STEWARDS OF PRICELESS POSSESSIONS

BEN F. VICK, JR.

        “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.” (I Cor. 4:1.)

        A steward in Bible times “primarily denoted the manager of a household or estate.” He was the one who was entrusted with that which belonged to another. Eliezer of Damascus was a steward in Abraham’s house. (Gen. 15:2.)  Joseph was entrusted with the possessions of Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. (Ge. 39.) Chuza was Herod’s steward. (Lk. 8:3.) Several of the parables of our Lord mention stewards.  (Mt. 29:8; Lk. 12:42; 16:1-8.) Elders are called stewards of God. (Tit. 1:7.) Preachers are stewards, and so is every Christian. (I Cor. 4:1; 1 Pet. 4:10.)

As stewards of God we have been entrusted with precious and priceless possessions. Such valuables cannot be given a price tag due to their intrinsic worth.  What makes these items so invaluable?  It may be its cost, or age, or sentimental attachment, or ownership, or use, or the rarity of the item that makes it priceless. 

The value of these possessions cannot be overestimated.  If we fail to see the value of these holdings, we may mishandle them.  A small child may trade a dime for a nickel because he does not understand the value of the two.  My mother once baked a cake for me for my birthday; and while she had gone to call me, the dog jumped upon the table and ate the cake.  (Though it did enjoy the cake, it did not appreciate the thought and the effort that went into it.)  Pigs do not appreciate the value of pearls, but would rather have food. (Mt. 7:6.)

Let’s notice a few of the priceless possessions committed to us as stewards of God.

The church of Christ is a priceless possession.  It does not belong to us.  It was purchased by the precious blood of Christ. “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” (I Pet. 1:18-19.)  The kingdom of heaven is compared to the merchant man who found the “pearl of great price and sold all that he had and bought it.” (Mt. 13:45-46.) It is precious and priceless because salvation is found within it. (Eph. 5:23; II Tim. 2:10.)

We are also stewards of the truth. (I Cor. 4:1.)  Great and good men in days gone by have entrusted us with the gospel.  “And the things that thou has heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” (II Tim 2:2.) We must preach it. (Mk. 16:15.) We must live it. (Phil. 1:27-28.) We must defend it. (Phil. 1:7, 17.) We must pass it on to the next generation as it has been handed to us.

The soul of man is a precious and priceless possession.  Every man has one, and that distinguishes him from the animal world.  It was given by God and will return to God. (Gen. 1:26-27; 2:7; Ecc. 12:7.) The soul of man is a priceless possession, but has been sold as cheaply as dirt by many. “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mt. 16:26.) It is a possession that must be cleansed when one reaches the age of accountability. “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently.” (I Pet. 1:22.)

Time is a precious commodity which has been entrusted to us for a short while. Paul writes, “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” The marginal reading in some Bibles has “buying up the opportunities.” (Eph. 5:15-16.) There will come a time when there will be no more time. (Rev. 10:6.) Since God gave us time, we should use it wisely.  Someone wrote, “Clocks show only the correct time, not the right time; for the right time is any time that something ought to be done that is your responsibility to do.” Brethren, let us work while it is day for the night cometh when no man can work.

Good health is a priceless possession which is taken for granted by some, but appreciated by all when it is lost. A person may have all the money in the world; but if he’s dying of cancer, it will do him no good.  The woman who touched the border of Jesus’ garment “had spent all her living upon physicians,” but could be healed by none. It is beyond me how individuals, in the face of the evidence against tobacco, continue to smoke it, chew it, and dip it into the grave. They have buried loved ones who have shortened their lives by smoking and still are unable to “kick the habit.” The same is true of drinking or other harmful effects on the body. “What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (I Cor. 6:19,20.)

There are many other possessions entrusted to us that might be considered, but time and space do not allow it at this time.  Remember, “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” (I Cor. 4:2.) 

—The Informer, December 27, 1981

Vol. 35, No. 10.

THE DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM ACCORDING TO ZECHARIAH

BEN F. VICK, JR.

