Middletown transcript., 1914-06-27

Of the meaning and the essential pur-
pose Of all Of our Lords activities.
Each lesson is an Illustration of this
simple promise. In them we discover
chiefly our Lord in his work of pre-
pairing his disciples to share with him
in this work.
Lesson |. The observation of mans
attempt to get the best seats with the
consequent abasement, calls forth the
parable Of the great supper. Therein
we are shown mans enmity against
God as revealed by his contemptuous
treatment Of Gods oVertures of
grace. The rebuke and the parable
reveal Gods willingness and mans re-
tusaL In all this our Lord was seek
ing these men.
The Perfect Son.
Lesson a.. This is the Easter les
son and is aside from our series. In
1t We are shown that Jesus Christ is
himself the chief subject Of prophecy.
Lesson III. The one central truth
here taught is that to be his dis
ciple we must give up all and make
him supreme. In our affections, aims,
ideals, yea, make him the sole pos
SCISSOR of time, talent and posses
sions.
Lessons ~ and v. It is impos-
sible to separate these three para
bles. They are whole in that each
tells of something lost, sought and
found The Son. the Holy Spirit and
the Father are each seeking. Our
Lord was himself the perfect Son of
the Father; who never got into the
far country, or out Of adjustment with
his Father. He is different also from
the churlish brother in that he re-
joices to bring back his own" These
two lessons particularly illustrate his
work Of saving.
Lesson vi. Beginning with this les
son, our Lord seems to be sitting the
multitude, and at the same time be
preparing his disciples against their
work of cooperating with him in his
work of seeking and saving. The true
motive in service is in the use Of all
we possess for him whom we love. We
are so to use our money as to make
friends and bring rewards which
shall abide long after our money and
even our life in this world has passed
away.
Lesson VII. AS the last lesson had
to do with stewardship, this has to
do with service. This present life is
but the vestibule of the eternal one.
If We 30 live this life as to develop
it and to rule its desires, we shall
find abundant qualification In this
world beyond towards which we are
travelling SO rapidly.
Lesson viii. Jesus is still instruct
Ing his disciples. Offenses must, or
rather, will come, but forgiveness is
the divine attribute, not because he is
Indebted to, US nor that he is mawk-
lshly, sentimentally, sympathetic.
Nothing we do ever places him under
any obligations to US. When we have
done all we will exclaim: I'VE have
done that which was our duty to do"
This does not set aside the Joy which
is ours and his when one of the lost
is found"
Lesson TX. Not only did Jesus sift
the multitude and reveal the need Of
helpers, at the same time setting be-
fore them the terms Of discipleship,
but he also emphasizes the thought Of
gratitude on the part Of those helped
and Of those his servants who are
judged worthy to help him. To re-
ceive a blessing from God demands
a giving of thanks therefor. Thanks
for being saved and for the privilege
Of helping to save others.
Lesson K. The kingdom which our
Lord came to set up upon earth is to
begin within US and it is not to con-
sist of eating and drinking but of
righteousness and truth. The visible
kingdom which our Lord came to set
up upon earth is to begin within US,
and it is not to consist Of eating and
drinking, but Of righteousness and
truth. The visible kingdom yet to
be is that for which we must be watch
ing and be ready against the immi-
nent return Of its rightful Lord and
King. To seek and to save, to evan
geHze is to help hasten that glorious
advent.
Lesson XII. The picture of Zacchae-
US is that of a man restored to his
right relationship with God; the out
ward evidence being his acts of re-
pentance and restoration. This lesson
perfectly reveals the essential work
Of Christ, and that to which he is
calling his disciples. Zacchaeus did
not seek Christ, but Christ came to
seek and save Zacchaeus and all like
him who are lost.
Lesson XII. The great refusal re-
veals that the condition of being
saved or being lost rests with the in
dividual soul Many elements enter
into the refusal Of men but the es-
sential one is "and ye would not"
John $40. Much possessions will |
not satisfy the human soul. There is
the danger that we trust our wealth |
rather than God. Lacking one thing,
everything is lost.
Summary. The whole of this pc
ried of our Lords ministry was that
Of conflict and hostility with the
rulers, wonder and amazement with |
the people, doubt and uncertainty with |
the disciples. AS he went from place
to place he showed infinite patience.
His compassion was for men in their
sin and his heart beat with tenderness.
Though his words at times were Sc
we're, yet his impulse and passion was
to seek and to save. His faithfuIness
in dealing with men. guests and hosts,