Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1915-12-15
SUNDAY SCHOOL.
Lesson xII.-Fourth Quarter, For
Dec. Is, 1915.
THE INTERNATIONAL SERIES.
Text Of the Lesson, Luke IL, $40.
Memory Verses, 10, fLGolden Text.
Luke ii, fo-commentsry Prepared by
Rev. o. M. Stearns.


Luke ii, 1o-commentsry Prepared BY
Rev. D. NJ. Stearns.
The regular lesson In ii Kings xvii
tells of the consummation of Israel's
sin under Hosea their last king. until
the Lord removed them out of His
sight. There was none left but the
tribe OF Judah only xvii, ISL judah
also kept not the commandments of the
Lord. but sinned more and more, with
but few exceptions as TO their kings.
until they, too. were carried into cap
tivity xvii. 10; ii Chron. xxxvi. 1910.
1t is refreshing to turn from such a
record to the story of the birth of their
long promised Messiah. Of whom IL was
foretold that He would be born of a
virgin. in the town OF Bethlehem. of
the line of David lisa. vii. II; TX. 6, 4,
Mic. V, p. SO it came TO pass that
When the fuliness of the time was
come God sent forth His Son, made Of
q woman, made under the law. to re-
deem them that were under the law
tGal. iy, 4, 81.
God moved the world by a decree
from the ruler Of the world. In order
that this blessed Virgin Mary should
come from Nazareth TO bethlehem, that
this wonderful babe should be born in
the place foretold by the prophet And
so it came TO pass that while they
were at Bethlehem she brought forth
her firstborn son. and laid Him
in a manger because there was no room
for them in the inn luke ii, III. The
only-~babe that was ever born whose
birth did not mean the beginning of his
existence. for of this child it was true
that His goings forth were from the
days of eternity tAiic. V, -. He had
walked In human form with Adam in
Eden. bad eaten Abra hams food, talk
ed with Joshua. Gideon and Manoah
Truly great is the mystery OF godiiness
God was manifest in the flesh q Tim.
ill 16l.
We are not required to understand
Ii, but simply TO believe 1t, as little
children who believe what they are
told. for these things are hidden from
the wise and prudent and revealed
unto babes. These shepherds were
like babes, for when told the wonder
full tidings they did not for a moment
question, but said, Let us now 20
even unto Bethlehem and see this
thing which is come to pass. which the
Lord hath made known unto u.s.
verse 15,. They came with haste and
found it just as the angel had said
and then they made known abroad
that which they had seen and heard
fyerses I6, IL. When the disciples
We're sent TO bring the ass colt for
Him TO ride upon and to find the room
where they might prepare the last
passover, it Is written of each event
that they found as He had said unto
them luke xix, 81: xxi. 3D. As to
making it known. we think Of Peter
and John and hear them saying. I'VE
cannot but speak the things which we
have seen and heard" Acts iv, 20}.
All shall come to pass az ii is written
In the book, and we shall find in this
world and in the ages to come just as
He has said
Ii We were as simple minded beliey-
ers as these shepherds we would be
ever clarifying and praising God for
all the things heard and seen. as told
MS In His Word Some would only
wonder. but some would, like Mary.
keep the words In their hearts and
ponder them verses 1920. 1t is ours
10 tell He will watch over His word,
and it will always accomplish His
pleasure Qsa- Is, IL; Jer. l. 12). The
shepherds were quietly occupied with
their regular work, keeping watch over
their flocks, when the messenger from
heaven came TO them with the wonder
ful tidings. So it was with Moses and
Gideon and Elisha and Amos and
Zacharias and Mary; all were going
about their ordinary work. The angel
came in the night The world was
still and unexpectant When our Lord
shall come again it will be in such an
hour as we think not There was a
glory with the angel which made the
shepherds sore afraid, but the first
word was the oft repeated Fear not"
How many do you know? How many
have you appropriated and laid to
heart? The good tidings OF great joy
were not only for them, but for all
people. Can The tidings be really joy
full to those who profess to believe
them, but are doing nothing to help all
people to know?
Can people know Jesus Christ the
Lord as their own personal Saviour,
who forgives and saves them, and not
desire above all things to make known
this great salvation? 1t does seem i'm
possible. But how explain the indif-
ference of the vast multitude Of pro
fessed believers? Are those who are
not interested In making known the
glad tidinss real believers? God only
knows. Suddenly a multitude Of an
gels join the first angel. and all unite
in proclaiming. GLORY to God in the
highest. and on earth peace. good VIII
80 Jrr< rry<. r-vr