        Zechariah was one of the postexilic prophets along with Haggai and Malachi. Haggai and Zechariah were contemporaries. The book of Zechariah, in my judgment, is one of the most difficult books of the Minor Prophets to understand. This does not mean it cannot be understood. Zechariah used apocalyptic language. He used figures and symbols. There are eight visions in the book. Other than Isaiah, Zechariah wrote more about the coming of the Messiah than any other prophet. Chapters 1-8 tell of Zechariah’s night visions, relating to the rebuilding of the temple. Chapters 9-14 look more to the coming of the Messiah.

My once familiar friend who swallowed the A.D.70 theory and has been regurgitating the teachings of Max King since, said of me: “Ben has never seriously considered that Matthew 24:36 is the fulfillment of Zechariah 14:7, and Zechariah 12-14 is unmistakably referring to the Destruction (sic) of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.” (sic). There is so much wrong with this compound sentence, it is difficult to know where to begin. First, to say that I have “never seriously considered Matthew 24:36 is the fulfillment of Zechariah 14:7…” is false. The problem with my former friend is that he does not listen. Second, the prophet said of that day, “But it shall be one day which shall be known to the Lord….” However, Jesus said of his second coming that he did not know when it would be. Zechariah was referring to the destruction of Jerusalem, but Jesus was referring to his second coming. Two different events. The former has happened; the latter has not. Third, not all in Zechariah chapters 12-14 refer to the destruction of Jerusalem. Note the following prophecies related to the Lord’s first coming and his death:

1. Zechariah 12:10 – “they shall look upon me whom they have pierced” (John 19:37).

2. Zechariah 13:1 – “In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.” A reference to the offering of salvation from sin by the precious blood of Christ. (Matt. 26:28; Heb.9:22).

3. Zechariah 13:6 – “What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.” (John 20:24-29).

4. Zechariah 13:7 – “Smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered” (Matt. 26:31; Mark 14:50).

Further Thoughts on Zechariah 14

1. “Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, And thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee.” (Zech. 14:1). “The day of the Lord” here refers to the destruction of Jerusalem just as the “day of the Lord” in Isaiah 13:9 is a reference to the destruction of Babylon. The expression does not mean the second coming of Christ in either of these verses.

2. “For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; And the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; And half of the city shall go forth into captivity, And the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then shall the Lord go forth, and fight against those nations, As when he fought in the day of battle.” (Zech. 14:2-3). According to the historical account of Josephus and the writings of Pliny, Horne, and Clarke these verses give an accurate account of the destruction of Jerusalem. The “nations” here represented the Roman army made up of men from various nations. The army was led by Titus in A.D 70 in besieging Jerusalem.

3. “And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, Which is before Jerusalem on the east, And the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, And there shall be a very great valley; And half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, And half of it toward the south.” (Zech. 14:4). “His feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives” refers to Titus, the Roman General, who stood on the Mt. of Olives when Jerusalem was under attack in A.D. 70. This verse prophesies that the army, as it views the city of Jerusalem, will surround it. Josephus, the Jewish historian, was an eyewitness to this event. Titus stood upon Scopus, the northern peak of the Mount of Olives, as he viewed the city. (The Complete Works of Flavius Josephus, Wars of the Jews, Book V, Chapter II, ¶ 3.)

To misapply Zechariah 14 to the Lord’s second coming contradicts the truth and the facts. In my judgment, the chapter in the main refers to the destruction of Jerusalem, but even if it did not, it does not have reference to the second coming of Christ. Such would contradict the truth and the facts.

1. The earth will be burned up when the Lord comes again (2 Peter 3:10).

2. There will be no battle when Christ returns (1 Cor. 15:50-52; Matt. 25:31-46; John 5:28-29).

3. When Christ comes the second time, he will deliver up (surrender or yield up) the kingdom to the Father. He will not become King. He is King now (1 Cor. 15:24-26; Zech. 14:9;1 Tim 6:15).

4. We shall not know Christ after the flesh. Thus, “feet” in 14:4 cannot be taken literally. Even if one were to grant that this highly figurative passage (Zechariah 14) was not a reference to the destruction of Jerusalem, it most definitely cannot be applied to the second coming of Christ in A.D. 70.

