Review of Four Pillars of a Man's Heart by Stu Weber - Chapter 1

Chapter 1
I found the chapter inspiring and interesting generally speaking. The example or Mr. Weber's choice to pursue the ministry rather than a military career highlights an important truth to place God's Word and obedience to him above all things. Mr. Weber calls this chapter "crossroads" and speaks a lot about choices. After his own stories and quotes of Robert Frost and others, he leads the read to the first man Adam.

I really want Mr. Weber to take this powerful storytelling ability straight to the true doctrines of Scripture, but he doesn't. He nearly reaches the great doctrine of federal headship and the total ruin of mankind in Adam and then could from there lead us to our Second Adam and the redemption and salvation in Him, but he doesn't. Mr. Weber leaves us in the cesspool of freewill, then mixes the bane of sociology into the teaching and places the root causes of America's ills upon fallen fatherhood.

For Mr. Weber its about choices and being a leader and a man's man. While certain aspects of masculinity are important, what Mr. Weber offers his reader will not actually do any good. His chapter certainly stirs the emotions and his message will most certainly appeal to the masses, but its at the bar of Holy Scripture that these things need to be judged.

Here are a few points the reader of this book should be aware of concerning the theology taught in chapter one. These points here are true to the teaching of Holy Scripture and are worthy of acceptance:

1. Man's Will. The best wording I have come across to describe the state of man's will post-fall comes from the Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter IX. Mr. Weber is correct in describing man's will in his state of innocency but makes the mistake of not recognizing what was lost when Adam chose to sin. By making this mistake he applies the same condition of free-will to mankind today that Adam possessed before he fell. Consider the words of the Westminster:

II. Man, in his state of innocency, had freedom and power to will and to do that which was good, and well pleasing to God; but yet, mutably, so that he might fall from it. (Ecc. 7:29; Gen: 1:26; Gen 2:16; Gen 3:6)

Notice how the statement here notes that while Adam and Eve has freedom and power to that which was good, God allowed the ability to change (mutability) so that he might fall. This recognizes the absolute sovereignty of God in the course and action of all things. This seems to be something Mr. Weber fails to recognize. And while he does recognize that the "head of the household" has an influence on those around him, he fails to understand the fundamental change in the freedom of will that took place after the fall. Consider the following:

III. Man, by his fall into a state of sin, hath wholly lost all ability of will to any spiritual good accompanying salvation: so as, a natural man, being altogether averse from that good, and dead in sin, is not able, by his own strength, to convert himself, or to prepare himself thereunto. (Rom 5:6; Rom. 8:7; John 15:5; Rom 3:10-12; Eph. 2:1,5; ; Col 2:13; John 6:44; Eph. 2:2, 4, 5; 1 Cor 2:14; Titus 3:3-5).

This statement by the old Westminster divines is the doctrine of total depravity which is not found (but should be) in Chapter 1 of Mr. Weber's book.

2. Man's Salvation. While Mr. Weber would like to present to us poems and sociologists to encourage us to a higher way, Holy Scripture gives us Jesus, the Second Adam.

"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinner:

(For until the law sin was in the world: but son is not imputed when there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. But not as the offense, so also is the free gift. For if through the offense of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offenses unto justification. For if by one man's offense death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

Therefore as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous." Romans 5:12-19

Why wouldn't Mr. Weber take us to the apostle's doctrine here? He leads us to Adam as the spring and cause of trouble (sin) in the world, but then takes us to Richard Foster's poem, Crossroads, to "make all the difference", to a "well-known" sociologist David Blankenhorn to define the problem, and then leads us to our own depraved and fallen wills to make a choice.

