A Meditation (1)

"Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth?'     Romans 8.33.

Mountain Scenes

There are many incidents recorded in the word of God which took place on the tops of mountains. Often, we speak of ‘mountain-top experiences’ as characteristic of something that thrilled us or gave us joy. But a number of decidedly sombre happenings took place upon summits and elevated places. Aaron died upon Mount Hor; later, Moses having viewed Canaan’s promised land from the heights of Pisgah, was to expire on Mount Nebo, which together with Pisgah formed the mountain range of Abarim.

Neither Aaron nor Moses was permitted to enter Canaan because of their unbelief at the waters of Meribah; there Moses struck the Rock with the rod of priesthood, instead of speaking to it as Jehovah had commanded, Num.20.13. He had used the rod of judgment in striking ‘the Rock’ in Horeb, Exod. 17.5,6. As a type of Christ ‘the Rock’ must be smitten only once,‘ knowing that Christ being raised from among the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him’, Rom. 6.9.

Gethsemane’s garden was situated on the slopes of Mount Olivet, ever calling to mind the awful anguish and exceeding sorrow of the Lord Jesus, as Golgotha’s tree cast its dread shadow over His holy soul; Gabbatha’s judgment seat in Jerusalem was literally an ‘elevated place’ where sinful man condemned to death the sinless Son of God. Golgotha is not said to be a hill, but it too was certainly elevated, affording a clear view for all who ‘passed by’. While the scene of the unparalleled hatred of man, and the unmitigated sufferings of Christ, it is where the unconditional love of God for man was manifested in absolute perfection. There, Christ died for our sins, 1 Cor. 15.3. His was obedience ‘even unto death, and that the death of the cross’. Phil. 2.8.

In conclusion, we retrace our steps to the top of Mount Pisgah. From here the Midianite false prophet, Balaam, attempted to curse the people of God at the inducement of Balak, the king of Moab. Looking down they saw "only the extremity of them," But the Lord ‘put a word in his mouth’, turning the intended curse into blessing, ‘He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath He seen wrong in Israel’, Num. 23.21.

How can God affirm what is so obviously contrary to the facts?  Verse 23 states ‘according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought ?’All the while the people were heaping up sins in the wilderness, God was accomplishing the work necessary to make them fit to enter the land, providing the sacrifices, the priesthood. and the serpent of brass, all types of the work of Christ. Thus, in contemplating His people, He sees His work! He has constantly before His eyes the finished work of His Son, and He would not be ‘faithful and just’ towards this perfect Saviour if He still imputed the least fault to those whom He has cleansed by His blood, 1 John 1.19.

T.W.         

 

Two Different Responses

Speaking to my middle daughter recently I told her of my         disappointment regarding my itinerant teaching and preaching

ministry was dwindling. So many Assemblies closed at the

commencement and end of the pandemic. A good number that re-opened continued with "Zoom" and opened the way for saints to remain at home instead of "assembling themselves together" at the meetings. I told her that I felt my ministry was drawing to a close, although as then, so now, I do not have a "word from the Lord" as to His will. If it please Him I will continue to wait.

But Deborah said to me, "dad you still have that tract distribution ministry, why not continue with that work? I felt that she was right, and not accepting that my "other" ministry was at a close yet, I could "occupy until He come" in this way.   

And so yesterday (Monday) I managed to deliver a good number of Via magazines with the message of the Glad Tidings clearly presented within its pages. What was quite exciting I distributed them to a place I had never reached before.

Today, still feeling an exercise to continue my efforts to reach others with the Gospel my wife drove me to a cluster of buildings comprised of high-rise flats. There were four such buildings I hoped to gain access to, but it can be tricky. Sometimes there is a "trade button" that will grant access as long as it is before midday. Some buildings however do not have this facility. As is my wont I always ask the Lord to open the doors.

A the first building as I arrived at the entrance a resident was leaving and held the door for me to enter. Lovely start! I completed that block and moved on to the next. The trade button was accommodating, and I was able to get inside immediately. Finishing that block, on to the next. 

Here I stood outside perplexed; no trade button and no one in sight. I tried a number of buttons that belonged to tenants, but to no avail. I waited prayerfully for a while and then decided to see if there were any further entrances. It transpired there was a further two, but no joy. The Lord did not open the door! I was crestfallen but I had another building to access so as to distribute some more magazines, rather than just give up. 

I was able to use the trade button there and began my delivery. I generally like to start on the top floor and work my way down. As I started my delivery on the second floor from the top, I believe that was the case, I had to pass an open door where a young man was standing on its threshold. My thought was he will likely refuse the Via, trusting that it would not be more like a rebuttal. We smiled at each other, and I asked him if he would care to take the magazine, handing it to him as I spoke. He looked at briefly, and thanked me for it. I was elated. 