5. The facts are that Christ did not come personally in A.D. 70. He is still reigning as King of kings. There has been no last day as of yet. The final judgment has not come. People are still marrying and giving in marriage. The Lord’s supper is still being taken. The resurrection has not occurred.

THINGS I LIKE ABOUT A SERIES OF GOSPEL MEETINGS

BEN F. VICK, JR.

The Sweet Singer of Israel wrote, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord” (Psa. 122:1).  Gladness is an emotion of joy or cheerfulness. David was not ashamed to express emotions of joy as he anticipated his service to God.  His happiness was based upon his obedience to the will of the Lord. In another place Jesus said, “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them” (John 13:17).  The word “happy” in this verse means “supremely blest, fortunate, or well off.”  It is the same word in the Greek as is translated “blessed” in Matthew 5. Our series of gospel meetings begins next Lord’s day with brother John Chowning doing the preaching. In view of this great week ahead of us, what are some things I like about a series of gospel meetings?  Perhaps you can add some other points.

I like the interest shown in the greatest cause in the world, Christianity.  In the early days of the Jerusalem church there was a growing interest.  This is evident from Luke’s inspired account (Acts 2:42-47; 4:4,13,19-20; 5:14, 41-42).  Zeal is a Christian virtue (II Pet. 1:5-9; Tit. 2:14).  All of us should be concerned for the church, especially our local congregation (Phil. 1:27). 

I like genuine, friendly smiles and warm handshakes.  David said, “We took sweet council together, and walked unto the house of God in company” (Psa. 55:14).  In every epistle, except I John, the inspired penmen saluted and greeted their brethren. Paul commanded his brethren to greet each other (Rom. 16). Life is so short; and therefore, we should greet each other as if it were the last time we shall see each other on earth, because it could be (Prov. 27:1). I do not mean that we should blubber, slobber, and fall all over each other; but our greetings should be sincere and friendly.

I like to meet the visitors who come to our series of gospel meetings. We always have a number that come from sister congregations to lend their support. We are glad to have every one.  I am especially encouraged when you introduce your visitor or visitors to the members here. Let’s each take some fliers advertising our series of meetings and give them to our friends, family, and neighbors (Lk. 14:15-24; Matt. 28:18-20). 

I like good singing. Singing either adds to or subtracts from (that is, “detracts” from) a gospel meeting. The New Testament authorizes us to sing (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). The Lord demands our best in whatever we do (Eccl. 9:10; Col. 3:23). This is the case also when it comes to our worship. Proverbs 3:9 says, “Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all increase.” The songs selected ought, of course, to be scriptural; but they also need to be ones that the audience knows. It is not the time to try to teach the congregation a new song.

I like thoughtful prayers. The early church prayed fervently and regularly. “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). “Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him” (Acts 12:5). “Pray without ceasing” (I Thess. 5:17). I like to hear faithful brethren lead heartfelt prayers. They go up as a sweet incense to the Lord (Rev. 5:8; 8:3,4).

I like good preaching. What is good preaching? I am not talking about style. Each man has his own style, and there are as many different opinions about style as there are faces.  But good preaching is Bible preaching. Peter said, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” (I Pet. 4:11). Paul commanded Timothy, “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (II Tim. 4:2). Good preaching is book, chapter, and verse preaching.  It includes fundamental lessons on conversion, worship, the church, the Bible, morals, Christian living, heaven and hell. 

I like to see parents bringing their children to hear the gospel preached. Oh, I know that some will go to sleep during the services, and dad will have to “tote” them out afterwards. There may be times when parents will have to leave the auditorium because a child is crying or misbehaving, but that’s part of parenting.  Children need to have good memories of going to gospel meetings. They may not recall what songs were sung or what the preacher said, but they will remember that their parents thought it was important enough for them to go. Solomon said, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Prov. 22:6). Jesus wanted the little children to be brought to him to bless them. He did not want them brought because they were in need of salvation, for they were not lost. But Jesus said, “Suffer the little children, and forbit them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 19:14). 

