Shiloh's Well

SHILOH’S WELL

Fred Sherrod

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© 2012 Fred Sherrod. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 7/20/2012

ISBN: 978-1-4772-3200-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-3198-2 (d)

ISBN: 978-1-4772-3199-9 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012911606

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and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

All scripture references taken from the King James Version unless otherwise notated.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the HOLY BIBLE,

NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984

Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All right reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (AMP) are taken from the Amplified Bibles, Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

Scripture quotations marked (RSV) are taken from the Revised Standard

Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of

Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the

United States of America. Used by permission. All right reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (LB) are taken from The Living Bible: Tyndale House,

1997, c1971 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Contents

Foreword

Chapter 1      THE GREAT PROMISE

Chapter 2      FEAR

Chapter 3      KING SAUL

Chapter 4      SAMSON

Chapter 5      WALKING ON WATER

Chapter 6      THE GREAT COMMISSION

Chapter 7      THE TRANSFIGURATION

Chapter 8      REWARDS

Chapter 9      JONAH AND REVIVAL

Chapter 10      FREEDOM

Chapter 11      CHRISTMAS RAMBLINGS

Chapter 12      CHILDLIKE HUMILITY

Chapter 13      FALLING AWAY

Chapter 14      FAITH

Chapter 15      COMPASSION FOR THE POOR

Chapter 16      FORGIVING OTHERS

Chapter 17      BALANCE IN LIFE

Chapter 18      KING AHAB

Chapter 19      SACRIFICE AND REDEMPTION

Chapter 20      MAGNIFYING CHRIST

Chapter 21      BRIGHTS LIGHTS

Chapter 22      CHRIST JESUS MY LORD

Chapter 23      JOY AND PEACE

Chapter 24      VICTORIOUS LIVING

Chapter 25      THE FIRST STEPS TO BEING BLESSED

Chapter 26      PERSECUTION

Chapter 27      THE HOLY SPIRIT

Chapter 28      THE CALL OF MOSES

Chapter 29      MOSES AND PHARAOH

Chapter 30      SAYINGS OF CHRIST FROM THE CROSS, PART I

Chapter 31      SAYINGS OF CHRIST FROM THE CROSS, PART II

Chapter 32      SAYINGS OF CHRIST FROM THE CROSS, PART III

Chapter 33      THE ROAD TO EMMAUS

Chapter 34      EVIDENCE FOR THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS

DIVINE LOVE

The world’s love is like a rose

That grows in the springtime

And spreads its beauty ’round;

That lifts its glory to heav’n above,

Then sheds its petals on the ground.

Divine love is like the mountain

That stands all the year long

Strong and rugged and tall;

That lasts through all the seasons,

Through summer, winter, spring and fall.

—Fred A. Sherrod

To Shannon Gale and Christy Kay—the most treasured of possessions!

Children are truly a gift and blessing from God.

Foreword

When my first book, Shiloh’s Scepter, was published in April 2010, one of my lifetime goals had finally been realized. I had the choice to check this emotionally satisfying achievement off my bucket list and move on to other endeavors or continue writing. To my good fortune, the decision to persevere with my best effort to express God’s awesome truths on the printed page, which originally began as a labor of love, has slowly evolved into a fulfilling personal blessing.

While all the messages in the previous book were meant to be an easy read for everyone, some of the current chapters may require slightly more attention. With this in mind, I have attempted to include a rich supply of entertaining illustrations to make for interesting reading whatever your biblical background. It has been enjoyable searching through my memory banks for applicable stories to accentuate important spiritual lessons. And it is strangely satisfying knowing a few of these little human-interest snippets from my personal life and the experiences of those I love will be saved for posterity. My grandkids may not particularly appreciate being used as examples, but knowing they are in the book should hopefully arouse their curiosity enough to read it. Who knows, maybe their offspring will enjoy these ancestral tales sometime in the distant future. Even as I write these words, I recall a favorite story about myself that failed to find its way into any of the chapters.

From 1984-1986, I was interim pastor at Jones Creek Baptist Church in Freeport, Texas three different times. Do you think that is some sort of record? Shortly after beginning my first stint of duty, I was stumbling through the announcements one Sunday morning when a small boy sitting on the front pew distracted me. Despite the best efforts of the woman sitting next to him, he was becoming disruptive due to his incessant fidgeting and squirming. As I watched them out of the corner of my eye, it was readily apparent he was very agitated about something. Finally, he could contain himself no longer and, pointing straight at me, blurted out loudly, Look Mother, its Mr. Rogers! Everyone had a good laugh, and, looking back, the incident helped break the ice with my new congregation. Several members later assured me it was an honest mistake because my looks and personality apparently had some vague similarities to the famous television personality.

