The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1907-11-13
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL.
INTERNATIONAL LESSON COM
MENTS FOR NOV. II BY THE
REV. 7. w. HENDERSON.

SuUJtCt. oloSoh Nv lis
dred, Judges 1923 Golden
Text. Deut. 1922 - Memory
Verses, II, 1S.
The lesson deals with M of the
famous characters of Israelitish his
tory. It exemplifes how powerful a
few Spirit-flled souls may be in the
face of seemingly insuperable dlftl-
culties. It shows how Thoroughly
God can help us, how thoroughly He
keeps His word. 1t is a revelation OF
what we all might do if we 80 de-
sired.
When the armies met Gideon was
outnumbered. When the battle be-
came imminent he was in a hopeless
minority. 1t was a handful against a
multitude. But the 800 were spirit
filed, divinely chosen, consecrated:
They were without fear, they a
courage. And because they had cour-
age and faith in Almighty God, pc
cause they had trust in the capacity
of their God to deliver the Midianltes
into their hands they were victorious.
And they won by the simplest and
easiest Of means. They didn't even
have to use their weapons. Inelr
bravery brought CONSERVATION to the
hearts of the enemy and the rout be-
came complete. They were stout
hearted and victorious because they
were indwelt Of the presence OF Cod.
God had promised to deliver Mid
ian into the hands Of Israel. And
He kept His word. Without His help
the conflict might have resulted diff
~ferently. But when God helped the
victory was assured. 1t didn't make
any difference whether or not the
Midianites and Amalekites were like
the grasshoppers for number and
their camels as numerous as the
sands of the seas when God gave
promise and aid. In that contingent
cy numbers were a secondary quanti-
ty and great supplies in~consequen-
tial. For their power was augmented
by the personality of God. Their
strength was in no m dependent
upon the commissariat.
Gideon earned a reputation for
consummate %intrepidity that night.
His 800 consecrated, divinely com
| missioned followers enshrined them
| selves for all time. Their dauntless-
ness has become historic. They are
| the epitome of daring. They are sy-
nonymous with surprising fearless
ness.
Now what Gideon did in his way
any consecrated soldier of the Lord
| Jesus Christ may do according to his
| opportunity and his power. The trou-
BILE Is that most of US are like the
10000 and more who went back to
their tents. W. are without the
necessary courage. We are too much
consumed with fear. We don't dare
to dare. And no man can do any
thing who lacks heart, who hasn't
nerve. No man certainly can war
against the pr%incipalities and powers
of the empire of unrighteousness VINO
has no faith in God, and who Is lack
ing in a necessary trust IN dlVlnlty.
But putting our faith and trust IN
Jehovah we may do anything. For
God trusts those who sincerely put
their trust in Him. He has faith IN
the faithful. 1t could not be other
wise. And with Him with US we
need fear no obstacles. Whatever
may be the difficulties and oppositions
that confront us He will guarantee
us the victory if we will do His will.
And we shall find that His methods
are the simplest. We shall find how
utterly cowardly and inefficient are
the forces that oppose us and how lit
| tie it takes to put them altogether 10
rout.
The lesson ought to be an inspira-
ton to- every man who in the name
and for the glory Of God and the con-
servation of the interests. of human
ity wars against wickedness in any
place. 1t ought especially to be an
Inspiration to those who have banded
themselves to fight the plunderers in
every walk of life are laying plans tc
rob the people of their birthrights, as
indian attacked Israel, or who al
ready have annexed to themselves the
properties and the possessions OF the
people, For as sure as God lives II
we do Gods will we shall confound
them all. And by the most unex-
pected and simple methods. And II
will need but a few valiant souls TO
do it. A host is no more necessary
| to-day than it was that famous night
when Gideon led the 800 against the
multitude.
1t is necessary that we shall have
| faith in God. That we shall band to-
gether the men whom God has fitted
to do His holy work. 1t Is necessary
that We shall take our orders from
that Spirit of truth who is the light
of the world and the salvation there
of and do His bidding and remain
s~teadfast. For God is helping us.
God has promised US victory as truly
as He promised victory to Gideon.
Whenever we get discouraged let
! us look at Gideon. When we are IN
| clined to doubt Gods capacity arS
promise fulfilling power let us read
anew what He did for Israel and for
| the endless fame of Gideon. When
we think we are few against the
hosts of sin that are depressing us let
us receive courage from the victory
He insured for Israel. For He is
with us as He was with them. If we
trust Him He will trust us. II we
will have faith in Him He will glorlfy
us. For the God Of yesterday is the
same to-day and forever.