Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

The political condition of Israel was somewhat stabilized when the house of Omri became the royal family. From the time when the last descendant of king Jeroboam, the leader responsible for dividing Israel from Judah, was slain, political upheaval prevailed. After Jeroboam’s death, Nadab ruled for two years before Baasha conspired against him; Baasha ruled twenty-four years. After his death, Elah ascended the throne but ruled only two years before Zimri killed him. Zimri ruled only seven days when Omri killed him. After a period of some division, he was able to unite all of Israel behind his able leadership. His political and military sagacity is seen in his selection of the hill Samaria for his capital (1 Kgs. 16:24). His reign is also known for its wickedness (1 Kgs. 16:25).

Upon his death, Ahab ascended the throne of Israel. In order to further secure the kingdom, Ahab entered a political alliance with Zidon, having it sealed by his marriage to Jezebel, daughter of Ethbaal who was king of Zidon (Kgs. 16:31). “For the first time the chief wife of an Israelite king was one of the old accursed Canaanite race” (Arthur P. Stanley, Lectures on the History of the Jewish Church, Vol. 11, p. 317). Ahab was a rather weak man, easily influence by those near to him.

Jezebel was a domineering woman who was steeped in idolatry, in the worship of the Sun-god Baal. Ahab reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria. And Ahab made a grove” (1 Kgs. 16:32-33). Jezebel not only wanted idolatry practiced in Israel, she also instituted religious persecution in the systematic elimination of the prophets of Jehovah (1 Kgs. 18:4). Prophets hid in caves to escape the sword of Ahab and Jezebel. Those who were faithful to the Lord were suffering persecution. With the power of the throne being used to establish Baalism and to eliminate the worship of Jehovah, the future of God’s people looked bleak.

God’s Servant Elijah

Into this situation, God’s servant Elijah (“Jehovah is my God”) appeared. He was from Gilead (1 Kgs. 17: 1) and was known as the “Tishbite.” He was a hairy man who wore a leather girdle around his loins (2 Kgs. 1:8). This rugged prophet fearlessly appeared before king Ahab and announced, “As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word” (1 Kgs. 17: 1).

The judgment of a drought was quite fitting inasmuch as Baal was the Sun-god “The Phoen writer Sanchuniathon (Philo Byblius, Fragmenta II) accordingly says that the children of the first generation of mankind ‘in time of drought stretched their hands to heaven toward the sun; for they regarded him as the sole Lord of heaven, and called him Beel-samen, which means “Lord of Heaven” in the Phoen language and. is equivalent to Zeus in Gr… (A.H. Sayce, “Baal, ” L S. B. E, Vol. 1, p. 345). Baal’s consort was Astarte; together they would have been responsible for fruitful seasons and vegetation. But they were powerless before the judgment of Jehovah as announced by the prophet Elijah.

To preserve himself alive, Elijah resorted to the brook Cherith during the famine where he was sustained by the ravens which came there in search of water (1 Kgs. 17:1-7). The ravens brought him bread and flesh both morning and evening. During this time, Elijah was a hunted man (1 Kgs. 18:10-12). When the brook finally dried up, Elijah went to the Phoenician village of Zarephath where he lived with a Gentile widow and her son throughout the remainder of the famine. God sustained the prophet by miraculously multiplying the bread and oil of the widow (1 Kgs. 17:8-24). During this time, the widow’s son died and Elijah raised him from the dead (1 Kgs. 17:17-24).

The Contest On Mount Carmel

After three and one-half years of drought (Jas. 5:17), the Lord sent Elijah to confront Ahab. Ahab and his chief servant Obadiah (who had hid one hundred prophets of God from Jezebel’s wrath and sustained them) were traveling throughout Israel looking for enough grass to keep the king’s horses and mules alive. Elijah appeared to Obadiah and instructed him to tell Ahab that he would meet with him. When they met, Ahab said, “Art thou he that troubleth Israel?” Elijah replied, “I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father’s house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baalim” (1 Kgs. 18:18). Though this king had been responsible for the death of many prophets of God, Elijah courageously confronted and rebuked King Ahab.

