CENTURIES ago a king in Ceylon employed the most famous painters of his day to paint the portraits of the beautiful ladies of his harem on the walls of his rock fortress. In order to satisfy the exacting demands of the king, the men consumed much time and spared no pains to make the portraits treasured works of art. When these paintings were discovered centuries later they became a part of the national heritage. A few months ago a few men daubed the portraits with green paint. It was an act of vandalism that tore the heart of the nation. The earlier workmen had used their brushes for many years in the creation of a national treasure. Other men in a few moments had used their brushes ruthlessly in destroying it.
The sudden diversion from noble participation of building to active engagement in damaging the product of years of labor is described in Psalm 74: "A man was famous according as he had lifted up axes upon the thick trees. But now they break down the carved work thereof at once with axes and hammers" (verses 5, 6).
There is a science and an art in cutting down big trees. The positioning of the tree when it falls depends upon every blow of the ax. Years of patient toil develop in a lumberman the rhythm of confidence and ease. These lumbermen become specialists in their trade and as a result become famous. But David maintains that these men could in a few moments become enraged ruffians and use the tools of trade to destroy the precious works of art.
There were many soldiers in Nebuchadnezzar's army who were reputed lumber men, but these men turned savage when they entered Jerusalem and used their axes and hammers to destroy the workmanship of master craftsmen. Solomon had lavished his fortune on the building of the Temple. The articles of furniture and the altar he overlaid with gold were carved by men with a supreme sense of beauty (1 Kings 6:22, 29, 32, 35). It took many years to bring perfection to each article. But reputed lumbermen diverted their powers and used their axes and ruthlessly pillaged the Temple and its beautiful carved works.
The Case of Ahithophel
Ahithophel was one of David's trusted counselors. His predictions were considered divine by the men of his time (2 Sam. 15:12). David must have placed complete reliance upon him. The guidance and counsel of this man had been of incalculable worth. The victories and triumphs of David in the field of politics, war, and general administration may be attributed in a large measure to this counselor. Ahithophel had contributed to the success of God's chosen king and thereby to God's cause on earth. But later the loyalty of Ahithophel underwent swift change. He supported Absalom against David. His talents, once used to maintain balance and progress of the kingdom of the chosen king, were now directed to sustain the cause of a rebel. At the end, in disgrace, he committed suicide.
Asa, King of Judah
Among a host of others who changed their affinity from a good cause, to damage it, the name of King Asa, the third king of Judah, is prominent. At the beginning of his reign, he removed his grandmother Maachah from the office of queen mother because she had made an image to an idol. He was so devoted and loyal to God that he destroyed the images and all the other idols of his predecessors. He rededicated the altar of burnt offering in the Temple.
The early years of his reign are marked by events that are evidence of his desire to work in harmony with God's principles. He started a great religious reformation and called upon the people to renew their covenant with God (1 Kings 15:1-5). But toward the closing years of his reign he became fearful of his enemy Basha, the king of Israel. Instead of continuing to trust in God he sought the aid of Benhadad, king of Damascus. Here we see the departure of this once loyal man to a relationship that was hurtful to God's cause. God was displeased, and Hanani the prophet was sent to reprove him. In a rage the king jailed the messenger of God. Further acts against God and His people were perpetrated in the closing years of his reign.
What a tragedy that benevolent kings should become bloodthirsty murderers! That a benign teacher should become a traitor to students and community! That God-fearing ministers should succumb to malpractices, thereby bringing disrepute to the church.
None of us can rest smugly or securely in our position. We must ever be on the watch lest we too should fall.
Constancy
Disraeli, renewed British prime minister in the Victorian age, said, "The secret of success is constancy." Addison states, "With out constancy there is neither love, friend ship, nor virtue in the world."
It is necessary to maintain constancy in purity. There should be no engagement in tasks that corrode the soul. Every attempt must be made to continue in spiritual purity without ever giving occasion to soil and blacken the soul. It would be well for all to heed the words written in Oliver Cromwell's Bible, "He who ceases to be better ceases to be good."
