Sisters:
Threads of Wisdom
Threads of Wisdom
Chapter One
The Personal Touch
The Personal Touch
There is something intensely personal and therefore of absorbing interest when, in our readings, the words and works of women are described by the Spirit. "And Moses gathered all the congregation of the children of Israel together ... " (Exo. 35). Look at the crowd of eager listeners, fresh from Egyptian bondage. Moses speaks :
"This is the thing which the Lord commanded." They listen with rapt attention. They are to have a place of solemn assembly, a Tabernacle, where the Lord's presence will visibly rest. Voluntary offerings are invited for its construction. How forcefully and appealingly Moses speaks as he defines the materials required, describes in general the Meeting-place to be erected and its precious furniture and fittings in particular. The people separate. "What can we render to the Lord?" is on the lips of people in thousands of tents. "What can I do?" is the question asked by many a woman, young and old, whose heart is stirred. This is not the end of the matter.
We often have this inner questioning when our brethren speak earnestly the word of exhortation and stir our hearts by their well-chosen words of sincerity whether prefaced or concluded by those sentences of solemn import: "I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you."
"What shall we do ?"
This has been the anxious cry of hundreds of thousands. John the Baptist sent home his keen thrusts to the enquiring crowd on Jordan's banks, and the various sections pressed around him asking in turn of that strong Elias-man, "What shall we do ?"
How different the crowd on that memorable day over three years afterwards, a three years unequaled for tragedy and triumph! Certain ones, "with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus", had waited with one accord in prayer and supplication for that time promised by their beloved Master. He had reminded them that John truly baptized with water but that they should be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few more days. And they did not wait in vain. Nor shall we. The fulfillment of Joel's words in the outpouring of the Spirit was only an incipient one, an earnest of the Age to Come.
But the crowd – let us look at it, for a crowd is always interesting. Such a variety of faces and medley of tongues and coats of many colors; people from three continents are there, devout people out of every nation under heaven. By Peter their hearts were touched, their spirits stirred, and forth the cry outburst from eager throats and throbbing hearts, "What shall we do?" There were many women amongst that final crowd who eagerly pressed forward to be baptized. How sobering as one thinks of Sapphira, how heartening to see there a Lois or a Eunice and to contemplate "Timothys" to be.
But to return to our first picture of earnest Israelites, the records of whom are for our instruction that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. "They came, both men and women, as many as were willing-hearted, and brought ... and all the women that were wise-hearted did spin with their hands and brought . . .and all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun ... "
Spinners, all
What may we spin, what can we bring? That is a helpful thought which associates the spinning by the women with the daily routine of life – the one thing after another during weeks and days and months and years: the steady formation of character: the one thread after and over another until the spool is full.
The thoughtful spinner today can see much in her work illustrative of daily life in general, with its varying and recurring experiences. There are the wheels and reels, the stops and starts, the broken ends, the waste materials, the pulling out of the fibre, the necessary oilings, the repeated windings, the starting over and over again of the same process, and the dependence in difficulty upon one who understands the mechanism of the machine, this one in turn subject to a higher authority. Add to these the alertness and vigilance necessary at all times. Indeed, there are innumerable object lessons in the experience of the spinner.
In Egypt, Mesopotamia and India, spinning was a woman's occupation from early times. After the sorting, cleansing, and combing of a primitive order, care, steady persistent application and watchfulness were required as the Eastern woman, using her simple apparatus, drew out and wound the fibre. Finally, even as in our own great grandmothers' work, order was evolved out of chaos, a useful article from a tangled mass.
Continued labor and determined concentration brought useful results. So in our daily task, dear sisters, such qualities brought to bear in the horne, in business, in the mill, in the office, will produce from the raw material that which is good and acceptable before God.
This raw material is described under another figure in 2 Cor. 4 :7, "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." Peter, with his more intimate knowledge of our sex, describes us truly as the "weaker vessels" (1 Pet. 3 : 7).
