Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1910-04-08

er?) He called them to a service and
qualified them 10 do it,
THEIR COMMISSION.
lie was very specific in His instructions
TO them. The call that He gave them
was general, their commission was spe-
cial. He limited their sphere of service
10 the lost sheep of the house of Israel;
they were not even to bring the good
news to the Samaritans just across the
border. yes even in their midst. Later,
when He had developed His plan little
more, He commissioned these same men
10 go TO Samaria and to the uttermost
parts OF the earth with the same message.
They were to take neither money, nor
scrip. nor luggage in order that they
might not be impeded in their progress,
for the time was very limited. Later on
the evening of His arrest and trial. His
plan had developed. and when reminding
them that when He had sent them out
without purse they had been adequately
provided for and need therefore not fear
for their provision in any way, now He
commands them to take their purses if
they have them.
AS they followed in His steps they were
also to suffer with Him. He had been
misunderstood. rejected. and would be
delivered up, beaten. killed. They should
share His suffering with Him; but they
and provide for them; their only fear
should be of their arch enemy who could
not only kill the body but the sould 8
well: but even then they should remem-
Der that their Father. who is with every
sparrow that falls to the ground, is with
them also and far stronger than Satan.
Finally, they should receive their re-
ward. even for so small a thing as CIV
ing a cup of cold water in the name of
e.. hat eel oh
ton that makes man take UP his cross
and follow Him. whose neglect stamps
disciple as unworthy of such a Master.
whose performing finds the largest re-
ward finding your niche in Gods plan
through the ages.
YOUR CALL AND COMMISSION.
All. the work is not vet completed. If
your eyes are not blinded by the things
of time and sense you can see in your
own community scores of those whose
condition as sheep having no shepherd
arouses the compassion of the Christ.
Does it arouse yours? A larger vision
of our country with its great incoming
tide. if you have any of the spirit OF
Jesus, must excite your compositions for
them in their great spiritual need. A
still larger vision of the world with It's
more than SO0.000,0O0 who have never
heard the only name given under heav-
en- among men whereby we must ne
saved. must we'll nigh overpower you
as YOU enter into the compassion OF
Christ for them.
Not only are these as sheep without
shepherd, but the harvest is ripe. There
many a man and woman, boy and girl.
IN your community who is waiting Tor
your touch to bring them to Christ. The
success of >very effort in our great home
fields shows the ripeness of that harvest,
small missions rapidly developing into
strong centers of Christian activity. And
when we consider that every day last
wear in non-Christian countries nearly
400 accepted Christ, we can get some
idea of the ripeness of the harvest
Rss~wtd, into this service Jesus, your
LORD calls you. Naturally you might
shrink from so great a task for which
Won think yourself so poorly fitted. But
remember what material He had to work
with, and what large results were oo-
tanned because He who called them
equipped them also. Look out at the
ripening fields, pray the Lord of the
harvest to thrust forth laborers; and INTO
whatever service He calls you, gladly
and Immediately respond, counting on
Him to supply your every need. You
may have to suffer with Him, but not the
slightest service will be without its re-
ward. He that doth not take up his
cross and follow after Me Is not worthy
of Me" Freely We have received, freely
give" ..