the gospel of John. He says, “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say’? ‘Father, save me from this hour?’ But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name” (Jn. 12:27-28a, NKJV). In his incarnation, Jesus was “made in the likeness of men” and “found in fashion as a man” (Phil. 2:6-7). As a man, he did not desire all of the horrors associated with his death on the cross. However, obedience drove him to subject himself to the will of the Father. The essence of his statement is not “Father, save me from this hour,” but “Father, glorify your name.” His obedience was put to the ultimate test and perfectly met it. Therefore, he becomes our example as we are tempted to forsake the will of God in times of hardship, but persevere in obedience despite the consequences.

The Hebrew writer continues this thought in the fifth chapter. Here, he draws upon the image of Jesus at Gethsemane so vividly pictured in the Gospels (Matt. 26:36-44; Mk. 14:32-39; Lk. 22:39-46). All of the accounts paint a clear picture of Jesus suffering intense, mental agony over the events soon to transpire. In the midst of such suffering, he goes to the only source of real help, the Father, in prayer. Matthew’s account shows Jesus reaching the same resolution as he did on the previous occasion recorded in John 12. In the first prayer at Gethsemane, Jesus says, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass away from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matt. 26:39). The emphasis of this first prayer is on his desire to be spared the execrable death on the cross. However, the determination to obey despite the results is seen in the account of the second prayer, “My Father, if this cannot pass away, except I drink it, thy will be done” (Matt. 26:42). Barmby expresses it this way:

His human will did not oppose itself to the Divine will: it conformed itself in the end entirely to it; but this according to the necessary conditions of humanity, through the power of prayer. Had it not been so with him, Ins participation in human nature would have been incomplete; he would not have been such as to be “touched with the feelings of our infirmities, being in all points tempted like as we are;” nor would he have stood forth forever as the great Example to mankind (Pulpit Com., Exposition of Heb. 5:7-8, p. 138).

The test of true obedience is not found in the execution of desirable tasks, but of dreaded tasks from which one longs for escape. Such a longing existed in Jesus regarding all that accompanied the preparation for and endurance of Calvary, but he submitted to every humiliating and excruciating moment in obedience. Indeed, the whole event demands the conclusion reached by the Hebrew writer, “Though he was a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered” (Heb. 5:8).

Other Examples

One of the most notable examples of obedience amidst suffering is found in Job. In Job 1:9-11, Satan asserts that Job only serves God because of the blessings given to Job. Satan claims Job would renounce God if those blessings ended. The book goes on to detail Job’s loss of material wealth, family, health, friends, and other blessings. Through it all, Job refuses to renounce God. James cites Job as an example of one who patiently endured suffering (Jas. 5: 10-11). Thus, the lesson should be learned that we can suffer the loss of all things, yet obey God, if we learn patience from that suffering.

The thorn in the flesh of the apostle Paul was a teacher of obedience in a sense. Lest he glory in himself as the one through whom God gave great revelations, the affliction served as a reminder that the greatness was in God who gave the revelation, not Paul who was merely a messenger (2 Cor. 12:7-10). Therefore, the suffering endured was a constant reminder of the greatness of God and his message in comparison to Paul’s frailty. When one truly reflects upon the majesty of God and his Word, obedience is induced.

The Hebrew writer exhorts the readers not to be “of them that shrink back unto perdition, but of them that have faith unto the saving of the soul” (Heb. 10:39). He then calls to their minds numerous examples of Old Testament characters who obeyed God as faith demands. Each one did so under some sort of trial or hardship. Not only did they learn obedience through the things they suffered, but we are taught by their examples as to the demands of an obedient faith.

The book of 2 Timothy is written as Paul experiences various forms of suffering. He suffered from the rejection of his friends and brethren (2 Tim. 1:15; 4:16). He suffered from the fact that false teachers were working with their malignant leaven (2 Tim. 2:16-18). He suffered from the impending apostasy he saw coming upon the cause of Christ (2 Tim. 3:1-9; 4:34). He suffered from evil done to him by others (2 Tim. 4:14). He also suffered from his imprisonment and imminent execution (2 Tim. 4:6). Throughout the book, he urges Timothy to do as he is doing – take hold of the sure things. He repeatedly appeals to the truth of the Gospel and urges uncompromising loyalty to it. The suffering Paul was experiencing brought more clearly into focus that which really mattered. Obedience was both learned and taught.