It is more than likely that the raw materials used by the Israelitish women were from Egypt. Certainly the flax was, and linen entered largely into the textiles of the Tabernacle. Later, in Solomon's time, linen yarn was imported from Egypt.
First that which is natural: we have our treasure in earthen vessels of Egyptian characteristics, the flesh. No hangings, no veil, no cloths for the holy service without the spinning of the raw materials! Neither will acceptable characters be developed without the daily application, the doing of all things heartily and attentively as unto the Lord.
"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies ... She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands ... She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff ... She maketh fine linen, and selleth it . . . She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness ... A woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised" (Prov. 31).
Chapter Two
Unproductive "Spinning"
Unproductive "Spinning"
Application, industry, forethought, and system are essential to success. But there are some who excel in all these virtues, yet they may be far from the Kingdom of God.
Only rarely did the Master refer to women's daily duties. Always his words were eloquent and of concentrated wisdom. The woman who swept her house through had one end in view: she worked in order to find. We may strictly obey the command, "Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily," but at the same time neglect altogether the remaining and vital portion of the sentence - "as unto the Lord."
Productive "Spinning"
One of the great poets wrote, "Who has one end in view makes all things serve." But listen to one of the greatest of writers and preachers: "This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3 : 13-14). Let us get the great and the daily ideal of doing all duties with the Kingdom of God as the predominant thought, the impelling motive, and the great objective of our lives.
In that home at Bethany so attractive to the Lord certain words were spoken to Martha by her Guest; would he speak the same to you, to me ?
"Thou art careful and troubled about many things ; but one thing is needful."
Are we ready to welcome him into our homes, our offices, our work-rooms, that he might see how we spend the day?
Evidently then it is possible to be very fully occupied as Martha was, and yet be lacking! What is the one thing needful that Jesus knew Mary had and Martha lacked? We venture to conclude that Mary had already learned to obey the command given previously by the Master:
"Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness."
To give this command the primary place in our thoughts and lives does not mean that we shall neglect home, business or any compulsory duties, not at all. But it does mean that we shall adjust and perform the daily task as in His sight. His blessing, guidance and wisdom will be asked; there will be diligence, conscientious attention to detail, obedience to authority. The Apostle sums up the matter for us in the neat and compact sentence: "With good will doing service as to the Lord" (Eph.6 : 7).
Let us guard against working so incessantly that there is only sufficient energy left to murmur and scold at the home-coming; lest we be too enervated even to have ready a smile, which would "scatter the night like morning light, and make the day worth while." This would surely indicate lack of system, forethought, or determination, and that, in all probability, we have been careful and troubled about many things and our "spinning" has been of the unproductive order.
What may we spin ?
Reverting to the chapter Exod. 35, we find that the work done by the women was taken to Bezaleel and by him made acceptable and beautiful. It was not a coincidence that Bezaleel, whose name means "In the shadow of God," was of the royal tribe from which Shiloh was to come. "See," said Moses, "the Lord hath called by name Bezaleel, the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; and he hath filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship." "And He hath put in his heart that he may teach, both he and Aholiab ... them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of work, of the engraver, and of the cunning workman, and of the embroiderer in blue, and in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of them that do any work, and of those that devise cunning work."
Bezaleel, whom the Lord called by name, stands out with special importance in the closing chapters of Exodus, which describe the preparation of the holy things of the Tabernacle.
What a beautiful type he was of the one who shall build the temple of the Lord, Jesus Christ, in whom alone we have wisdom, sanctification, righteousness and redemption.
No work, no character-formation will lead to the glory and perfection of life eternal apart from the grace of God manifested in the antitype of Bezaleel - Jesus Christ.
What then may we spin? The word may is used advisedly. We may, in the mercy of God, through Jesus our Lord, so vigilantly order and manipulate the daily round, eliminating the waste - those useless, ugly words and deeds, that mar the Christian life - that each day's "spool" will contain righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. These are the essential threads of the fine linen in which our Lord, the "Minister of the true tabernacle," will grant us and assist us to be arrayed.
