A PERIODICAL FOR YOUNG AND OLD

THE CONFESSION OF FAITH

ARTICLE XIII

Of Divine Providence

In article 12 we spoke about the creation, which was according to the will of God. It was in one moment that the Lord created the earth, which is called “the chaos”. The dictionary gives us this definition of it - it is the confused, unorganized state of primordial matter before the creation of distinct forms. We must not misunderstand this, because it means that the world was without form and void. In the six days that followed, the Lord created all things, and so the world came into existence as we know it. He rested on the seventh day, not because He was tired of His work, but to rejoice in it.

But this was not the end of God’s work for the creation. He continues to take care of it, and this we call God’s providence. You must understand that providence and creation are not the same. Creation came to an end on the sixth day, but God’s providence continued. Of this our present article speaks about, saying, “We believe that this same God, after He had created all things, did not forsake them, or give them up to fortune or chance.”

We know that no creature can exist of itself; if God would not take care of the world, then it could not continue a moment longer. The word ‘providence’ can not be found in the Holland Bible, but in the English Bible it is used once in Acts 24:2. However, in this instance it does not point to the care of God. Nevertheless, the sum and matter of this word can be found throughout the Bible. In Genesis 22 Abraham, in speaking to Isaac, says, “My son, God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering.” The word providence is derived from the verb. There are also other words used which have the same meaning when we read them in context, such as making alive, creation, work, taking care of, and God reigns. How necessary the providence of God is. With a simple example we may show this. When we build a house, then we must also keep it in good repair, for otherwise it will decay and become a heap of ruins. Likewise God’s providence is the continual care of all that He created.

God’s providence is in opposition to two different viewpoints which are widespread also in our time. There are those that speak of fate, while others speak of fortune or chance. The people who speak of fate declare that everything which happens is according to the laws of nature. The summer and winter, the fall and spring, come with a special regularity, which God cannot change. This of course is not true, as it would make God dependent upon His own creation, which is impossible. He would then not be the Almighty, but a slave of His own work. God rules over all things, and they must obey His command.

Others believe in fortune or chance. The word fortune is derived from the Latin word fortuna, which was a goddess of the Romans. She is portrayed with a helm in her hand, a horn of abundance in her arm, and the globe under her feet. All have a symbolic meaning, as the helm points to the power over men to rule which is given to this goddess, the horn of abundance points to her ability to give abundance to whomsoever she desires. Her standing on the globe, which is round and rolls readily, is a testimony of inconstancy - today she visits one place, and tomorrow another receives of her abundance, while on the third day both get nothing. In this way some believe that all things happen on earth by chance or fortune, and that whatever befalls us in our life has nothing to do with the government of God. They say that God does not interfere with all these small things on the earth. The fool says, there is no God…

We believe that the Lord governs all things, even the smallest things, just as our catechism explains it: “He upholds and governs heaven, earth, and all creatures; so that herbs and grass, rain and drought, fruitful and barren years, meat and drink, health and sickness, riches and poverty, yea, and all things come, not by chance, but by His fatherly hand.” All that happens on this earth is according to God’s will. The laws of nature and the powers in nature are subjected to the Lord; they are His servants for fulfilling His will. Often we cannot comprehend the things which take place in our life, but they are directed by the Lord with great wisdom. Sometimes later on it is revealed to us, and then we must say that the ways of the Lord are wonderful.

Frequently the providence of God is divided into three parts, namely - preservation, cooperation and government. These three things are not disconnected from each other and belong together. Perhaps it sounds difficult, but preservation is also government, and government is also cooperation, and cooperation is also preservation. You will find elements of each in all three, which shows that they belong together.

PRESERVATION is the almighty power of God whereby He continues all things in being. Hebrews 1:3 states this: “upholding all things by the word of His power.” Oh, how marvelously great are the things which the Lord does. Even when we think only of natural things, we must say, God is great, and we understand Him not. We often say, it rains or it snows, but the Bible, which is God’s Word, says it entirely different. It is God’s work; (Job 36:27, “for He maketh small the drops of water.”)