I am compelled to sound a warning by the words of Holy Scripture to my brethren who are in the Lord Jesus, "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ." Col 2:8

Mr. Weber has perhaps gone "off page" by wanting to adhere to his topic rather than the plain teaching of Holy Scripture. My brethren, the problem in the world is sin. We all fell in Adam when he sinned in the garden and heeded the voice of his wife and inherited and nature from him that is completely corrupted through and through. There is nothing you or I can do to save ourselves from this helpless condition and unless we are rescued we shall utterly perish in our sins. If you hear His voice today, do not harden your heart against it or be dismayed. The Lord has not left us without hope but has sent a Savior, Jesus Christ the righteous, who took on flesh and bone as we have that He might be the Second Adam and lead a new race of mankind in Him out of our bondage in sin and death to have forgiveness of sins by His blood and everlasting life by His resurrection. If you hear His voice today, He commands every person to repent of their sins and believe on The Lord Jesus and they shall be saved.

Making a choice to be a better man will not save you from your helpless bondage to sin. Only The Lord Jesus can save you. Repent and believe on Him today before the time to do so is past.

With love,

Review of Four Pillars of a Man's Heart by Stu Weber

In beginning this review I want to acknowledge a weakness. I come to it already with an eye of skepticism and dismay. Long ago I read an article about how to read a book. It taught a few principles I remember such as scanning the table to contents to get an overview of the book. I also make it a practice to look through an index if there is one or any notes. In this book, there is a notes section containing a bibliography of referenced works used in the chapters. To my dismay I found Mohandus Ghandi referenced and Brennan Manning. Why Ghandi should make his inroads in the Church of the Living God is beyond me. For Brennan Manning to make his way into this book and thereby into evangelical churches is frightening.

This said, I have acknowledged this both here and before the Lord in prayer that I might also have a ready mind to set aside any pre-bias and love the truth above all things. Sadly, even beginning with the prologue it seems my concerns are not unwarranted.

There is no doubt Stu Weber is a great communicator. If his writing style is anything like is speaking presence, quite naturally he would have success at nearly anything he would seek to persuade man to. It is full of a human pathos coupled with a genuine heart. Stu Weber seems from the beginning of this book to be a master story teller. I hope to learn much from him in this regard.

This said, a prologue when used is for the purpose of setting the stage for what is to follow in the book. It's designed, or should be, to wet the intellectual appetite of the reader and make the excited to continue. I think Stu Weber does this masterfully but to a very disappointing end. The Scripture giving for our considering is Psalm 103:15-16  which read:

As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. (Psalms 103:15-16 KJV)

This Scripture is given after a well-narrated story of Mr. Weber's home town and state in Oregon where he has seen many boarded up farms and homes. He draws a parallel between these two verses and the apparent fulfillment of them in the countryside of Oregon. He ponders this and wonders if his own life will turn out the same and leads to reader to that which will last and invites the reader to "walk the path together, and see what we might find"

The path Mr. Weber would like us to walk with him on and find is found in a paragraph here which I expect will be unfolded throughout the book. I quote:

"And I am reminded again that the only thing that lasts---that will, in fact, populate eternity--is people. Wooden walls may crumble and stone pillars may fall, but people are forever. And if life is to mean anything, building people must be what it is all about."

The remaining exhortations are about building people, civilization, et. and then introduces the four pillars of a man: a king, warrior, mentor, and friend.

I am really grateful for this prologue. It has clearly shown me that Stu Weber's focus is entirely man-centered rather than Christ-centered. I genuinely appreciate when men are clear about this. Like many modern books within evangelicalism there is Scripture sprinkled upon their thoughts and imaginations to lay weight to what is being said. Is this what Psalm 103 truly teaches? Let's look at the passage within its context and see:

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. The Lord executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul. (Psalms 103:1-22 KJV)

It is always important to see the Holy Scriptures in their context. Now that we have the fuller picture of the context of verse 14 and 15, we can see in the immediate context, verses 16 and 17, it teaches the opposite of what Mr. Weber would like to impress upon our minds. What does the Scripture say is everlasting?

But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; (Psalms 103:17 KJV)

Mr. Weber would like to exalt man and place a great deal of importance upon him. However, this passage highlights the the smallness of man and his temporary nature. This Scripture exalts the Lord and diminishes man. This passage exalts the mercy of God and His compassion to forgive sins. What's really sad, is that this boo by Mr. Weber is geared towards men and fathers, and the shining example of God here in Psalm 103 gives us a pattern to truly follow, "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him."