Chapter Three
Doeth He Not See
My Ways? (Job 31:4)
Thousands of tents stretch away on all sides. "How goodly are thy tents, 0 Jacob, and thy tabernacles, 0 Israel! As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side." One larger tent is a little remote (Ex. 33:7). Israelites of distinctive mien pass to and fro and see within the tents many women spinning busily. Outside other tents some are occupied arranging skins and preparing the fibre. Without the camp, fullers and dyers are at work. All are going steadily along preparing for the time when the materials must be presented before their great leader. They are assured of his blessing if their work is pleasing to him.
These overseers are the heads of the tribes, who, on Jethro's advice, were appointed to assist Moses in his heavy responsibilities, supplemented probably at this busy time by the "men in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom".
They are undoubtedly delighted with the progress made. We can imagine how they give their reports, in detail and with satisfaction, of the diligence with which the respective tribes are preparing for the Tabernacle of the God of Israel. "And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the Lord commanded to make. And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing. For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much" (Ex. 36 :5-7).
Joy in Heaven These overseers are the heads of the tribes, who, on Jethro's advice, were appointed to assist Moses in his heavy responsibilities, supplemented probably at this busy time by the "men in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom".
They are undoubtedly delighted with the progress made. We can imagine how they give their reports, in detail and with satisfaction, of the diligence with which the respective tribes are preparing for the Tabernacle of the God of Israel. "And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the Lord commanded to make. And Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, Let neither man nor woman make any more work for the offering of the sanctuary. So the people were restrained from bringing. For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much" (Ex. 36 :5-7).
The picture steadily dissolves before our eyes. East gives place to West; then becomes now. Houses, factories, offices, shops and thoroughfares appear; brethren, sisters, one here, two there, a family in this street, another along that road. What are these people doing? They call themselves Christadelphians, a name fraught with deep significance and heavy responsibilities, yet carrying promise of gracious blessing both for now and the hereafter.
Are there any who go to and fro observing these at work and away from work? Yes, but they are invisible to mortal eye.
What of the one described, in that most valuable communication from himself, as "walking in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks"? Coming to plain language, these are his exact words. "I know thy works, thy labour, thy patience, tribulation, charity, service, faith." Then there is nothing he does not know.
O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me, Thou knowest my down sitting and mine uprising, Thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou searchest out my path and my lying down, And art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, But lo, 0 Lord, thou knowest it altogether (Psa, 139).
What of the angels, the ministers of His who do His pleasure, the celestial beings who shouted for joy as they beheld the wonders of creation in all their primal and unsullied beauty? Their paeans resounded through the sky and voiced their joy at the birth of the only begotten Son of God. It is also written: "There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth". This joy does not end at the repentance. That is only the beginning of a celestial rejoicing which will continue and increase as the brother or sister becomes more and more after the pattern of Jesus Christ, or will change to disappointment if there come a falling away, and our Lord says as of backsliding Israel in their later history, "I have no pleasure in you."
The Lord taketh pleasure now in His people; as He had a delight in the Fathers of Israel to love them, so He has joy in those who now obey Him.
Our own experiences, voiced by the wise man, help us to understand that this pleasure on high is indeed a reality. "He that begetteth a wise child shall have joy." Who among us does not remember the intense happiness experienced when some very dear one – father, mother, husband, wife, brother, sister, son, daughter or friend put on the saving name of Jesus in baptism and became a Christadelphian ?
Jesus said, "I do always those things which please the Father." "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased," is the Father's response.
Is it possible for mortals to contemplate the conversations in the presence of the heavenly hosts? We are dealing, not with myths or suppositions, but with actualities. "Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments hearkening unto the voice of his word."
