McNairy County independent. (Selmer, McNairy County, Tenn.) 1902-1969, 1913-06-27
LESSON FOR JUNE 20
THE VICTORIES OF FAITH.

READING LEssoN-Acts TO- 1s:
Heb. 11:20-22.
GOLDEN TEXT-"This is the victory
that hath overcome the world, even our
faith" l John ga
The reading lessons for today are a
New Testament commentary upon the
past quarters work. The first lesson
Is taken from that marvellous defense
of Stephen the first martyr, AS he
traces the history of the people of
Israel, he shows Gods continued ac-
tivities and purposes from the hour he
called Abraham until the holy one of
Israel came to fill to their fulness all
of these same activities and purposes.
Stephen also shows us that alongside
Gods activities was the equally per-
sistent disobedience of the people
which eliminated in the betrayal and
murder of that holy one. In the por-
ton selected he sets before us how
Joseph is sold into Egypt, yet Gad was
with him and delivered him; how the
famine came and Jacob Is thereby
brought into Egypt only later to be
carried back into the land of promise.
Teach Faith.
The second lesson is taaen from
that great catalogue of heroes as re-
corded in the Epistle to the Hebrews
Here we have set before us the fact
that Gods eternal purpose with man
is ever that of faith. Isaac, Jacob
and Joseph are here mentioned and
the faith of each set before US.
Thus we see that the main value of
the past quarters work Is to teach
faith, its divine revelation and per-
sistence, and alongside of that we see
mans continued failure and perver-
sity.
Leaving cat the Easter lesson we
have covered period of about 80
years, eight lessons dealing with Jo-
seph, and four with Jacob
Attention has been called to Jo-
seph as one of the most remarkable
types Of Christ to be found in the Old
Testament (see comments on lesson
of April I'D AS we have also sug-
gested Jacob is not so grand a char
acter as Abraham yet is much more
like the average man.
1t Is interesting to go over these
lessons and follow Gods purposes and
to observe how like Christ Joseph was.
In LESSON l. we behold Jacob at the
instigation of his mother deceiving his
poor old father and being compelled
to fly that he might save his life. Re-
bekah thought she could execute Gods
purposes; but it is never right to do
evil that good may result. Gods word
standeth sure and in his own way and
time he would have given Jacob the
blessing without the aid of his deceit.
In LESSON II. Jehovah appeared be-
fore this conscience smitten refugee
and again promised that the blessing,
yes, his own divine purpose, would
be worked out in Jacobs life. This is
lesson on the grace of God.
LESSON Ill sets Jacob before us
after twenty-one years service and
separation from his brother Esau.
This is great lesson on Gods desire
and transforming power. He trans
softened the heart of Esau Faith
overcame and is strengthened and
confirmed.
In LESSON w. we first behold Jo-
seph particularly loved and favored
and as bitterly hated; he was thrown
into a pit to die but is taken up
typical of the resurrection) and sold
into slavery. The development of en-
Wy and the persistent, delivering pur-
pose of God are here presented in
strong contrast.
LESSON v. shows Josephs enter
ing that dark maze beyond which God
was to highly exalt him. By faith he
overcame that fierce temptation and
his treatment of his fellow prisoner
was Gods useful agency though 1t
seemed accidental and insignificant.
Gods Continued Purpose.
LESSON VI. is the completion of
Lesson V. and in it we see Joseph
seated in the place of power, able to
save the country and also his breth-
rem.
LESSON VII shows us Gods con-
tinued purpose and the beginning Of
the fulfillment Of his word that the
descendants of Abraham were to
| dwell in captivity (Gen, 1919.
LESSON VIII. is a continuation Of
Joseph's dealings with his brothers in
which their guilty consciences are
still further pricked and God reveals
to us his immutable purpose.
LESSON * is tender one of thd
meeting of Joseph and Benjamin while
at the same time 1t suggests to us the
certainty of the fact that we may "be
sure your sin will find you out" I'm
less covered by his forgiving blood our
sin is mercilessly upon our track.
In LESSON X. we behold Joseph
made known to his brethren and those
in fear are urged to draw near. Jo-
seph's faith In God saved him from ar
rogance and retaliation and inclined
his heart to tenderness and love in his
dealings with his brothers. Even as
Joseph revealed himself to his broth
ers 30 will Christ reveal himself to
his brethren of Israel and they shall
behold him whom they pierced"
Jeseph's provision for his fathers
and his brethren, LESSON XII. is q
rich suggestion Of our fathers bounty
and care for all who are in Christ
Jesus" BY faith Joseph who had be-
come great in a strange land, identi
fed with all Of Its power and splendor
makes provision that when Gods pur
pose shall be executed and the sons
| of Israel shall be delivered from