The Brinkley argus., 1915-11-05
LESSON FOR NOVEMBER '
JoAs4 REPAIRS THE TEMPLE.

JoAsh REPAIRS THE TEMPLE.
 LESSON TExT-II Kings 12:4-N
 GOLDEN TExT-God loveth cheerful giver.-u Cor. S:7.
 The time of this lesson was about SIS B. C., and it follows within few years last Sundays lesson. Inaugu- rated as king and instructed by . faithful priest, yet Joash discovered great lethargy on the part of the priestly class with regard to the house of God. He set himself to arouse great liberality and to repair the temple.
 !. .Lstharpy, V. {, 8. CD It's cause. We should read in this connection II Chron. 24. From the two accounts and the previous history of the ma tion we conclude that the condition of the temple was due, (a) to the weak and frequently vicious charac- ters of the rulers of the nation; (b) to the evil companions of both princes and priests and Co to the cupidity of court and curate. CD The result of this lethargy regarding Gods cause was evidenced (a) upon the temple, and (b) upon the lives of the people of the kingdom. (3) The cure. Joash instituted great reforms in Judah and in these Jehoiada the priest (v. 9 had no small part. In this particular les son the prince (v. D seems to lead the priest. Unfortunately the godly priest did not long survive the crown ing of Joash and hence when he came under other influences he soon went back to the evil practices of his prede- cessors and his reign ended in an eclipse of evil (II Chron. 24:15-26).
 In this lesson we have, however, . suggestion of what is needed to cure religious lethargy. (a) A vision of the real condition of affairs (v. z; also II Chron. 24:D. Joash saw the resultant ruin of the temple after 15 years of misrule; he also saw the misconduct of the priests and did not hesitate to call them to account. 'Tis no easy task to un- dertake 8 reformation and restoration such as this; witness Moses, Luther, Wesley and Cary. These priests had aided him to gain his throne and doubtless had had part in his boy hood training. Joash had inaugu- rated certain reforms before he be- gan this task which suggests the sec ond need of (b) persistence (see Chron. 24:5, 6). Such work also de- mands Co systematic effort and giv- ing. Joash placed himself among Is rael's best kings by undertaking the restoration of the temple and won . place alongside of Hezekiah and Jo- siah. Modern churches are not, strict ly speaking. "a house of the Lord such as the Jewish temple, yet the condition of many of our churches would indicate great indifference to the cause of the kingdom. Our bod ies are indeed temple" I Cor. 8 :: 16; 6:19) and both the body and church buildings alike should be kept in proper condition.
 II. Llberality, vs. e-15. The plan to- have the priests gather funds for the repairs was Scriptural. (Exod. 25:f 2-8) God does not look upon the measure but upon the motive of our gifts (II Cor S:12). The priests did not "hasten the matter" so the king took 1t into his own hands (v. 9). In this remissness Jehoiada, as the chief priest, is held accountable for. all (v. D.
 |' We have in this story rich sug- gestion as to Gods plan of Christian giving. CD The object. It was dis tnctly for the glory of God and not to outbid others or to wastefully use the money for selfish purposes. (2) All were to participate voluntarily, out of their abundance II Chron. z4:1O. systematically and faithfully. t3) The results were house repaired QI Chron. 24:12). beautiful QI Chron. 24:13) with the worship restored QI Chron. 24:14. Joash seems to have laid great emphasis upon the 'taber- nacle of witness (24:6) and we need to recall that each and every part of that temple was testimony to the truth of God and had in 1t spiritual suggestion and prophecy. AS a whole, It suggested that God dwelt in the midst of his people. The sons of Athaliah (Joash's grandmother had 90 conducted themselves as to cause It to need repairing QI Chron. 24:D. When we turn to II Chron. 24:8-14 and read the record of the restoration of the temple. we discover: CD Each had It's part in the work. CD Each did 2 perfect work, e. g., did his task faithfully, fully and to a finish. tO Each did an orderly work, lin his state" None sought to supplant or defraud others in the work assigned (D Each did strong work, it was strengthened" and not trifiing work as men-pleasers or for the moment.
 Try more prayer and like Joash. give the people a chance and there will be no lack.
 Again, note that they dealt faith fully." We need to exercise faithful. ness in our relations to- God and in the use of that which he intrusts to our stewardship.
 Man and God alike will have con. ndence in us according to the method vuxtn &tx~x