Jesus spoke to the Father as recorded fully by the beloved disciple. His words occupy twenty-six verses in chapter 17 of John's Gospel. Look at them; with death imminent, and what a death! With betrayal at hand and by one whom we call a "serving brother," he spoke to his Father of all who should be his friends. These friends are the all-absorbing subject of his most intimate communion. Twenty-three verses out of the total twenty-six are concerning his brethren. We cannot conceive that in his present state of the closest fellowship, expressed in the words "By the right hand of God exalted," he has a less deep, personal and individual interest in his people, and therefore in the mission of those spirits sent forth to minister to them who shall be heirs of salvation. How very practical and comforting are the assurances that he has gone to prepare abiding-places for us, to receive for himself a kingdom and to return, and that, in the meantime, he is able to save to the uttermost them that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
The fitting corollary of all these considerations is that our obedience gives pleasure to the Father, to his beloved Son, and to the Angels of His power.
These angels are the silent observers and recorders of our lives, concerning whom Jesus said: "In Heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father." Peter's deliverer from prison was called "his" angel – a very suggestive possessive adjective indeed !
How appropriate that of the time when our returned Lord shall have sent his angels to gather together His elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of Heaven, it is written :
"Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of Man also confess before the angels of God: but he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God !"
These immortal beings, our prototypes, who are deeply interested in, and inseparably connected with our "conversation" as mortals, after gathering the saints together, and after witnessing the greatest tribunal of all time before the excellent One whom they worship, will go forth, and sever the wicked from amongst the just.
Ponder over the rapturous delight of the redeemed, to whom David's Lord and our King, as he sees of the travail of his soul and is satisfied, could most fittingly and triumphantly say: "Bless the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his that do his pleasure."
Is it not wisdom's way to turn often to ourselves with the searching question, Will this attitude, this conduct, this conversation, this occupation, this visit, this place please God?
This is the way by which all shadows of doubt are dispelled, the crooked places made straight and the Royal Highway to the future kingdom of God made plain.
We have watched the spinning women at work, and with discerning eye have seen how we may spin. Now look at the Israelites who brought offerings to the Lord of treasured things, precious articles and useful gifts - bracelets, earrings, pendants, jewels of gold, valuable skins. "They brought a willing offering unto the Lord, every man and woman whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work which the Lord had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses" (Exod. 29 : 35).
Golden earrings were brought on a previous and disastrous occasion - not invited by Moses as offerings to the Lord, but given to Aaron as a means to a most wicked end (Exod. 32 : 2). The women who at that time surrendered their jewels were surely not of the wise-hearted class described in our chapter - Exod. 35. They were not women of faith, but impatient and short sighted; such as could say, "Up, make us gods ... for as for this Moses, .. we wot not what is become of him." Were these women, whose hearts yet made them willing to bring, characters of faith and obedience, who longed and lived to give of their best for the Tabernacle of the God of Israel? Did they love and trust their mediator, the man Moses, faithful in all his house?
Our eyes are fixed upon another scene, of disappointment most intense. There is "weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth," for all the congregation lift up their voice and cry and weep all night. In the morning their tears are changed to murmurs against Moses and Aaron, and their voices are heard: "Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God that we had died in this wilderness" (Num. 14 : 1, 2).
Are the busy spinning women amongst these? and the willing donors of their personal treasures?
Some perhaps have fallen asleep, having obtained a good report through faith. These we shall meet, if we obtain the same, when they with us shall be made perfect. But some are undoubtedly amongst the murmurers. Listen to the words of the Lord: "How long shall I bear with this evil congregation which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel ... as truly as I live ... all which have murmured against me ... shall not come into the land" (Num. 14 : 27-30). "Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it, for unto us was the gospel preached as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it ... Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief" (Heb. 4 : I, 2, 11).
That which is precious, treasured, and valuable must be our offering.
Our most valued possession is expressed in the words of Jesus: "For what shall a man be profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? or what shall a man give in exchange for his life ?" (Matt. 16 : 26, R.V.).
To God must be consecrated the whole life - nothing less. All that we are, that we have, that we do, from a set date in our lives, is the Lord's. From our burial into Christ by baptism, redeemed with the precious blood of Christ as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot, the life we live is by faith of the Son of God. Risen with Christ, we seek those things which are above, set our mind on things above, and live the rest of our time according to the will of God.
Perhaps these sentences have failed to impress us. Let us suspend them as word-pictures on the walls of our Courts, and gaze intently and intelligently on them. They are to us a matter of life or death, of eternal life or of condemnation.
