The Progressive West Virginian. [volume] (Williamson, W. Va.) 1911-1913, 1912-04-11
LESSON FOR APRIL IA.
rAE USE OF THE SABBATH.

The USE OF THE SABBATH.
\ LESSON TExT-Mark 2:23 TO SO.
GOLDEN TExT-"The Sabbath was
made for man and not man for the Sab
bath MARX 2:27.
That the Christian Sabbath is to be
Boon and not to be a Burden, is
the gist of the teaching of Jesus
upon that subject For what Is the
Sabbath set aside and to what use
shall we put the time thus set aside,
are and have been through the years
very live questions. That God had So
Geological, physical reasons for setting
aside one day in seven as day
of rest and recreation has led some
to advocate what we know as Con
tinental Sunday"-one given over to
pleasure, games, sports. auto rides,
drives, ETC.. and an over emphasis
upon the fact that God meant us not
only to rest but also that he hal
lowed it," has given us the PuritGni-
cal observance that is akin to a wor-
ship of this seventh day. Which is
right?
AS we study these two incidents in
the life of our Lord, the pluckfng of
the grain and the healing of the with.
cred hand, both of which occurred
upon the Sabbath. we can surely find
guidance as to what shall be our OBJ
servance of this day These two
events, and the principles that un-
derlie are of sufficient Importance as
to be recorded in all three OF the
synoptic gospels.
Let us look at the first. Passing
through the field the hungry disci-
pies plucked some of the ripened
grain, and sitting It in their hands,
they ate 1t to supply their hunger,
Mind, there was no reaping and gath
ering into barns for the profit OF the
owner. but SIMPLY the gathering of
sufficient to relieve the needs OF the
moment. The ancient Jew was cum
bered with a ceremonial observance
that was oppressive, yet their own
priests In the temple performed the
necessary daily duties and were held
guiltless. and the great David had
once entered that holy place and
taken of the shew bread from Off the
altar and not only ate himself but
gave to those who were with him. So
it is that the life OF man is of
greater Importance than the punctili.
Gus observance OF the Sabbath day.
How Jesus Spent Sabbath.
Passing on, Jesus enters the syna
gague and there found a man having
a withered hand. Again the ever
watchful Pharisees observed him
that they might accuse him. "
Jesus, knowing their growing antag
onism, their attitude of distrust, takes
advantage OF the helplessness OF the
man to teach these Pharisees the les.
son OF obedience-yes for once In
scorn he rebukes them; anger and
grief struggled In the heart of Jesus
rs he commands the sick man to
stretch forth his hand, and with the
command went power SO that the man
stretched forth his hand restored
to its fun strength and usefulness.
Is 1t lawful To do good or to do harm,
to save life or 10 kill on the Sab
bath? Once again Jesus takes the
law from its outward application and
reveals tie spirit, the heart motive
that must apply If we are 20 truly love
and serve God.
Is 1t not sufficient that sin makes
strange bed fellows. as for instance,
the Pharisees consorting with the
Herodians, two parties as opposite as
ism, taking counsel how they may de
stroy this young Galilean. The fact
was the disciples had violated no
law Of God, but an ordinance Of man.
and 1t has always been that we are
more Jealous of such than to really
know the spirit of Gods commands,
and thereby to govern our actions.
What irony OF Jesus tones as he
asked them did We never read?' The
complaint Of Puritanical Sabbath
was never raised by one who has q
loving familiarity with the Word CT
God. God gave us the Sabbath. it did
not come by accident The heart hun
gers to know him and its demand is
for time to worship and to serve him.
1t Is only those whose hearts are
blinded by the God OF this world who
swing to the opposite extreme
God will surely reckon with those
corporations and individuals who de.
mand, as shown by the social surveys
of some OF the steel towns, for illus
tration. seven days labor each week,
or who in their individual lives are SO
engrossed in business and in pleasure
as to deaden and starve their souls,
which ere all the tine crying out for
God.
Jesus anger was at the hardness,
and his compassion FOR this hardness
of the hearts of the Pharisees. Let
as avoid the wrath and be subject To
the compassionate pity Of God Last
Sunday we studied the resurrection OF
DUR Lord, Let us remember that the
Christian Sabbath is a weekly remind
er OF that great fact
Principles Make christiana.
Rules make Pharisees. principles
make Christians 1t is not, thus saitE
The priest or the council, that is IL
govern our actions, for that method
has always served to deaden our con.
science. hence 1t Is that Jesus said, |
.esire not sacrifice but mercy. MY
singdom is not to become a burden !:
/ came to free men from the burden
Of ceremonial observance. desire