Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-01
for SUNDAY ScbMl8.
STAR LESSON FOR SEPTEMBER a,
sECRErARY A1RRoAN SOCIETY RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

BY Rev. ]. e. Gilbert, DID,,

chashs was unable to obtain q good view Of
Jesus, he was unable to see over the heads
OF the people. He, therefore ran on before
the procession and climbed q tree, just
what our boys now do, not q very dignifled
act for q prominent and wealthy citizen.
Imagine on some important event when the
vast throng Mr.. Wealthy Gentleman in a
tree-top to catch Q good look at some per-
sonaGe. In his elevated and conspicuous
place zacohesus attracted attention, AZ
one thought his act improper, or whether
he experienced any modification, we are
not informed. The simpler manners Of those
days would allow what now would be con-
throng drew near the eyes OF Jesus rested
on the publican in the tree-top. Make
haste and come down." he said. "for must
abide at thy house." This summons oom-
relation Of the parties
THE JOYFUL RESPONSE oversees
and .D.-The seeker had found vastly more
ular prophet pr passing along the way. w but q
self-invited guest. one who had selected for
himself probably the most imposing house
In the community. This was not unlike
the course which the apostles were directed
to pursue (Matt., kip. except that they
were to have chief consideration Of the
character Of the host. Zacchaeus lost no
time in descending from his elevated place
and escorting his distinguished visitor to
his home. Evidently he felt highly honor
ed that one Of such fame should come to
him. But strafghtway certain of the peo-
pie, probably those self-appointed censors
OF public morals, the Pharisees, began to
Wag their heads and to utter criticism.
They did not consider that Jesus had So
lected this house or that His host had
shown con,mendable hospitality. All they
cared to consider was the fact that Fac
chaeus was a publican, in their eyes a
sinner. Hence, Jesus had gone to be q
guest OF sinner Guke. y:30,.
- THE SAVED SINNER oversees 8, 8,
10l.-What will be the result Of this hospd-
:tality? The world shut out Jesus and prob
ably some Of his disciples in the home Of a
rich tax gatherer in Jericho. What will
some conversation, but no record is made of
1t. At one point the host stood Gas an ac.
OF reverence) before his guest and said that
he would then give half of his goods to the
poor. and that he would restore four-fold
to any from whom he had received fraudu-
lently. Here was a splendid exhibition Of
charity and justice (Ex., xxii:D, proof
OF genuine repentance. or determination
to begin new life. Jesus promptly recog-
nized and commended the change in the
spirit Of the man, declaring that salvation
had come to that house. The penitent has
entered into the first conditions required
pledge, moreover, Zacchaeus had become a
true son Of Abraham Jesus improved the
occasion by announcing his mission. Matt,
i:21.)
THE CLOSING TIIoUGHrs.-rhe
two parts of our lesson have no historical
or logical relation. It Is possible that Luke
Joined them in continuous narrative for
a purpose which they serve, whether de-
signed or not. We have here our Lords as
he comes into contact with the poor and
with the rich, comforting blessings upon
each. These two men were wholly unlike.
The one needed physical comfort; the other,
doubtless, had all worldly good that might
be desired. One sought temporal relief and
found it, and rejoiced The other received
spiritual help and entered into new life.
So may we confidently affirm that Jesus is
Saviour. Let all who suffer come to him
for relief. Let all who have earthly treas
ure receive Him into their habitations. He
blesses all, and all alike through his bless
ing enter into newness Of life, with better
bodies and'estates.
Questions Answered. 4
Any person may mail any Biblical ques-
ton to Dr. Gilbert, 1903 r street, this city,
and receive answer in The Star.
49, What is the difference between inspi-
ration and revelation?
Answer. Inspiration is an extraordinary
influence upon the mind, enabling man to
apprehend the truth. to see the significance
of events and prompting him to write. also
guiding in the selection and arrangement Of
the materials suited to the end proposed in
the writing. Revelation is a disclosure to
human apprehension Of things not other
wise movable.
$50. Were the leaders of other than Bib
lical systems of religion inspired?
Answer. Possibly. God has been pleased
to give help to His creatures in all lands
By His spirit He comes to all men. But no
other men have been as completely under
the guidance Of the Holy Spirit as were the
Biblical writer's. They only wrought sep
arately, but with one purpose and spirit.