| The Christian Life | November 1940 |
Stones of Help
(Part 1)
“Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.”—I Samuel 7:12
SAMUEL’S object in setting up this stone was that it might be a constant reminder to Israel of the help God gave them at this time of great need. He wanted to impress them with the thought that as God had then manifested His great power on their behalf, so He might be depended upon to do no less for them in the future, if they would serve, obey and trust Him.
The occasion for setting up this stone was that God had just concluded one of His many victories on Israel’s behalf. He had just routed their confirmed enemy, the Philistines, in a most impressive and unexpected manner, and by such means as to leave no doubt respecting the source from which the needed help came. God accomplished this victory for Israel by sending a violent thunder storm at the opportune moment, thus confronting the enemy, and throwing them into a state of fear and confusion just as they were about to engage Israel in a battle which they, no doubt, thought would be a push-over. Subsequent events proved the fallacy of their conclusion.
We may well imagine the superiority complex of the confident Philistines as the hour of battle approached. Perhaps some of the more compassionate felt a degree of pity for the hapless and poorly equipped Israelites, while others more hardened to war had already planned the disposition of captives and booty which they were confident would be theirs after a few well directed maneuvers.
As the Philistines marched forward in this confident frame of mind, believing that victory was a matter of only a few hours, imagine the turn in affairs when, suddenly and unexpectedly, clouds began to roll angrily across the sky; the heavens grew dark; peals of thunder rang out in rapid succession accompanied by such awe-inspiring flashes of lightning as the frightened, perhaps, had never before witnessed. They had fought battles before, but never under such conditions as now confronted them. Ah! here was a phenomenon wholly unexpected, and for which they were utterly unprepared. The facts are that they had reckoned without interposition of the Almighty.
The Philistines thought they were about to engage Israel in battle, but now found themselves facing a foe whose resources were beyond their capacity to subdue. As a result, they were overwhelmed with fear and confusion. So great was this display of divine power on Israel’s behalf, and so disconcerted were the Philistines, that panic quickly developed in their ranks, bringing about their defeat even before the battle commenced. That which they had regarded only a few hours before as certain and easy victory was suddenly turned into ignominious defeat for themselves and a correspondingly glorious triumph for Israel.
But was this in reality Israel’s victory? Was it a triumph for their forces and arms? No! It was not their victory, but rather the victory of the great Jehovah. And incorporated in this fact is an important lesson for God’s people of today. Do we not profess to look to the same powerful and loving God for care and protection, and should we not remember that His resources are as great now as then?
But someone may say, If I could only experience such an outstanding exhibition of God’s care and protection in my affairs, as was here manifested on Israel’s behalf, I verily believe I should henceforth have no difficulty in trusting Him implicitly. But He has given no such proof of interest in my problems as was shown toward Israel in this great battle against her mighty enemy. To such we reply, Let us not reach a too hasty conclusion on a matter so important: let us first study the situation a few moments: let us consider the Scriptural teaching covering this incident of Israelitish history, and perhaps we may obtain a different viewpoint of its relationship to our affairs and interests.
We inquire, therefore, for whom was this battle really fought? For whom did God manifest His mighty power in this victory for His ancient people? Let the apostle answer these questions. Note his words in I Corinthians 10:11: “Now all these things happened unto them for types: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages are come.” Hear him again in Romans 15:4: “Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”
The answer to our questions is therefore manifest: this battle of ancient times was fought for us, not primarily for fleshly Israel: this mighty exhibition of divine power was manifested for our help and encouragement, more than for theirs. We see, then, that when this battle is correctly viewed, each and every one of God’s children does have an exhibition of divine power in his own individual affairs and interests.
MANY STONES OF HELP
And this experience of Israel does not stand alone as a testimony of God’s care and protection of our affairs. On the contrary, it is only one of the many dramas He caused His ancient people to stage, and His prophets to record, for our help and encouragement in the many battles we must wage against our enemies. In harmony with this, note the apostle’s statement in I Peter 1:12, where he makes it clear that the things written by God’s ancient prophets were not for the benefit of His people of those days, but for us. Peter says of their writings: “Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now repo ted unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.”
