The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-12-06
READING FOR THE DAY.


THE SUFFERING SAvIoR.-IsA. lii, liz.
GOLDEN TExT-The Lord hath laid on him the
~iniquity of US all-Isa. lii, 6.
There are two great topics in the book of
Isaiah The larger number of chapters Q-39)
are given to the subject of sin, but the re-
mainder (40-66) are full Of the theme saliva
tion. The first portion is largely historic, deal
ing with familiar facJs, and showing the fearful
Consequences of sin. With the fortieth chapter
sAs1o pegins a revelation Of the divine purpose
10 work out some grand plan of salvation for
Israel. The nation then becomes an illustration
of the whole human race, and the Savior is to
come for the redemption of man. Never did
human language bear a richer burden of glorious
thought, and every human form of speech finds
Its %seyerest test to express the grandeur and
glory of these magnificent chapters of Isaiah.
The lesson is taken from that portion of the
prophecy that has always been considered the
MODEST chapter in the Old Testament Scriptures.
In rightly estimating it we need to picture to
ourselves the history Of the depressed condition
of the nation, their nearness to the captivity,
and, above all, that the book was written at
least seven hundred years before the facts oc-
Cured that are described. When we read 1t In
the light of gospel history, we deeply feel that
the divine mind that inspired the prophet was
alse the guiding will of the following history,
and was the Emmanuel who came in human
form as the long promised Messiah and Savior.
THE LESSON FOR TEACHING.
This chapter is full of points, and has in it
enough for a whole quarters lessons. But there
are many subjects appropriate and delightful
tor meditation, while there is one great subject
for teaching.
Jesus Christ has died for sinners, to reconcile
them to God. He has in some wonderful way,
that we cannot understand, of His own free
choice, taken our place and suffered in our stead.
And through our knowledge of Him we may be
~o41Eo1 h4.14I ---I " ~1o - = "a
that of the atonement made by Jesus Christ,
shat brings God and man into loving union. We
may well consider it under these different heads:
l.. The Atonement as a Fact-See how many
different statements of it in this single lesson.
You can find at least eleven.
2 The Atouement Showing the Sinfulness of
Sin How great and terrible must be mans sin
TO need such a great remedy. Press this home
IN those who feel they are not great sinners.
They are very sinful, or they could not now treat
such love with such neglect.
3 The Atonement as an Argument to Re-
pentance-The personal application of Chrlsts
death to each sinner. He suffered for you. You
are treating Him now as they did in Jerusalem.
You have turned your back ON Him, and you
count the blood of the covenant" a useless
thing.
A. The Atonement as an Inspiration to Christ
Ian Faith and Effort-If we enter into his suffer
ings, if we travail for souls, if we in our meas
ure carry them on our hearts, we shall see glo-
rlous results; we, too, shall be satisfied.
SUBJECTS FOR MEDITATION.
1. The great argument in favor of Christian
lily from prophecy.
2. The mighty argument of suffering love to
inspire us to do our best.
B. The mystery of the philosophy of the atone
ment should never be allowed to come between
us and the benefits we consciously receive from
it,
T. Christ shall be satisfied with the results of
his death; they will be so large and grand, the
triumph of Christianity will be so complete and
glorious that even His great soul shall be salts
fed.