Elijah told Ahab to call four hundred fifty prophets of Baal and four hundred prophets of Astarte together on Mount Carmel along with all of Israel. Elijah stood alone as the prophet of God. He was without fear, knowing that one man standing with God is a majority in any country regardless of the opposition. When the people arrived, Elijah said, “How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him” (1 Kgs. 18:21). A contest was devised in which the prophets of Baal would build and altar, lay a sacrifice on it, and appeal to Baal to send fire to consume the sacrifice. Elijah would to the same. The God who answered with fire would be the God whom Israel would worship.

The prophets of Baal went first. After building their altar and placing the sacrifice on it, they began crying for Baal to send down fire, a job relatively easy for the Sun god. They cried from morning till noon to no avail. At noon, Elijah mocked them saying, “Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is in a journey, or peradventure he sleepeth, and must be awaked” (1 Kgs. 18:27).(1) The Baal prophets responded with more intense appeals to their god. “They cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lancets, till the blood gushed out upon them” (1 Kgs. 18:28).(2) This continued until the time of the evening sacrifice.

Elijah then took his turn. He rebuilt the broken-down attar of Jehovah. He slew the bullock and placed him on the altar after putting wood thereon. He had the altar doused three times with water. Then’, he calmly called on Jehovah to send down fire from heaven. The Lord responded with fire, consuming the sacrifice, the’wood, the altar and the water. When the people saw this, they bowed before Jehovah. Elijah called upon them to slay the false prophets, which they did.

As Ahab sat with Elijah at the sacrificial meal, Elijah prayed for rain. After three and one-half years of drought, Jehovah sent rain.

Flight To Mt. Sinai

When Jezebel heard of the slaughter of the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, she said, “So let the god’s do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time” (1 Kgs. 19: 1). Convinced that the drought and the victory on Mount Carmel had done no good, Elijah fled from Jezreel to Beersheba. He went three days journey into the wilderness, sat under a juniper tree (broom bush), and requested for himself that he might die saying, “It is enough; now, 0 Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers” (1 Kgs. 19:4). An angel of the Lord appeared to him, gave him food to eat on two occasions, and instructed him to go to Mount Sinai.

Arriving on Mount Sinai, Elijah dwelt in a cave. The Lord appeared to him and asked him, “What doest thou here, Elijah?” (1 Kgs. 19:9). Elijah replied, “I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and 1, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away” (1 Kgs. 19:10). The Lord told Elijah to stand on the mount before the presence of the Lord. Then, the Lord sent a strong wind but the Lord was not in the wind; the Lord sent an earthquake but the Lord was not in the earthquake; the Lord sent a fire but the Lord was not in the fire. After the fire, the Lord appeared to Elijah, speaking to him in a still, small voice.(3) The Lord gave Elijah three tasks: (1) Anoint Hazael as king over Syria; (2) Anoint Jehu as king over Israel; (3) Appoint Elisha as his successor as a prophet. The appointment of Elisha would encourage Elijah, showing him that the prophetic office would not be completely destroyed, but would continue. Then Jehovah added, “Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him” (1 Kgs. 19:18).

Encouraged by these words of the Lord, Elijah returned to Israel to continue his work. He appointed Elisha to be his successor and, apparently, began several schools of prophets, one in Bethel and another in Jericho (2 Kgs. 2:2-5).

Elijah And The Judicial Execution of Naboth

Sometime later, Ahab desired to purchase the vineyard of Naboth which joined hard to the royal resident in Jezreel. He approached Naboth about purchasing the vineyard but he would not sell his inheritance from his fathers. Ahab went away depressed and pouting like a spoiled brat who did not get his way. When Jezebel saw Ahab’s displeasure, she inquired regarding the cause of it. When she found out that it was caused by Naboth’s refusal to sell his vineyard, she said, “Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? Arise, and eat bread, and let thine heart be merry: I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite” (1 Kgs. 21:7).

Then she plotted the death of Naboth. She arranged for a banquet to be given in Naboth’s honor. At the banquet, false witnesses were hired to testify that Naboth had been guilty of blaspheming God and the king. They carried Naboth outside the city and stoned him to death. Jezebel then presented Naboth’s vineyard as a gift to her husband.(4)

Jehovah appeared to Elijah, sending him to rebuke Ahab. Courageouly, Elijah obeyed. Knowing full well that one man had already been killed in order that Ahab could have this vineyard, Elijah went to rebuke Ahab. He found Ahab walking in his new vineyard, no doubt admiring its beauties. Elijah said, “Thus saith the Lord, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession?… In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine” (1 Kgs. 21:19). Of Jezebel, the prophet spoke, “The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel” (1 Kgs. 21:23).