As Peter intimates, there are many “stones of help” set up in the Old Testament for our benefit. As all of us know, though we sometimes forget, it is a veritable photograph gallery of such “stones,” and the fact that it is such, is not a mere coincidence. On the contrary, it is a picture gallery by definite design; it is such because God would have it so for a specific reason, and this reason is a point of deep interest to us of today. Israel and her experiences were typical of us and our experiences. They therefore constitute photographic illustrations of things of deep interest to us, and were recorded, says the Apostle, “for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”
Now the question each of us should ask himself is this: Do I believe that God did use Israel to make pictures for my own individual benefit, and do I believe God has invited me to examine them again and again that I may be built up in the holy faith? It is not enough to merely say, Yes, I believe these illustrations were made for God’s people of the present age. A faith such as this will not suffice. Something far more definite is necessary, if we are to profit fully by these pictures. To merely believe a truth in a general way is not an exercise of the faith that will please God; for James declares that even “The devils believe and tremble.” If, therefore, we are to be benefited by examining God’s picture gallery, we must be convinced that each picture is meant to assist us individually, just as we must believe that the many exceeding great and precious promises are individually ours.
In other words, unless and until we develop that degree of faith that will enable us to substitute “I,” “ME” and “MINE,” for “they,” “them,” and “theirs,” when examining these “stones of help,” as well as the “exceeding great and precious promises” of His Word, we have not reached that condition of spiritual development pleasing to God, nor such as will result in our own, peace of heart and mind. Let us endeavor, with God’s help, to make progress in the development of this vitally necessary attainment.
Now, if Samuel’s “stone of help” was worthwhile as a reminder to Israel of God’s power and willingness to help them, can it be less helpful for us, to now consider a few other similar “stones” set up for our help and encouragement, since we also profess to be God’s people? We believe all will agree that such a review will be helpful, so let us now give attention to a few of them.
The first that comes to mind is one familiar to all Bible students. We are examining it, therefore, not with the idea that it is something new. Nevertheless, even Bible students need their pure minds stirred up by way of remembrance occasionally, lest we forget. Brother Russell once likened the Lord’s people to apple barrels. He said that such barrels were not made to contain water, but they might be kept full by continually pouring in the water. Let us now pour some spiritual water into our leaky vessels.
PREPARATION MADE THIS SIDE THE VAIL
The “stone of help” we now have in mind is recorded in 1st Kings 6:7, and reads thus: “And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, when it was in building.”
What an impressive “stone of help”, when rightly understood! What lessons are embodied in the building of this ancient edifice for the worship of God’s ancient people! The first lesson we learn is that all preparation for places in the antitypical temple must be made on this side of the nail: whatever hammering, chiseling or polishing is needed to fit us for the designed places in the great temple of the future, must be accomplished during this life; nothing of the kind will take place after we leave our quarry. This is an important matter for consideration; it should make us appreciate our trials and tests, rather than complain about them. It should make us gladly co-operate with the blows the great Master Workman is now applying to us.
And this suggestion of co-operation leads to the thought that we may learn from this “stone of help” a lesson in patience.
It is asked how such is possible, and we answer that while it was necessary to hew and chisel the literal stones to fit them for their designed places, yet the record does not indicate they made any outcry when the hammer and the chisel were applied. But, some may say, A stone cannot cry out: there is no lesson of patience in this picture. To such we reply, Did not Jesus tell us on one occasion that God could make even stones cry out if He so desired and it were necessary to do so? We need not limit God’s power to any degree where His wisdom requires the execution of His purposes. We may therefore understand that, if in making this picture, God had wanted to show that it would be proper for the antitypical stones to squirm, writhe, twist, and even cry out under their experiences, He was amply able to illustrate it in the typical stones. But nothing of the kind occurred: the stones were silent; they offered no resistance; they made no outcry; and in this we believe a lesson in patience is intended. Let us learn this lesson, evidently “written for our learning upon whom the ends of the ages are come.”