I like to see additions to the church during a series of gospel meetings. This does not happen as frequently as it used to in days gone by, because most congregations have regular preaching and people throughout the year are obeying the gospel. They do not wait for a meeting. On the day of Pentecost, when the people heard the heart-piercing preaching, they “said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?  Then Peter said unto them, 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. 2:27-38). They that gladly received the word were baptized and the Lord added them to the church daily (Acts 2:41, 47).

I like to see restorations in a gospel meeting. Jesus said,
“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold” (Matt. 24:12).  Though these words were spoken in the context of the destruction of Jerusalem, the principle still applies today. Because wickedness is so great, many have allowed their love for the Lord and his church to grow cold.  They need to be restored to their first love (Rev. 3:5; Gal. 6:1). During gospel meetings it is wonderful to see even one prodigal return home (Lk. 15).

These are some of the things that I enjoy about a series of gospel meetings. But since the Bible has been used to establish each one of these points, we can be assured that, most of all, God would be pleased with our efforts when we comply with his will (Col .3:17).

NOT MY WILL

BEN F. VICK, JR.

 Lelia N. Morris wrote the song, “Sweet Will of God” in which the first stanza reads, “My stubborn will at last hath yielded: I would be thine and thine alone; And this the prayer my lips are bringing, ‘Lord, let in me thy will be done.’” The beautiful lyrics express contrition, humility, resolve, and a will to conform to the will of God. Is this not the need of humanity? Is it not the attitude that I should have? Paul told the Roman saints, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Rom. 12:1-2). To renew one’s mind includes the way of thinking, the whole mental and moral state of being.

The finest example of conforming to the will of God is Jesus Christ who in the garden of Gethsemane enveloped in the darkest night of the world when his soul was exceeding sorrowful, even unto death, he prayed. His hour had come. Yet he “fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matt. 26:39). One sees the humanity of Christ in the shadow of the cross. However, there was no other way. Jesus had to drink the cup of sorrow. He submitted his will to the Father’s will. 

If I am going to follow Christ, must I not have the same disposition as he? Must not my will yield to the sweet will of God as did his? We do not know what is best for us. Jeremiah wrote, “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” (Jer. 10:23). We need teaching. We need reproving. We need correcting. We need guidance from God’s word. Why not have the heart of our Savior who said not my will but thine be done. Why do we fight against God? Why not say:  Speak, Lord, thy servant hears; command, and I will obey? Has God not spoken through his Son to us (Heb. 1:1-2)? Let us give the more earnest heed (Heb. 2:1-4).

In selecting the church of which one desires to be a member, my attitude should be, “Not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42). Jesus built only one church. It is his (Matt. 16:18). He bought it (Acts 20:28). He is the head of it (Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18). Salvation is found in it (Eph. 5:25). Why not be a member of this blood-bought institution?

What shall I do to be saved? Let my attitude be: “Not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42). I learn the will of God by the New Testament. I must not be unwise but understand what the will of the Lord is (Eph. 5:17). One learns the will of God from the Bible.

Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). One must believe the gospel. This includes believing the three fundamental facts of the gospel; namely in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.

The will of God teaches that one must repent of his sins. Repentance was to be preached. The Lord said, “Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem” (Luke 24:46-47). Repentance is a command for all men. Paul on Mars Hill in the city of Athens said, “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent” (Acts 17:30). Repentance is a change of mind brought about by godly sorrow which results in a change of life. To repent means to turn. It is saying, “Yes” to Jesus and “No” to self. It is getting out of the sinning business. Repentance means not my will, but thine be done.

The Lord teaches that baptism is necessary for salvation. “Then Peter said unto them, 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). Why do some want to argue with the necessity of baptism? I recognize that many have been taught wrong, but once one learns the truth, why argue with Scripture? What is so hard about one’s being baptized? If the Lord had bid us to do some great thing, would we have done it? Why not submit to baptism? Remember, not my will but thine be done. When it is pointed out that baptism is necessary for salvation, we are told salvation is not of works. No one argues we are saved by meritorious works. But think for a minute. Baptism is never called a work. It is something to which one submits. Faith is called work (John 6:28-29), yet when it is pointed out that one must have faith, no one says: You cannot be saved by works. Why try to get around the simple command to be baptized? Not my will, but thine be done should be my attitude.