Application To Us

We must recognize the benefit which suffering can bring and learn obedience from it. God has declared that all who would live godly will suffer (2 Tim. 3:12). Peter notes that we should not see suffering as unusual, but as a fellowship with Christ’s suffering. He adds this is not true of suffering which comes from wrong-doing, but of suffering which stems from being a Christian (1 Pet. 4:12-16). What we learn from the suffering is up to us.

When we experience rejection because of a stand which is based upon the truth of God, will we compromise the truth or learn obedience? We often talk to teenagers about this pressure, but it works on all of us regardless of age. Business men have succumbed to joining in the use of alcohol and sordid entertainment to escape the ridicule and rejection of or’ their associates. I have seen preachers turn their back on the truth and one who was upholding it because of the pressure. No one is immune from Satan’s pull in this area.

I have often reflected on the faith of numerous older preachers who in the institutional division were told to cease preaching the truth. When they obeyed God rather than man, many were thrown out of homes and cut off without a dime to support their families. Most preachers in my age group have not had to suffer that trauma. It would be easy to rationalize our needs as being so great that “small” compromises would be justified. Or we could say that those who were being fired really were not making a different stand, but just had a “bad approach.” Such reasoning and justifying has provided the liberal churches with their “preachers.” We must watch out lest this history be repeated.

As situations in this life bring us sorrow and pain, let us look to the examples of those who endured suffering in faith ‘ The temptation is for us to become so discouraged that service to our Lord is forsaken. Such action would fail to learn the lesson of obedience. We must let the experience of suffering be an occasion to think about that which is solid and secure. Material goods, health, relationships, events and every other part of this life will cease one day and suffering will almost certainly result. Each time suffering comes, it provides a chance for us to learn obedience by the things which are suffered. We must press on unto perfection, laying up treasure in heaven wherein is no more death, mourning, crying or pain – where every tear shall be wiped from our eyes forever and all will be made new.

Guardian of Truth XXXII: 17, pp. 539-540
September 1, 1988

By Joel Plunkett

Three years ago I watched my lovely fourteen year-old daughter’s grades fall from A’s to D’s and her hands begin to tremble, causing her handwriting to deteriorate to scribbling. Her once healthy body began to shake to the point that she could not walk down a flight of stairs and eventually could not walk through her own home. After three months of taking her from doctor to doctor, she was diagnosed as having hypothyroidism. Medication was administered, but instead of getting better, her condition progressively worsened. She was hospitalized for nine days early in April of 1985 and nothing else could be discovered. She was released and on April 22, 1985, she suffered a grand-mal seizure which lasted fifteen hours. Only through the power of God, agonizing prayers, several family members working as a team, and the paramedics, did she get to the hospital alive. Several drugs were administered, but only by inducing a phenobarbital coma were the doctors able to control the seizure. She contracted pneumonia while on the respirator. We were never given any hope for her life. Prayers were uttered almost constantly in her behalf. Several brethren gathered at the Broadmoor church building, where I labor, and had a prayer service for her. Several of our friends from other congregations also came to this service. For the power of God and all of the prayers of brethren both public and private, we will be eternally grateful.

Jill spent forty-eight days in Vanderbilt Medical Center, fourteen of which were in the Intensive Care Unit. All kinds of testing were done on her, but it was never determined why she should have had a seizure of such magnitude. Although she had experienced some problems from this illness, she was recovered beyond anything the doctors could hope. We were told this week by an endocrinologist that Jill’s was the most unique case history she had ever read. At this time tests and evaluations are still being conducted on her and she continues to make progress. Jill has graduated from high school this year through Gods help, courage on her part and the help of several people. This trial has been very hard for her, but she has leaned heavily on the Lord for strength.

When brother Willis asked me first of all to preach a sermon and then to write an article, on what we had learned in applying God’s Word to our trial, I really didn’t want to do it. Stirring up the agony, tears, and frustration is something from which we human beings would like to run. The first lesson I have tried to learn is that our Lord was a man of sorrows (Isa. 53), and that is why he understands when we hurt (Heb. 4:15,16). If I am to be like him, my sorrows will lead me to understand when others hurt. I can have compassion because I really know how they feel. Therefore if preaching or writing about this can help someone to learn to lean on Jesus, then it must be done.