This pity on the grounds that He knows our frame..He remembers that we are but dust. From dust we are made and to dust we shall return. Man's days are but a handbreath and here today and gone tomorrow like a flower of the field after the wind has passed over it. Yet, the mercy the of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and His righteousness unto children's children; to such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them." v14-18

One cannot help but remember the words and application of this found in 1Peter:

For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you. (1 Peter 1:24-25 KJV)

What wonder and beauty could be preached and exhorted from Psalm 103 to the believer. What words of comfort and hope can be given to focus our thoughts and hearts upon the everlasting mercy of God and His Word. What exhortations could be given to fathers to pity their children as God pities His and to be faithful teachers and preachers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to our own children. To ourselves be faithful the keep the covenant and remember His commandments to do them, to fear the Lord, and take comfort that our Father in heaven will be gracious to us, our children, and our children's children.

I hope this does not set the tone for the rest of the book. I hope that Mr. Weber strays from his worldly path to return the highway of holiness. To Mr. Weber's initial plea to walk this path he lays out I must decline. As for me and my house, we will walk in the paths of Holy Scripture.

A Prodigal Returns - The Preservation of the Saints

I wanted to take a moment to share with you men what took place with me over the last 2-3 years.  I was angry and frustrated with God. I felt angry and frustrated with God because I wanted certain things from Him that I felt I was not getting. These things were certain freedoms from sins, relationships the way I wanted them, ministries I wanted, et. and it didn't seem the Lord was helping me.

As I battled these things I became angry with God blaming Him, began withdrawing from fellowship, and finally one day shook my fist at God and told Him to leave me alone. This is a request I wish He did not answer. For a few years God left me to myself. There were times if you saw me you would not have been able to put a difference between me and someone who was lost.

Then I receive a phone call from my brother asking me questions about the Bible and Jesus. The last I saw him was when he was in a state of such arrogance within his total depravity [unaware of it] that he was on the verge of losing everything in his life he held dear along with being near death due to his disregard for his very well being. I witnessed his own family in the wake of this dissipation, seemingly helpless to do anything. I remember walking away from that thinking to myself: Where is the Lord? Look what He has done. There is no salvation in the earth.  This made me more angry with God.

Then, by the providence of God, someone gave him a commentary on the Gospel of John by Barclay and God used that to open His eyes and by His grace and power translated him from the power of darkness into His marvelous light. My brother was calling me with the love of Jesus in his heart, the Word of God on his lips, and a heart yearning for the Word of God and fellowship with the saints. He did not know how far I had fallen away from the Lord Jesus. He looked to me for some information knowing that I had been in Christ for sometime. And it broke me.

I heard the sounds of true salvation. He declared that Jesus is God. He proclaimed to me that the Bible is the Word of God. He loved and desired the fellowship of the saints. His heart was hot and mine was cold.I was such a hypocrite. And worse...what if he knew how far I had fallen. I was terrified of the Lord's judgement if my rebellion against the Lord Jesus and His word would cause my own brother to stumble even a little bit.

The light of the glory of Jesus Christ shone so brightly through him that it began to melt me. In one glorious day the Lord Jesus granted to me repentance from all my sins and faith in Him to come back and find forgiveness. Satan had wreaked havoc upon me and my house because of rebellion against the Most High. Let no one be deceived brothers, God is not mocked. Whatever a man sows, that shall he also reap (Gal 6:7).

I came back to the Lord Jesus because of His infinite grace and mercy. And you know what? What He has done in calling me back to Him this time (He called me in His Son 20 years ago) is better than before I fell. What mercy!! I came back broken and empty. Before I thought I knew things. All this was lost. Even the things truly I did have were taken from me (Luke 8:18). I barely had a mustard seed of faith, but now the Lord has healed. And it is better than I have ever known. And not just me, but my whole house.

