The air raid siren had already sent out its warning that the enemy planes were approaching but father and son, as on previous occasions, were on their way to the Bible class. Tonight was different. The planes were dropping bombs on their town. Half way to the class the son was advised to go home and seek shelter while father continued on to be a part of the Bible class. He had a need for such a class and to be needed by the others who would attend.
Another night, a typical English night, dark and pouring with rain. It was the age when very few people had an automobile sitting at their doorstep to jump into and drive in comfort from door to door. Out in the pouring rain he went riding his bicycle. It was known that this brother would always be there. He too had a need for such a class and to be needed of others who in turn were encouraged by his regular attendance. His thoughts expressed in the discussion, the gentle touch of the closing prayer to comfort, console and make strong. The good night greeting to trust only in the Lord for the sister who had put aside her household chores to be there. What had the sister gotten from the class, was it worth it to her to have been there, some may have asked ? She had learnt early it was not expected of her to stand and preach unto others. For there are those who “sit and serve.” She was often there, at the footstool of her Master. Jesus said to her, “Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” It is there she would witness in language stronger than the spoken word that she believed in the promises. Promises made and lived from day to day in the Hope of seeing face to face her Master who is the Resurrection and the Life.
These and many others were there, not because a special speaker would be there, neither because it was their turn to speak, or the turn of someone close to them. They came because they had a need for this stepping stone, this oasis that would carry them from Sunday to Sunday. They were each needed for mutual support that they could step out and plant their feet firmly from one stepping stone to the next when again they would be assured that the Lord God has preserved for them a place in his Kingdom. Christ had his mountain side, the dessert place where he could learn and be encouraged by the angels who would attend that meeting. The disciples had their road to Emmaus where Jesus taught and reassured them again. Paul had the company of brethren who met him on the way to Rome. Daniel had his room where he could see Jerusalem the city where the “King of Kings” would rule the world in peace. Abraham had his altars where he served and received the promises.
Paul says, “And let us consider one another to provoke (Excite) unto love and good works: Not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”
It is yet another beam of the Gospel light that we have been called upon to carry high which tells our children and friends that on a given night we shall be there at the Bible class, desiring to be in the company of our Lord and Master and the called out ones. What progress can be made if a man works on the building of his house only once a week. He and others will suffer while they wait out the days for its completion. Next to the Sunday meetings the Ecclesial Bible Class should be top priority in our lives. It is the responsibility of each of us to keep it alive. A strong hold that we occupy and preserve for the next generation. What better gift could we give them? Let us then occupy our minds not with excuses for not being there, but filled with reasons why we should be there.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One