Crawford avalanche., 1894-12-13

Lesson for Dec. 10.
Golden Text-"As ye go, preach, sa-s
Ing, The kingdom of heaven Is ut hand."-
Matt. 10: z
A few Sundays since we were studying
lesson In which were found strange in
functions as to Offering the other cheek to
the smiter, the other coat to the despoiler.
We understood II better when we con-
ceived rightly of the errand ON which men
were being sent. 1t was campaign work
in the interest of the kingdom. These
men were to suffer anything rather than
to relinquish their soul-seeking aim or fail
of their high endeavor for Christ. So
here we are given strange instructions for
Christian workers; no money, no letters
Of introduction, no provision for the jour
ney. 1t Is to be explained by the condi-
tions of the sortie. We are given, as it
were, war tactics and special rules and
regulations for the skirmish line. Here,
in a right sense, "the end justifies the
means" In this lesson, which is found in
Matt 10: Ole, the twelve are sent forth.
"These twelve Jesus sent forth" From
the Greek for sent forth comes our word
apostle Here the disciple becomes apos-
tie. In the last verse of the chapter pre-
ceding there is a different word for send
forth in the original; namely, ekballo to
hurl forth. These men went forth with
the force and precision of shot thrown
from cannon. He Commanded them"
The word Is used in the sense of instruc-
ton, direction. He advised them as to
the best and wisest methods of procedure.
1t is the same word used at Mark 3: g,
where Christ commanded the people TO
sit down on the ground" in order that
they might be fed. There was nothing
arbitrary about it.
Lost sheep" No matter how far they
wander they are still sheep. Let us keep
this in mind in the days of dissipation and
dispersion that are still upon Israel "As
ye go, preach" Literally, "Going,
preach" Their very going was a strong
preachment. Moody suggests that man,
walking eight blocks with Bible under
his arm, breaches n sermon mile long.
"Freely ye have received; freely give"
Or, as it is sententiously rendered, "As
a gift We have received, as gift impart."
They were to be like fountain giving
forth what was given them. Manifestly
our gift measures our giving. If we have
not the gift of healing we cannot give it
forth. But God gives his stewards gifts
in their season. Let us give according to
the grace that is ours.
"Provide neither gold" etc. This is an
age great for providing. We will not go
unless the provision is large and sufficient.
In general this is wise, and, on Christian
grounds, commendable. But not If it in
terfere with express and legitimate work.
The first query should be, What are the
marching orders? Then proceed to make
the equipment and furnishing as nearly
l.. al, l.
where, whether men accept or reject.
Speak peaceably and live peaceably, at all
odds, for his sake. Look up.
Hints and Illustrations.
This sending forth of the twelve was Of
a special character, and was preliminary
to the great world commission that came
after the resurrection. This conception
of it should largely modify our interpre-
tation of its details. It is not the morn of
all Christian endeavor, though it is for
certain species of endeavor, e. e., the prep
aration of n community for revival effort,
and doubtless it's thought and spirit
should enter into all the labor we perform
in his name.
No scrip, no coat. No special creden-
tials or furnishings; no particular regalia.
How simple the equipment of Christ's
messengers! 1t is the same in every age.
Go just as you are, clothed only with wis
dom and simplicity. They were recalled
the other day, in connection with the
MONDAY prayer-meeting of one of our
great cities. the stirring revival days Of
1858, which gave genesis to these busi-
ness mems gatherings. And how naked
ly they started out! There was no spec
ial equipment Just a company of earn
est men who believe in God The ele-
ments of their power abide through all
changes the same; the word believed and
the Spirit implored. These disciples went
forth to ring the bell for the kingdom.
The apostles are just starting out for
their worldwide proclamation of the gos-
pei, but as they do so they are looking
back, over their shoulders, to get one last
glimpse of the cross, fixing it's outlines
more indelibly on their memories. So go
we preaching, still. Keep the cross in
mind. "As ye go, preach" Preach ION
the go," preach ION the wing" There is
the accent of dispatch here. Things are
to be done with expedition and prompt
ness; ''the Kings business requireth
haste" There is no dallying or delay.
A moment the messenger appears and the
message is heard, the next moment he
is gone to carry the tidings elsewhere.
"Let us go into the next town that 1 may
preach there also" There is a place and =
time for the minister and ambassador.
There is also a work for the swift, flying
herald. The gospel Is leaven, working; it
is also an arrow, flying. Let the element
of swiftness enter.
Next lesson-"'rhe Prince of peocev