Summer 1989
Dear Friends,

Samuel had poured a horn of oil upon the head of young David and anointed him to be king over Israel. Later, David pondered this prophecy and considered how it might be fulfilled. Here he was, serving King Saul within the palace. Surely, everything indicated that the answer was on its way.

Then, Saul threw a javelin at David. He fled from the army of Saul, who had received orders to kill him, and hid in the back of a cave in the wilderness. He had gone, within a short moment of time, from the highest of hope within the Palace, to the lowest of hopelessness within a dark cave in the wilderness.

He might have complained to the Lord. Rather, he began to sing to the Lord, in the barrenness of the wilderness, a "new song" of faith and trust.

"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple" Psalm 27:1-4

This barren, dark cave became a divinely lit cathedral in which David recognized the presence and purpose of the Lord. Here, in the wilderness, David, who had come to a complete end of all self ability and means, placed his complete trust in the Lord. Here, in the wilderness, David qualified for the throne of Israel.

After coming up out of the waters of baptism, Jesus was driven by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness, where He was tested for forty days. He came forth, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom with power. The Apostle Paul spent over three years in the wilderness, alone with the Lord. He came out to turn the world upside down.

We little realize the power that comes from a wilderness experience. This does not fit within the pattern of much of the preaching of our day, but it is close to the heart of the Lord, as He searches out a people of like faith to serve Him in this critical hour.

This issue of the Banner was prayerfully put together with the understanding that many of you are moving through some stage of a wilderness experience, as you earnestly seek a way to Mount Zion. Be encouraged, the Lord will prepare for you a highway through the wilderness, as you come to understand His ways and trust Him.

May our Lord richly bless and guide you, as you meditate upon each article within this issue of the Banner. I encourage you to write and share your thoughts with me, concerning the Banner, that it may bring the encouragement and edification to you that is intended.

Your continued prayer and financial support makes it possible to continue sending to you each issue of the Banner. Thank you for writing.

 

Wade E Taylor