To the hill of the Lord we went to be taught and to renew the friendship that had found birth at previous Idyllwild Bible Schools. Hands clasped firm in the Name of Christ brought the awareness that we had become that much older and for some of us the gentle hand of time had rested lightly upon us. Some appeared the same as we had left them while others showed the marks that mortal life can serve. Our eyes scanned the crowd for those we knew as they waited in line to register. Some were found while the names of others appeared to be absent. Our search continued when we took our seats in the main hall waiting for the opening hymn of praise to commence the Memorial service in remembrance of our absent Master. There were many absent seats occupied once by faithful friends when for a few days we shared with them their joys and sorrows. Then we noticed our dear friend from the previous year was gone. His place was now empty and yet how much we had learnt from him in the short time we knew him. Though he occupied no important seat, nor ministered to us from the platform yet he had taught us a different lesson each day. He had found his refuge and abiding place in high places. A place where his young were safe and at peace. Born on wings he went about his business, provision made by the Creator and cared for as each small part of his creation. Our friend was the sparrow who had diligently built its nest well in the high rafters. While the classes were in progress our friend was always in flight, going backward and forward seeking and providing for the welfare of others. When this mission was completed he found rest perched a few feet from the nest resting but ever watchful for danger that may suddenly appear. A lasting picture to the lesson that was being taught below to a small part of the royal household. In our study on the Gospel of Mark we walked and listened to Jesus exhort his brethren to be ever “Watchful.” Not alone to watch for the things that are coming upon the earth endangering the lives of the faithful ones but to watch your brother and sister that they do not fall to temptation by the enemy that constantly stalks those who journey through the wilderness to the Land promised to them. Jesus said, I must work while it is day, for the night cometh when no man can work.”
Our feathered friend never seemed to sleep, and with the same urgency we are called on to be in constant flight, serving each other with the milk and meat of the word. A hand extended always to lift the one up that falls. Watchful of one another, not to criticize and break down but to observe the crack that appears in the foundation and repair it with the cement of love before it can do further damage.
How vivid we recall one evening a brother was appointed to give us an illustrated talk. In preparation for this all the windows were covered over completely and the doors closed. Our friend’s world for a time was one of darkness, frightening. What of his family what did the future hold for him, there appeared no escape. With ease he rode on high and rested upon one of the great lights. The days given to us to live may have their dark moments while in the valley of the shadow of death there appear no exit. How often David exhorts us then to rest assured in the Rock of our salvation and find safety in that divine fortress. At such times the song of the strong is heard, God is my strong salvation what foe have I to fear in darkness and temptation my light my help is near.
The song of my friend, the movement of his wings are silent but his example has caused my feet to steer closer in the shadow of Jesus the Christ. The Apostle Paul said, “We have been made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels and men.” Like the sparrow un-be known to the fact all eyes were upon him, so we are on the stage of life and the Ecclesial world and the world which is our’s watches us for our lives. How shall we feed if we have not the meat of the word in our possession or to quench the thirst if the well of love is dried up? “Bear ye one another burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ,” exhorted Paul.
I knew of a brother whose belief was so much a part of his life that those who worked with him shared his hopes. It was an accepted belief that should this brother not turn up for work one day, it was possible he had been called away to face his Lord and Judge. Their friends have gone, waiting for the resurrection day but while they shared his friendship they came to know of the glorious Hope that God offers to all mankind.
Let us resolve to apply the scriptures so much to our lives that our greatest concern in life is to see that our brother or sister is fully prepared to meet their Master and not be ashamed to stand before him. That our neighbors will never have the excuse in that great day to say, well) no one ever told me.
We fail to remember sometimes that there is a sad side to the establishment of the kingdom as well as a happy side. What tears will cover the cheeks of those who search the crowd of the redeemed of the Lord for a friend that they had an have to say, my friend has gone.
The divine guideline then we must have for others is taught in that saying, “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?” “Fear not therefore ye are of more value than many sparrows.”
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One