Bits and Pieces – 167th Edition – May 21, 2023

“Abide thou with me, fear not: …. with me thou shalt be in safeguard” [1 Samuel 22:23]

     These words were spoken by David to Abiathar the priest, who had escaped Saul’s slaughter of his fellow priests.  But though he had escaped, his life was still in danger.  Thus he needed the refuge that David offered.

     The key words of David’s offer are, “For he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life.”  David and Abiathar were knit together in a certain union, a clear picture of the union that exists between Christ and His people.  In a very real sense, the Lord’s people are under constant threat due to their union with Christ, and David’s words to Abiathar aptly express Christ’s invitation to them.

     The reason for Abiathar’s danger was his association with David.  Because Saul hated David he threatened all whom he saw as David’s people.  We have a direct parallel in the case of Christ and His people.  Satan hates the Lord and threatens all whom he recognizes as His people.

     Seeking to destroy Christ’s kingdom and usurp His place, Satan vents his hatred against all who belong to Him and seeks their ruin.  From the moment a believer comes into union with the Saviour, he is accounted by the enemy as a sheep for the slaughter.  Do not be surprised, my brother and sister, that you are Satan’s target.  He who seeks Christ’s life seeks yours also.

     However, the very union with Christ that causes our danger guarantees our security.  As David said to Abiathar, so our greater David assures us, “With me thou shalt be in safeguard.” Being one with our rightful king exposes us to the wrath and malice of Satan the usurper.  But it also guarantees us our King’s protection while the danger lasts and, when it is past, the prospect of reigning with Him in glory. [Rev. John Greer]

     One of the items of business at the recent ministers’ week of prayer was to interview Toronto church member, Daniel Sima’an.  He also had to preach a Bible message as part of his application to begin studies for the Free Presbyterian ministry.  Daniel was accepted and will commence studies in September.

     Some years ago, at a drawing room function, one of England’s leading actors was asked to recite for the pleasure of his fellow guests.  He consented and asked if there was anything special his audience would like to hear.  After a moment’s pause, an aged clergyman rose and said, “Could you, sir, recite to us the twenty-third psalm?”  A strange look passed over the actor’s face.

     He paused for a moment, and then said, I can, and I will upon one condition, and that is after I have recited it, you, my friend will do the same.”

     Impressively, the great actor began the Psalm.  His voice and intonation were perfect.  He held his audience spellbound, and, as he finished, a great burst of applause broke from the guests,

     Then, as it began to die away, the aged clergyman began to recite.  His voice was not remarkable, and his intonation was not faultless.  When he finished, no sound of applause broke the silence, but, there was not a dry eye in the room, and many heads and hearts were bowed in reverential awe.

     The actor rose to his feet again.  His voice shook with uncontrollable emotion as he laid his hand upon the shoulder of the aged clergyman, and said to his audience, I have reached your eyes and ears, my friends.  This man reached your hearts.  The difference is just this – I know the Twenty-third Psalm, but he knows the Shepherd.”  [Author Unknown].

     Gambling is on the increase in our generation, and even Wayne Gretzky is now promoting betting on sports games on television.

Gambling is an old, but futile game.  The soldiers at the cross gambled over the clothes of the crucified Christ.

     “Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus took His garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also His coat:  Now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.  They said among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it” [John 19:23, 24].

     Better to stand on the side of Christ than to sit with the gamblers who crucified Him.

“If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies.  Yet the distance makes no difference; He is praying for me!” [Robert Murray McCheyne]