Though young, he had already committed himself to the army, but as yet had seen little active service. It was in the line up he first tasted the sting of the enemy and carried the wounds for a few days. The war had been in progress for a few years, people had become accustomed to lining up for their rations of food. Waiting in line for his order of fish and chips a number of his old school friends joined the line and commenced to embarrass him by asking why he was not with the others fighting for his King and country. His uniform and rank was not visible, he was still a novice in the army of Christ. Unprepared for active service he thanked the darkness of the night which covered his shame as he made a hasty retreat. There was no need for the “cock to crow” or a voice from heaven to bring him to his knees, his heart told him he had brought shame to the Captain of his faith. Like the soldier who has failed in his mission if permitted to live another day will readily go to the “meeting room” to be briefed again, hear again the commands and dedicate himself anew.
Finding reassurance from those in authority that there is no loss of rank, but encouragement to go out again and become the victor. Having been trained well, the novice soldier returned again and again to the “meeting place,” to the Bible Class and there he would rub shoulders with those who had marched before him. Falling in step with men like Abraham, Moses and David. To be told they too had failed in their mission and at the “meeting place” whether it was on the mountain top, the desert or the cave, that great “cloud of witnesses” assured them they must continue to fight a good fight. The Bible Class is the training ground, the place where we get to know a little better those we march with. Where the weak feels the hand on his shoulder from the seasoned member, not to be afraid but go forth in life in the strength of your Captain. Where the senior rank can find rest and joy that the banner will be carried on and the standard not lowered, when they must lay down the “sword of the spirit Word.”
What If the Visitor Sees Rows of Empty Chairs?
Our “meeting places” are not alone the exercise ground where we learn to march again and again with those who have also been called but to be a witness to those who pass by. Our attendance there and at the Sunday evening is essential to the one who stands at the front and speaks on behalf of our King. What confidence do we endow to the visitor if they see the ranks slim, empty chairs. Such an atmosphere has caused more than one to ask, does their allegiance to the Royal household mean so little that any excuse will dismiss them from duty. What strength is there in the city when the watchmen gives the call for inhabitants to stand on the wall and a few faces appear.
The Apostle Paul chained as a prisoner for his King observed from his prison window the Roman soldier clad complete in his uniform and armour. He could not fail to note the “meeting places” where the novice and the senior soldier between watches would find time to talk of the glory of Rome, the campaigns that they had seen in Europe. The younger learning so much from his senior, equipping him to be a better soldier for such moments. So he wrote to the Ecclesia at Ephesus exhorting them of their Christian warfare, of being able to stand firm in the calling which is yours. “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
A Command Has Been Given
Sometimes the soldier will disapprove of the food served. Disagree with the one in charge or the orders given. The talk that is given prior to a new day in combat. He may even dare to think that he could miss duty, the Captain would not be there so who would know. Who would care anyway? All these excuses would not allow him to pull rank, or allow him to be absent from the “meeting place.” A command had been given and it must be kept if at all possible.
Christ saw the importance of a commitment to a “meeting place” of those who would be his disciples. Prior to his death he knew of the challenge that would face them. The night would be frightening, the enemy ruthless and the way they stood when their defence weak. So he gave instructions that they should “meet him on a mountain that he would appoint. Matthew 28:16. “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed.” In faith they waited for him and from that time on they clung tenaciously to such “meeting places” having instruction from Moses and all the prophets. Learning again and again the reasons for his death and being equipped with the right armour that they might fulfill the new mission given to them, “go ye into all the world and preach the gospel, recruiting all men for the household of God. Before his ascension he appointed yet another “meeting place” and there he told them, they would receive “the Spirit of Truth, he will guide you into all truth.” So on the day of Pentecost in the “meeting room” they received the gift of the Holy Spirit. The fortress of these “meeting places” are scattered throughout the Acts of the Apostles. Peter having been released from prison by divine intervention sought out such a place knowing that faithful ones would be there to minister to his needs and to be ministered to. Acts tells us, “He came to the house of Mary, the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.”
Jesus said on another occasion, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” Wouldn’t it be satisfying if Jesus came on a Bible Class night or when the Sunday lecture was being given and would not have to instruct the angels to hasten throughout the city and find his brethren, but they were all there at the “Meeting place.” This would be less embarrassing and shameful than standing in the “line up” before our Judge and having him say to us “and what of you my dear brother?”
An everlasting meeting place has to be prepared for the redeemed of the Lord, let us plan to assure that the one on our right and the one on the left of us as we march onward to Zion gets to sit with their Lord and Master at his table. Having committed ourselves to this calling we have he assurance that we too by the grace of God will enter into that haven of rest.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One