The call from Jesus was to wake up. Wake up! I was eating and drinking with the drunkards!! The cares and pleasures of this world had blinded my eyes. And had I been left in this state, my Lord would have come upon at an hour I did not expect him, and would have cut me asunder and appointed me my portion with the hypocrites. And there would have been weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matt. 24:49-51). Why did I come back? Grace and grace alone.

An old statement of faith explains well the final perseverance of the saints of God. It reads this way:

This perseverance of the saints depends not upon their own free will, but upon the immutability of the decree of election, flowing from the free and unchangeable love of God the Father, upon the efficacy of the merit and intercession of Jesus Christ and union with him, the oath of God, the abiding of his Spirit, and the seed of God within them, and the nature of the covenant of grace; from all which ariseth also the certainty and infallibility thereof. And though they may, through the temptation of Satan and of the world, the prevalency of corruption remaining in them, and the neglect of means of their preservation, fall into grievous sins, and for a time continue therein, whereby they incur God's displeasure and grieve his Holy Spirit, come to have their graces and comforts impaired, have their hearts hardened, and their consciences wounded, hurt and scandalize others, and bring temporal judgments upon themselves, yet shall they renew their repentance and be preserved through faith in Christ Jesus to the end. -1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith

That's it. That's the only reason I came back to Jesus. It is because of His greatness, His goodness, His Covenant, His Mercy, His blood, His Spirit. All glory to God alone though Jesus Christ by the power of His Holy Spirit. 

Please listen to me... The Lord Jesus is nearer than when we first believed. If you have fallen asleep somewhat or a lot, wake up...and Christ will shine on you. Let's remember the Lord and encourage each other weekly, daily. Let's lay aside the sin that so easily ensnares us and run the race that is set before us. Let's take up the Word of God in our hearts and mouths, holiness in all our ways, and set our eyes upon the Author and Finisher of our faith.

I love you all with all my heart in Jesus. Thank you so much for your faithful prayers for me while I was away. The Lord spared my life when He should have destroyed my flesh in my wickedness. I committed great sins but they were not sins unto death, so I thank you so much for your prayers for me (1 John 5:16-17).

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Your brother and servant in Jesus.

A Response to a Candian Religious Pundit

http://www.vancouversun.com/columnists/douglas_todd.html

There are many blogs and opinion articles that constantly flow out of nations with a free press. But for me, one comes along every now and then that grabs my attention and serves as representative of popular sentiment. And so comes to the scene opinion columnist Douglas Todd of the Vancouver Sun.

The Vancouver Sun reports in his biographical sketch, “Although he was raised in a family of staunch atheists, Douglas Todd has gone on to become one of the most decorated spirituality and ethics writers in North America. He has received more than 50 journalism honours for his features, analyses, news stories and commentaries. Vancouver Magazine recently referred to him as "arguably Vancouver's most thoughtful journalist."

So, according to many, he is regarded as an honored and revered opinion writer. So who am I to be commenting and critiquing a blog of his? Well, because Mr. Todd is writing about me. He is opining on my friends and family. And while some may regard me as another bombastic American Christian and armchair theologian, something needs to be said in response to his October 29th blog entitled, “The State of North American evangelicalism.” By North American he means the United States and Canada.
And who is the subject of Mr. Todd’s article? Well, evangelicals. To those of us living in “North America” who may characterize ourselves or be regarded as evangelicals, we might be surprised at the attributions given about us in this opinion piece. Here are the highlights:

1. Evangelicals are often controversial
2. They are behind the “pugnacious”, anti-tax Tea Party.
3. They elected George W. Bush, which of course, led to wars against Iraq and Afghanistan.
4. Our “generals” in the culture wars are Pat Robertson, James Dobson, Benny Hinn, Sarah Palin, and Canada’s Charles McVety.
5. We have led the charge against homosexuality.
6. We are the main opponents to Darwin’s theory of evolution.
7. We are the most antagonistic toward Muslims.
8. We are intellectually weak.
9. We have a persecution complex…

As a North American evangelical/fundamentalist (fundamentalist meaning, in the main, that I hold the infallibility and perspicuity of the Bible) I am a bit surprised by Mr. Todd’s assessment. His call is clear:

“But it's time for non-evangelicals to take a deep breath. Away from the headlines, let's find out who these evangelical folks are, especially the ones in Canada. After all, they are among our neighbours, office colleagues and sports teammates.”
I chuckled at this comment as it reminded me of the scene from X-Men where Senator Kelly remarks to Dr. Jean Grey, “Ladies and gentleman, the truth is that mutants are very real, and that they are among us. We must know who they are, and above all, what they can do!”

