Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1918-01-11
Sunday School Lesson
Blu DR.. Marion Nell. Hull

store and rebuild Jerusalem, to Malachi and
the closing years of Nehemiah. Every student
of Jewish prophecy mad right TO expect there,
fore, something else to happen at the end of
I34 years more t62 seVeuSi. -Four hundred and
thirty-one years had passed when Jesus came
with this proclamation, The time is full
filled" Had He amplified that statement, it
would have been TO this effect: the years of
Daniels prophecy are about up, the Messiah
is TO present Himself now, and in three years
bc cut off.
'''rhe Kingdom is at hand" What did lie
mean by that? Not necessarily territorial
boundaries, hut the reign of God on earth.
When We speak Of the kingdom of England, we
appreciate that that term stands for protection
of its people, both personal and commercial
for the right of free speech; for personal lib
orty: for the fostering of all that will develop
the highest good for the individual subject of
that kingdom. When speak of the kingdom
Of Germany, think of the protection of its
people and all those laws which wilp advance
their interest, but also think Of intrigue,
deception, unfaithfulness to treaties, and the
right OF to rule, that every other interest
must be subjected to the will Of one who Is
supreme.
SO the kingdom of God is not necessarily ter
Eitorial but it is the personal rule of God in
righteousness. of peace on earth, good will to
men, of the highest developments of the high
est elements Of the individual life of everything
that is blessed and nothing that will curse.
Jesus announced that the kingdom was at
hand. lie was ready just then to establish
it. but the people, when He came rejected 1t,
and the kingdom has not yet been established.
1t is still at hand and will be realized when
lie returns; and that time We believe Is also
reary fulfilled.
.'Repent We and believe the gospel. vas his
third statement aud the emphasis there must
be laid on the individual, for the good news
can not be received wholesale or by proxy, but
as the individual proposes purely. And TO eV-
cry one who does repent and believe, the bless
Ings of the gospel begin now and the reign OF
God commences in their hearts. though inc
Kingdom itself is not established until the
King himself comes back.
Part of His Plan
One day shortly thereafter, on the Sea OF
tIaIiIee He called four fishermen, who were
nending their nets, and - commanded them,
Come " after me and ] will make you tishers
CT men," and obedient servants they. leIt
their nets and followed Him. That part
OF His plan. The announcement of the tultll-
ment of the time and the fact that the king
com was at hand must be followed by the
reclamation for repentance and talth ana tne
command for obedience; obedience To MS COM
rand was unmistakaclc evidence of their re-
pentance and belief.
1t was the natural thing for Jesus to prom
isc thai lie would make them fishers or men
They fishermen, and that was the serN-
ice which they could best render To Him. " men
lie called Matthew, He did not promise e
make him fisher of men but He commanded
him to follow him and leave behind MIN MS
Ul-sotten gains. He called to Philip to follow
Him and then Philip went after some one else
He spoke TO the rich young ruler and com
Erandcd hira to sell and give. His call TO Saui
oe Tarsus was different lie did not promise
to make hm o fisher Of men but called ulm
TO bear Ills name amongst the heathen ana 10
suffer for His sake. doctor is teacher
ard one who brings comfort and help. Inc
same Master has called him to teach and com
To each one He gives a distinct service 10
render; He calls some to take men alive; He
calls some to suffer; He calls others TO sell
and give What part of His plan has he
called upon you to bear? VIII you not hear
His Voice aud obey Him7