Preservation is either direct (immediately) or by means. To the Lord it does not make any difference, but to our observation it does make a great difference. If it is without means, then we speak of a miracle. It is in this way that the Lord preserves the sun, moon, stars, the world, the angels, and the souls of men. By use of means the living creatures are kept in existence. We need food and drink, and so do animals and plants, etc. God does not need the means to preserve life, but He uses them in His wisdom, power and goodness.

God is the fountain of all life and preserves according to His will. This means that we need the blessing of the Lord, for otherwise all our labor is in vain. The work in the fields is a striking example - if the Lord does not give rain and sunshine, the wheat will not grow. He must also give an opportunity to harvest! Although it is not deserved by us, the Lord normally causes the seed to spring forth and grow up; thus we receive our daily bread by the preservation of the Lord. The Israelites in the desert were preserved in a different way; they received bread from heaven. This was a miracle!

The Lord usually works according to the laws of nature, and if He departs from the natural way, then we speak of a miracle. However, both the miraculous and the so-called natural way wherein we receive things are the revelation of God’s will. Normally the Lord preserves men by means, but there are several exceptions known in Scripture and also in more recent days where the Lord performed special deliverances. Biblical examples are those of Moses who was on the mount for forty days without food, of Israel in the wilderness as was mentioned above, of the widow of Zarephath-Zidon who was also saved by a miracle, and of the three men in the furnace. They are examples of how the Lord can care for His people.

The Lord is still the same. I have read of a minister living during the eighty-year war in the Netherlands, who could speak of a special deliverance by the Lord. It was not in such a spectacular way, but the Lord’s care was evident. During a field-sermon (in the open field) they were surprised by the Spanish soldiers and fled in all directions. The minister fled to an old barn and hid himself under the hay. The soldiers remained nearby, and he could not come out into the open. How could he stay alive? Every day a hen came and laid an egg within his reach. This happened for seven days and was just enough to keep him alive. The eighth day the hen did not come, which was a sign for him that the soldiers had gone. After he came forth from his hiding place, he found that this was true; the soldiers had gone away that day.

It is the same God Who preserves the world that gives His special care to His children. Do we, by God’s grace, belong to them? That people have a future, because the Lord cares for them for eternity, but also during this life they are under His special care.

Norwich, Ontario

BIBLE QUIZ

Dear Boys and Girls,

This month the first letters of our answers will not spell out a text from the Bible, but will be three words taken from the Heidelberg Catechism. As I am sure you know, the Heidelberg Catechism is based entirely upon the Bible. If you look in the back of your psalters, you will find it printed there, and in the margin are the texts of the Bible where these things can be found.

You are probably wondering what those three words will be. Since it is the beginning of the year, we greet each other with the words “Happy New Year”. And there can be many meanings in the word “happy”. But the catechism teaches us that there are three things necessary to know in order to be truly happy both in life and in death. We can learn about them in church, in catechism class, and in school, but to learn to know them in our heart, we must be taught them by the Holy Spirit. We hope and pray that each of us may learn to know them in that way.

Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans, “O wretched_____________ that I am! who shall deliver me from this body of death?”

What did the wife of Phinehas name her son, saying, “The glory is departed from Israel”?

The publican in the temple prayed, “God be merciful to me a_____________”.

David, in Psalm 143, prayed, “___________not into judgment with Thy servant: for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified.”

Daniel prayed, “O Lord,_______ belongeth unto Thee, but unto us confusion of faces.”

In Psalm 24 David prayed, “Remember not the sins of my __________, nor my transgressions.”

In speaking to King Saul about the Lord, David said, “He will ____________me out of the hand of this Philistine.”

The Lord, speaking on Mount Sinai, said, “I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of____________”

King Darius cried unto Daniel, “Is thy God, Whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the_____________”

The people of Samaria said to the woman,”We have heard Him ourselves, and know that this is ___________the Christ, the Saviour of the world.”

The Lord Jesus said to Nicodemus, “___________,___________, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

King Darius made a decree in which he said that the God of Daniel worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in_________

In II Samuel we read that David sang a song, saying, “The Lord is my__________, and my fortress, and my deliverer.”