On the same floor as I approached another flat, I could see even from a little way away, that a huge bunch of keys had been inadvertently left in the keyhole, a very dangerous situation in this day and age. So instead of pushing the magazine through the letterbox I rang the bell. A rather attractive young lady answered the door. She looked at me quizzically and I pointed to the keys. She was overjoyed that I had drawn her attention to them and quickly retrieved them. I then asked her if she would like a magazine, but on learning it was "religious" she declined politely and graciously, wishing me a nice day. 

I thought she was bound to accept the Via magazine; how easily we make presumptions and are apt to be swayed by first impressions. perhaps I will learn from this experience.

I remain confused by the "closed door," but I don't believe it was a coincidence for one moment; and furthermore I don't believe it will remain permanently closed. Many possibilities may suggest themselves including perhaps it was dangerous for me to enter at that time. but leaving it with the Lord, if it please Him I will try again. 

T.W.

If you wish to contact me, in the will of the Lord, please note that I have a new email address: tomwyatt887@gmail.com

Speak evil of Dignities

Jude 8

I believe there is the necessity for a gentle, but very pertinent rebuke. I hear many saints "speak railingly against dignities;" and I find myself to be guilty of the same, even though the above Word is often brought to my remembrance. I am left inexcusable.

It is easy to speak unwisely or ill of many of the "powers appointed by God," when the fullest exposure of many of their faults, and failings, many so grievous, are in the "public domain." And so often our discernment is correct and it is galling to see the awful consequences of much that is deceitful, corrupt and violent. But dear believing friends it is not our prerogative to speak aloud of these things. We must look to the Lord for His governmental dealings with those who hold such responsible positions. It may be well if we were to be more separated from the media of this world; ignorance of much of this worlds discourses, opinions and exposures would prove a blessing; why defile ourselves with the detritus of a world sin-benighted? 

To engage in "speaking evil of dignities," we identify ourselves with "these dreamers who defile [the] flesh, and despise lordship, and speak railingly against dignities. Jude 8 (New Translation J.N.D).  

"I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings be made for all men; for Kings and all that are in dignity, that we (believers) may lead a quite and tranquil life in all godliness and gravity; for this is good and acceptable before our Saviour God."  1Timothy 2:1-3.

 

"What Manner of Man is This?"

The crossing of the Lake, the "sea of Galilee," Tiberius or Chinnereth, or Lake of Gennesaret, as it is variously referred to, is a familiar incident to the readers of the Word; preserved for us  within the pages of the Holy Scriptures, the "Scriptures of truth." Matthew 8:23-27.                                       

The quotation above is of singular moment, and this is the A.V. translation, while  Darby has: "What sort of Man is this?" Almost word for word the same. But I often use the expression, "Who then is This?" unfortunately at the time I failed to recall where I first read this particular rendering, nevertheless I believing it to be a fine translation. Later I discovered it is in Darby's translation of the account recorded in Mark.                     Mark 4:41.

It is not my design to compare the translations, I am poorly equipped for such a task, neither do I not feel the necessity; I included the different renderings merely because brethren and sisters may be more familiar with one than another due to their own habitual musings upon the Word.

My purpose in writing this simple "post" stems from a pursuit of the expression written upon my heart. Thus I turned to W.K.'s commentary on the Gospel of Matthew. But I did not find it there, but something else grabbed my attention, and exposed once more my deficiency in grasping even the simplest things in the Word. It is not that I read too hurriedly, or without due concentration, but perhaps because something seems unimportant, and I overlook it sadly.

I hope I have caused you enough curiosity to be awaiting my explanation, but equally hope to not disappoint you with it.

Now whenever I have meditated on this lovely scene with its precious typical teaching, I have adjudged that the phrase "What manner of Man is This," to be spoken by the disciples. And, next I wondered why they would ask such a question having companied with the Son of Man daily for a number of years; hearing His voice of wisdom. authority, love, and from time to time, rebuke. They had witnessed His miracles, and individually benefitted from some of those acts of divine loving-kindness. They had even seen glimpses of His deity through the veil of His flesh. And if the expression I have made my own is correct, it is even more incongruous that the disciples would ask such a question: "Who then is This?" 

W.K. it seems almost without thought pens in his exposition these words after the Master had stilled the storm: "And there was a great calm," so that even the very shipmen marvelled saying, "What manner of Man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?" Indeed in verse 27 of Matthew's eighth chapter we read, "But the men were astonished, saying, "What sort of man is this?"

I conclude that the "ship" was not the possession of one of His disciples, but a ship that perhaps constantly ferried folk across the lake, and may be for hire with its crew. This seems to me to be the answer to my little dilemma. I trust you will excuse the simplicity.

T.W. 

 

 

A  Divine Directive 

Having received a confirmation that a small parcel awaited me at a local pick-up locker, I decided to act on it quickly. Now having frequently looked to the Lord for help in moving at every bidding of the Holy Spirit, I felt a divine directive to take a number of Via Gospel Magazines with me for distribution upon the way. 

The walk was about a half mile each way, and I counted out 15 copies to take with me; Oh me of little faith! I neared my destination with eight copies left, when I saw a plethora of letter boxes on the outer wall of a building. I placed a copy in each of the first eight boxes, and counted, or rather "miscounted" a further 23!

