The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-09-12
READING FOR THE DAY.
Lesson for September 10. 1886.
JESUS INTERcEDING-John xvii, 1926.

JESUS INTERcEDING-John xvii, 1-26.
Golden Textile liveth to make intercession
for them.-Hebrew vii %.
AS in the Lords prayer we have the always
appropriate language for men to use in ap-
preaching God 80 we have in this wonderful
chapter the subjects and style of that prayer OF
the Son of God that is constantly being offered
for Us in heaven. 1t Is the prayer of triumph
ant and glorifed Redeemer, who has offered
the sacrifice and paid the ransom price for his
people. and may we'll encourage our hearts to all
highest faith and constancy. 1t forms a part of
the conversation that follows the Last Supper,
and he rises naturally into its sublime
language He has not yet passed
the ordeal of Calvary, but he is so
confident of victory there that he prays as
though it were behind him and bis redemptive
work accomplished. Bengel speaks of THE chap
ter as being the simplest in language and pro-
foundest in meaning of any IL the whole Bible
And every reyerent reader of the word Will re-
turn again and again to it's deeper study, and
will rise enriched and strengthened by newly
discovered meanings By general consent the
notes are confined to verses l-3 and 1l-2L
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS.
/. That They May Be One as We Are-There
is great deal of nonsense uttered about the dlf'
ferences of denominations and the sin of secta-
rianism. Practically there is very little OF the
evil in the church of to-day. And their great
unities of thought and belief. Of work and spirit,
of purpose and fellowship. are grand evidences
of the divine power and life behind and within
the church. 1t cannot be, it was not intended.
it would not be wise if it were possible, to have
complete uniformity in the churches. Denomi-
nations are good things and help to hasten the
salvation of the world. We have come to know
that while men love their own church. and
work in it, yet in spirit and heart they belong
49, ol. xhnii nd xuhQp wa
home can find in any house of worship 1.-The
house of God"
g Not Take Them Out of the World-We are
not to ask for another world in which to develop
Christian character, but we are to learn how to
do it in this present evil world just as we find it.
There is wonderful and significant silence in
the prayer and words Of Jesus about any other
world in which we are to work out our salvation,
and sad silence in His prayer about any others
than His open, earnest disciples. He only asks
heaven for those who love Him.
3. They Are Not of the World-The line is
sharply, clearly drawn. Christians ought to be
distinctly separate from the world. Only such
are respected by the world itself.
L. Keep Through Thy Name-Sanctify Through
Thy Truth--Here are two prayers for the two
sides of the Christian life: ~ Keep from evil.
~ Sanctify. or be completely devoted to posi-
tive goodness.
5. Pray for Those Who Believe Through
Their Word-This is most comforting scripture
to the discouraged worker. Christ prays for you
and the success of your work, and that His word
in your hands may be, indeed, the sword OF the
Spirit
SPECIAL LESSON
The topic. 'Jesus Interceding,' and the
Golden Tex che ever liveth to make interces-
sion for them" suggest the great application
The Son of Man and the Son Of God, Jesus
Christ every prays for US. 1t implies an active,
constant, practical sympathy. that goes on
whether we wake or sleep. 1t is our Jesus that
pleads, and He prays for us. For what does He
pray! What gift does He ask for you to-day?
There is world Of encouragement IN the
thought to every worker, wealth of comfort
for every mourner, a heaven for every saint.
Luther says; Christ intercedes, not only for
eminent believers but for the meanest and
weakest even those that in the eye of the world
are inconsiderable AS divine Providence ex-
tends itself to the meanest creature, so divine
grace to the meanest Christian"