Paul wrote to the Galatians, “that He might deliver us from this present evil world,___________ to the will of God and our Father.”

The Lord said to Jonah, “Thou hast had pity on the gourd, … and should not I spare___________ that great city?”

The Lord raised up a deliverer to the children of Israel, who delivered them, even Othniel, the son of Kenaz,____________’s younger brother.

The daughters of Reuel said to their father, “An____________ delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds.”

Near the end of David’s life, he said, “Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy ___________Name.” (I Chronicles)

Anna gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of Him to all them that looked for_______ in Jerusalem.

After Noah went forth from the ark, he builded an___________ unto the Lord.

On his way to Rome Paul came to Appii forum, and when he saw the brethren, he_____________ God and took courage.

In the city of Athens Paul found an altar with this____________, “To the Unknown God”.

In the fish’s belly, Jonah prayed, saying, “I will sacrifice unto Thee with the voice of_______”

The Psalmist said, “Not unto____________, O Lord, not unto____________, but unto Thy Name give glory.”

Who sang with Barak these words, “Praise ye the Lord for the avenging of Israel”?

Hannah brought her child to____________ and said, “For this child I prayed, and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of Him.”

(Answers should be sent to me at my address - Garret J. Moerdyk, 5211 Woodmont Drive, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001.)

Answers to last month’s quiz are as follows:

“For The Lord Giveth Wisdom”

Proverbs 2:6

Father - Esther 2:7

Our - Psalm 95:6

Realm - Daniel 1:20

Temple - Luke 2:46

Honey - Mark 1:6

Egypt - Exodus 3:7

Lydia - Acts 16:14

Olivet - Acts 1:12

Ramah - I Samuel 7:17

David - II Samuel 12:7

Glad - Proverbs 10:1

Issachar - Genesis 30:18

Valley - Judges 7:8

Eunice - II Timothy 1:5

Teach - Psalm 25:4

Haman - Esther 7:10

Wine - John 2:7-11

Instruction - Proverbs 4:1

Sluggard - Proverbs 20:4

Deborah - Judges 4:4-8

Obadiah - 1 Kings 18:4

Moses - Hebrews 11:24-25

Answers to the Bible quiz have been received from the following -

Paula Timmer

Michelle Timmer

Tunis Sweetman, Jr. (2)

Jannie Slingerland

Neil Slingerland

Nellie Slingerland

Joanne Slingerland

Roy VanZweden

Ralph VanZweden (2)

Mark VanZweden (2)