The literal stones had numerous bulges, corners, and projections that must be removed if they would fit the designed places in the temple; but they did not realize it, they did not know the amount of hammering, chiseling and polishing necessary for their preparation. This was left to the judgment of the workmen, under the direction of the superintendent. So it is here: we, too, fare cumbered with various hindrances that must be removed ere we shall be ready for our places in the glorious temple now under construction. We, too, are not fully mindful of the nature or character of these impediments; but we must leave the issue to the judgment of our Superintendent. With one the hindrance may be a measure of pride or vainglory; with another, it may be evil-speaking, evil-judging, or evil surmising. Another may be encumbered with a lack of self control, a lack of patience, a deficiency in brotherly kindness, or gentleness, while still others may have this, that, or the other difficulty that requires attention. All, however, need some kind of hammering, chiseling, or polishing; and we may depend upon our Superintendent to see that we get exactly what we need for proper preparation.
We may either assist or hinder this preparatory work. If we fail to follow the Apostle’s admonition to “judge” ourselves as occasion may require, we hinder our development. If, on the other hand, we continually turn the microscope of His Word on our thoughts, words, and conduct, searching for any ugly bulges, corners, or projections that need removing; and if, on finding such impediments, we co-operate in their removal we are assisting the Master Builder in our own polishing and development. Let us adopt this latter course. Let us co-operate with our Superintendent and thus obtain the designed benefit from this particular “stone of help.”
GIDEON AND HIS BAND
Let us look again at God’s picture gallery. Let us examine the “stone of help” illustrated in the experience of Gideon and his little band of 300 warriors who routed the 135,000 Midianites.
Gideon, as all Bible students know, represents our Lord in this picture. It is said of him that he looked like the king’s son—indicating that his appearance was different from the general run of his people. The name, Gideon, means literally, “one who cuts down,” or, by implication, “a great warrior.” His name was later changed to “Jerubbaal” meaning, “let Baal plead or contend,” that is, if Baal be a reality, let him contend for his own altars. (Judges 6:32) We see that all these matters identify Gideon as a type of Christ.
After accepting God’s commission, Gideon’s first work was the overthrow of Baal’s statues, and the destruction of his places of worship. Following this, he effected the delivery of Israel from the bondage of Midian. So it is in the antitype: Jesus first gives His attention to the overthrow of the antitypical Baal’s images, and his places of worship. This work is now going on. Following this will come the deliverance of the antitypical people of God, namely, regathered Israel and all who associate themselves with them. All such will be delivered from the bondage of sin and death and be restored to the worship of the true God.
Gideon was the fifth judge of Israel: the antitypical Gideon will be Judge of the fifth universal empire of earth. It will be during the exercise of this Judicial authority that the antitypical people of God will be delivered from the bondage of corruption, into the glorious liberty of the children of God. Our present interest in the picture, however, lies chiefly in the part that pertains to Gideon and his little band of successful warriors. There are a number of lessons incorporated in this “stone of help,” set up for our comfort and encouragement.
Gideon’s faith was severely tested after his acceptance of God’s call to service. It required no small degree of courage to overthrow Baal’s statue, hew down his groves, and destroy his altars. And, as if to make the task more difficult, Gideon was instructed to offer a sacrifice to the true God on the very top of a rock. That is, he must make it prominent. And, as if to add insult to injury, he was told to kindle the fire with “the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down.” This was a very severe test of faith and courage because the people were largely worshipers of Baal and would, therefore, resent such indignities being heaped upon him.