Mr. Todd’s rhetoric leaves this evangelical wondering what his intentions are. What is the motivation for the inquiry? Why is it wrong for me to oppose homosexuality or regard it as a sin? Who appointed Pat Robertson, James Dobson, Sarah Palin, and Benny Hinn as my generals? Perhaps Mr. Todd will think that my questioning is just my persecution complex starting to kick in?

Mark A. Noll is hailed by Todd as the voice of reason and balance for the evangelical/fundamentalist. Yet, this voice is telling us to bring a balanced approach to issues in the arts, politics and science. Well, it seems to this “layman” that the balanced approach Noll is calling for and Todd applauds amounts to giving up biblical truth. Or should I say, fundamental biblical truth.
Mr. Todd isn’t all negative on evangelicals. He has some nice things to say about us. And just what does Todd praise evangelicals for? He names two: attendance and mega-churches. Evangelicals apparently have kept their position of 8-10% of the Canadian population while other groups have declined. Basically… numbers.
So, according to one of the leading Canadian religion pundits, evangelicals are a mixed breed of controversial, pugnacious, anti-intellectual war mongers who hate gays and Muslims. But hey, the good part is they are growing like weeds!
Methinks Mr. Todd needs to leave the office more often.

So Douglas, I have a few things to say on which you are critical of men like me.
I am indeed controversial. But if you will permit, it was not my doing. “As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and a rock of offence (skandalon): and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” Romans 9:33. So, the Apostle Paul tells us that Christ Himself is a scandal. “But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness.” Are you still with me Douglas, or is the Scripture part annoying you? Perhaps this is the problem you have with us? Because we echo the voice of Scripture in telling the Jews that their Messiah has come and the Greeks (shall we say, intellectuals?) that the wisdom of God is displayed in crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. And so we are counted as fools? This doesn’t surprise us. Are you offended at the notion that God Himself desired to set aside the wisdom of the world?

Have my evangelical brethren not read the Scriptures? That Christ was crucified, according to the Scriptures, was buried and raised from the dead, according to the Scriptures? The very foundation of Christianity being Christ and Him crucified rests on the integrity, preservation, and perspicuity of the Bible. And, on the controversial issues mentioned, the Bible is not unclear on those matters either. If Adam was not the first man, then who is the Second Adam? If mankind’s common ancestor was not Adam, and that the human race fell in him in the garden, so that by one man’s disobedience all sinned, then who is the Second Man by whose obedience many are made righteous? You see, the same Bible that is the foundation of the knowledge that Christ was crucified and raised from the dead, is the foundation for understanding the fall of humanity in Adam and the redemption that is in the Son of Man.

As for our political involvement or non-involvement I think if you spent some time with real evangelicals you will find political activism at a very low ebb. Yes, there are some groups heavily involved in politics. But their influence on evangelicals at large is rather small. Did I vote for George W. Bush? Well, yes I did. Sometimes one has to choose the lesser of two evils. While most evangelicals vote their conscience, we also vote on civil and economic issues. We look for men of integrity, honesty, courage, honor, righteous, and just. And such men are hard to find these days outside of true Christianity.

There are several political and social trends in North American society today that do not square with the plain teaching of Scripture. Homosexuality is one of them. It is without a doubt against the Law of God given by Moses and the teaching of the Apostles. The same may be said of Darwin’s theory of evolution. The Bible never hints at the idea of the human race sharing a common universal ancestor brought about by natural processes and selection. Darwin wrote in his book, Origin of the Species, “"Therefore I should infer from analogy that probably all the organic beings which have ever lived on this earth have descended from some one primordial form, into which life was first breathed." Pp.490

Those of us with the most elementary education, basically those of us who can read or hear, can easily discern the difference between Darwin’s idea and the Genesis account in Scripture. They are not saying the same thing, now are they? Yet you want me to lay aside the law of non-contradiction to try and square Charles Darwin’s idea with the Bible?

