Quiet Influence of a Courageous Man

"Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right hand or to the left;" - Joshua 23:6

"And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever." - Isaiah 32:17

   David Baker, 96, walks now in the presence of Christ. I remember him with a love that was never expressed as it should have been. This post is a celebration of the Quiet Influence of a Courageous Man. I have had the privilege of knowing him since college days. The imprint on my life from his life was made by the steps of his youngest son. Three lessons stand out as I write this post. The first was the subject of an earlier post entitled, “I Don't Believe in Spanking!” You can read about that on my web site. The essence of it being: “Hands were made for loving.” As I remember it that statement came from this courageous man. It made a lasting impression on me. One I wish to pass on in a small way to you as part of his quiet influence.

   The second lesson of this courageous man and his equally courageous wife, Ola, is that it is OK to talk to your kids about sex. That may seem strange to you but I was raised in family that didn't talk about that subject. As a result I carried, even into marriage, some misinformation and unhealthy attitudes toward the subject. It took years to overcome some of that. In hearing their son talk openly about this subject with me I was able to find the courage to read and study some good biblical literature on the subject and correct some of the backward thinking. God used them to allow us to learn to face the subject with a soberness and godly reverence I believe He wants us to have when discussing the subject. Quiet influence from a courageous man.

   The third lesson I learned from him was to stand for convictions without contentiousness. I was shocked to learn that Brother David's views of the second coming were not what was popular among our brethren but he still loved and appreciated those who differed with him. And he stood for what he believed. Now in the presence of the Savior he finally knows whether he was right or not. As a young man I admit of being a bit contentious on this issue. Some may think I still am. But age does tend to mellow a man out. I used to like that word until a friend told me that the definition of mellow is “almost rotten!” Nevertheless, I see Brother Baker as a very courageous man with a quiet influence. I am one he influenced in a good and lasting way. I sit here hastily pinning these words to thank the LORD above for this man and all his family. Pray for his wife, currently in ICU, his daughter and three sons, their spouses and the many grandchildren and great grandchildren who will influence another generation through the quiet influence of this courageous man. O magnify the LORD with me!

Psalm 34:1-3   1 I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. 3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name ... together.

The book of Psalms is a book of Praise. The Hebrew word for Psalms literally means “Praises.” The ideas of praising the LORD “at all times” and “continually” are important to our worship. We are to praise God regardless of our circumstances. We can praise him in health or sickness, in poverty or riches, in good and in bad situations, in safety or in danger. As a matter of fact when we praise Him in every situation we are recognizing His sovereign work (as highest ruler) in our lives. Absolutely nothing happens to us that God is not aware of and will use for our ultimate good and His glory. As far as “continually” is concerned, there is never a time that praise of God is not appropriate. He is to be praised even in the face of disaster! Job did this even in the face of losing almost everything he had!

What a marvelous thing it is to think of “Magnifying the LORD.” To magnify him means “to lift up His Name as most glorious” and especially in the presence of others. You will notice the writer calling on others to Magnify the LORD...together with him! Worshipping God with others as well as alone is important. That is why we go to church. I especially love songs that exalt the LORD by the Names given for him in scripture and with the words that describe His character and actions. You can notice these as you read through the Psalms.

In the New Testament we learn that singing Psalms is an expected part of our worship. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." Colossians 3:16 and see Ephesians 5:19. It excites me to see them read in every service though I would never be upset with those who disagree with me on this. I just pray they would learn to love the Psalms for themselves.

The book of Psalms was written by many authors but David, King of Israel, wrote 74 for sure and possibly others.* Regardless of the human authors, God in His providence has gathered these 150 Psalms together for our guide to worship and praise. They should be read regularly. I suggest that we begin with at least one Psalm each day. In addition, Read one section of Psalm 119 each Sunday and you will learn to love the Word of God. Using this method will allow us to read through the book twice each year. As this method is practiced the reader will develop a natural understanding that particular Psalms seem to fit particular situations and there will be a natural turning to them for aid in times of need. Some Psalms appear to be especially suited to congregational worship as well as for individual worship. Pay attention to this and maybe you will begin to read these on Sundays as well.  O Magnify the LORD with me!