Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1922-09-21
LESSOR ron SEPTEMBER ~
REVIEW: THE EXILE AND THE
RESTORATION

hkSIOHATION
DEVOTIONAL READINaPs. ssa-s,
1S-1s
GOLDEN TExT-The Lord hath done
great things for us: whereof We are glad
--Ps 126:s
PRIMARY TOPIC Selected Stories Re-
told.
JUNIOR ToPIc-How God Restored His
People
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOPIC
Leaders In the Restoration of Israel.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOPIC
-lessons From the Exile and Return.
Two methods Of review may be en-
ployed to advantage.
1. Character Study. Assign the out
standing heroes of the quarters les
sons to members of the class and have
them to report. This assignment must
be made the week previous, e. G. Eze-
kiel, the prophet Of God; Daniel, the
statesman; Ezra, the teacher of Gods
word, etc.
z. Summary of Contents. This is a
good method at all times. 1t can be
adapted to different grades. The fol
lowing Is suggested method:
Lesson |. Before Ezekiel was com
missioned as prophet he was given
vision Of the Almighty. After that
he was given an experimental knowl-
edge Of Gods wofd-he ate the book
digested and appropriated its contents.
An experimental knowledge of Gods
word is essential.
Lesson II. Because Daniel besought
the Lord he was able 10 make known
the kings dream and interpret it. IF
any man lack wisdom, let him ask of
God (Jas. l ~.
81 Lesson Ill. While Belshazzar and his
lords were engaged in drunken revelry
mysterious hand recorded Divine
Judgment. There is day coming
when men shall be judged. Happy is
the man who has fed to Christ, for to
such there is no judgment John 5 :24)
Lesson w. Daniels sterling worth
brought him to the front-he was ele-
waited to be prime minister of the Per-
sian empire. Moved by jealousy GER
tain wicked men plotted his downfall.
Because Of a fiawless record in bust
ness they trumped up charge against
him on the ground of his foreign re-
ligion. Though the king executed the
foolish decree Daniel was delivered
and his accusers were cast into the den
of lions and destroyed.
Lesson v. Though Israel went into
captivity as a chastisement of the
Lord, in due time He recovered them.
Gods covenant and judgments are
sure. He can move a heather king to
freely fulfill His own good pleasure
and purpose.
Lesson vi. In the restoration of the
people to their own land, the first thing
necessary was the provision Of place
for the worship of God. AS soon as
this work was begun, violent opposi-
ton was in evidence. That which God
sets out to do shall be completed,
though all hell oppose.
Lesson VII. Humans wicked plot
against the Jews was frustrated by
Esther's shrewdness and courage.
Those who plot against and hate Gods
covenant people shall be brought to de-
structiOn
Lesson Viii. Through Zerubbabel the
people were brought back and estab-
lished in their own land, but they had
gone far away from God. There was
now need of religious leader. Ezra
was moved by the Spirit of God to lead
them back to fellowship. Because
Ezra sought the Lord his way was
prospered. Success always comes to
those who trust God.
Lesson TX. When Nehemiah heard
Of the distress of his brethren at Je-
rusalem, he took the matter to the
Lord in prayer. Their sorrow and dis
tress was his sorrow and distress. Is
any afflicted, let him pray GAS. 5:13).
Lesson x. When Nehemiah began
the rebuilding of the walls of Jeru-
salem he encountered violent opposi-
ton from without ana from within
His faith in, God moved him to go
straight on with the work and he had
the joy Of seeing the work completed.
Lesson XII. The method used in
bringing back the people to God was
the word of God. Because Gods word
was made plain to the people they
repented of their sins and rendered
obedience to God.
Lesson XII. Malachi as an aid TO
Nehemiah in effecting reforms pointed
out the sins of the people, viz: Base
ingratitude, corrupt priesthood,
mixed marriages, robbing God by with
holding tithes, etc, pointing to a day
of judgment when righteous retribu-
ton would be melted out to the wicked
and rewards would be given to the
faithful.