As in many of such circumstances where the cultural norms and societal morals change with time, it sometimes occurs that such changes run against the plain teaching of Scripture. Some of us (evangelicals) will change with the culture and adopt new ideas and reinterpret old ideas. Those of us who remain with the old foundations and the plain teaching of Scripture might at times be thought of as odd, strange, or dangerous. This is not a persecution complex Mr. Todd, it is a fact of human history as it relates to true Christians.

If at this time in world history I am considered to be a dangerous ignorant nave, an intolerant bigot who is against all sound reason because I hold to the doctrines of Holy Scripture ahead of recent ideas, then so be it.

All I would request is that you actually connect with those to whom you criticize and negatively characterize. And if a no name guy like me doesn’t meet your standards, then give Dr. John MacArthur a call. There is one “general” you left out of your list. Oh, and call Albert Mohler too for a second opinion.

Interpretation of Parables

Parables are a near universal figure of speech used by most nations. They appear especially prominent in the East and are used both in the Old and New Testaments. While some proverbs, types, and symbols are sometimes called parables in Scripture (Luke 4:23; Hebrews 9:9) the biblical parable is a unique figure of speech in a class of its own. The parable shares the elements of simile, but differs from it in that a parable is limited to that which is real. Parables are not like fables which make use of trees taking council but represents by its narrative that which is true to the facts and experiences of real life. While parables may be an enigma or riddle to the minds of many, they are not designed to be such. When properly understood, the parable’s purpose is to unveil the mysteries of the kingdom of God. Parables also can be compared to allegories, but here an allegory is an extended metaphor with its interpretation contained within itself, a parable requires the interpreter to move beyond the narrative to discover its meaning. Thus, the parable, as especially seen used by the Lord Jesus Christ, may contain the elements of enigma, type, symbol, and allegory yet differs from them all by operating in the tangible world of men.

The use of parables is not lost to the ancient or modern world. Like other figurative speech they serve to teach truth and mysteries with vivid and absorbing forms. This type of speech is seen to impress the memory that straight didactic teaching or rebukes cannot. The purpose of Jesus’ parables do not need to be guessed at. The disciples of Jesus asking Him plainly why He spoke to the people in parables to which He answered, “Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.” Matt. 10:11 From this we can immediately perceive the Lord’s design in speaking in parables to both conceal, and at the same time, reveal, the great truths of the kingdom. It is evident from Scripture that parables test the character of hearer. Those who hear and persevere to apply themselves to discover the meaning while have what they seek for. But those who hear and do not apply themselves or are lazy in their pursuit to uncover the meaning will have nothing.

It helpful when interpreting parables to understand the three common elements to them: the occasion and scope, the similitude to the real narrative, and the moral and religious lessons. The Lord has given us two examples of interpreting parables that is extremely useful. It is not denied that some parables are difficult to explain, but this is exception and not the norm. In fact, employing three basic principles of hermeneutics while serve greatly to discover the meaning. When interpreting any parable, we should first take notice of the historical circumstance and aim of the parable. We should also observe the things used as imagery and similitude to be accurate regarding the subject. Finally, the interpreter must gain a sense of the general scope and design of the whole parable to illuminate the central truth that is being taught. The several parts should be understood in relation to the whole.

