BILL’S BLOG ENTRY #13

From “Discipleship and Discipline”, by Minister William H. Hicks, copywright March, 2005:

Isaiah also addresses this characteristic of a disciple when he prophesies about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: “The Lord God has given Me the tongue of disciples, that I may know how to sustain the weary one with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple. The Lord God has opened My ear; And I was not disobedient, nor did I turn back. I gave My back to those who strike Me, and My cheeks to those who pluck out the beard; I did not cover My face from humiliation and spitting. For the Lord God helps Me. Therefore, I am not disgraced. Isaiah 50: 4 – 7. The prophesied Messiah puts this principle into action: Therefore, I have set My face like flint, (Luke 9: 51) and I know that I shall not be ashamed.” It is clear here that dedication to task has its risks! But, it is also clear that a disciple understands this and keeps his mind, eye and ear on the task at hand. Finally, it is clear also that a disciple of Christ is not without support.

The Lord Jesus identified His task in part in Matthew 5: 17, saying, “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill.” A disciple also has priorities. He is able to put first things first. Our Lord knows what a struggle this can be, because He experienced it firsthand. He says, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as Thou wilt.” Matthew 26: 39. And I was not disobedient, nor did I turn back.”

About THE DISCIPLE

William H. “Bill” Hicks is a graduate of Wesleyan University, BA, Religion, 1971 who also holds a Masters in Public Health Degree (MPH) from the University of Oklahoma Hudson College of Public Health (1973). Bill also has studied at the Dallas Theological Seminary. He grew up in Harlem, New York City, USA during the 1950s and 1960s, graduating from high school before attending Mount Hermon Preparatory School and undergraduate school in Connecticut. He has spent most of his professional life in the public health arena, while being constantly in ministry. He received his license to preach the Gospel at Oklahoma City, OK in 1971. He has written extensively on Christian topics. He enjoys life in Chattanooga, TN with former District Public Defender Ardena Garth Hicks, his wife of 30 years. They have two daughters, Rachel (BA, University of Memphis magna cum laude, 2014) and Sarah (Phi Beta Kappa, magna cum laude, Global Scholar, University of Tulsa, 2017).

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