From Builder to Wrecker

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. . .

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."

December 1970

Download PDF
Ministry Cover

More Articles In This Issue

"Man of God"

SOME years ago my wife and I were sailing by passenger ship en route to the mission field. We were young and recently married and found the rather fast type of entertainment provided by the ship's officers not too much to our Adventist tastes. . .

Division-wide Evangelistic Crusade

The time has come for a united coordinated effort to be put forth to reach the entire population of the North American Division. . .

Joshua's Long Day in the News (Concluded)

THE so-called British Chronological and Astronomical Association was originally established as a society in 1879. J. B. Dimbleby was still the head of it as late as as 1897, when its quarters were at Memorial Hall, Farringdon Street, London, E. C. Dimbleby was author and editor of the book All Past Time, on the title page of which he designated himself as "Premier Chronologist to the British Chronological and Astronomical Association, London," and as "First Enumerator of all the Eclipses and Transits."

How to Have a Full Treasury

NO MINISTER enjoys pleading for funds or employing gimmicks to squeeze money out of unwilling people. The pastor need not assume the role of a fund raiser if he will seriously undertake his commission, "Teaching them to observe all things what soever I have commanded you." If you have financial problems in your church, may I suggest that you seriously undertake a program of STEWARDSHIP EDUCATION. . .

"One Giant Leap" for the Church (Concluded)

AS THEIR space craft sped toward the moon, the crew continually demonstrated a willing cooperation with and dependence upon their guidance complex. . .

An Experienced Evangelist Shares

WHY is it so hard for some people to see the Sabbath truth? Why do people want to believe in an eternally burning hell? What are the best nights of the week on which to hold meetings? What seems to be a good worable length for a campaign?

The President Speaks on Goals and Objectives

THIS is the first Autumn Council since the past General Conference session, and this meeting should set the tone for the next five years.

Are You Qualified?

THE pastor who preached our sermon on Sabbath left school when he had finished only grade 4 of the primary level. He has never been to secondary school or college. He has never written a thesis or obtained a diploma. . .

Don't Forget to Remember

When I was a young girl I looked forward each summer to the visit of my aunt who worked in a city some distance away. It seemed to me that she came from another world, so far removed was her talk of skyscrapers, concerts, and elevated trains from my little world of barns, silos, and pastures. . .

Mystic Tongues Are Speaking (Concluded)

Devils working miracles are speaking to Christendom today with new and compelling power: signs, wonders, healings, and tongues, experienced by participants in the charismatic movement and claimed to be of God, may be utter fraud. The neo-Pentecostal movement, which has sprung so quickly to prominence, crossing all denominational and social barriers, poses serious questions for the Adventist ministry.

View All Issue Contents

Digital delivery

If you're a print subscriber, we'll complement your print copy of Ministry with an electronic version.

Sign up
Advertisement - SermonView - Medium Rect (300x250)

Recent issues

See All
Advertisement - SermonView - WideSkyscraper (160x600)