The parable of the sower, being interpreted by the Lord Himself, as a sure guide and example, are seen the aforementioned principles. What was the historical occasion of the parable of sower in Matthew 13? Sitting in a boat by the sea a great multitude had come out to hear Him. Jesus then begins to speak to them a parable consisting of a sower who sows seed, all the while preaching the word of the kingdom to them as the true Sower. Throughout the parable the Lord laid meaning to the various parts as to the soil in which the seed fell and how the seed was received in each kind. Each kind part is explained by the Lord to His disciples culminating in the central truth of the parable, “Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” v.9

We can compare this parable with that of the wheat and tares spoken seeing the same historical occasion, but carrying a different focus. It would be improper to automatically assume that this parable is picking up where the other left off. Rather, while the imagery is similar, taking notice of the various parts, new imagery is introduced. While there may be said to be a connection between the two and the rest in Matthew 13, we should be careful to interpret each according to the general truth being taught by each parable. Furthermore, caution should be exercised not to go too far in our interpretation of the parts. The Lord ascribed meaning in the parable of the wheat and tares to the sower, the field, the good seed, the tares, the enemy, the harvest, and the reapers. But He did not take notice of the men who slept or the servants of the householder, for example, when He explained the meaning to His disciples. By taking notice of what the Lord emphasizes and what He does not we can guard ourselves from fanciful interpretation of the various parts of a parable that may simply be incidental to fill in the story, and not related to the general scope and design of the whole. This is not to suggest that no meaning at can be gleaned from the parts not given particular meaning, but that we ought to exercise caution.

The three hermeneutical principles mentioned should not be taken rigidly and applied with mathematical precision in every parable. They are general principles to be used in interpretation. The examples we have of the Lord’s interpretation show that most details of a parable have meaning. By careful study and comparison of all the parables we can with confidence understand their meaning and uncover the truths they hold for the learned disciple. Any false interpretation may be noticed from the disharmony it presents to the various parts and the force needed to make such an interpretation stand. As seen in the Lord’s explanation of the sower and the wheat and the tares, there is unity both in the general scope and idea of the parable as well as the parts.

A variety of interpretations have been applied to the parable of the workers and vineyard found in Matthew’s gospel. Some have placed the emphasis on the amount of money the landowner gave to the workers. Others, such as Origen, held that the different hours in which the workers are hired and sent are different epochs of human history. By carefully applying the aforementioned principles we can avoid such varied interpretations. We first take notice that the historical occasion and scope of the parable is found in Matthew 19 in Jesus’ encounter with the young rich man. Jesus told the young man that he must sell all his possessions if he would have treasure in heaven, upon which he went away sorrowful. Jesus then declared to his disciples the great difficulty of the rich to enter the kingdom of God. Upon hearing this Peter said to Jesus, “See, we have left all and followed you. Therefore what shall we have?” He was asking the Lord, since such a promise was offered to the rich man who refused what their treasure would be in heaven. The parable of the workers in the vineyard follows this interchange. The historical occasion which preceded this parable to Jesus’ disciples helps us understand that the scope of the parable is directed to them. While Peter’s question did not receive a rebuke, but an answer, the parable shows that it was necessary to address the spirit in which the question was asked. It may be understood that the disciples are those who are first hired. The central idea of the parable is made clear by recognizing the historical occasion as addressing the motives and attitudes of the different workers. Jesus is admonishing the twelve by this parable not to think to themselves that because they were the first to leave all things and follow Him, that somehow this should afford them a greater honor and recompense than others whom the landowner would hire into His service. By making this clear analysis of the subject matter we can avoid interpretations that make prominent that which is irrelevant to the central idea. Lengthy expositions as to the money paid or who exactly the landowner is serves to distract from the real subject at hand. Now that we do have the central idea and general scope of the parable, we can examine and interpret the several parts. It may be justly noted that the first workers agreed to their wages before going into the vineyard while the last went to their work without regard of payment but only on the promise of “whatever is right you will receive.” Milton Terry rightly summarizes this point, “That is not the noblest spirit which asks, What shall I have? It is better to ask, What shall I do? He who follows Christ, and makes all manner of sacrifices for his sake, confidence that it will be well, is nobler than he who lingers to make a bargain.” P.296-297

The Parable of the Unjust Steward

I must, for the moment, postpone my next chapter summary to give you a quote from one who is likely little known today. Cunningham Geikie was a scottish clergyman born in 1862. He pastored several churches in Canada becoming a recognized author in his time.I happened upon a commentary of his in my text regarding the interpretation of biblical parables.

