Ordination and Inaugural Services of Rev. E. Adams

September 15 was a very special day for the congregation of Corsica, South Dakota, when after being vacant 48 years they received Rev. E. Adams as their minister. A summary of the services of that day follows.

The ordination service was led by Rev. P. van Ruitenburg of Chilliwack, British Columbia, one of the theological instructors. He read 2 Corinthians 4, using for his text the seventh verse, “But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.” The theme for the text was “Called to carry a treasure in an earthen vessel for the great purpose,” with two points: (1) called to carry a treasure, and (2) being not more than an earthen vessel.

The apostle begins this epistle with the words, “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God.” It was not of Paul's own doing that he was an apostle; he did not call himself to this task. It was not his will, but by the will of God. It was a comfort for him that, in spite of objections and persecution, he could not deny that the Lord had called him. He could never forget the day the Lord had called him to preach.

Becoming a servant of God is a privilege, and the Lord has promised to be on the side of His servants in all things lawful. Their lives are not always easy; there are many adversaries, within and without. Paul called himself an earthen vessel, but we should not minimize his humility. He frankly writes that God had given light in his heart and knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (verse 6). The Lord had made room for that light to shine. Paul received experiential knowledge, and he saw the glory of God in sending His Son, whose name is Jesus, as Mediator.

That Word, that gospel, is the treasure, and he had learned to treasure it. He had a profound delight in it because it revealed to him the escape from the well-deserved punishment. Gill said that this treasure was not Christ, not grace, but the gospel of Christ, the good tidings for a forlorn people, good tidings for the meek. This treasure was given Paul. It was not acquired, he did not merit it, he did not pay for it, but unexpectedly, surprisingly, miraculously, he found it. It is a treasure which contains an abundance of rich, eternal truths. It is the same as what was revealed to Adam and Eve. The heart of the treasure is Christ Himself, the Pearl of great price. He becomes so precious for the convicted sinner. The preacher, however, must also preach the law, to make room for this treasure.

In Israel treasures were often kept in earthen vessels. Treasures in earthen vessels, what a stark contrast! Was the vessel beautiful and expensive? Oh, no! Paul compares himself to an unattractive vessel. Yes, the Lord uses clay, earthen pots in which to store the gospel, as instruments to bring good tidings. The Lord had called Paul to be an earthen vessel, a son of man, as we all are. We are frail, breakable, having many infirmities, sins, and shortcomings. Let us have no expectation from man.

On the other hand, the Lord has chosen such vessels to be useful for the preaching of His Word. By criticizing such earthen vessels, we are commenting on what the Lord has done. Preachers often feel themselves to be broken cisterns and most inadequate. Also in the eyes of the Lord they are not perfect, for the most faithful servant needs forgiveness, also a preacher. Why has the Lord chosen such fragile vessels? It is because the vessel must be overlooked. The man on the pulpit must disappear. The gospel itself must be proclaimed.

Congregation of Corsica, you may receive a minister from God's hands, by the will of God. Do not despise him, for he is an instrument of God, chosen for a solemn task. There is reason for joy. But it is also the joy of a minister when people do not praise him, but when the Lord grants His blessing upon his feeble labors. The Word of God has power. The minister cannot apply the Word, for God must do so. The Lord has irresistible power, and He desires all honor for Himself. Is He not worthy? All the work of the Lord which is carried into the heart can only be ascribed to the exceeding greatness of divine power.

Treasure in earthen vessels! All God's people learn to despise self, to humble themselves to the lowest, to be empty, unfit, and undone. It is the Lord who empties the vessels, strips of self-righteousness, humbles more and more, and keeps them from growing high. If we yet grow high, we stand in the Lord's way.

After the sermon, the form for ordination was read, and the answer was given by Candidate Adams. Taking part in holding the Bible above him as he kneeled, were Rev. P. van Ruitenburg, Rev. J. Spaans, Rev. G. M. de Leeuw, Rev. C. Vogelaar, Rev. J. den Hoed, and Elder C. Blom. Each spoke an appropriate text.

In the evening the building was again nearly filled as the new minister of Corsica brought the Word of God in the midst of his congregation. Many from other congregations were also present for this very special occasion. The text was Ezekiel 3:17, “Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at My mouth, and give them warning from Me.” The theme of the sermon was “The watchman upon the walls of Zion,” and Rev. Adams directed the attention of the hearers to three points: (1) the watchman's need, (2) the watchman's duty, and (3) the watchman's reception.