The title, Shiloh’s Well, is derived from the well-known meeting of Jesus with a woman from Samaria (John 4). While traveling from Judea to Galilee, Jesus, alluded to in the Old Testament as Shiloh, the Prince of Peace, stops to rest by Jacob’s well while His disciples go into town to buy food. When this woman comes to draw water, Jesus disregards custom and asks her for a drink. Even though Jews generally had a low regard for Samaritans, Jesus uses the opportunity to offer her a gift from God—living water. All she has to do is ask, which, by the way, still applies today. Obviously, she is very interested in this stranger’s miraculous water and wants to know more. Jesus explains that everyone who drinks from His well, even those of questionable character like her, will never be thirsty again, and the water will become a spring welling up to eternal life (NIV). No other water, regardless of cost, can make such a fantastic claim—not even the bottled water I found on the internet selling for $36.75 per bottle!

Concepts and ideas in Shiloh’s Well have been gleaned over many years, making acknowledgments difficult. To quote from the foreword in Explore The Book by J. Sidlow Baxter, I have in various parts indulged a preacher’s rather than a writer’s liberty in appropriating from the writings of others. I can only hope that sheer admiration may not have betrayed me too near the dreaded boundary-line of plagiarism. I here acknowledge my repeated indebtedness, and pay my tribute to them all. However, this book is solidly the product of my own independent study, and I gladly accept responsibility for it, believing that in every part it genuinely honors the Bible as the inspired Word of God.

Specifically, I recognize the contributions of the following authors: C. E. Autrey, J. Sidlow Baxter, James Montgomery Boice, Clovis G. Chappell, W. A. Criswell, Billy Graham, D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, and Jack R. Taylor. William Barclay’s The Revised Edition of the Daily Study Bible Series, (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, copyright © 1975 William Barclay) was a valuable resource, especially for establishing historical context and word meanings. My sincerest appreciation goes to three people who graciously spent their valuable time to proofread this manuscript: Beth Urban, the local librarian, Billy Sherrod, my brother and closest friend, and my wonderful wife, Verna. In spite of their painstaking diligence, literally hundreds of last minute revisions make me fully responsibility for any and all errors.

Historically speaking, the background from which I write gives me a unique perspective on life. As just one case in point, when I was a small child living six miles from the nearest town, Billy and I were playing outside under the two old mulberry trees behind our house when a mysterious white plume came hurtling across the evening sky. This was unlike anything two little country boys had ever seen. The next day on the radio, Mrs. Payne (who shared the local news and gossip in Center, Texas, for many years) explained that it was not the Second Coming, as many rural folks had first surmised, but a jet airplane. Since then, I have lived to see men walk on the moon, and spaceships traveling to distant planets are no longer a big deal. What an incredible opportunity to have lived through such an extraordinary spectrum of technological changes! What a vantage point from which to share my views!

On a personal level, I have been a Christian since the age of nine, the husband of the same lovely wife since 1965, a Baptist minister since 1975, and the proud father of two grown girls—each with two children of their own. Before retiring in 2000, I enjoyed a thirty-three-year career as a research chemist for The Dow Chemical Company. Currently the pastor of First Shiloh Baptist Church in Woodville, Texas, my spare time is spent golfing, fishing, and enjoying the diversity of wildlife in the Big Thicket.

                  Fred A. Sherrod

                  June 2012

Chapter 1

THE GREAT PROMISE

Romans 8:28-29

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

We know that all things work together for good. Although a great preacher from the past once referred to this scripture as a soft pillow for a tired heart, is it reasonable to base your life on such an incredible promise? Considering all the pain and heartache in the world, can such an outlandish statement be literally true, or is there a secret catch? Maybe Paul is just exercising a crude sense of humor and playing a cruel joke on unsuspecting Christians. Either this verse means what it says or the writer is flat-out wrong! Let me share a few things I do when a verse like this knocks my socks off.

Initially, the context in which it is written must be clearly understood. Everything in the Bible obviously does not apply to everyone. Promises are generally made to specific individuals or groups, and many come with attached conditions. A wise way to begin is by reading the entire chapter (or even the whole book) to determine the proper frame of reference. I also like to look at several translations and especially the text in the original or earliest language. Not being a Greek scholar, I often use an interlinear New Testament. This book shows the actual Greek text, and under each word is the best English equivalent, thus allowing me to do my own translation. Even this beginner’s method allows one to understand how difficult passages can be interpreted in various ways. In deciphering which one is correct, always begin with the premise that the Bible is its own best commentary. In simple terms this means perplexing verses should be interpreted consistent with other scriptures. Theology in all sixty-six books must agree without contradiction.