Brenda Zomer

Kevin Zomer

Vonda Zomer

Sharon Frens

Leonard Frens

Elaine Frens

Dick Spaans

Rebecca Spaans

Gail denHoed

Judy denHoed

Adrian Heykoop

Cory Heykoop

Helen Heykoop

Mary L. Kievit

Audrey Kievit

Jelaine VanGinkel

Laura VanGinkel

Tim VanGinkel

Tammy VanBeek

Daniel VanGinkel

Cheryl Groen

Judy Van Voorst

Rhonda VanVoorst

Jay VanVoorst

Tom Kwekel

David Kwekel

Dan Bazen

Peter Bazen

Steve Bazen

Audrey VanVeldhuizen

Marlene VanVeldhuizen

Denise Koedam

Maria Stoutjesdyk

Tim Kaat

Amy Kaat

Anne Jansen

Henry Jansen

Nellie VanBrugge

May VanBrugge

Helen VanBrugge

Kent Schelling

Linda Schelling

Kathy Schelling

James Schelling

Brenda Kay Schelling

Billy Schelling

Beth Schelling

Jackie VanKlei

Mark denHollander

Cheryl denHollander

Rick Rosendall

John Rosendall

Kristi Rosendall

Jeff Rosendall

Julie DeBruine

Randy DeBruine

Nicholas Koppelaar

Walter Koppelaar

Joyce Koppelaar

Esther VanRavenswaay

Norm VanRavenswaay

Ruth Bouma

Larry Slotsema

Tim Westrate

Douglas John Mol

John Verhey

Steven VanOostenbrugge

Karl VanOostenbrugge

Tim Nieuwenhuis

Robert Nieuwenhuis

Neal Boerkoel

Ruth Boerkoel

Bob Boerkoel

Joanne Boerkoel

Cindy Markus

Lisa Kay Markus

Becky Markus

Nicholas Bush

Adrian J. Bush

John VanVugt

JoAnne VanVugt

Denise Polderman

David John Kaat

Melida VanGinkel

Myron VanGinkel

Paul VanGinkel

David VanGinkel

Eugene VanGinkel

Jonathon Kamp

Danny Kamp

Robert Kamp

Kathleen denHoed

Joleen denHoed

Lori Rus

Edward Laman

Paul Laman

Jenny Lee Sweetman

Judy Sweetman

Daniel J. Sweetman

Bill Greendyk

Paul Greendyk

Dave Greendyk

Alida Greendyk

Daniel VanDyke

John VanDyke

David VanDyke

Harlen VanBeek

Juanita Lagemaat

Leslie Lagemaat

Tim Lagemaat

James Kraayeveld

Steven Bleeker

Mark Bleeker

Laurie Bleeker

Loretta Faye Olivier

Kathy Vroegindewey

Gail Vroegindewey

Joy Vroegindewey

Martin Vroegindewey

Mary VanGiessen

Randy VanGiessen

Sonja Boonzaayer

Maria Boonzaayer

John Boonzaayer

Carrie Blok

Joanne Hoogmoed

Nancy Hoogmoed

John Stapel

Paul Vandenberg

Laurie VanEss

Sue VanEss

Rick VanEss

Margot Mast

Leah Talbot

Sharon Talbot

Linda Talbot

Laura Talbot

Annette Meeuwse

Ken VanWingerden

Bill VanWingerden

Linda Bazen

Jim Bazen

Mike VanBemden

Kathy VanBemden

Debbie VanBemden

John VanderBoon

Don VanderBoon

Peter VanKempen

Mark Heystek

John Heystek

John Spaans

Arlen J. Klarenbeek

Darwyn Klarenbeek

Dave Klarenbeek

Allan Baum Jr.

Robert Southway

Sandra Southway

Joel VanRavenswaay

Susan VanRavenswaay

Minda VanRavenswaay

Joel A. VanderKooi

Ray VanderKooi

Glen M. VanderKooi

Jennifer Verbeek

William Verbeek

Lynn Kamp

Bill Kamp

Marilyn Kamp

Debbie Kamp

Elizabeth Verbeek

Barbara Southway

Robert G. Southway

Tim VanRee

Bob VanRee

Thomas Berkenbush

Steven Kuiper

Donna Kuiper

Campbell Goudzwaard

Rick VanManen

Mary VanManen

Bill VanManen

Ella Kieboom

Andrew Kieboom

Margaret Renae Maassen

Ronald Bertram

Ellen Kros

Karl VanderMeulen

Herman VanderMeulen

Ann-Marlene VanderMeulen

Virginia VanderWaal

Stan VanderWaal

John Bezooyen

Gerrit Bezooyen

Alisa Stam

Angela Stam

Diane Otten

Marlene Otten

Henry Otten

Liz VanGiessen

Mary VanTilburg

Leah VanTilburg

John Bosch

Jacqueline Leusink

Rita Leusink

Helen Hubers

Marcia Hubers

Harriet Hubers

Howard Hubers

Duane Hubers

Cheryl VandeStouwe

Glenda Slingerland

Melanie Ann VanBrugge

Martin Schouten

Anita Schouten

Richard Procee

David Procee

Jon Vlietstra

Janice Vlietstra

David Vlietstra

Marty Vlietstra

David Vandenberg (2)

Henry Vandenberg (2)

John Vandenberg (2)

Before we answer our letters, we would like to tell you about the books which we are again giving to those who answer the quiz. This is a reward for regularly sending in your answers. Those who answer for the first time may also receive a book, but then we expect them to continue answering each month after that. You may choose one of the three following books:

Miracles of Jesus

(This is a simple book for young children up to about 8 years of age.)

Know Your Bible Quiz Book

(This book has 1500 Bible questions which will help you to know your Bibles. It is a good test for all ages, even for parents.)