But, having satisfied himself that the instructions came from God, Gideon acted promptly. He did not argue the matter—he did not hesitate to follow instructions. In this, he set us a good example. God would thus teach us that when He speaks, we should act with promptness and dispatch. If we begin to dilly-dally and parley over the matter, Satan is sure to get the better of the argument. Let us emulate Gideon in this part of the picture, depending upon God to protect us in carrying out His instructions regardless of the hazards that may seem present. Gideon’s enemies demanded his life but God protected him. His arm is no shorter now than then. He is as able and willing to protect us now, when in discharge of duty, as He was Gideon then. Let us ever bear this in mind, and follow His instructions in full faith and confidence.
Another lesson embodied in this “stone of help” is that God does not require great numbers for the accomplishment of His purposes. When the call for volunteers was issued, 32,000 responded, But God said these were too many not-withstanding they were to do battle with 135,000 Midianites. He told Gideon to reduce his army by sending all the fearful back home. This was done; the number of warriors dropped to 10,000. God declared these were still too many, although their enemy out-numbered them 13 to 1. He instructed Gideon to bring the 10,000 down to the brook, saying He would try them there and determine who of the number would challenge Midian.
The number was promptly reduced to a little band of only 300. Think of it! Gideon was to engage an enemy in battle whose number stood 450 to 1 against him. Here was surely a test of faith and courage! Bit did this little band stop to argue the matter with the Lord? Did they charge God with being unreasonable in assuming that one of Israel’s warriors could accomplish more than 450 Midianites? No, they did nothing of the kind. They made no complaint; not a whimper was heard. They set themselves to the task in hand in full assurance of faith of a successful termination. And, in this, they set us a good example: we are thus shown that we are safe in trusting God’s wisdom and power, despite the preponderance of opposing influences that may surround us. The apostle’s estimate is confirmed, “If God be for us, who can be against us” to any avail? (Rom. 8:31) If God is in the battle with us, who will be able to accomplish our defeat?
There is much that might be said respecting the equipment with which the 300 warriors were provided, but time will not allow a detailed discussion. Suffice it to say that the pitcher, the torch, the trumpet, and the announcement the warriors were instructed to make, all have their counterparts in our experiences as does the test of water applied at the brook.
Water symbolizes truth. God uses the truth to separate His people from those who fail of His approval. The way in which truth is received determines the position occupied by those who receive it. Those who receive it with zeal and energy will have God’s approval; others will not.
It will be remembered that the 300 were to implicitly follow Gideon’s lead in all the divine instructions. Jesus, our Gideon, commenced breaking His pitcher and letting His light shine forth at Jordan. It was there, also, that He began sounding His trumpet, and announcing antitypically “The sword of the Lord and of Gideon.” He continued all these operations faithfully during His entire ministry. Are we following His lead? Are we laying down our lives day by day, as did He? Are we letting our light shine forth to the confusion of our enemies, as did He? Are we faithfully using our trumpet of truth, as did He? Are we announcing and using God’s Sword, as did He? If we can answer these questions in the affirmative, then happy are we. In that case defeat is impossible, victory is sure!
But we must remember that Jesus spent His entire ministry in breaking His pitcher and letting His light shine forth, and in blowing His trumpet while alternately calling attention to God’s Sword. So it must be with us. We must hearken to the words of the Apostle: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, your reasonable service.”
The ministry of Jesus was a continuous one, and thus it must be with ours. There will be no point along the way where we may safely rest upon our oars, so to speak, under the impression that there is nothing to do; that we may therefore remove our armor, lay down our Sword, and put up our trumpet, quietly resting in the shade for a season. No, we must adopt the sentiments expressed by the poet,
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“Must I be borne to Paradise “Are there no foes for me to face? “Sure I must fight if I would reign, —Hymns of Dawn—Hymn 13 |
It was not necessary for the 300 warriors to destroy the 135,000 Midianites. Believing them, selves surrounded by a powerful enemy, the Midianites became panic-stricken and in their flight and confusion, brought about their own destruction. All that was necessary for victory on the part of the 300 was to follow divine instructions. It was theirs to trust and obey; it was God’s to direct the issue and accomplish the victory! This He did in His own way. The lesson to us is obvious: Let us trust divine wisdom and power, and God will surely bring the victory in His own way and time.