THE BROTHERLY LINK
D.B.Bodman
Acts 9: 10-17, 24-27 (to "in the way"); Philemon v.16
I am just impressed, dear brethren, with the brotherly link. Our brother has spoken about life, the preservation of life, and I believe one of the things that the enemy has been so successful in is the disruption of the brotherly link. There is a need of it being preserved amongst us. We each know in our localities how little things come in and disrupt the brotherly link. I read here of Saul because he had an experience at the outset of his spiritual life of what the brother was; not only the brother but the brethren. Here we have Ananias; you can imagine his feelings. We have often been rather critical of Ananias but I wonder how each one of us would have been in the same circumstances if we had been told to go and see this man as Ananias presumed he was. He was a murderer, casting the brethren into prison, but Ananias is adjusted very easily and he can do as the Lord says. And when he comes· to Saul he says "Saul, brother". I do not believe that Saul, later Paul, ever forgot that first touch he had with the brethren: "Saul, brother". And I believe that that link goes through everything; whether we are helped in one way or another, in the preaching or maybe in the exercise of gift, or in service, what needs to underlie it all is the brotherly link one with another. Of course the enemy is out to destroy it. We see how quickly Saul is brought into the assembly and how quickly the opposition comes in, a plot against him. But it is the brethren who let him down. He comes to appreciate his links in the brotherhood. These brethren let him down. And then he is brought to Jerusalem and they would not receive him to start with. You can understand why, looking at things from a natural point of view, but then a brother comes in and serves him, Barnabas brings him in and speaks to the brethren.
Then I just had in mind this slave who had run away, He had been a bondman. I think it is wonderful the way that Paul could say "not any longer as a bondman, but above a bondman, a beloved brother". Well, that is how we need to hold all the saints, hold them all in our affections. How I need it myself I feel, because so often thoughts arise which are wrong in our hearts. Can we judge them and get through to what is truly the brotherly link amongst us?
LONDON
6 September 1983
THE CHILDREN'S UPWARD WAY
Read Psalm 124. This shows a quiet consideration of the gracious ways of God. "If it had not been Jehovah who was for us...". These believers might have been overwhelmed when opposed by angry enemies of the Maker of heavens and earth. We are reminded of the wonderful words of Paul: "If God be for us, who against us?".
Psalm 125. This brings control. "They that confide in Jehovah are as mount Zion". Any who might turn aside into crooked ways would have to answer to the Lord for it. To be upright in heart is not only right and a benefit to oneself but leads to what corresponds to "Peace be upon Israel". Think of the privilege of enriching the whole Christian company!
Psalm 126. Contentment is therefore known. "Jehovah has done great things for us; and we are joyful". There had been captivity on account no doubt of failure but it would be turned as the streams of the south country. Rain from the heavens causes the streams and ensures fruitfulness. Those who sow in tears on the dry ground will find that the rain from above will enable them to reap with rejoicing. Even if our witness for Jesus seems like seed sown on arid soil there is the prospect of bringing in the sheaves with joy!
Psalm 127. Continuance. As the pilgrims moved onwards there was a deep desire to provide conditions suitable for God to dwell amongst them. "Unless Jehovah build the house, in vain do the builders labour in it". All things must be done in accord with the revealed mind of God. The Psalm speaks much about children because it is they who, if the Lord does not sooner come, will take their part in witness and not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord.
Psalm 128 gives the confirmation needed as the believer goes on his way. "Jehovah will bless thee" is a gracious assurance to everyone walking in His ways. This Psalm also mentions the joy of grandchildren learning with their grandparents to be God-fearing, and finding blessing and peace.
Psalm 129 shows confidence. "Jehovah is righteous". In wisdom God allows His people to pass through sufferings often intense. He will deal with those who cause them. But a Christian believer, knowing God as Father, would not ask for vengeance. Do we love those who oppose us, as the Lord Jesus said?
J.C.Evershed
NB This piece appears in consecutive issues – see No 128 (November 1983) and No 130 (January 1984)