Memoir of Sukey Harley

(This is the story of a poor woman who could neither read or write, but was taught by the Lord in a wonderful way. It was available many years ago, but has again been reprinted.)

Be sure to mention the book you wish to have when you mail in your answers to the quiz. Also include your name and address so that we know where to send it.

And now the answers to our letters:

ELISABETH VERBEEK - Did you find your name in the list, Elisabeth? The answers do not arrive in time for the next following issue, so it is two months before your name appears. Once you do it regularly, you don’t realize this. We hope you will write again.

ANGELA STAM - Have you had the measles, Angela? I read in the paper that Kalamazoo also had quite a few cases of it. How was your report card? It always shows where we have to work a little harder, unless you get all A’s, and then you just have to keep on working hard.

ELLEN KROS - Yes, my arm in completely healed, Ellen. I have no after-effects from it, and do not notice it anymore. Accidents do happen quickly, don’t they? An ankle would be more serious, since it makes it more difficult to move about. A visit to British Columbia would be real nice.

WILLIAM VERBEEK - We were glad to hear from you, William, as a new name on our hst. When you send your answers this month, don’t forget to mark down the name of the book you would like. Last year some boys and girls didn’t do so, and therefore did not receive a book.

KATHLEEN DEN HOED Snow is pretty, Kathleen, but I think most people are glad to see it disappear in the spring. But there are many beautiful days in the winter, especially when the sun is shining. Today is one of those days. And, as you say, snow also has its purpose, as any farmer will tell you.

RONALD BERTRAM - It was nice to hear from you again, Ronald. It doesn’t matter if you are a month behind in answering the quiz, and we hope you’ll keep on sending them in. Moving is quite a chore as you have probably found out. Give our greetings to your parents.

JOHN STAPEL - Yes, John, we may begin a new year, but do not know if we will be living at the end of the year. In every moment we need the Lord’s care and protection. We thank you for your new year wishes, and hope that you and your family may also receive many blessings throughout the year.

TIM KAAT - How many customers do you have on your paper route, Tim? Is that early in the morning, or after school that you deliver papers? It must make you quite busy. We read of many sicknesses in Bible times, and we find it also true today, although they may be different kinds of sicknesses.

JENNIFER VERBEEK - We are glad to welcome you to the Bible quiz, Jennifer. It is good to know as much as we can about the Bible. And then we must ask the Lord to bless it to our hearts. That is so necessary for adults, but also for boys and girls. Do write again.

ALISA STAM - Just this morning we heard about the fire at your school, Alisa. We can somewhat imagine the sadness in the homes of the congregation. At such times it is so difficult to believe that all things are in the Lord’s hands, but in His Word we read, “In His hand are the deep places of the earth.” That includes such dark events as a destroying fire, which we cannot understand. May the Lord remember your congregation in these days.

ANITA SCHOUTEN - We are in the middle of winter, Anita, so it sounds good to hear about your summer weather in New Zealand. Your school system has a somewhat different grade arrangement than we have, since you write about form two and form three. You will have to explain that for me.

Thanks again to all the boys and girls for your answers and letters, also for the New Year wishes received. May the Lord remember us together in our needs, so that we can continue to hear from each other throughout the year. Above all else, we hope that these Bible studies may be blessed to all of you for your never-dying souls. Don’t forget to mark down your book request. With love, Your friend,

“Uncle Garret”

TRUST IN THE LORD, AND DO GOOD

Psalm 37:3

One evening a poor man and his small son sat by the wayside near the gate of a German town. The father took a loaf of bread which he had bought in the town, broke it, and gave the half to his boy. “No, father,” the little fellow replied, “you have been working hard all day, and you must be very hungry. I shall wait till you are done.”

“You speak kindly, my son,” replied the pleased father, “and your love to me does me more good than my food. Yes, and those eyes of yours remind me of your dear mother who has been taken from us, and who told you to love me as you used to do. And indeed, my boy, you have been a great strength and comfort to me. Now see, I have eaten the first morsel to please you; it is now your turn to eat.”

