Evening star., 1922-02-25
Sunday School Lesson

nus strength to conquer. Our Master
mas told US that in this world we
would have tribulations. but He has
encouraged us by His command. BE
world" The One" who has con-
quered the forces Of this world knows
now 10 deliver His people in the hour
OF need If in the times of tempta-
tioh' trial and t-fbulation we recoe-
nized His presence we would possess
the power to win victories over our
enemies.
Most of the failures of Christian
people can be traced to their failure
anroush lack of faith to realize the
unseen presence of their Lord. whose
invisible power defends the man of
truth II is always the unseen force
OF the Holy Spirit that gives Chris
tians success in their work for Christ
ana ana HIS church. The man of faith
nerved. inspired and energized by the
thoughts that uplift him and fill him
with confidence until he is more than
a match for his fellows
we near much of the difficulties OF
iiVing a Christian life. but we do NOT
think and speak as we ought about
the helps given TO those who are in
Christ Jesus SO that they can win in
the battles of life. There is a need
| that We, too. should have our eyes
op"ned, as did the servant of Elisha,
SO that we may behold how God is
between US and our past life of sin
and failure through the grace of ths.
Lord Jesus. Christ stands between
US and temptation so that we may
walk in the way of escape and vic
tory. Jehorah's unseen presence pro-
tects us from the hatred and aaimosi-
ty of men. The Master has offered
10 bear our burdens and free US from
every care. il We would leave them
at His feet.
Elisha followed up his word Of en-
couragement of fear hot" TO his serv-
ant by prayer. The prophet did not
request protection for his assistant.
who trembled like leaf in the wind
with fear, but he prayed that his
servant should be given the ability
to penetrate the darkness of his trial
and behold the protection of the in
visible celestial forces. Capacity for
vision is developed by prayer. Too
many of us fail to see that we are
world lying all around us that is full
of the evidence of Gods presence
The laws which govern the move
ments of this world, even life itself.
are unseen realities. When the serv-
ants eyes were opened he saw the
spiritual forces that would protect
Elisha and give him victory
Difhculties cannot last forever when
God is on our side. Problems dsap-
pear when We realize that the things
are eternal. Faith does not create,
it only realizes what already exists.
W hen the servants faith recognized
the unseen power protecting Elisha
he did not desire to escape. We may
not be able to classify scientifically
the horses and chariots that broke
upon his vision. but the great and
unfailing truth was clearly expressed
to the servant SO that he understood
that the power of the unseen spiritual
f@r -&.
complete victory over the forces seek
ing to make him a prisoner.
In answer to the prophets prayers
the army Of Syria was stricken with
temporary blindness so that they
might be transformed from enemies
strategy. which is considered right
in war. into the presence of the King
of Israel When their sight was re-
stored in answer 10 the prophets
prayer. the Syrians found that they
were in the market place Of Samaria.
prisoners of Israel. and dependent
upon the influence of Elisha. 1t was
at his suggestion that they were fed
and sent home. This transformed
them into friends and removed the
tions.
Generosity toward ones enemies
fulfills Christ's command to love our
enemies. 1t is the lesson which the
IlOQeFH WOTlQ mas mol learned.
the war spirit still fills the world
with animosity. One of the greatest
leaders of the Beers, Gen Smuts. has
become the strongest champion of the
British empire as a result of generous
treatment. He put faith in the sus-
gestion Of Kitchener. who assured
him at the close of the Eoer war that
he believed that the liberals would
be in power in Great Britain within
five years and make them free states
within the empire. They did. and as
a result we have the Union of South
Africa. This same brilliant soldier
and statesman. now the premier of
South Africa, champions the spirit OF
brotherhood as taught by the Lord
Jesus as the way to permanent peace
throughout the world.
Roosevelt carried out that spirit
when he turned back to China the
amount due America after the Boxer
uprising. 1t made China our friends.
The spirit of love promotes brother
hood, removes animosity, creates
faith in God and humanity. 1t seeks
to inspire the world to trust in the
angel of the Lord who encampeth
around all that fear Him, and deliv-
ereth them for protection. The un-
seen spiritual power of the gospel
Of the Lord Jesus is the worlds only
hope for permanent peace and pros
perity. The man and nations that
will trust Him need not fear any foe.'