The conscience of Ahab was not totally destroyed. He repented himself, rent his clothes, put on sackcloth, and fasted. Because of his repentance, the Lord promised not to bring the evil upon Ahab during his day but after his death. Ahab was a weak man under the influence of a mean, wicked, and dominating woman (1 Kgs. 21:25).

The prophecies of Elijah were later fulfilled when a Syrian soldier shot an arrow at random and struck the disguised king of Israel. He died later. As the soldiers washed his chariot, the dogs licked his blood (1 Kgs. 22:38). Later, the prophesy regarding Jezebel was also fulfilled (2 Kgs. 9:36).

Elijah’s Confrontation With Ahaziah

Ahaziah followed his father as king of Israel. Ahaziah fell down through a lattice in his upper chamber that was in Samaria (2 Kgs. 1:2). He was sick and wanted to inquire whether or not he would recover. Instead of inquiring of Jehovah, he sent messengers to Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, to inquire whether or not he would recover.

Elijah met the king’s messengers on the way and gave them this message: “Thou shalt not come down from that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die” (2 Kgs. 1:4). He rebuked Ahaziah for sending to Baal-zebub to inquire saying, “Is it not because there is not a God in Israel, that ye go to inquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron?” (2 Kgs. 1:3). Elijah departed and sat on top of a hill. The messengers returned and reported the message to Ahaziah. Ahaziah asked them to describe the man. When his messengers described the prophet as a hairy man gird about with a leather girdle, he knew that the prophet was Elijah.

Consequently, he sent a captain with fifty men ordering Elijah to come down from the top of the hill on which he sat. Elijah replied to the captain’s orders with these words: “If I be a man of God, then let fire come down from heaven, and consume thee and thy fifty” (2 Kgs. 1:10). Fire came and consumed them. A second captain with fifty men was sent and the same things happened to him and his men. A third captain with fifty men was sent. With fear and trembling, this captain petitioned Elijah to spare his life and the lives of his men. Elijah received the captain and sent the message back to Ahaziah, “Thus saith the Lord, Forasmuch as thou has sent messengers to enquire of Baal-zebub the god of Ekron, is it not because there is no God in Israel to enquire of his word? Therefore thou shalt not come down off that bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt surely die” (2 Kgs. 1: 16). Ahaziah died as the Lord had spoken through Elijah.

Elijah’s Ascension Into Heaven

When the time for Elijah’s departure from this world came, he wanted to visit the schools of the prophets at Bethel and Jericho before his departure. Though Elijah petitioned him to stay, Elisha refused to leave Elijah’s side. At both Bethel and Jericho the prophets prophesied that Elijah would be taken away that day.

After visiting the prophets, Elijah headed toward the Jordan River. Fifty sons of the prophets accompanied Elijah and Elisha to the Jordan. When they arrived at the Jordan River, Elijah and Elisha left them to cross over the river. Elijah smote the river with his mantle and the waters parted before them. Elijah said, “Ask what I shall do for thee, before I be taken away from thee” (2 Kgs. 2:9). Elisha replied, “I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me” (2 Kgs. 2:9). Elijah told Elisha that his wish would be granted on the condition that he would see him when he was taken from this earth.

“And it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven” (2 Kgs. 2: 10). Because Elisha witnessed this, he was given a double portion of Elijah’s spirit and the work of the prophet was continued.

His Heavenly Reward

Only two Old Testament characters were given entrance into eternal rest without experiencing death – Enoch (Gen. 5:24) and Elijah. Elijah appeared on another occasion in the Holy Scriptures. He was manifested on the Mount of Transfiguration with Moses and Jesus (Matt. 17:1-5) when the Son of Man was transfigured before Peter, James, and John. Moses was the great lawgiver and Elijah was the representative of the Prophets. Yet, Jesus had superior authority to either the law or the prophets.

Both the nature of his passing and his presence at the transfiguration give indisputable proof that Elijah met the approval of God and died in fellowship with the Almighty. Those of us who so live as to receive eternal life in heaven with God can fully expect to see Elijah there.