“Thank you, father, but break this piece in two, and you take a little more; you see, the loaf is not large and you need it much more than I do.”

“I shall divide the loaf for you my son, but eat it I shall not. I have abundance, and let us thank God for His great goodness in giving us food, and in giving us what is better still, cheerful and contented hearts. He who gave the living Bread from heaven to nourish our immortal souls, how shall He not give us all other food which is necessary to support our mortal bodies!” With this the man thanked God for the food, and then began to cut the bread into bits to begin together their frugal meal. While doing so, however, he came on something hard. To their astonishment, several large gold coins of high value fell out.

With a shout of joy the little lad sprang forward to grasp this treasure, but his father took hold of him before he could do it. “Do not touch the money,” he said, “it is not ours.”

“But whose is it, father, if it is not ours?”

“I do not know as yet, but it probably came there through some mistake of the baker. We must inquire.”

“But, father, you are very poor, and as you bought the loaf, it is yours. The baker may say it is his, but be telling a lie!”

“Now my son, listen to me. I bought the loaf, but I did not buy the gold pieces that were in it. If the baker sold it to me in ignorance that some of his money had got into the bread, I shall not be so dishonest as to take advantage of him. Remember Him who has told us to do to others as we would have others do to us. The baker may possibly claim what does not belong to him, but that is no reason why we should keep what possibly does belong to him. I am poor indeed, but that is no sin. If we share the poverty that Jesus once knew, let us share also his trust in God. We may never be rich, but we may always be honest. We may die of starvation, but God’s will be done should we die in doing it. Yes, my boy, trust God and walk in his ways, and you shall never be put to shame. Now, run to the baker and bring him here.”

So the boy fetched the baker from his shop in the town. The man came, wondering why he was sent for in this way. Soon they returned to where the poor labourer sat with the pieces of loaf and the gold coins. “Friend,” he said, addressing the baker, “you have made some mistake and almost lost your money.” He showed the gold and explained how it had been found. “Is it yours?” he asked. “If so, take it away.”

The baker looked at the glittering pieces on the green turf, then at the enquiring face of the man, and next at the boy whose expression revealed that he hoped the baker would deny ownership of the treasure. “You are indeed an honest man,” said the baker. “My neighbor, David the flax-dresser spoke the truth when he said you were the most honest man in the town. Now I shall tell you about the gold. A stranger came to my shop three days ago and gave me that loaf, so I did not bake it. He told me to sell it cheaply, or give it away to the most honest poor man I knew. I asked David to send you to me today, and as you would not take the loaf for nothing, I sold it to you, as you well know, for the last penny in your purse. So the loaf with its treasure is yours, and God grant you a blessing with it.”

The poor father bent his head to conceal the tears that gushed from his eyes. His boy put his arms round his neck and said, “How right you are, dear father. I shall always, like you, trust God and do what is right, for I am sure it will never put us to shame.”

-Young People’s Magazine

THE FLOOD

Though small the drops of falling rain,
If one be singly viewed;
Collected, they overspread the plain,
And form a mighty flood.

The house it meets with in its course
Should not be built on clay,
Lest with a wild resistless force,
It sweep the whole away.

Though for a while it seemed secure,
It will not bear the shock,
Unless it has foundations sure,
And stands upon a rock.

Thus sinners think their evil deeds,
Like drops of rain, are small;
But it the power of thought exceeds,
To count the sum of all.

One sin can raise, though small it seems,
A flood to drown the soul;
What then, when countless million streams
Shall join to swell the whole?

Yet, while they think the weather fair,
If warned, they smile or frown;
But they will tremble and despair
When the fierce flood comes down.

Oh! then, on Jesus ground your hope,
That stone in Zion laid;
Lest your poor building quickly drop
With ruin on your head.

GOD’S WORK

The ice and snow we lately saw,
Which covered all the ground,
Are melted soon before the thaw,
And can no more be found.

Could all the art of man suffice
To move away the snow,
To clear the rivers from the ice,
Or make the waters flow?

No, ‘tis the work of God alone ;
An emblem of the power
By which he melts the heart of stone
In his appointed hour.

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