Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Feb/70

Contributor - B. T. Vanderwoude

Title - Where the Chief Emphasis Should Fall

Topic - Meditation

The other morning, two elderly gentlemen were discussing about the two things in life, which are of interest to all men, because they have to meet both of them, and over which they have no control.

The things of interest are to be born, and to die.

As to our birth, none of us were asked previously the details of birth. No choice was offered as to where we would like to appear. What parents we would like, whether of noble blood, or just of the common run. Nor were we given choice as to city or country; whether in a Christian home, or in the heathen world. Each child has the right to a healthy body, but no choice was offered, whether the body of an athlete, or a cripple. This was decided before birth, and without the consent of the one most interested. Other things without number could be mentioned, and a thousand differences come to mind, after we become able to think. But everything has been managed for us. We may say, all those things were in the hand of God, who does all things as it pleases Him. And when you think of all the millions that come into the world, and that God plans all the details for each and all, we exclaim, "My God, how marvelous Thou art."

Not a thing so far stated is likely to fill anyone with pride. Some one has said "that man to begin with, is just a stomach and a squeal". But see what he develops into. I see a man by name of Nebuchadnezzar walk on his palace, looking at the big city, and those hang,.ng gardens, truly a wonder of the world, and exclaim, "is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?" and shortly after, he is eating grass like an ox, gripped in his own insanity.

Many so-called great conquerors have strutted across the earth, and made men tremble. But unexpectedly they disappeared. Alexander passed off the scene at 35, while only shortly before he sat crying on the Indian sands, because there was not another world to conquer. Napoleon died as an exile on St. Helena, who only shortly before had all of Europe seemingly at his feet, and here at 47 he went the way of all flesh. We might mention many others, who suddenly were no more. The trouble with them, as with millions of others, was that they had not figured on that other item, over which men have no control, and that is death. "It is set unto all men once to die." The time and the how are in the Lord's hands.

No man dies before his time. In time of war, when many in the flower of their age are cut off, we often reason that such deaths might be prevented, or avoided for the time being. We should remember that their time was fixed, that God had also fixed the method.

Have you ever prayed with men called to the armed forces? Then read Psalm 91, where it says, "a thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee." To a believer should belong the confidence, that even on the battle field, whether in trench or dug-out, he is just as safe as sitting in his mother's kitchen. Nothing can happen to him, without the will of his heavenly Father.

However, this may be true, we have nothing to say, or to plan as to the time of death, but we do have in hand, to prepare ourselves, so as to be ready for any eventuality. That is what the Gospel is all about. God is very much concerned about how we are to reach the end of life. After all, this life is simply a vestibule of the life that is to be.

In case you want to know how important that future life is, just read the Scriptures, and see how much emphasis God lays upon it. And how much effort He has put forth to help man be prepared for what lies beyond. From the time that sin came into the world, God has been advertising His remedy, and His way by which man may be ready for that final event over which he has no control.

God made announcement of the greatest coming event, namely the arrival of His Son upon earth. The Christmas event came. But the so called religious folks were not interested in Him. In fact the Gospels are full of the goodness and greatness of God's Son, and along side this the hatred of the religious people, or leaders, which hatred culminated when they nailed Him to a cross. They thought it a good thing that one should die, rather than have the whole Jewish nation perish. And they did not see that they sealed their own destruction. For in the year 70, just 40 years later, the Romans came and found not trees enough to crucify the thousands of Jews.

But throughout it all, God was working for His own people, the believers in His Son Jesus Christ. And He has ever since been broadcasting that Gospel, which makes men ready for that final event, over which he has no control.

No one need to fear the final event, if he only sees to it that he has a living faith in the Man that has control over eternity. He the Lord promises that the event over which no one has control, shall be just a door, through which a believer enters into life that shall never end.

Jesus accused His enemies that they received honour from one another, and had no use for the honour God is to bestow. What that shall mean is vividly described by Walt Huntley, in the following verses -

"God's Hall of Fame"

Your name may not appear down here

In this world's hall of fame,

In fact, you may be so unknown

That no one knows your name;

The Oscars and the praise of men

May never come your way,

But don't forget God has rewards

That he'll hand out some day.

This hall of Fame is only good

As long as time shall be;

But keep in mind, God's hall of Fame Is for eternity.

To have your name inscribed up there Is greater more by far

Then all the fame and all the praise Of every man-made star.

This crowd on earth they soon forget

When you're not at the top;

They cheer like mad until you fall

And then their praise will stop;

Not God, He never does forget,

And in His hall of Fame, By just believing on His Son,

Forever - there's your name.

I tell you, friend, I wouldn't trade My name, however small,

That's written there beyond the stars In that celestial Hall.

For all the famous names on earth,

Or glory that they share;

I'd rather be an unknown here, And have my name up there.

(Walt Huntley)

How important it is we shall lay the emphasis on the proper things, and reap the greater returns.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast. For ye are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2 : 8-10.

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