The Red Cloud chief. [volume] (Red Cloud, Webster Co., Neb.) 1873-1923, 1915-03-18


GOLDEN TEXT-I.et us put on the ar
NOR of light Rom 1872.
Samuel's review of his life of integ
rity, his charge to the lsraelites. Gods
testimony Of displeasure over their
persistent desire to have n king. and
Samuel's words Of comfort and as
surance as found in chapter IL, form |
an interesting connection with last
Sundays lesson. In chapter IL we
have the record Of Israel again in dis.
tress and Of Saul's folly in his assum'
ing the priestly office (vv Is. 1D.
I. sauls Distress, w. -. That
Saul's dsobedience, just indicated, had
incurred Gods displeasure, we know.
1t evidently had its effect upon the
people also, for his army had dwindled
during the intervening fifteen or eight.
cen years, from 100000 (ch. 11:S) to
a feeble 600 ". p. They were further
handicapped by lack Of weapons
| (ch 13:19-23). Deserted by Jehovah,
by Samuel. Jehovahs priest, and by
nearly all of his enthusiastic subjects
(see 11:12) Saul was ''in the uttermost
part OF Gibeah" hiding under pome.
granate tree (see w. II, % and 1870
This may refer to his being at Rimmon
Judges 2O:43-47). In this retirement
Saul retains Ahiah ". 81 as priest,
thus keeping up the outward form OF
worship. This priest is not referred TO
as Jehovahs. He was grandson OF
Phinehas, one Of Ellis wicked sons.
and as such was not to be a successor
In the high priests Office (ch. $780,
36). Such an outward form of dead
works" cannot take the place Of liv.
Ing faith For Saul to consult the or
acle of the Trim and Thummim worn
by the priest and later to call up IA
miliar spirits, shows his lack OF spir'
itual apprehension. The references
made to Saul's conduct Chapters IL,
13) are an indication OF his character
and emphasize the psalmist's words
as found in Ps. 1911, 105.
u. Jonathan's Victory, w. 4.13. But
God had one leader to whom he could
speak, Jonathan. who is one Of the
finest and most attractive characters
in the whole Bible. This episode Is
among the most brilliant in the his.
tory Of the Israelitish nation. II was
q brave deed, and an evidence OF that
triumphant faith shown so clearly In
Jonathan's dealings with David. There
seems to be a suggestion that Jona'
than had lost confidence in his IA
Their, for neither he nor the people
knew where Jonathan had gone.
Verses 4 and wildly picture the
nature of the location wherein Jona'
than undertook this feat Jonathan
clearly counted upon the fleshly GOV.
enant sign as ground upon which to
expect help and victory over his ene'
mics. who lacked such a sign ". 81.
The army of the Philistines had been
divided into three sections (Ch. IL:
10, and this gave Jonathan his op
portunity. The garrison at Michmash
was on the opposite side OF the ra
vine from Geba, Saul's headquarters
Hidden by the cliffs it was quite easy
to approach the Philistines. 1t is an
interesting and enlightening conversa
ton recorded as ensuing on that jour
ney.
Jonathan-It may be that the Lord
will work for us; for there Is no re
straint to the Lord to save by many OF
by few ". g..
Armorbearer-Do all that is in thine
heart; behold l am with thee.
Jonathan-We will pass
over, and will discover ourselves.
The test, as recorded in verses
and 10 was a real one and q reve
lation of Jonathan's shrewdness. No
to be invited up by the Philistine'
would suggest desire they may have
had to cover up any weakness. To b'
asked to come" suggests their self
confidence.
|. Today's Message. Two young mel
! Of faith saved nation sunk in despai
l. and disgrace. They inspired conf
= dence In God and his promises. you'll
. for battles, old age for COUNSEL" bu
! there are times that demand actiol
/, more than conference and considera
: ton. Courage Is only OF value, how
ever, when based upon much training
devotion to God, the interests OF 9th
y :. ers, and a clear vision. 1t Is not
:, mere fash in life's pathway. Courag
= Is contagious; Jonathan's feat set Of
Ere the soul of nation. Read agail
', the roll Of honor in the eleventh char
y ter OF Hebrews The highest courag
- Is not physical but moral. This coul
= age is open to all. but 1t Is intelligent
" ly grounded upon Gods sure revela
e ton in his word and in the person @
% his Son, our Lord. "And his armol
- bearer after him."
~ Jonathan did not go alone. On tn
= other hand 1t is not probable this youn
!, lad would have gone up those rock
- had not Jonathan led the way; b'
cause one went before him, he wa
able to scale the fortress. God alon
knows the heights to which we ma
" attain. but does not ask US to go alon'
o.. nor expect US to do the impossible
y, The greatest heroes are not militar!
/ -