Conclusion

Elijah’s life stands out to remind us of the courage which we should have in the service of God. “He shows how one man, strong in the support of God and the right, can by fearless courage and absorbing zeal change the whole course of history in his time; resist and overthrow the most crushing tyranny over conscience, and bring in a new victorious epoch” (Cunningham Geike, Hours With The Bible, Vol. IV, p. 57). May we be impressed with his fearless courage as we stand opposed to the forces of Satan.

Here was a man willing to rebuke sin regardless of who was guilty of committing it. He fearlessly rebuked the king of Israel in spite of the fact that the king and his wife were methodically exterminating the prophets of God. He was fearless and bold in his opposition to Ahab, Jezebel and Ahaziah. Each of us needs to imitate the example of this prophet and be willing to rebuke sin wherever we see it practiced – whether it be in the President of the United States, the house of Congress, the State House, the local community, or the local church. In the local church, we must rebuke sin whether the sinner be an elder, deacon, rich and liberal contributor or a powerless widow. We must rebuke sin even if the sinner is the son of an elder or preacher. Like Elijah, we must be fearless and bold in our opposition to sin.

Furthermore, we need to learn from Elijah’s flight to Mount Sinai and the lesson that he learned when Jehovah told him that He had seven thousand who had not bowed the knee to Baal to trust in God and His work. Sometimes God is working behind the scenes in ways and manners we do not know in order to accomplish His purposes. In an age when wickedness seems to be getting the upper hand in high places, we need to be reminded that God still has thousands of saints who have not turned aside to wickedness. In an era when preachers are forsaking the Lord and their families to become involved in worldiness, we need to remember that there are hundreds of dedicated, faithful men quietly serving the Lord. Like Elijah who was encouraged by the fact that Elisha would continue his work, we need to take heart by taking note of the large number of younger, capable men who have put their hand to the plow to continue the labor of the Lord.

Drawing strength from men such as Elijah, let us persevere with joy in the labor of love which God has commanded. Even as Elijah was received up into glory, so shall an abundant entrance into the heavenly kingdom be granted to us.

Endnotes

1. Such sarcasm and mockery of false religion would not be tolerated by many thin-skinned Christians today. Comments such as, “I agreed with what he said but did not like how he said it or his attitude,” would be heard on every hand if a gospel preacher today acted toward false religion like Elijah did. Perhaps some of us need a good dose of study in the work of the prophets and first century gospel preaching in order to make our skins and spirits tougher.

2. One cannot question the sincerity of these idolaters; the manner in which they abused their body is sufficient testimony to both their honesty and sincerity. Despite the fact that they were Israelites, children of God who were both honest and sincere, they were idolaters separated from God by their sin.

3. The purpose of the Lord’s appearing in a small, still voice seems to be to show Elijah that God was working in quiet ways to accomplish His purpose.

4. One cannot help observing that the morality of paganism is far below the standards of God’s word. Once one has rejected God and His word as the authority for determining right and wrong in his life, any moral conduct is just as good as any other.

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 17, pp. 522-525
September 1, 1983

 

It was a very cold day the last Sunday in February, 1969, in Saratoga, Arkansas. The wind was blowing hard and the sky was a dreary grey. The ground was covered with a light frost that morning, which made walking a difficult task.

I had begun preaching for the Negro brethren in October, 1968. They did not have a preacher and were unable to support one. Therefore, through mutual agreement, I began preaching for them. We met at 9 a.m. in order that I might have time to get back and teach a Bible class and preach for the congregation which was supporting me for my work as an evangelist.

As I got up and began to get ready for services, I thought of the hardship that would soon be facing me. The hardship was the coldness of the church building. It would not be properly heated. The overcoat, which I wore over my suit, would remain on me throughout the entire service and still I would be cold. As I preached, my breath would freeze. Although I knew this would happen, I wanted to preach for them because I felt as Paul did, “. . . for woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:16)

As I drove up to the building a few minutes before 9 a.m. that Sunday, brother John Olden came walking toward the church building. As I proceeded to enter the building, I thought about the great faith, and the great love for God, this man must possess. The hardship of preaching in a cold building was nothing compared to the sacrifice and effort that this child of God had made in order to worship his Creator with God’s sons and daughters.

