November 18,1996
Dear Br. Sloan:
Perhaps you remember me from several years ago, when Sevilla and I were attending the Rogersville Church. Since leaving there, we moved to Morristown, then to a small community near the North Carolina state line. Since the Lord gave me a computer, I started writing to Christian men, for encouragement, and to share the gospel with them. This is the reason I am writing today.
The sun is setting behind a mountain, this Sabbath afternoon.
Sunset comes early to our valley, nestled as it is between two
mountains. It is shining directly east down the length of the
valley. The face of the southern mountain is bathed in bright
sunlight while that of the northern mountain is in deep shadow.
It certainly is wonderful how the Lord clothes His creation with
beauty. Even though all the leaves are off the trees, the evergreens
are still clothed with loveliness, and the sun catches their green
and turns them to a delightful golden color, as they reflect the
glory of the setting sun.
There is some symbolism here. Like the evergreen, that never looses
is color no matter the season, as Christians, we should ever be
reflecting Christ’s glory, regardless of the season of life
or the circumstances in which we find ourselves. These trees,
standing on a steep hillside, their roots anchored to the rocks,
reaching deep for the nourishment that sustains them, constantly
proclaim the glory or greatness of their Creator.
Could we be as faithful as the evergreen!
We have a fierce enemy who is constantly seeking our destruction
as the evergreen has an enemy in the form of the winter snow and
ice. Yet, we need never fear destruction for one who is mighty
to save is constantly watching over us. If we spend the time to
sink our roots into the rock, Christ Jesus, through Bible study
and prayer, we need never fear the storms of persecution that,
even now, are gathering all around us, soon to burst fourth, with
unimaginable fury upon all who name the name of Christ.
Satan can find no foothold to destroy us while we are safely protected
by Christ. It is only when we sin and neglect to make confession
and repent that we are unprotected, exposed to the fury of the
Devil. But we need not remain thus for Christ invites us to come
unto Him and find pardon. No matter how often we sin, even if
it is fifty times a day, we can still find forgiveness through
our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Many Christians grow weary of repenting and think that it is hypocritical
to continue to sin and make confession knowing that we are going
to sin again the very next moment. But such is not a correct attitude.
Christ knows how strong are the temptations we face daily, hourly,
and even moment by moment and He urges us to confess our sins,
even if we commit the same sin fifty times a day.
It is only through confession and repentance that we can ever
hope to find victory over sin. Satan would like to discourage
us by reminding us of our sins and suggesting that Christ might
grow weary of forgiving us so often. But this is not the case.
Christ urges us to come unto Him as often as we need Him. He never
grows weary of forgiving us for He delights in mercy. Imagine
a God so gracious that He takes delight in being merciful to us
poor sinners.
We must never listen to Satan’s suggestions for His whole
aim in life is to misrepresent Christ’s character of love
and, instead, substitute his character of hate and misery. Cling
to the cross and never let Christ go for He will never let us
go. He is our only safety in this sinful world and we must never
grow discouraged with our sinful rebellious ways for He does not
grow tired of us.
Well, the sun has left the mountain and both sides of our valley
are in darkness. The Sabbath is about over, but the Son of Righteousness
shines continuously, if we will only let Him into our hearts,
His sunshine will shine out of our faces and others will take
note that we have been with Christ. Forbid Him not to enter our
inner being, for He delights in cleansing the most corrupt sinner
and transforming Him into a saint.
Be courageous, God loves you. May the Lord richly bless you. Your
brother in Christ.
Allen Benson