The Dolores star. [volume] (Dolores, Montezuma County, Colo.) 1901-current, 1914-06-12

the righteous put SINNER" ~eA $50
The first section Of our lesson 10 the
beginning OF . new paragraph tses
r. VI and contains one Of the Mas
ter's best.known parallels. Immedi.
ately preceding this 10 the parable Of
the unjust Judge and the importunate
widow. We are plainly told ". 81
why the Master spake this parable,
Il il easy to say that those who trust.
ed in their own righteousness and set
all others ut naught" (R. w. were the
Pharisees, but such II not the case;
and this parable 10 . warning to ~.
lest We also trust our own righteous
ness lisa $3.50. Using this particu-
lar class as q background. Jesus
paints, in words OF simple grandeur.
. picture quite familiar throughout the
ages. In II he reveals the falseness Of
human standards and declares the
JUDGMENT. Of heaven. The contrast 10
vivid. Let US look at CD the PhaT.
sss. The Illuminating phrase is in the
words he prayed with himself"
". III. Ostentatiously the Pharisees
separated themselves from their fell
low men and this separation seems to
have extended even into his prayer
life, and he is withdrawn from God
also. This is an appalling picture
Of the man who trusts only himself.
Examine his prayer and We see the
supposed prayer 10 really q paean OF
seif-exaltation.
humility Of Heart.
(2 The Publican regarded himself
as the sinner" ". Is r. v. marg).
He knew he was . great, an irrelig-
ious offender against law and grace.
He had sacrificed everything to &C.
Quire money. He comes with no out
ward show except an abundant evil
dence OF the shame and humility Of
his heart He also was excluded from
men but not from God. Burdened
with the sense of his sin. he casts him
self upon the mercy OF God. He is
absolutely devoid Of any trust in him
self. any contempt for others. and
makes q straight. earnest, passionate
abandonment Of himself and his need
to God. He goes away Justified"
Judged right. Why! Because he
had taken the right place. a sinners
place before God. and found pardon.
u. The Second Section is a story
and deals with an individual case. ZacS
cheus, who was a chief Publican"
Jesus sought him (see Golden Text.
whereas Zaccheus was animated by
curiosity, and the writer informs US
he was small of stature. hence the
necessity OF climbing the sycamore
tree. He went up the tree because
of curiosity. he came down because
man In the center Of the crowd and
was amazed to hear Jesus call him by.
name.
Must Yield Wealth.
Zaccheus was rich, dishonest. dissat.
isfed. but desperately in earnest. and
a man OF prompt decision. The esti.
nation Of his fellow-citizens Is indi.
Gated by v. Z. Notwithstanding all OF
this Zaccheus was not SO welded to
his money as to let 1t keep him out
OF the kingdom. In chapter Is We,
read of the rich man who lacked one
thing" He was lost-"went away
because he would not yield his wealth
(see also 1926. 80. What took place
within the house Of Zaccheus we are
not told. but for the Master to enter
was looked upon either as amazing
ignorance Of Zaccheus' character or
else extreme carelessners concerning
the maintenance Of his own character.
Jesus was dealing with one man, not
the multitude. hence he leaves them to
their amazement. While this 10 true,
yet we can surmise something OF that
interview by the result ". 81 for Fac.
cheus seems to have made . public
avowal OF his ethical and moral
change OF heart. Note the steps:
% He sought to see Jesus" John
3:lt. IL: lisa. +5:22. C2) He was very
much In earnest. climbed u sycamore
tree" Luke 1874. 49, He made no
delay. mako haste" Isa- 55:S. The
result was that Of great blessing to
the people and Joy In the heart OF
zaccheus. 90 He was obedient, Joy.
ously and promptly. The genuineness
OF bis Transformation was evidenced
BY the way II affected his pocketbook.
He made abundant restitution and
gave bountifully to the poor. Tho
love Of God shed abroad In the heart
Of . misery. selfish man or church
will promote honesty both to God and,
man. y