What was so amazing about seeing this brother at services that morning? It was not because he was present. In fact, it would have been unusual if he had not been present. The amazing thing was that this brother, in the Lord, had walked nearly two miles through the woods, without even the benefit of walking on a road or a path. In spite of the distance, the coldness, the treacherous ground, and his age (you see, he was probably 80 years, or older, this brother was present with the saints. He loved God with all his heart and demonstrated that love in his life.

Oh, how foolish our excuses must appear to Him who sacrificed His life for us. Now, what was your excuse for not assembling with the Lord’s children in order to worship Him? You have an automobile to ride in, and it has a heater. Why were you late for services? This brother had to have left his house around 7 a.m. to have arrived before time for worship service.

Are you willing to pay the price of discipleship? Are you willing to deny yourself and take up your cross and follow Him? (Matthew 16:24)

(from Present Truth – Don R. Hastings)

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 17, p. 521
September 1, 1983

By Aude McKee

When we speak of the devotion of David, we have reference to his attitude toward God. Devotion (devoutness) is an internal quality that motivates and regulates external conduct. Nothing that is said here should be taken to mean that we should feel less concern for external compliance with God’s Word, but we do hope to impress on the minds of each of us that without devotion, whatever we might do externally would be unacceptable to God. W.E. Vine, defined the word eulabes to mean “taking hold well, primarily, cautious, signifies in the New Testament, careful as to the realization of the presence and claims of God, reverencing God, pious, devout” (Vol. 1, p. 307).

R. C. Trench, Synonyms. of the New Testament (p. 163), speaking of a number of words in this family, said, “If we, keep in mind that, in that mingled fear and love which combined constitute the piety of man toward God, the Old Testament placed its emphasis on the fear, the New places it on the love (though there was love in the fear of God’s saints then, as there must be fear in their love now), it will at once be evident how fitly eulabes was chosen to set forth their piety under the Old Covenant, who like Zacharias and Elisabeth, ‘were righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless’ (Luke 1:6), and leaving nothing willingly undone which pertained to the circle of their prescribed duties. For this sense of accurately and scripulously performing that which is prescribed, with the consciousness of the danger of slipping into a careless negligent performance of God’s service, and of the need therefore of anxiously watching against the adding to or diminishing from, or in any other way altering, that which has been by Him commanded, lies ever in these words. . . when used in their religious signification.”

A form of the word eulabes is used in Hebrews 11:7 to describe the attitude of Noah toward God. He prepared the ark, we are told, because he was “moved with fear.” His faith in God and his devotion to Him, motivated him to give his life to a project that was as opposite to f4common sense” (human reasoning) as anything possibly could have been. But, without doubt, all those who observed his preaching and his building could see his devotion demonstrated. The purpose of this lesson is to encourage each of us to examine our own service to God. Is it a heartless, cold, formal service and worship performed because it is required, or does our conduct reveal a heart that is truly devoted to God? Let’s look at the life of David and see his devotion demonstrated time and time again.

David’s Devotion Evident Early In His Life

Our readers will recall that David was the youngest of the eight sons of Jesse, and while he was still a “youth” he was anointed to be the new king over the nation of Israel at Saul’s death. After his anointing, David went back to his job of keeping sheep while three of his older brothers were fighting against the Philistines in Saul’s army. After a time, Jesse asked David to go to the battle area and check on his brothers. Upon arriving, he found a distressing situation. Goliath, a Philistine at least nine feet tall, would come out every day and defy the Israelite army by challenging them to pick out a man to fight him, and the Israelites were terrified. But David said to Saul, “Thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine” (1 Sam. 17:32). Saul didn’t think much of the idea and tried to argue with David on the basis of his age and experience. David then related how he had been able to kill both a lion and a bear that had threatened his sheep, and the same God that had provided that deliverance would deliver him out of the hand of Goliath. In preparation for the encounter, he refused Saul’s armor and sword, and chose instead his sling and five smooth stones from the creek. In a moment we see Goliath on the ground and, to finish the job, David took Goliath’s own sword and cut off his head. He was able to accomplish the task because, as he told Goliath, “Thou comest to me with a sword and with a spear, and with a shield; but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou has defied.

David’s Devotion To God Can Be Seen In The Psalms

“The heavens declare the glory of God;, and the firmament showeth His handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world” (Psalms 19). “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalms 23). In Psalms 27 he said, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” We know these words were penned by inspiration, but as you look at the overall life of David you can know that these Psalms (and a host of others) expressed the sentiments of his soul.

