Editorial
A traveller, lost and famished in the desert, sank down with exhaustion in the sand, and resolutely prepared to meet his fate. A little green leaf came wafted by a passing breeze, and fell at his feet. He picked it up, and as a new hope possessed him it seemed to impart to his feeble limbs an unusual strength. Where it came from there was water, shade, and possibly fruit. He knew the direction as well, for the breeze had borne it to his feet.
Soon he was resting under the shade of trees, and quenching his thirst at the springs by their roots.
The words of comfort and hope from the pen of Ormer Sprunt, Publisher of Food for the Flock, in the “Devotional Section,” stir and inspire the weary pilgrims, and provide a shade from the fever of life and a refreshment from the weariness of the way.
Among the very first words penned by the Apostle Paul through Divine inspiration is the full and proper name of his Saviour, “Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess. 1:1). Much precious truth is revealed in this official name. The name “Lord” suggests “Jehovah,” and declares His essential Deity. The name “Jesus” belongs to His perfect humanity and the salvation that is provided through His sacrifice. The title “Christ” embraces all that is implied in the Old Testament ceremony of anointing for the office of prophet, priest, and king. Technically speaking, it belongs to Israel’s Messiah.
Not only was this full name among the first words penned by Paul, but the title “Lord” was the first word he uttered after conversion. Moreover, it was part of the closing benediction of his life and labours (2 Tim. 4:22). His entire life as a Christian and as a servant was spent in obedience to the claims of the Risen Lord Jesus.
The title “Lord” used by F. W. Schwartz in his first article to appear in Food for the Flock, a very important doctrinal article, was appropriated by the Caesars of the Roman Empire in their demands for emperor worship, it implied a divine sovereignty. Jesus, whom Paul persecuted, became to this Apostle the Sovereign Lord of his life. Paul ever recognized that the claims of the Lord Jesus upon him were imperialistic. In consequence of this, Paul was pleased to call himself the bondslave of Jesus Christ.
Let us pay earnest heed to our brother’s message, for submission to the Lordship of Christ should ever be an attitude of our hearts. Moreover, it is only in the measure that we bow in subjection to Christ as Lord that we honour and glorify Him.
John Bramhall, in “Lambs of the Flock,” reveals the secret of lost spiritual power. Young and old would do well to reflect seriously upon what our brother tells us about Samson, allowing his application of these things to grip the heart and to correct the life.