When I had successfully retrieved my package I set of back home to take further copies to the easily-accessed letter boxes. I thought I needed 26; that is, 23 at that site, and a further three boxes I had spotted across the road from it.

I counted out thirty copies of Via, miniscule faith this time! Retracing the steps of my earlier journey I reached the wall of letter boxes. I had miscalculated, there were actually 11 less than I thought. So with 15 copies to hand I looked for alternative opportunities, and readily found them, nearby and accessible. I completed my little task and made my way home, feeling a tiny sense of achievement, but only, I trust as a mere instrument in the hands of the Spirit of God.

I believe I had "cast my bread upon the waters," notice it is "waters" plural, a type of the restless turmoil of this world, the "bread" typical of the Word of God. Ecclesiastes 11:1.

It is my earnest longing that the Gospel truths contained in these magazines will be read, and believed, and will lead many in the goodness of God to repentance, and thus to the salvation of precious souls, for His own glory, and that of the Son of His love.

T.W. 

Report: International Tract Distribution Day (10)

Memories

As you will observe today is the tenth anniversary of a humble spiritual exercise I had whilst tracting alone. Feeling that it would be amazing if all over the world saints would be engaged in distributing the Word of God in printed form: at the same time! I conceived this thought and followed it through to designate that same day as the International Tract Distribution Day ,and invite all who are able, to distribute at least one gospel missive on that particular day; all of course if it is the Lord's will.

I never realised I would be still excited by the idea, ten years later! Although I admit, if the Lord has not yet come, and I am still "in the body," I am not sure that I will be able to participate so enthusastically.  

I set out in the early afternoon, between my appointment for a Coved vaccination and my annual eye test. The joys of old age! It proved to be a lovely afternoon, pleasantly warm with just a gentle breeze. it could not have been more conducive for the task in hand. I am persuaded it was of the Lord's goodness and grace.

Apart from the fact that I found three houses I never knew existed, there is not much to recount. I delivered "Via Magazines" to flats located in two high rise buildings, and an adjoining road. To complete my task I went to three places where I was able to place Via in multiple letter boxes. I was unable to use the 200 I took with me, my usual allocation for I.T.D.D. but I managed to use 134 copies. I am so thankful to the Lord that my mobility is very good as I approach my eightieth birthday. What loving-kindness, what mercy. 

Please pray that the Lord will bless His distributed Word wherever and whenever it is pleasing to Him. It is a delight to be in fellowship with all the Lord's beloved people. who know the constraining power of His love to make Him known.

May the Lord Jesus Himself bless everyone who read this brief report, for His glory.

Tom Wyatt Gathered unto the name of the Lord Jesus with the saints at Coleford Gospel Hall Corsham Wiltshire U.K. 

tomwyatt887@gmail.com

     

"And an angel appeared to Him from heaven strengthening Him."

Luke 22:43. 

In the Scriptures there are numerous brief phrases and statements we may easily overlook. So many of them are couched in words of divine simplicity, on account of which we my read them with minimal concentration and meditation. But I am equally sure by the grace of God, apprehended by them, and caused to to muse upon them, thus we find surprising benefit for our soul. I suggest that the above quotation from the Word of God is a perfect example.

I must stress rigorously that I am very conscious of how easy it is to intrude into things concerning the Person of the Son that belong exclusively to the Father; all such is profane curiosity! May the Lord keep me, and all His own loved ones from such an independent spirit, from such a horrible affront to God. Pure speculation and unbridled imagination go beyond the constraints of divine revelation.

"And an angel appeared to Him from heaven strengthening Him." This is recorded as taking place in Gethsemane, that garden on the slopes of the Mount of Olives. Even the suggestion of help from "without" at Golgotha is totally impossible; there in "the place" the Lord Jesus suffered, bled and died atoningly ALONE! How then do we understand this astonishing revelation that took place where He was wont to frequent?

Firstly, what did the angel do? Nothing apart from "appearing," as far as I understand it. The "clue," (if I am permitted to use such a word), lies in the phrase "from heaven" for it surely indicates that heaven had not been "shut up" to Him, which was the awful reality during those three hours of impenetrable darkness at Golgotha. How the appearance of one from His native sphere would have "strengthened Him."

"Here again, however, observe that the suffering (in the garden of Gethsemane) differs essentially from atonement. For not only does He speak out of the full consciousness of His relationship with the Father, but He has also the angelic help which would have been wholly out of season when forsaken of God because of sin-bearing. All was most real."                                          Exposition of the Gospel of Luke.  W.K.

Another has written: "But how could this angelic creature strengthen the incarnate Creator? The angel "appeared" we are told. That was all. He did not do anything. he came as an ambassador of heaven and by simply standing there, he showed that all his felloes stood undaunted with the Son of God." G.T.B.

I feel that my thoughts on this amazing incident are in their simplicity correct, and welcome such confirmation from two who were mighty in the Scriptures. T.W.

If you would like to correspond with me, please note my new email address: tomwyatt887@gmail.com