David’s Devotion Was Revealed By His Respect For, Sacred Things

When David was near death, he charged his son, Solomon, with these words: “I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and show thyself a man. And keep the charge of the Lord thy God to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, and His commandments, and His judgments, and His testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses. . .” (1 Kings 2:2-3). David had a high regard for the Word of God! Psalms 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, and in those 176 verses, God’s Word is mentioned in all but five. Statements like, “Forever, 0 Lord, Thy Word is settled in heaven,” “Through Thy precepts I get understanding,” and “Thy Word is a lamp to my feet and a light unto my pathway” (89, 104, 105) are precious to all of us, and they show David’s respect for the Word of the Lord.

To this writer, David’s attitude toward Saul is one of the most impressive things in the life of David. After David killed Goliath, David’s name became a household word. He was loved by women and praised by men. Saul became insanely jealous. He made several attempts to kill David but David never retaliated. Later David had to flee to the wilderness of Engedi to protect himself from Saul. Saul then went looking for him with 3,000 chosen men and on one occasion went to rest in a cave already occupied by David and his men. When they were asleep, David’s men told him to “do to him as it shall seem good unto thee. ” So David slipped up near Saul and cut off a piece of his robe. David would not allow his men to kill Saul, and his “heart smote him, because he had cut off Saul’s skirt.” Later he showed Saul the piece of garment and reminded him that he could have killed him, but, he said, “I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the Lord’s anointed” (1 Sam. 24: 10). David would not lay a hand on Saul, to harm him, because David was devoted to the God who anointed Saul to be king.

David’s Devotion Is Manifest In His Ability And Willingness To Repent

Repentance, by its very nature, must spring from a heart devoted to God. Repentance is a change of mind regarding sin, and sin is a violation of divine law (1 John 3:4). Without a proper regard for the author of the law, there could be no change of heart when the law is broken. It’s a fact that no person lives above sin (1 John 1:8) and David was no exception. In 2 Samuel 24, we are told of David’s numbering the people and of the Lord’s displeasure. David, without doubt, had the thought of relying on numbers and not on God. Then it seems that almost immediately after the numbering was completed, David had a change of mind. “His heart smote him,” we are told, and he said to the Lord, “I have sinned greatly in that I have done. I beseech thee, 0 Lord, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done foolishly.”

The best known of David’s infractions of God’s laws was his affair with Bathsheba. In that episode, that scholars say may have extended over at least a year, David broke at least five of the Ten Commandments. He lusted for and coveted his neighbor’s wife (# 10), He committed adultery (# 7), he attempted to bear false witness to Uriah (# 9), he stole another man’s wife (# 8), and he murdered her husband (# 6). The last verse of 2 Samuel 11 says that “the thing that David had done displeased the Lord.” But David had three things going for him. First, he had someone in heaven who was concerned for his soul; second, he had a prophet who was willing to tell him the truth about his spiritual condition and his relationship to God, and third, he had a conscience that was still tender enough to be pricked – he was still devoted to God. When Nathan had told him the story of the rich man who, instead of killing one of his many lambs to feed a guest, sent a servant to the house of a poorman who had but one ewe lamb but he loved like a daughter, stole it and killed it to feed his guest, David’s reaction was, “The man that hath done this thing shall surely die; and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing and because he had no pity” (2 Sam. 12:5-6). Then came those famous words of Nathan, “Thou art the man.” David then replied, “I have sinned against the Lord.”

Psalms 51 was probably written by David following the sin with Bathsheba. We ask that you read the entire chapter carefully, but then note especially verse 15-17. “0 Lord, open thou my lips, and my mouth shall show forth thy praise. For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it; thou delightest not in burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” David could have offered animal sacrifices to the day of his death to no avail, but with a heart (spirit) broken by a knowledge of his violation of God’s law, he could then approach God through the means provided under the law of Moses. How true are the Words of Jesus in the sermon on the mount – “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Every sin is a tragedy of immense proportions, but the tragedy becomes an eternal one when we fail to repent. In Hebrews 6:4-6, the Holy Spirit did not say that “it is impossible for those who were once enlightened. . . . ” to sin ‘ but He did say that “if they shall fall away (it is impossible) to renew them again unto repentance. . . . ” Surely it must be correct to say that any person who finds it impossible to repent, has lost his devotion to God. He no longer stands in awe of God, he no longer has a wholesome dread of displeasing Him, and he no longer recognizes God’s claims on his life. His loss of devotion must mean a loss of love and respect for God. David never lost his ability to repent – regardless of what he did, there was always that desire to be restored to God’s fellowship.