Geikie is quoted to show an example of setting forth the scope and purpose of the parable of the unjust steward. This quote shed so much light upon the parable for me, that I wanted to share it here both for the reader who may happen upon it, but also for my benefit that the truth of Christ's words may burn into my heart.

The parable of Jesus is found in Luke 16:1-13. Here is Geikie's comment with regard to the scope and purpose of the parable:

"By becoming my disciples you have identified yourselves with the interest of another master than Mammon, the god of this world--whom you have hitherto served--and have before you another course and aim in life. You will be represented to your former master as no longer faithful to him, for my service is so utterly opposed to that of Mammon, that, if faithful to me, you cannot be faithful to him, and he will, in consequence, assuredly take your stewardship of this world's goods away from you--- that is, sink you in poverty, as I have often said.

I counsel you, therefore, so to use the goods of Mammon--the worldly means still at your command--that by a truly worthy distributor of them to your needy brethren---and my disciples are mostly poor--you may make friends for yourselves, who, if they die before you, will welcome you to everlasting habitations in heaven, when you pass thither, at death. Fit yourselves, by labours of love and deeds of true charity, as my followers, to become fellow citizens of the heavenly mansions with those wants you have relived while they were still in life.

If you be faithful thus, in the use of your possessions on earth, you will be deemed worthy by God to be entrusted with infinitely greater richers hereafter... Be assured that if you do not use your earthly riches faithfully for God, by dispensing them as I have told you, you will never enter my heavenly kingdom at all. You will have shown that you are servants of Mammon, and not the servants of God; for it is impossible for any man to serve two masters." -Geikie, Life of Christ, chap. liii

May the Lord by His Spirit breathe life into the words of Jesus Christ and make them to sink down into our minds and hearts, that we may rightly test ourselves to see if we be servants of Christ or Mammon. How freeing the Word of Christ is to the soul!

Fables, Riddles, and Enigmas

Some of the most prominent figures of speech used in Holy Scirpture are fables, riddles, enigmas, allegories, parables, proverbs, types, and symbols. Gaining an understanding of these special forms of thought is imporant to biblical interpretation. It would be improper to recognize, for example, the use of a fable in Scripture as a figure of speech and conclude that the Bible itself is a fable. It would also be an error of interpretation to fail to recognize the use of fable as a figure of speech and take it as literal. The basic character of the fable used in Holy Writ depicts something in nature, such as trees or animals, as if they possess intellect and speech. The objects are presented as acting contrary to the natural laws of their being.

This trope was used by Jotham in Judges 9:7-20 where trees are described as going forth and anointing a king as well as speaking to an olive tree. The olive tree is said to speak back. This is an obvious use of fable to give and vivid picture of the foolishness of accepting a worthless leader. The imagary is at once seen to be fanciful and imaginary. It would be an error in judgment to suggest that such fugures of speech have no place in Scripture and so cast doubt upon the Word of God. God has spoken to men in the realm of earthly life and human thought. Why should we suppose that He would not employ the common use of language and all its nuances to convey His eternal truths?

Riddles are another figure of speech used in Scripture. The purpose of such speech is to excite the mind to inquirey and the search for truth. In Psalm 49:4 we read, "I will incline mine war to a parable: I will open my dark saying (riddle) upon the harp." The purpose of the riddle is to hide the meaning. In contrast, an enigma serves both to conceal and enhance sacred thought. There is an enigmatic element to Jesus words spoken to Nicodemus in John 3:5 when He said, "Verily, Verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." This came as an anwer to Nicodemus' question as to who Jesus was. Jesus knew exactly what Nicodemus needed to hear because He knew what was in his heart. Jesus knew that Nicodemus was trying to understand who He was, but Nicodemus did not need new information but a new life. Nicodemus needed a new birth if he was to percieve the kingdom. Such engimatic speech perplexed him that both concealed the matter and enhance was Christ was communicating to him.