"Knowledge Shall Be Increased" (Daniel 12.4)

by Taylor, L. H. | Category: For Young Believers | Sept 1955

The truth of the words uttered by the wise man is most apposite to this question. The ever-widening availability of free education is having a profound effect on the peoples of the world. Many have been afforded opportunities which hitherto had seemed a vain dream, and fresh problems are arising from its impact.

It would be foolish not to conceive that this will make its impression upon the Fellowship of God's Son. Those of younger years are being confronted with difficulties at a time when first impressions can easily make their indelible mark upon the mind and heart. What is this challenge? The truth of the pre-eminence of the Scriptures is being assailed and on every hand men who profess to be teachers are asserting that the Book of God should be brought to the bar of human judgement. As a consequence difficulties are found or created as a barrier to the revelation of the real treasures of wisdom.

All who have the fear of God in their hearts must acknowledge that the authority of the Scriptures and of the One of whom they speak is absolute. When the Pharisees demanded the authority with which the Lord Jesus Christ did things, He refused to answer, and when they sought to catch Him He silenced them, and by one question set them in confusion. But a woman sat at the Master's feet and received an unfolding of divine blessing which gave peace t9 her soul. The lesson to be gained is clearly perceptible. There is only one attitude that is becoming either to the youngest or the most advanced believer in approaching the things of God and His Word the attitude of Samuel: "Speak, for Thy servant heareth." God has spoken to us in His Son and through the Word, and also faithful men have been given to us to pass on those truths which have been committed to them by divine grace. The words of Paul to Timothy were of vital import: "Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth " (2 Timothy 2.15). Should not our primary objective be to achieve a measure of competence in the Scriptures of Truth tempered with true humility and zealous love to Christ? The apostle further exhorts his child in the faith thus: "Abide thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them," and reminds him "that from a babe thou hast known the sacred writings which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."

Are we then to consider that the advancement and increase of knowledge are wholly negative to divine progress and growth? On the contrary, it can and should prove a spur to meeting the conflict and challenge of our day. Saul of Tarsus, taught at the feet of the greatest teacher of his day, was the man designed by God to establish the testimony in the hearts of those drawn by his message. Fresh avenues can be opened up to us through which the divine blessing may flow. We may be quicker to discern superficial knowledge in those who essay to teach us earthly wisdom. How much more so in the wisdom which comes from above must a sure and solid grounding be procured.

If our attitude and desires are harnessed to the attainment of the unity of the faith and the full knowledge of the Son of God, spiritual tone will be deepened and men and women of God arise in strength. God's Word will stand the test of time despite changing circumstances, and has inherent in it the power to convict. The dire need is for those who are skilled to handle it aright for the fulfilment of the purposes of God.

The Psalmist sets before us the exemplary attitude to those who would seek through earthly wisdom to set at nought the Word of God.

"They have made void Thy law.

Therefore I love Thy commandments

Above gold, yea, above fine gold.

Therefore I esteem all Thy precepts concerning all things to be right;

And I hate every false way" (Psalm 119. 126-128).

The Lord Himself made clear that the ready response of heart would receive its reward. "If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it be of God, or whether I speak from Myself" (John 7.17). May we respond like those of God's people in a past day who with willing hearts gave of their best for God's House.

Taylor, L. H. | Sept 1955
For Young Believers