Evening journal., 1916-01-14
Christian Ministry
preached Tabernacle yesterday afternoon by Dr. Lyon

the one who was to wash the dis
ciples feet. a customary act before
they went 10 meal. This was usually
the work Of the slaves, but in the abb
sence Of servants. if there was not
a volunteer. someone would have
to be detailed 10 perform IT, Each one
was presenting reasons why this
menial task should not be placed
upon him. that was beneath his posi-
tion and dignity.
Now in contrast with the unwill-
ingness of the disciples TO render this
service. the willingness of Jesus to
perform this task stands out in clear
est colors.
Let us seek 10 learn the secret Of
that willingness. II was due to
Christ's consciousness of spiritual
power of spiritual heredity and spir-
itual futurity. Jesus knowing that
the Father had given all things into
His hands. that He was come from
God and was going to God, took the
towel and girded himself and began
to wash the disciples feet" Why did
Jesus take towel? Why did He
net take q sword? There are many
people that can WELD the sword that
cannot touch the hem of towel They
take the sword TO show their superior
ity, to strive for mastership. They
take a towel to show their humility,
and willingness for service.
II was first of all the conscious
ness Of His omnipotence that caused
Him to be willing to do this. The
fact that the Father had given all
things into His hands, put Him upon
moral plane above the quibbling
Quarrcling disciples. He could af-
ford TO be generous. The fast, also
that He knew that He came from God
fixed firmly His position I'm the uni
verse and He was uumindiul of
taunts or criticisms or sneers More
over the fact that He had not only
como from God, but was going to
God that His future was established
certainly made Him regardless OF
what the world would say about Him
All these qualifications are important
in the life Of Christ's followers. If
he is 20 fulfill the mission which the
Lord has for him TO perform. Paul
said, Il am striving through the
power of Cod. which worketh in me
nightly When any human soul car
say. from his own experience. Il an
n laborer together with God" that he
has entered into the divine partner
ship. that Christ lives in him. and that
back of him Us all the might OF the
omnipotent, he is given a strength
and courage for service. which other
wise would be missed.
Moreover If you are to be fitted fOI
Christian service. you must have the
consciousness that you have beer
born again, that you are a child OF
God and citizen of the Kingdom Ol
Heaven. You cannot give 10 someone
else that which you do not yoursel
possess Too many in these days are
trying to burn oilless lamps. work
ing in the energy OF the flesh rathei
than the power of the spirit Whel
you can speak with divine authority
with a commission from Christ, con
fident that you belong to Him, you ar
armed for the conflict with an armou
which IS invincible
Moreover. Il Is necessary that yo
are conscious OF a spiritual futunt.
that you are going to God. Let nj
. your heart be troubled" said Jesu
'in My Fathers house are many mai
sions." II you know you have bee
called to a seat i'm the president
cabinet. you will not be troubled
someone else rs selected as dool
Keeper in the legislative halls. Il
not until the Christian worker
freed from his supersensitiveness, a
lowing his feelings to be hurt by con