The Republican., 1942-04-30

eth IN the name OF the Loru.-Mark Il'S.
The last week of our Lords earth
ly life had come. Normally, in
fact almost universally, the last
week of a mans life is of practically
no significance. In many cases he
is too sick to speak with any clear
intelligence, and, of course, when
i'll, is incapable of doing any note
worthy deeds. In our Lords life,
the last week was the most impor-
tant of all, and to it more space is
given (in Scripture) than to any one
whole year of Jesus ministry (Dr.
Wilbur NJ SMITH.
The first day of that week found
our Lord riding into Jerusalem in
humility and yet in royal majesty,
to present Himself as Israels King
and Messiah. We find
/. The King Seeking Mans Help
mark IL: ID.
How surprising that the One who
made and upholds all things (Col.
l: Is, I'D should have to say, ''The
Lord hath need of him" in sending
for a humble beast of burden. Yet
therein lies a marvellous truth. He
has graciously so ordered the uni
verse that He has need of us and of
our possessions. That was true in
the days of His flesh, when He had
voluntarily become poor for our
sakes. In a somewhat different
sense, but nonetheless precious, it
is true today.
To be needed by anyone-to have
that which can be used-is always
encouraging, but to find that the
Master needs us and what we have
to give, is truly inspiring. Let us
learn to give as readily as the own
er of the colt wv 5, g., and let
us also learn the important lesson
of unquestioning obedience taught in
verse 4. "They went their way to
do what the Lord told them to do.
How greatly simplified and glorifed
would be the lives of Christian peo-
pie if they would thus obey Christ.
II. The King Receiving Mans
Homage mark 11:8-1D.
Presenting Himself as their Mes
siah, Jesus received the enthusiastic
acclaim of His disciples and friends,
who were probably joined by others
who were drawn by the excitement.
But the Pharisees did not join in
(see Luke 1899, 4O) nor did the
city, not even knowing who He was
Matt 21:10, 1D. So it is today;
some love and praise Him, some
hate Him, others just ignore Him.
Of which class are you?
He gave Jerusalem and tie nation
final opportunity to receive Him.
1t was not yet too late, but it was
their last chance. Such a time
comes in the life of everyone of us.
They rejected Him. What do we do?
But let US not forget that there
were those who shouted, ''Hosanna,"
who cast their garments down be-
fore Him and waved palms of vic
tory and joy. Thank God for their
holy enthusiasm. Pray God that we
may have little more of it. We
have come to the place where no.
body shouts ''Hosanna" or ''Hallelu-
jah'' except the church choir-and
they do it only in carefully modu-
lated tones. We cheer at ball games
or at political rally, and while we
surely do not want that same kind of
confusion in the church, it would be
quite appropriate to bring some real
enthusiasm into our Christianity.
Our Lord knew that it would not
be long ere the multitude would be
changing their cry to Cruelty
Him." for He knew their sinful
hearts. So in the midst of His day
of acclaim we see
Ill. The King Weeping Over Mans
Sin duke 19:4l-44).
In times of great JOY or under un-
usual circumstances we are prone to
think only of our own pleasure or
our own need. But with Christ the
need of the souls of men was never
for moment forgotten. He might
well have gone on to Bethany TO
rest and rejoice with His friends
over His triumphal entry into Jeru-
salem.
This constant and tenderhearted
concern which Christ had for the
city which hated and was soon to
cruelty Him; this remembrance of
their need even in His brief hour of
public acclaim, may well teach the
church much needed lesson. Many
churches are prosperous, well cared
for, and even popular. They are
prone to rest back and ride the crest
OF the wave of popularity, forget
ting the souls of men and women in
need, many of whom live under the
very shadow of the church. Shame
on us for such callous indifference
in the light of our Lords agonized
weeping-for such is the meaning of
the word in Luke 1874,
Others may observe that their city
or community is hostile to the gos-
pei, that men would rather cruelty
the Christ than receive Him. And
so they are content to have their
snug little spiritual retreat where
they meet to comfort one another
and to congratulate themselves on
their spiritual haven. Again We say,