Reading the opinions of respected commentators who perceive the Bible to be the divinely inspired Word of God can be helpful. However, while their views are valuable resources, they sometimes have contrasting opinions and are never the ultimate authority. Finally, and most importantly, your study should be generously sprinkled with prayer and meditation. Allow the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart because, in the end, you must decide for yourself how to interpret scripture. Never allow anyone to make this important judgment for you!

We Know That All Things Work Together For Good

(1) We know! Rather than expressing this wonderful promise in a weak, wishy-washy sort of way, the apostle to the gentiles presents it as an absolute truth. Similarly, every Christian should drive down some rigid stakes about what he or she believes. We all need uncompromising principles to hang our hats on because deep convictions are what sustain and motivate us. If you do not feel strongly about your beliefs, they probably do not mean very much to you. Anyone whose approach to life is filled with questions and misgivings will lose all sense of security when the going gets tough.

What do you know with absolute certainty concerning your relationship with the Lord? John claimed, We know that we have passed out of death into life…(I John 3:14, RSV). Peter wrote, Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold…But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot…(I Peter 1:18-19). Paul reminded Timothy, For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day (II Tim. 1:12). When eternity hangs in the balance, all doubt must be eliminated.

(2) All things work together for good! This verse has been translated many different ways. God works all things together for good. In everything God works for good. In everything God co-operates for good. Everything that happens fits into a pattern for good. Personally, I like the interpretation that God is able to bring good out of any circumstance in the lives of those who love him. To properly grasp the true sense of this promise, one must first comprehend the essential meaning of good. Even though we are prone to consider the word in earthly terms, the spiritual element is undoubtedly the primary emphasis. Paul’s definition of good is for us to be conformed to the image of (God’s) Son. Our heavenly Father’s loving desire is to shape His children into the family likeness of His Son. Remarkably, He uses all things to make us more like Jesus.

(3) All things include every aspect of one’s life! Although commentaries often dwell on undesirable circumstances, God uses the good as well as the bad to mold us. We should follow this same method in raising our own children. Mostly, our actions should make them happy, including sharing fun things such as ice cream cones, fishing trips, and ball games. As they grow too old for bicycles and bedtime stories, we must slowly relinquish control and allow them to follow more adult pursuits such as driving an automobile. My wife and I recently helped purchase our granddaughter Sarah a car, a yellow Mustang, for her sixteenth birthday—a gift we pray will never be regretted. As much as we desire to keep our little ones safe, we cannot protect them forever. At some point they must test their wings and fly in this turbulent world. Having the assurance God is involved in every facet of their lives is the best way for loving parents (and grandparents) to find comfort and peace.

And yes, proper supervision is included in all things. Youngsters who are given everything their hearts desire and never reprimanded become holy terrors in which their wants become loud, belligerent demands. Smart, loving parents in my generation knew a swat on the behind worked wonders. Moms in today’s world, more than likely, use modern methods such as time-out. They take away privileges or the allowance. Whatever your method of choice, a little strict enforcement is necessary to mold Johnny into a good little boy. A blend of a lot of good with some well-deserved discipline is also how the Lord generally deals with us.

WHEN BAD THINGS HAPPEN

(1) Everyone will experience bad things! Obviously, everything in life is not good. We can be on the mountaintop today and in the valley tomorrow. Crime, disease, natural disasters, accidents, and financial woes are common ordeals. Unfortunately, people often mistake these woes as angry hammers from God, which is generally not true. Let me remind you, God is not responsible for the evil in the world—we are! When Adam and Eve first disobeyed the Lord, tears and death soon followed on sin’s coattails. In Paul’s missionary journeys, hardships and adversity were everyday events. From these experiences, he wrote to Christians, For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake (Phil. 1:29). But after many years observing how God works in the midst of difficulties, he remained full of confidence. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed (II Cor. 4:8-9, RSV).

(2) Good comes out of bad things! Incredibly, throughout human history, God has remained faithful, ensuring that good comes out of all things, even tragic events and heart-wrenching trials. This means that just because He has a way of causing events in your life to work for good does not imply they are always enjoyable. As Robert Leighton said, Adversity is the diamond dust Heaven polishes its jewels with. For example, one of Paul’s continuing struggles was his thorn in the flesh (II Cor. 12). After asking God several times to remove this messenger of Satan, he finally realized his stabbing pain was beneficial because it helped shape him into the image of Christ. With a strong desire to know Christ, and the power of His resurrection, and to share His sufferings, he eventually delighted in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties because they worked together for his greater good.