As one reads of the early church in the first century it is noticeable that they met regularly. They met every first day of the week. Luke records, “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). The disciples came together on the first day of the week to remember the Lord’s death by partaking of the memorial supper. We read, “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight” (Acts 20:7). They came together for the purpose of breaking bread, a reference to the Lord’s supper. The church at Corinth was rebuked for abusing the Lord’s table and were instructed how to observe the memorial supper (1 Cor. 11:17-34).

There were some in the first century who were forsaking the assembly of the saints. The writer of Hebrews addressed this: “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins” (Heb. 10:24-26). When the saints gather to worship, is my attitude:  Not my will, but thine be done?

Paul’s inspired words say it all: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Gal 2:20).

IS THY HEART RIGHT WITH GOD?

BEN F. VICK, JR.

Elisha A. Hoffman, in 1899 wrote the song that is the title of this article. It is a penetrating and thought-provoking question. Paul commanded, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2 Cor. 13:5.) This song should cause us to pause and consider our hearts. When we gather around the Lord’s table on the Lord’s day, we are told, “But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.” (1 Cor. 11:28.) Each of us should take inventory of his life. Is my heart right with God?

In the story of the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch, we read of Philip’s having preached Jesus unto him. The text tells us, “And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.” (Acts 8:36-39.) When the candidate asked, “What doth hinder me to be baptized?” The preacher said, “If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.” He answered in the affirmative and was baptized. Then he went on his way rejoicing. There is always great joy in one’s heart when he has been obedient to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Note that he rejoiced after he was baptized, not before, which indicates that he was not saved until after he was baptized (Mark 16:15-16).

After one comes forth from that watery grave, he has been purified by the precious blood of Christ (Rev. 1:5). He begins the Christian walk (Col. 2:6; 1 John 1:7). He must constantly guard his heart. Solomon, in the long, long ago, wrote, “Keep [or guard] thy heart with all diligence; For out of it are the issues of life.” (Prov. 4:23.) He must fill his mind with good things. If anyone had reason to worry and be agitated or depressed, it was Paul when in prison in Rome. Yet, he wrote to the saints at Philippi to encourage them. He said to fill your mind with good thoughts. He said, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Phil. 4:8.) What are you reading? The Bible and other good books? Have you read the recent Discovery magazine about the hippopotamus? Do you see and hear the beauty of nature in the spring? The trees budding, the flowers blooming, the birds singing? Do you think of things lovely and of good report?

We read in the book of Exodus of Pharaoh’s having hardened his heart. At least eight times, we are told that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. Eight times we read that Pharaoh hardened his heart. How did this happen? Moses called upon Pharaoh to let God’s people go. This demand, if followed, would hurt his country financially because he had free labor. It also went against his pride. So, he refused to let them go. God sent one plague after another: water to blood, frogs, lice, flies, murrain of cattle, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and death of the firstborn. Each time Pharaoh refused to let Israel go, he became more obstinate. God did not act directly upon the heart of Pharaoh, but the demand and the plagues, when removed caused his heart to become more hardened. This principle applies today. Each time a person puts off obeying the gospel, it becomes harder to obey the next time. Each time one gives in to Satan’s temptations, the heart becomes more hardened.

The writer of Hebrews cautioned his readers who were on the verge of returning to Judaism: “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.” (Heb. 3:12-15.) Sin is deceitful and will cause us to hardened our hearts. Just as Israel of old hardened their hearts and their carcases fell in the wilderness because of unbelief so it can happen to us and we will miss that heavenly rest (Heb. 4:1).

Matthew records this event: “But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matt. 22:34-40). Let us love God with all our being and our neighbor as ourselves. Peter wrote, “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:” (1 Peter 1:22.)

The only way to have a heart right with God is to obey his word.