The writer of the Hebrew letter sums up what we have tried to say in this lesson on the devotion of David. “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence (devoutness, NASV) and godly fear” (12:28). Devotion (devoutness) is an absolute necessity in our service to God.

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 17, pp. 519-521
September 1, 1983

By Donnie V. Rader

The life of Joseph sets many beautiful examples for the people of God to follow. This is obvious from the fact that the story of his life occupies so much space in the book of Genesis. Joseph was a man who overcame. He did not forget God while facing temptation or unpleasant circumstances. Neither was he a man to sink into a pool of self-pity. Rather this great man of God had faith, courage, and determination; he overcame his trials. Let us all take heed to his example.

He Overcame Temptation

Temptation will come. It did to Joseph. As he was assailed with such trials he was victorious. Potiphar’s wife cast her eyes upon Joseph and requested that he lay with her. This was nova one-time request, but day after day she continued her plea (Gen. 39:7, 10). It would have been a great temptation had he just been tempted to commit fornication. But the temptation is greater when his woman begged him day after day to be with her. What would you have done under like circumstances? I hope and trust you would react like Joseph, who “refused” and remained pure in the sight of God (Gen. 39:8).

There are a number of things about Joseph’s refusal that we must notice.(1)

1. He remembered that his master trusted him. “But he refused, and said unto his master’s wife, Behold, my master wotteth not what is with me in the house, and he hath committed all that he hath to my hand” (Gen. 39:8). We need constantly to realize that others are trusting us to behave ourselves. Young people, don’t forget that while you’re out on a date, your parents trust you to behave as a Christian should. Men and women, you too need to realize that while you are at work or home, your mate has faith in you. As Joseph didn’t want to do anything that would betray that confidence that Potiphar had in him, so we also ought to conduct ourselves properly so as to fulfill that expectation others have in us.

2. He recalled that such an act was wickedness. Joseph asked the woman, “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God” (Gen. 39:9)? No doubt, had he given in, there would have been some pleasure for a season. Far too often it is not until temptation has already overtaken someone that they realize that sin is involved. They let the pleasures of the moment overshadow the real facts. Whether there be enjoyment -or not it is still sin! Oh, how I would that while in time of temptation, men and women would take just a moment to realize that if they yield, it is -a sin against God.

3. He said, “No! ” The text says that he “refused” (Gen. 39:8). One of the greatest lessons that parents can teach their children is how to say a simple but often difficult word, “No.” Oh yes, if you say “no” your date may never ask you out again. Sure, it may cause hardships at work or school. Because Joseph said “no,” Potiphar’s wife then lied about what he had done which resulted in his being cast into prison. However it was because he did say “no” that he continued to maintain a right relationship with God, which was far more important than anything he might have gained by yielding to the temptation.

4. He was aware ‘of bad situations and how they looked. Joseph told his master’s wife, “My master wotteth not what is with me in the house” (Gen. 39:8). As Joseph went into the house, “there was none of the men of the house there within” (Gen. 39:11). Joseph realized that his being in the house alone with this woman was dangerous and would cause others to wonder what was taking place. I am amazed sometimes at how thoughtless some “Christians” are about how some situations look. Though nothing may go on, we can’t afford to be careless in matters of this kind. Our reputation is at stake. Too often I see or hear of some secretary going to lunch with some man in the office, of some preacher meeting some lady alone in his study or meet her at some restaurant. How often do parents leave the house for their son or daughter to invite their boyfriend or girlfriend over. Who can’t see the danger of such situations?

5. He fled and got away. When the woman caught Joseph by the garment and begged him to lie with her, “he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out” (Gen. 39:12). That means he literally got out of the house. Friend, there may be a time when in great temptation, you may have to literally get out of the house or car and run from the enticement,,and call someone to come and get you. You will be glad you did.

