“Then He said to them, “Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old.” Matt 13:52
“The word of the Lord is indeed well compared to a rich treasure house, or a precious box of jewels. Out of this treasure house it is the Christian's privilege to bring forth one precious thing after another, for admiration and encouragement; and it is the teacher's duty and privilege, as represented by the Scribe, to bring forth these precious things for the edification of the flock of God, over which he is Overseer. When we receive Christ as our own--not a set of ideas merely about Christ, but Himself as a living, personal and loving Savior-- we receive the whole truth. "I am the Truth." The whole box of jewels is ours, though at first we may know but little of what it contains. It is the life work of the Christian to "grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Pet. 3:18.
That a perfect knowledge constitutes one a member of the body of Christ is a sad and dangerous error. A babe in Christ is as much a member of the body, as the well-developed or mature Christian. The capacity (for understanding) differs but not the relationship. The youngest and weakest child of God is as much a son as the oldest and strongest. It is in Christ we are to grow up in knowledge and Christian stature and not out of Him in order to become members. It is in the Vine, and not separate from it, that the young and tender branch becomes a strong branch bearing fruit in abundance. "Without me [i.e. separate from me] ye can do nothing." John 15:5.
The lambs (babes) and the sheep (those more mature, in the graces and knowledge of our Lord) make one flock, and there is but one Shepherd, who superintends and cares for all.
"He shall feed His flock like a Shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom." Isa. 40:11. There are under shepherds to whom a share or agency in this work is appointed. In addressing Peter, Jesus said, "Feed my lambs," and also, "Feed my sheep." John 21:15, 16. Was not this saying: Neglect no part--Feed the flock? Peter so understood it, for he lays special stress upon it when he exhorts the elders as under shepherds: "Feed the flock of God, which is among you. ...And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fades not away." 1 Pet. 5:2-4.
Paul, in his address to the elders of the church at Ephesus, makes the same thought prominent: "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Spirit hath made you overseer, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with His own blood." Acts 20:28
One remarkable feature of the word of the Lord is that, it is adapted to the varied necessities of all grades of Christians. There is milk for babes and strong meat [food] for them that are of full age. Heb. 5:12-14. In this variety and adaptation is seen the fullness of the Chief Shepherd's care and love.
From what we have seen thus far the teacher is to look after the young (lambs) and the old (sheep). Is it not then dangerous to neglect, and presumptuous to willingly ignore this Divine command? Is "it rightly dividing" the word in every true sense to attend exclusively to the wants of those who can take strong food, and let the lambs of the flock die of starvation?
It is true that the plan (or dispensation) of the ages is the key to the right application of the scriptures, and to give a clear view of the progression of the word as one grand whole. But while the Lord speaks of and deals with all His people as one person, and the truth is thus a lamp that lights their way, and "shines more and more unto the perfect day," is not the principle of progression "first the blade, then the ear, and then the full corn in the ear" as true of each individual Christian, as of the whole spoken of as one person? This is evidently so, and therefore while the general plan is treated of, the plan of God as to each person (each individual) should not be neglected. This we ought to do, and not to leave the other undone.
The principle of growth in knowledge seems to be the key to the idea of "things new and old." In an important sense, all truth is old, but what is old, in reality, is new to us, when it first comes to our view. What is old to one is new to another; hence those who are far advanced should be interested in and have patience with those who are not so far advanced, but who are following on to know the Lord. What was once obscure to us has now become apparent and what is now obscure to them may yet, in “due time” likewise become apparent. Let none be discouraged because others seem to see what he cannot see, and let none condemn the other because he cannot see as his brother. Indeed it is a small matter for any of us to be judged of another man's judgment; to his own Master each one stands or falls.”
(Extracts taken from R118) Back to Index