What have we learned? Sometimes it is hard to know and be honest with oneself. I know what we should have learned and pray that we have. I tried to learn from my years of preaching to others in their times of trial. It was my time to recall that abrasives irritate and inflict a great deal of pain, but they also polish and refine. Some of the thoughts that were presented to us made us more. aware of truths found in God’s Word. We had to do some serious soul-searching. “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience” (Jas. 1:2,3). This is joy? “And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth” (Heb. 12:5,6). “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby” (Heb. 12:11). Our awareness and understanding of God’s love was never more clear. How? He willingly agonized over the suffering of our child. The memory of Abraham willingly offering his son Isaac made us ponder. Christ’s agony in the garden when he prayed, “0 my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” was never more meaningful. The Psalms were discovered anew as we searched them for comfort. We read Psalm 34 over and over. For once in our lives we knew truly how to empathize with those four families who comforted us because they knew what we were feeling. Each family had lost a child during the child’s teenage or young adult life. We learned from and leaned on our physical family and God’s family. “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2).

Joseph was polished when his brothers sold him, when Potiphar’s wife misrepresented his character and Potiphar placed him in prison for two years. The tragic events helped to develop this young man into a beautiful, sweet, forgiving person. After such cruel treatment, Joseph could say to his brothers, “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive” (Gen. 50:20). Joseph was content to view it from God’s vantage point.

I hope in leaning on Jesus that I have learned sickness of this nature happens to people because we are in the world. Jesus said, “That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust” (Matt. 5:45). Tragedies, disappointments, and sickness happen to others in the world, why should it not happen to me? Why do I deserve a wall of protection around me and my family? As a Christian I must learn to take all things and search for the lessons contained within the circumstances. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28). How we react to things determines whether they are good or bad. We never want the pain, but the result the pain brings about is for our good. Needless to say this is a learned process and it takes time. If we do not exercise ourselves unto godliness and spiritual maturity, we could become very bitter, filled with self-pity, and blame God.

The lessons studied on prayer helped to remind me that our God is a God who hears prayers (Psa. 65:2). In 1 Peter 3:12 we read, “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers.” Through prayer in the garden, Jesus gained strength to stand before the high priest, Herod and Pilate. I hope my family and I have learned our strength is not in ourselves, but in the One who made us.

Learning to lean on Jesus means that we learn that God will supply our every need (Matt. 7:11). I had to learn that God loved me and was a better provider and Father to me than I was for my children. ” – for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content” (Phil. 4:11). No, we are not satisfied with circumstances but we struggle to wait patiently on the Lord. In that, there is a peace and contentment. While working with an alcoholic two sayings were brought to my attention. “Let go and let God” and “one day at a time.” Biblical truths in short sayings. Oh how agonizingly difficult; but oh how much happier and peaceful our existence when we learn and apply the truths. There is most certainly a “peace that passes understanding” that comes through prayer and turning your anxieties over to the One who controls everything.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” We whispered these words in Jill’s ear as she lay unconscious. We also prayed in her ear. There were times when we were so distraught that the only words we could utter were, “Please Lord help us.” How thankful we were that when Mama couldn’t kiss Jill’s hurt away that she had been taught to pray. Her first rational words were, “Mama, Mama, Father, Father, please help me.” She knew there was a power beyond this earth on which to lean. Many people have said since her major ordeal, they didn’t know how as a teenager she was coping with the many frustrations and problems facing her daily. When she gets depressed, she gets down on her knees and prays or she picks up a songbook and goes outside and sings. Her faith in God brings her through the difficult times in her life. We are so thankful in the midst of all the trials that she is “learning to lean on Jesus.” Where else could we take her for comfort?

What we are learning now is that although An has had a very difficult teenage life we are still responsible to lead her in the paths of righteousness. Because she has been so ill does not give us the license in the eyes of the Lord to spoil and pamper her to the point of causing her to develop sinful attitudes. This has been as difficult on our behalf as the illness itself. She is still responsible to God to grow in all the attitudes of Christ.

Learning to lean on Jesus has made my family look to the Father as our Help, Sustainer, Giver of all blessings, and the Hope of eternal life. The Lord has blessed us so bountifully, may we give glory, praise and honor to his holy name.

Guardian of Truth XXXII: 17, pp. 529-530, 549
September 1, 1988