Life review: The Prof, Dr. Howard Hendricks

In about 1987, give or take a year, I went to a Cru Christian Faculty Conference in the Harvey Hotel in Carrolton, TX.  the Speaker was Dr. Howard Hendricks, and to this day I quote from several of his lectures.  One of the catch phrases I picked up from The Prof was "May your tribe increase!"

When I heard his say it, I wondered what Scripture he was quoting. I reviewed in my mind, all the places it could be in the Bible.  I couldn't come up with anything, and went to my computer Bible, which was new in those days, and which was searchable.  Still I couldn't find it. Finally, I emailed the Prof at the Leadership Center of Dallas Theological Seminary.  to my surprise, the famous Dr. responded personally to my email.

And here is the source of the quote:

Abou Ben Adhem

Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)

Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,

And saw, within the moonlight in his room,

Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,

An Angel writing in a book of gold:

Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,

And to the Presence in the room he said,

"What writest thou?" The Vision raised its head,

And with a look made of all sweet accord

Answered, "The names of those who love the Lord."

"And is mine one?" said Abou. "Nay, not so,"

Replied the Angel. Abou spoke more low,

But cheerily still; and said, "I pray thee, then,

Write me as one who loves his fellow men."

The Angel wrote, and vanished. The next night

It came again with a great wakening light,

And shoed the names whom love of God had blessed,

And, lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest!

Leigh Hunt (1784-1859)

Read that little poem and think about it. 

"Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself". And, that one is "like unto" the one that came before.  "On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” (Matt 22:36-40)