Christ has shown us how to succeed, for his very meat and drink was the doing of the Father's will. Like him we have one end in view - the future Kingdom of God on earth; one great object in life - to please Him for whose pleasure we were created. Our whole life is His, not ours: "Ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body" (1 Cor. 6 : 19-20).
But we are short-sighted, frail, forgetful, self-centred, and often very busy. Yet our longings are God-wards. Each sister can truly say: "With my soul have I desired thee in the night: yea, with my spirit within me will I seek Thee early." This is the right frame of mind, commended by Jesus: "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled."
We cannot give our whole life to the Father at once: for life is a process and we measure it in days. The simplest rule is to give to the Lord each day as it comes, from morning until evening. When this idea of daily consecration dominates the mind, words and deeds conform to the grand ideal of serving God. Each day thus devoted, the result will be a whole-life offering, well-pleasing to God.
These lines were handed to us by a zealous brother many years ago, and have helped many sisters. They are not ballast, but excellent rules for daily life.
Begin the day with God;
Kneel down to Him in prayer;
Lift up thy heart to His abode,
And seek His love to share.
Open the Book of God,
And read a portion there,
That it may hallow all thy thoughts,
And sweeten all thy care.
Go through the day with God,
Whate'er thy work may be;
Where'er thou art - at home, abroad,
He still is near to thee.
Converse in mind with God;
Thy spirit heavenward raise;
Acknowledge every good bestowed,
And offer grateful praise.
Conclude the day with God;
Thy sins to Him confess;
Trust in the Lord's atoning blood,
And plead his righteousness.
Lie down at night with God,
Who gives His servants sleep ;
And when thou tread'st the vale of death,
He will thee guard and keep.
Time is very precious in these days of rush. Give some to the Lord in the daily reverent and attentive reading of His Word. Hear Bro. Roberts: "Where people place the Bible they place God. Do you neglect it ? You neglect God. .. A voice of thunder would not be too loud to rouse you from your folly. You say you have no time to read . .. Christ will stand in the earth one of these days. . . You will want to turn to wisdom in a hurry ... You will want to seek God with your whole heart but He will not be found of you " (Seasons of Comfort, No. 16).
Read the whole exhortation. It is unsurpassed as a spiritual tonic.
Let us plan our work that time is devoted to Bible or other Classes in connection with the Ecclesia.
When we are asked to give our personal support to schemes decided upon as being wise and necessary, such as the distribution of literature, let us not offer the excuse that we really haven't time. (We mean we are not sufficiently in love with the Lord's work!) Have we ever read of Jesus saying when asked to help, to heal, to explain, to teach, to preach, to visit, to give necessary food, or to answer questions, "I have not time", or "I am too busy"? Never.
Of course time is always set apart for the Memorial Service - the Breaking of Bread. No visitors are allowed to keep us from the weekly remembrance of the one who took bread, and gave thanks, and broke it, and gave to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is my body." Likewise the cup saying, "Drink ye all of it, for this is my blood of the new testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins" (Matt. 26 : 26, 28).
But, we RECEIVE from the Lord at this service. We go there to be the recipients of the emblems representative of the greatest sacrifice ever made. We feel his outflowing love and draw near to the Father through His Son in a way elsewhere and otherwise impossible. At that Service it is HIS OFFERING we celebrate.
After partaking of the emblems of His redeeming grace, we seize the very first opportunity to reciprocate His love, and in the evening make our freewill offering of two hours - a regular and reverent attendance at the preaching of the Gospel.
Our presence testifies to our belief of the glad tidings of the Kingdom of God and those things concerning the Name of Jesus Christ; it is an evidence of our earnest desire that others may hear and live; it encourages the brother who speaks the Word; it strengthens the hands of those who arrange the business of the Ecclesia. Nothing but sickness, little children, infirmity, or compulsory Sunday duties should keep us from the Lecture. As Christadelphians we believe all this; then let us bring our weekly offering to the Lord.
