ALEXANDER

While a student at FHU in Henderson, Tennessee I had the opportunity of being in a class that was taught by a well-known professor by the name of W.C. Hall and he taught the Book of Daniel. During the semester he gave much good information about Alexander the Great. I still remember his comments on Daniel 8:5 concerning the “Male goat came from the west across the surface of the whole earth, without touching the ground…” Professor Hall said “this represented the great general Alexander and the speed and victory that was his.” The following story is not in the Bible but in history.

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Alexander the Great was one of the mightiest conquerors of history. He conquered not only Greece but Egypt and Persia as well and even traveled as far as distant India. At 33 years of age he was the undisputed ruler of the known world. Though Alexander mastered the world, he could not conquer himself. Alexander’s dearest friend was Cletus. From childhood they had played and grown together. More than that, they had fought side by side in numerous battles and campaigns. Even more, on one occasion Cletus had heroically saved Alexander’s life.

In an unguarded moment during a drunken feast, Cletus offended Alexander by an untimely remark. Alexander was enraged and took a javelin and hurled it at Cletus and in an instant Cletus was dead. Alexander wept bitter tears and was remorseful, but even the mighty Alexander could not bring back the dead. Alexander had conquered the world but could not control himself. He could command battalions but he failed to restrain his own emotions. He could discipline legions but he could not discipline his temper.

No bond of friendship is powerful enough to hold friends together in the face of drunken outburst and moods of rage. It is a sadness that Alexander the Great did not learn in time the prevailing truth of Proverbs 16:32, “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”

LAUGH

While attending a Marriage Seminar dealing with communication, Tom and his wife Grace listened to the instructor, “It is essential that husbands and wives know each other’s likes and dislikes,” He addressed the man, “Can you name your wife’s favorite flower?” Tom leaned over, touched his wife’s arm gently and whispered, “It’s Pillsbury, isn’t it?”

• Remember: Marriage is the number one cause of divorce.
• I married Miss Right. I just didn’t know her first name was Always.
• I haven’t spoken to my wife in 18 months. I don’t like to interrupt her.

PREPARE

Preachers are individuals who begin to think about Sunday early in the week. In fact at times on Sunday night after arriving home after the evening service I begin to think about the next week’s sermons and lessons. The point I want to make is this, every Christian needs to make some plans and preparation for worship and class every week. The people of the Old Testament had a day called the “preparation” and it was to get them ready for the Sabbath. Plan your week and be sure to prepare to be in your place on the First Day of the Week. Come with your Bible and come with a smile and come with the joy of the Lord in your step. I’ll look for you.

-Pat Casey