The Bulletin
of the
Church of Christ at
New Georgia
Tim Johnson, editor
January 22, 2006
In
This Issue:
The
Stone of Help
by
Michael W. McLemore
The Stone of Help
Every aspect of the Christian existence hinges upon the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ. The New Testament candidly validates Jesus of Nazareth through his death, burial and resurrection from the dead as the foundation of all Christian hope. The son of God is truly the Head of the Corner, in Him we trust and our faith is made perfect. The Christian's faith in Christ as the Chief corner stone or the founding rock serves him/her well in all occasions of life. Whether in times of peace or persecution, times of affliction or blessing or even times of birth or death, the servant of Christ can rest in Him as their Stone of Help.
In the record of the Israelite victory over the mighty Philistine host, Samuel is careful to enter into the annals of time Israel's prayer to Jehovah of repentance and petition. Israel, through Samuel their prophet, offered sacrifice to God for deliverance from the oppressive hand of Philistine tyranny. God's answer to their fervent cry came in the form of an absolute rout of the Philistine force. To insure this event would serve as a perpetual reminder to Israel in the future, Samuel erected a stone between Mizpeh and Shen and named the place Ebenezer, saying "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us" (I Samuel 7:5-12). The narrative of this Old Testament event serves to this present day as a reminder to the Lord's faithful people of God's succor of those who are obedient to Him. Christ is that help.
Life upon this earth is fraught with many difficulties and predicaments; none as great as man's separation from God by sin. The danger of this separation may not be felt by many while life on this earth continues. Men and women wholly estranged from God enjoy their earthly lives, succeed in business and live in quiet solitude with their fellowman. Such people may in old age have little regret. Yet, may I ask, what of the future? The real peril of mankind is facing God without an advocate, without atonement for sin, without hope. Rightly, this is mankind's greatest fear. It is here Christ, our stone of Help, benefits us the most. The apostle John reminded first century Christians, "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous" ( I John 2:1). Jesus Christ is our salvation from the oppressive hand of satanic tyranny -- sin.
There is no more important enterprise than the preaching and teaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus in His last personal appointment to the chosen apostles said, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). Why is preaching the word of God such an important work for Christians? Because it was to the Lord. Because the souls of men are in danger of being damned for eternity (Mark 16:16). The desire of the Lord's people should be to be faithful to our commission.
Multiplied thousands are wondering aimlessly through life, living life as they please by their own rules. This was Israel's condition before Samuel, a dedicated servant, turned the people back to God. The chosen people of God had rejected God's will, the religious leaders of their day were corrupt and tolerant of sin. God had rejected them and allowed their enemies to overcome them. The ark of God had been taken by wicked hands into battle, and Israel suffered Jehovah's vengeance for their evil. Only then did they realize from whence their help in days past had come. And, by turning back to God, repenting of the evils which they had committed and obeying God's will, He became their Stone of Help. Likewise, He can be ours. But, it's up to us. Will we not then share this lesson of truth with our friends and neighbors?
Our prayer is this will be our aim. All we ask is for receptive hearts and an open Bible.
--Michael W. McLemore
In Gospel Power, Anderson, Alabama, 3/28/99.