Beneath The Surface!

by PRASHER, G. | Category: For Young Believers | Dec 1954

An odd contrast it seemed, oil drilling derricks among the golden expanses of Albertan wheatlands! While here and there, where successful drilling had been completed, were the storage tanks, into which oil was flowing from a mile or so below the wheat fields. Silently, inconspicuously, continually, the flow went on. For generations, many farmers in Alberta had toiled on the surface, gaining their livelihood from the sale of wheat and other farm produce, little imagining that deep below the surface were oil reserves which, if tapped, would bring them fabulous wealth. Within the last decade, exploration for oil has disclosed these vast resources. Farmers owning the mineral rights of their land have in many cases become wealthy overnight through successful drilling on their property.

The parable is plain! Many a young believer has failed to realize, perhaps for years, the wealth of spiritual power and blessing available to each of us. The accepted round of assembly attendance, a measure of activity and interest in spiritual things, a cursory reading of the Scriptures, and daily brief formality in prayer; these have been the mediocre average of their spiritual attainment. There has been nothing answering to the "drilling beneath the surface" to tap the fuller blessings which God has chosen to reserve for those believers who will seek them earnestly. Exploration and drilling for oil involve both patience and toil. So does the quest for spiritual treasure. Solomon's words in Proverbs 2.1-5 underline the importance of our earnestness

Yea, if thou cry after discernment,

And lift up thy voice for understanding;

If thou seek her as silver,

And search for her as for hid treasure's

Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD,

And find the knowledge of God."

Here is something which others cannot do for us. It depends upon our personal attitude of heart before God. It is basic to acceptable service for God that we should show this earnestness of spirit towards Him. Beneath the surface of our lives, in the secret places of the heart before God, are we taking time and trouble to ensure this unhindered flow of spiritual blessing? How great are His resources ! Is He not "the Father of glory," who is willing to grant us strength "according to the riches of His glory" (see Ephesians 1. 17 and 3.15)? Who can measure those riches ? What spiritual need will they fail to meet ?

Men of achievement in divine things, though the character of their service varied widely, had this in common that they realized the importance of their underlying spiritual life before God. Isaiah is a case in point. His ministry was remarkable in its scope, as he fearlessly challenged the sins of his own generation, and was used to foretell so much of God's purposes through Christ. Yet he met with. opposition and suffering, against which mere human strength would not have endured. We are let into the secret of his strength in verses 28-31 of Isaiah 40. The weakness of the flesh is vividly described in terms of youths fainting through weariness and young men utterly falling (verse 30). In majestic contrast, "the everlasting God fainteth not, neither is weary." While the link which makes that divine strength perfect through human weakness is the very attitude of heart about which we are writing: "They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; ... they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah practised that waiting upon the LORD so gaining divine strength from" beneath the surface."

From another viewpoint the lesson is re-applied in Psalm 91' Here are described circumstances of intense danger, as so often known by Moses, perhaps the writer of the Psalm. The snare, the noisome pestilence, terror by night, the arr6w by day; all these combined to cause a thousand to fall at his side and ten thousand at his right hand "But it shall not come nigh thee." Why not? Because "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." Nor do the figures of this Psalm in any degree exaggerate the perils of the believer's daily conflict. Translated into terms of our warfare with the spiritual hosts of wickedness, we recognize the variety and subtlety of Satan's weapons; "for we are not ignorant of his devices" (2 Corinthians 2.11). Our first safeguard for daily protection is to ensure that we do dwell in the secret place of the Most High. Access to it can only be through your own exercise of heart and mine-" beneath the surface," in the secret of His presence.

"A threefold cord is not easily broken." We glance for a further helpful example at David in young manhood, picking his way through the minefield of intrigue at the court of a jealous Saul. We admire his exemplary conduct. Even Saul stands in awe of him, because he behaves himself very wisely (1 Samuel 18.15). Again we read, "He behaved himself more wisely than all the servants of Saul, so that his name was much set by" (1 Samuel 18.80). What lay "beneath the surface" of such a life? A heart which yearned after God in daily communion Hear again David's words in Psalm 25.4, 5:

"Shew me Thy ways, 0 LORD; Teach me Thy paths.

Guide me in Thy truth, and teach me;

For Thou art the God of my salvation;

On Thee do I wait all the day."

In every field of service to-day, there are the challenges of dire need and inviting opportunity. Satan will always raise the spectre of " lions in the path" of our further spiritual attainment. Remembering the tasks achieved by Moses, David, Isaiah and others, however, our obstacles will seem small by contrast. Turning from surrounding hindrances, may we dwell rather on the "riches of His glory available, and seek with all our heart after the hidden treasures of divine blessing. The Lord Jesus said, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you"

(Matthew 7.7).

PRASHER, G. | Dec 1954
For Young Believers