Joseph overcame his temptation. “Though robbed of his coat, he would not be robbed of his character. He could get another coat but not another character.”(2)

He Overcame Circumstances

Joseph was ill-treated by many. The circumstances about him were not good. He was hated by his brothers (Gen. 37:4). They wanted to kill him but Reuben said, “Let us not kill him” (Gen. 37:18-22). His brethren took his coat of many colors that he cherished so and cast him into an empty pit (Gen. 37:23-28). He was then sold to a band of Ishmaelites from Gilead for twenty pieces of, silver. Being brought to Egypt, he was sold to Potiphar (Gen. 37:36). How do you suppose a man would feel after such treatment? Would you think he would be tempted to turn from God? Would there not be a little temptation to give up and feel sorry for one’s self? But that’s not all. After fleeing from his master’s wife, he was lied about and cast into pnson for something he hadn’t done. After showing kindness to Pharoah’s chief butler, he was forgotten (Gen. 40:23).

How would you have reacted under like circumstances? Would you have forgotten God and turned to a life of sin? Would you have cried about how bad the world was treating you? Or would you like Joseph overcome by a faith in God? Paul said, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12). We as Christians will face trying and difficult times. We will be ill-treated by our brethren as well as the world. There will be times that it seems that everything is against us. Yet, we like Joseph must overcome.

“There was not anything he could do about his circumstances, but he could do something about himself.”(3) Though a stranger in a foreign land, rejected by his own brothers, yet he refuses to turn to a life of carnality.

1. He remained humble and patient. The trials that he faced would produce even more patience. James said, “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). Paul also said that we glory in tribulations knowing that the same worketh patience, and patience, experience (approval). That is, when we come patiently through the trials of life, we stand approved of God (Rom. 5:3-4).

2. He returned goodfor evil. He didn’t treat his brethren the same or worse than they had done to him. He spoke kindly to his brothers that had treated him so badly. When they came to buy corn, he returned their money (Gen. 45:24). Joseph nourished his father and his brethren (Gen. 47:12). We too must learn to return good for evil. Paul said, “Avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Rom. 12:19). Paul goes on in the context to say we are to destroy our enemies. Yes, whip our foes. But how? Do so with kindness. “Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:20-21). When you make a friend out of your enemies, you have destroyed your enemies. They are now your friends.

3. Joseph maintained purity of life though he lived in a corrupt nation. He refused to let evil influences about him overtake him. We can be deceived into thinking that association with evil will have no effect on us. However, Paul warns that it can (1 Cor. 15:33). Jesus prayed for His disciples as they would be living in a corrupt world saying, “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil” (John 17:15). They would be kept from that evil by an adherence to the truth of God (John 17:17).

4. Joseph recognized that God was with him during all his trials and tribulations. “And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man … the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand” (Gen. 39:2-3, 21). He told his brethren, “Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life” (Gen. 45:5). Later he said, “ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good . . .” (Gen. 50:20). “This is not to say that Joseph thought that Jehovah approved that which his brethen did, or the motive, which prompted their action; but rather that God was able to overrule that which, they did to his glory and the good of the family of Jacob.”(4) As Joseph remained content with his circumstances, realizing that God was with him, he too should be content recognizing that God has said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Heb. 13:5). And “if God be for us, who can be against us” (Rom. 8:31)? Hence the people of God need to remember that God can overrule anything in their life, great or small, to their ultimate good.

5. He didn’t sink into a pool of self-pity. One thing this man of God didn’t do is fret and worry about how badly life had treated him. He could have very easily just given up and thought that neither God nor anyone else cared about him. But rather than feeling sorry for himself, Joseph overlooked the bad circumstances and counted his many blessings. Paul urges that we should not be careful (anxious) about our lives but rather center our minds upon things that are good, pure, lovely, and of good report (Phil. 4:6-8).

Yes Joseph overcame. He overcame temptation and his circumstances. Obvious from this is the fact that one can remain faithful in the worst of situations. Since God doesn’t require the impossible, it can, be done.

Endnotes

1. Some of the points in this section were taken from an excellent outline by Hiram Hutto, Preach The Word (Guardian of Truth Foundation: 198 1), pp. 27-30.

2. Franklin Camp, Old Truths In New Robes (Roberts and Son Publication, Birmingham, AL: 1970), p. 174.

3. Ibid, p. 173.

4. Guy N. Woods, Annual Lesson Commentary 1959 (Gospel Advocate Co., Nashville, TN, 1958), p.. 270.

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 17, pp. 517-518
September 1, 1983