Before World War II several missionaries went to a remote section of Ethiopia and began the arduous task of translating the Bible into the native dialect. However, in 1937 Mussolini invaded the country and the missionaries were forced to flee, leaving behind eighteen baptized believers on their own with only God for support. They were left with Mark’s Gospel and a few other scriptures available in their own language, but very few of them could even read. Persecuted by both the local native rulers and the Italian army, they were severely beaten, forced to live in hiding, and some even killed. Five years later in 1942 the missionaries were able to return, fearing nothing would be left of their work. To their utter amazement they found not eighteen Christians, but ten thousand! In spite of all the formidable conditions, God had been working to bring good out of this intense conflict.

(3) Bad things are only temporary! Christians can be confident that a bright morning is coming when our tears will be wiped away and all things will become new—if not in this lifetime, certainly in the eternal hereafter. Optimistically, the psalmist penned the heartening words, Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning (Ps. 30:5). In difficult times, remember the words of a popular song—the darkest hour means dawn is just in sight. Even in your worst nightmare, God will never fail or forsake you!

One last, critical, observation should be emphasized concerning our text. Paul specifically wrote his inspiring words of comfort to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. This wonderful promise is not for everyone, but only for those who love God and trust Him with their lives. In short, it is for Christians only! How are things working out for you? Are you successfully handling your challenges and heartaches, or are you being overwhelmed by the demanding circumstances you are enduring? If you are not a child of God, you are missing out on the only chance you will ever have for all things to work together for good!

Chapter 2

FEAR

Romans 8:31- 39

If God be for us, who can be against us (Rom. 8:31)?

Dr. George W. Truett was the pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas for forty-seven years, beginning in 1897. From all I have read, he was truly a special person—a great preacher and a wonderful human being. Once he received an invitation to speak at a well-known university, something extremely unlikely to happen to a Baptist minister in today’s secular society. When the president of the school sent out a questionnaire to determine a subject for the famous speaker to address, everyone was amazed when the majority of this large group of intelligent young people made the request, Ask Dr. Truett to tell us how to conquer fear.

Every person who has ever lived has at some time experienced the debilitating horror of fear—the rich and poor, the high and the low. It sneaks into every nook and corner of the world, into every family, community, and nationality. No one is safe from this enduring enemy of the mind. Fear makes its first appearance when we are at a young age and has a way of quickly making itself at home in the deepest recesses of our minds. All parents have been awakened in the middle of the night by a frightened child coming into their bedroom seeking company and comfort. So I ask, what makes your heart beat too fast?

CAUSES OF FEAR

(1) Life’s conflicts! Paul identified seven frightening challenges in this evil world capable of utterly destroying our calm demeanor and literally paralyzing our minds with fear (Rom. 8:35). Tribulation and distress appear in many troubling forms including such hardships as depression, disease, and pain. Countries still exist where Christians are being tyrannized by persecution because of their faith. Those enduring pictures of starving, emaciated kids on TV are eloquent reminders of the awful consequences of famine.

Sadly, nakedness (poverty) will never be eradicated. Even in the rich country of America, especially in our inner cities, many do not even have the basic necessities of life. Before I retired from Dow Chemical, a man tried to rob a local bank in Lake Jackson, Texas, while his wife and three kids waited outside in an old, worn-out car. In an interview with a newspaper reporter, the captured bandit revealed he was broke and had been evicted from his mobile home. He said, Picture yourself in a hot car with almost no money, no place to live, and three kids in the backseat. What can you do? Where can you turn? This man’s indigence drove him to risk everything and rob a bank.

Admittedly, desperation can be a tempting incentive to break the law, but greed is the more likely reason. Every hour of the day and night we are in peril from unscrupulous criminals seeking to take our hard-earned possessions without any concern for life or limb. Finally, Paul’s mention of the sword is a reference to the threat of force of arms. We remember two World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and the current battle against terrorism. The evening news is constantly filled with stories of violent revolution and insurrection around the globe. Sadly, peace and harmony in and among the nations of the world will not be achieved until the Lord returns (Mark 13:7-8).

(2) Death! If trouble, pain, persecution, famine, poverty, crime, and war are not enough to scare you, Paul mentions the enduring enemy of death (Rom. 8:38). This dreaded adversary is always out there in front of us, like a crouching tiger or hidden dragon. No one is immune from its cold clutch or sharp fangs! From a personal perspective, I have a cousin whose calling to the ministry was seriously jeopardized by a morbid fear of dying. According to the Bible, The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death (I Cor. 15:26).

(3) Satanic powers! In addition to secular conditions, we are also confronted by evil spiritual beings. Mankind wrestles with cosmic powers, rulers of the darkness, and spiritual forces of wickedness (Eph. 6:12). Although you may not give the devil serious consideration, he is very real. Some years ago, my manager at work had terminal cancer, but was still working half-days. A short time before his death, he called