“WHATEVER THY HAND FINDETH TO DO”
W. S. Chellberg
This scripture has been on my heart, dear brethren, because this is what I have seen in our sister. What impresses me is that, starting with the smallest thing, she did it. We might have ideas of grandeur or fame or greatness of some sort, but this scripture is not that.
“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do”—of course, we think of this scripture in the light of the New Testament and we should seek to serve under the Lord, under His direction and guiding.
But what our brother has said about “a helper of many” is very impressive, and I think it should have its effect upon us. That is really what we are here for. We are at rest concerning our sister; we know where she is. We know that it is “very much better”, the wonderful privilege that she has! But this scripture is for us. What we have seen exemplified in her is that, beginning from the smallest thing, she reached even to the widest. Her interests were not just local; they were not just Villa Grove, Indianapolis, or Chicago. Her interests widened out until they covered the whole assembly. This is what I trust will be the result—that we will put our hand to the work.
Now there is a gap in the ranks, there is a space to be filled. Will you put your hand to the work? As has been said already, she accepted her position; she was a sister. She exemplified the recognition of headship in a wonderful way. These things begin with whatever you find to do, that is, we are set, each one of us, in a certain environment. We have our local brethren, we have our family, and we begin with that, with that small thing. However, it is not to stop there, but starting with that seed, whatever your hand finds to do—do it. It widens out until it encompasses the whole thing. So I trust that this will encourage us and challenge us, and stimulate us in the presence of the greatest experience that we can have in a natural way—the facing of death. But God is encouraging us, and the Lord is encouraging us, that whatever you find to do, do it, and God will bless it. I think that is what He has done for our sister, and in His blessing He has taken her. She has now the blessed privilege of being with Jesus.
Amen.
Words at the burial of Mrs. S. McCallum, Villa Grove, Illinois
27 October 1982