The southern news., 1944-08-19

GOLDEN TEXT-He that hath my
word, let him speak my word faithfully
jeremiah 1928.
Remarkably up-to-date is the
helpful guidance found in this les
son. When our nation finds itself
facing those other nations which
would destroy our Christian faith,
and we know that we need the key
both to a true victory and satisfac-
tory peace, the message of this
scripture comes with fine helpful
ness.
The prophet Samuel (who was
also priest and judge) served God
in ruling his people at time when
they were under the hard heel of
the Philistines. The way out of op-
preston was revealed in Gods
Word, which brought revival and
deliverance-which was not forgot
ten in the day of triumph.
1. Gods Word Declared (3:19-2D.
While a prophet had the ministry
of foretelling, his chief work was
forth-telling. He told of the future,
but his larger ministry was to de-
clare the message Of God. AS Sam
uel did this in faithful devotion to
the Lord, there was the immediate
blessing of God which established
the prophet throughout the whole
land.
Those who are timid about limit
ing" their ministry Gmagine thatD
to the Bible should learn of Samuel
that it is the only really effective
message. God will not '1et you
down" if you teach and preach His
Word. He let none of Samuel's S
words fall to the ground" ". 19)
and He will not desert us as we
give forth His truth.
II. Mans Heart Revived G:3-6.
The response Of the people to
SamueIs message was whole
hearted. They were sick of their sin
and idolatry. They proved the
reality of their repentance by put
ting away their heather gods.
Such repentance and appropriate
action is a prerequisite to spiritual
revival. God cannot give us His
blessing if we hold on to our sin
and idolatry.
Lest anyone think there is no
idolatry in our day, let him recall
the many who follow strange and
heathenish religious cults, and let
him remember that we have set up
such gods as money, position, fash
ion, and others. We too need to put
aside our strange gods"
Note how the revival expressed it.
self. They gathered together and
prayed (vv. 5, g.. Spiritual life
thrives on the gathering together OF
Gods people. The crisis in Israel
was met by a convocation of the
people, We need to revive the great
soul-stirring religious gatherings OF
a generation ago. Go yourself, and
encourage others to go. Let the fire
Of God burn, and let those who meet
scatter far and wide as brands
which will light new fires.
II will pray" said Samuel. He
was a great intercessor Il. Sam
1911, Ps. 99:6; Jer. 1s:D. Revival
starts in the faithful intercession Of
a burdened heart. Should we not
ask ourselves, "Have I really
prayed for revival in my church,
my city, and my country?"
iii. A Nation Delivered (7:7-1D.
Cry unto God he will save
US" was the word of Samuel. They
cried, and He did! "The Lord thun
dered with great thunder" anG
discounted the enemies of Israel.
In these days of warfare we might
well cry out, Lord, do it again.
thunder upon our enemies and de
feat them in such a way that they
and we shall see that it was the hanc
of God and not of men! (See Ps
20:7)
That is one thing for which we
might well pray, for behold, the
Lords hand is not shortened, tha
it cannot save; neither his cal
heavy, that it cannot hear" Elsa
SOD.
Seeing Israel at prayer, the enemy
took advantage Of them and at
tackled. In the previous battle at thi:
very spot (see last Sundays les
SOM Israel had been defeated be
cause they had fought with ~
weapons of man. Now, with God.
weapons Of prayer and faith, they
had glorious victory.
~. Gods Mercy Remembered
(7:l1>.
Samuel raised a stone of remem
brance, to remind Israel in thu
years to come that the Lord haC
been their help. A detected, dis
heartened, sinful people had turnec
to God in repentance and faith, Snc
God had given them victory. The!
must never forget His mercy.
One Of the great concerns of think
ing men in our day is the fear tha
victory may come to us before ",
are spiritually and morally read!
to receive it. If it does, we shal
see a mad rush into excesses of al
kinds, a bold glorying in our own
ability and power, and even create
forgetfulness of God.
What America needs now Is a dec
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