The Lord had sent and called Ezekiel in dark and troublesome times. Amid all the warnings and loving admonitions of the Lord, the people of Judah did not return unto the Lord. Yet the Lord continued to admonish. He still had the prophet Jeremiah in the land of Judah, but He had also sent Ezekiel among the captives in Babylon. Carried away when he was twenty-five years old, Ezekiel was thirty years old when the Lord called him to be a prophet. Ezekiel was not only a servant, but also a dear child of God, for in the second chapter we read of the revelation of the glory of the Lord which he received.

The need for a watchman is great. Watchmen had a very responsible position in regard to the safety of the inhabitants of a city, for they were to blow the trumpet when they saw the enemy approaching. The watchman stood as an obstacle to the enemy, and the desire of the enemy was to silence him. Likewise in the churches and congregations, there is one who seeks our destruction. It is the devil, to whom in Paradise we have granted our right hand of fellowship. He shoots his fiery darts especially at the watchmen upon the walls of Zion.

There are many dark nights, many storms, and many winds of affliction for a watchman. In our text he is called “son of man.” We find this term used more than eighty times in the book of Ezekiel. And why? Ezekiel had just seen a glorious vision, and therefore it was needed to keep him humble and small, time and again. He as watchman also needed to learn to sympathize with those in the city, weeping and rejoicing with them (Romans 12:15). He had to understand their evil hearts, their struggles, their temptations, their desires and longings. But the watchman of the congregation also needed the prayers of young and old, especially as the Sabbath day approached.

One can understand the responsibility of the watchman. The entire city was dependent upon him, and the souls of his fellowmen were to be greatly bound upon his heart. His duty was twofold. When the enemy approached, he was to blow the trumpet loudly and clearly, with all his strength and might. It was a matter of life and death. The people were to be awakened out of their slumber and to be warned of danger. They were to be called to arms that they might withstand and defeat the enemy. But he was also to warn of the dangers and enemies inside the city. Seeing these dangers, he must warn clearly in explicit terms and must not remain silent. In verse 19 he was told that if he did not properly warn the people, the Lord would require their blood at his hand.

The other duty of the watchman was to blow the trumpet of the gospel. As a besieged city, we have been conquered by the devil, sin, the world, and our lusts. From the side of man there is no hope and expectation ever to be delivered. Psalm 89, however, says, “I have laid help upon One that is mighty; I have exalted One chosen out of the people.” Thus the watchman must declare that there is a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who has come to save His people. No sinner is too black, too vile; the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ saves from all sins.

The trumpet must proclaim law and gospel (Luke 24:47). The apostle said, “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20).

The question was then asked, What kind of watchman would be most profitable in your midst? Is it one that covets your smiles and fears your frowns? When he sees danger, is he to remain silent? Even though our hearts are rebellious, I am sure you desire one who faithfully blows the trumpet.

Therefore those who hear the watchman are to listen, to understand, and to obey. This speaks of their responsibility. His hearers are to forsake sin, flee from evil, turn from the world, and turn unto the Lord, taking up arms against the enemy. Together they are to stand shoulder to shoulder, for if they hearken not to the sound of the watchman, we read that they shall die in their sin. Also Christ said in Luke 12, “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.” What do we then need? Ears to hear, and the work of the precious Spirit in our hearts.

Rev. Adams then spoke the words of application to the congregation, both young and old. He hoped that he may have been sent to them for the purpose of purposes, namely, the glorification of God's worthy Name, that God's people might be confirmed and established in their faith, and for the coming of God's kingdom.

After the singing of Psalter 442:1, 4, & 5, Rev. Adams spoke words of acknowledgement to Rev. Van Ruitenburg for the ordination service; to his instructors at the theological school for their instruction, guidance, and patience; to the Curatorium; and to all those present, office-bearers, family, and friends. He also thanked the consistory and congregation of Corsica for their hearty welcome and for all the preparations that had been made, and he expressed the hope that they may be together with the desire that rich blessings may be bestowed in their midst.

An opportunity was then given for several speakers to address the new minister. These included Rev. C. Vogelaar, representing Classis Midwest; Rev. A. H. Verhoef, representing Classis East; Rev. P. Bazen, representing Classis Farwest; Rev. J. Spaans, representing the Curatorium; and Elder C. Blom, representing the consistory and congregation of Corsica. Elder Blom then requested the congregation to stand and sing Psalter 425:5. Rev. Adams then closed with prayer, acknowledging the Lord for what He had given, and by renewal asking an indispensable blessing upon His holy Word. After the singing of the doxology, Psalter 196:1-2, the benediction was given for the first time by their new minister upon the congregation.

(Note: The two services have been recorded on tape, and copies will be sent to each congregation. Those who desire copies of these recordings should contact their local consistories.)

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