“My elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands” (Isa. 65:22 NKJ).
Part Three
The Hebrew word translated long enjoy is very unusual. In the original text it is balah (bow-law’) which is used 16 times in the Old Testament. Except for this verse and Job 21:13, balah always has to do with erosion, consuming, wearing out, or wasting away.
Scholars are at a loss to reconcile long enjoyment with a word used to describe the wearing down of life by the aging process. When she heard the angel’s message that she would bear a son to Abraham in her old age, Sarah responded by laughing in derision.
In her reply to the message, she used balah to describe herself: After I have grown old (balah) shall I have pleasure?… (Gen. 18:12 NKJ). The answer was yes!
Bible words are so full of meaning and so rife with possibilities. Fourteen times balah is used to indicate wearing out through time. Twice it is used to refer to the utilization of time for long-range benefits: “…My elect (the followers of Christ) shall long enjoy the work of their hands. Making full utilization of all the good things that go with eternal life. My people shall last until time itself has come to an end. Instead of wearing out, they will fully enjoy all of Calvary’s benefits and blessings.”
Pleasures in the worldly scheme are short-lived. Momentary thrills lead to a lifetime of remorse and regret. Not so with the kingdom of God. Till the end of this age, believers can see the work of their hands outlast and survive the fatigue and destruction that go with the passage of time.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.