The Fathers Killed, the Children Build Tombs

These words tell us how difficult it is to find your way in the age you are living in. In Hebrews 11 we see the greatness of those who understood God’s way with them in the times in which they lived.

Every age has its idol, and woe to him who does not bow down to it. The person who wants to be great has to be zealous in worshiping it.

The children build tombs. They see the mistake their forefathers made in their time, but they do not see the mistake they are making in their own time. The clerical class persecuted Hans Nielsen Hauge, but today the same class puts a wreath on his grave. Hauge disturbed the clergy by his message because he spoke the truth. He saw clearly, and he saw right through their idol. Today’s clergy can acknowledge it; but if Hauge could speak today, would they be willing to admit that he was right? I wonder if they wouldn’t feel disturbed again and kill?

Out of six hundred thousand only Joshua and Caleb saw clearly in their time. The ten spies did not believe in God’s promises, yet they thought they were right; and despite the fact that they were God’s chosen people, the people sided with the ten spies and wanted to stone Joshua and Caleb.

Noah was the only one who walked in God’s will in his time. Elijah thought he was the only one who had not bowed his knees before Baal, but God knew of more. Only a little flock from among God’s chosen people realized that Jesus was God’s Son. We could mention an infinite number of examples like this, and we have to ask ourselves: Have we found God’s will for ourselves in our time?

The time of the restoration of all things came with Jesus. His blood was effectual whereas the blood of goats had been ineffectual. Heb. 9:10-14.

Satan—sin—has made it so that people’s lives are controlled by bad habits; but we live in the time of the restoration of all things. Have we seen that, or do we live in the sins of our time and worship what is great in our time?

When we think of anger, love of money, seeking honor, the lust to rule, being offended, etc., all these things have brought the ungodly as well as the religious world out of balance. They have wrought a terrible destruction. Have we seen the opportunity of having our life restored? Many have tried, but it has not succeeded for them. They are disappointed in themselves and in others. They join their voices with the ten spies and say, “It is useless; we are only human; we cannot be perfect; we won’t be without sin until we get to heaven. If we overcome one sin, we are assaulted by ten others instead.” Thus they discourage the hearts of the people. Who are they today who have the spirit of Joshua and Caleb, who believe in God’s promises, who believe that it is rewarding to take up the battle? If you are one of them, don’t be surprised if you are stoned.

As in days of old, so God has some in our days whom He can present as evidence that it is possible to believe God at all times. And I want to say to you who have discovered this: See what great things God has done for you. Praise His name in the large assembly for His marvelous works. I would assume that over ninety percent of people today are overcome by anger and the love of money. You, too, were among them, but you, by God’s grace, have found the way to Jesus and have partaken of salvation so that you have come out of sin and have put your life in order. Perhaps not even one percent of people living today are overcomers, but you have overcome. This is so great that you hardly dare to believe it. In other words, you have begun to walk on the new and living way which Jesus consecrated into the Holy of Holies, the way on which your entire life is restored. You have also entered into the same labor as Paul did. You are laboring to present each person perfect in Christ. Col. 1:29-30. Perhaps not even one percent of the people are engaged in this labor today.

If you have found your way to God’s will for you in your time, then you have come into the same group and fellowship as the prophets of old. When God has done something for you, then you also have a message for people. Just think if you had stood behind a pulpit and lectured about some doctrinal points without being able to testify that Jesus had given you victory. Think if you were sitting in some church building, admiring some stained glass windows, or if you had been along in restoring some old church or been a member of an assembly with no other interest than being entertained. Think if you had sat in a sports arena and shouted “Hurrah” during some sports event or sat in a rocking chair and read magazines and religious novels! We could continue to imagine various places where the multitudes sacrifice their life—their brief life—of which they cannot regain a single hour!

If you have found your way, brother and sister, then let us praise God for His grace toward us, and let the light shine for the people so that those who want to can find their way. Do not fear the stones that will be thrown at you. Do not fear the present time. One person here and there will feel the emptiness in this vast world and will get tired of worshiping the idol of the times. Perhaps they will turn to Nazareth to see if something good can’t come from there after all.

Noah was a preacher of righteousness. He did not see great results from his preaching; nevertheless, he saved mankind. Understand this, and remain faithful to God’s will and it will become evident later on how great a blessing you were for the time in which you lived.