God often
revealed His will to prophets through visions. Such was the case in
Zechariah 1:18-21
when the prophet saw four horns. In answer to his question "What be
these?" the Lord replied: "These are the horns which have scattered
Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem." The word `horn' was used in the Old
Testament as a symbol of power and often of destruction. Obviously, the
horns of the prophet's vision referred to the nations that had perplexed
and scattered God's people, Israel. In the same vision, the prophet is
assured that these powers shall be justly punished for their havoc and
destruction, for he is told that the four carpenters or smiths "are come
to fray them, to cast out the horns of the Gentiles, which lifted up
their horn over the land of Judah to scatter it."
(Zech. 1:21)
These horns had reference to nations, thus designating evil and harm to
Israel from external forces. However, many of Israel's troubles came
from within. There were several "horns" or powers of destruction which
ultimately led God's family down the trail of sorrow and ruin.
I am
borrowing the expression from the prophet to use accommodatively, in
order to bring out three points that show the reasons for Israel's
decline, and to show that these same features can produce harm and
possible ruin in spiritual Israel, the church. It is in this sense that
the expression "horns of destruction" is herein used.
Horns Of Destruction For Fleshly Israel
1. Israel
succumbed to a common weakness, that of a desire to be popular. They had
not enjoyed the blessings of the land of promise long, before there
arose a clamor for a king. God had arranged for them to be governed and
that in His own appointed way. But that did not please them. They said
".. . we will have a king over us; that we also may be like all the
nations."
(1 Sam. 8:19, 20)
A consciousness that they were different from other nations seemed to
disturb them. They were not concerned about having a king in order to
please God, but wanted one in order to be like other nations. Their
motive in this was certainly faulty. They were warned of the
consequences of their choice, but to no avail. A king they wanted, a
king they would have. That was the beginning of innumerable sorrows for
Israel.
2. Another
"horn" that worked from within to destroy Israel was the corruption of
its leadership. When they were granted a king they were told that God
would be with them only when both they and the king obeyed the voice of
the Lord, but that if either they or the king disobeyed, evil
consequences would follow.
(1 Sam 12:14-25)
First
Samuel 15 relates the story of Saul's disobedience when he refused to
destroy all the Amalekites and their cattle as he was commanded to do.
God rejected him for his disobedience and the people suffered the
consequences along with Saul. Solomon bowed before idols ere his reign
was done and that brought harm upon the people as well as upon himself.
The reign of the other kings show a deepening of corruption that always
affected God's people.
3.
Underlying the evils already mentioned was an attitude which led to many
abuses, There was a change in attitude toward God and His laws. God has
always employed understandable terms in dealing with men. They knew what
God wanted but substituted their own intentions in its place. They
became indifferent to God's desires. What difference did it make that
God had established judges to lead the people? After all, did they not
have a right to their own choice? Their attitude toward God and His will
was basically wrong.
Similar Horns Of Destruction In Spiritual
Israel
1. If
fleshly Israel was engulfed in a desire for popularity, the church of
our day is no less affected by this monster. Whence comes a desire for
huge and elaborate cathedrals and temples costing tremendous sums of
money and rivaling every sectarian-owned building in town, if not to be
"like the other nations"? Who will be facetious enough to claim that
spires and steeples costing thousands of dollars and which serve no
purpose except to attract attention and to extract the praise of the
world, are erected for any other purpose than to be like the nations
about us? This craze for popularity has made inroads into the pulpits in
a good many places. Ear-scratchers and back-patters may please luke-warm
brethren as well as the world, but they do not please the Lord.
Congregations which resort to all sorts of church-supported social
fandangos, for which some have even been known to sell tickets, had
better ponder seriously the consequences of their desire to "keep up
with the Jones'."
2. A
corruption of leadership in the church has led to many evils. Elders and
deacons who are more concerned about the affairs of the world than the
work of the church are a discredit to the Lord's body. Many are asleep
or at least totally unaware of the great responsibilities that are
theirs. Those who serve as "examples to the flock" would do well to
constantly keep before them Paul's charge to the Ephesian elders, "take
heed unto yourselves . . . ."
(Acts 20:28)
A corruption in leadership can only lead to corruption on the part of
those who follow. It is not here charged that all elders fit into this
category, for certainly all do not. Perhaps only a few will fit, but the
warning is timely nonetheless.
3. Perhaps
one of the greatest "horns" confronting the Lord's church is a change in
attitude toward the truth. In the past we have been readily recognized
because we called for "a thus saith the Lord" in everything pertaining
to religion. Some have lost that attitude. The cry for "positive
preaching" has produced an apologetic, half-hearted, Dale
Carnegie-approach that in no way resembles the plain, understandable
kind of teaching that sparked the restoration movement. Many now are
quick to come forth with their "I think so's" in matters that are of the
utmost importance. Some are even willing to "quarantine" those who are
"impudent" enough to request a "thus saith the Lord." Whatever work the
church undertakes, let it be done in consideration of the Book we claim
to honor and respect. Without the proper attitude toward God's will,
there is little hope for spiritual Israel.
That these
horns of destruction may be avoided by God's church is the fervent
prayer of this writer. -
The Gospel Guardian, March 10, 1955
Other Articles by
Connie W. Adams
The Perception Is ...
Sound Speech or Sound
Silence?
Protecting Churches From Error
The Problem of Private
Lust
The Trend Among the Young
Preachers
Old Song, New Singers
Umbrella Religion
Lest Anyone Should
Deceive You