The brother who lectures has given hours to his preparation, and willingly works his hardest to preach the Gospel faithfully and effectively. We sit and rest and listen.
The wife of a lecturing brother is fully aware of the sacrifice she and others in her class willingly try to make evening after evening, and especially on Sundays, that the brethren may "preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine" (2 Tim. 4:2). Such a sister has many a heart-pang when she sees her husband come home tired during the week; she knows more work is waiting, for the lecture or exhortation is not yet ready for Sunday. These try to give willingly their time, labour and companionship for the service of the House of God ; do we?
Our lecturing brethren may not take a rest and a country stroll on Monday to recover from the strain of the previous day. It is business as usual, and that often after a shortened night of rest.
There are hundreds of brethren and sisters who long to make this offering regularly but are prevented by sickness or infirmity from attending the lectures; and we may be in this category next Sunday, and many Sundays. Any lecture may be our last one. This is a solemn thought, and should stir us up to our grave responsibilities.
Hear what the Psalmist says :
"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord. What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits towards me? I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord. For it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant and praise is comely."
"0 come, let us sing unto the Lord : let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God and a great King above all gods."
We cannot, we will not, neglect our opportunities for worship and for the preaching of the Gospel in the face of such invitations and in the presence of the Psalmist's words: "Thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name."
Sisters who work in the Sunday School must give time to the careful preparation of lessons. We would particularly stress this, so that our boys and girls may receive carefully thought-out and thoroughly well-prepared lessons.
Why not have the desire to make those precious forty-five minutes with the class so very interesting and helpful, that the scholars will look forward to Sunday School, enjoy Sunday School, talk about the lesson at home, and feel that their teacher does all she possibly can for them? Remember that you have not quite one hour out of the fourteen dozen hours of the week, and determine with God's help to use that time to the very best advantage, in order that the children may receive the very necessary supply of "vitamins" from the living word.
Probably you long to be better informed and consequently better equipped for Sunday School work. Should you be at a loss about the requisite books, there are many brethren qualified and most willing to advise. If you fear the cost prohibitive, your Ecclesia will willingly arrange a Book Club, such as many find an excellent medium for obtaining supplies of the Truth's literature, and up-to-date works on Archaeology, History, and the Geography of Bible lands.
But perhaps you long not only to increase knowledge, but, which is commendable, to be more successful in the art of teaching. The advice is - study the methods of successful teachers. And how can this be done? We have the Divine and perfect Teacher sent from God, whom we may observe and study in the four wonderful records of his doings and sayings. We can feel his impressiveness, be moved by his eloquence, enthused by his whole-heartedness, stirred by his vivid illustrations, encouraged by his words of comfort, and responsive to his moving appeals. Does he not at once arrest interest by his simple, suitable, graphic illustrations? Are we not charmed and held by his gracious manner and kindly tone? And what an adept he was at telling a story and driving home the lesson! Nay, often there was no need to emphasize that, for the story was all-sufficient.
Think of the ineffaceable impressions he would make by placing the little child in the midst of his disputative disciples; by drawing attention to the poor widow's treasury offering; by washing the feet of his followers !
Study the methods, style and illustrations of Jesus : imitate him in earnestness, zeal, kindness, sincerity, prayerful preparation, trustfulness in the Father: and like him, you will bring blessings to the children in this, another offering of time, for the service of the House of God.
But our theme is, "What can we bring for the service of the House of God?" What sweet spices and ointments can we give for the body of Jesus, which is the Ecclesia? (Col. 1:24).
Perhaps one's thoughts turn involuntarily to the words of the Apostle Paul concerning the collection for the needs of the household. But many ways of ministering to the saints suggest themselves if we walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us and hath given himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour. We must not allow the promptings and suggestions of the kindly heart to remain as such. Be practical as Jesus was.
Since the direct command of our Lord Jesus Christ enjoins secrecy and unostentatiousness in doing good to others, little is made public regarding this department of our Ecclesial and private life. But that day will reveal all, and our true characteristics will then be laid bare. "For there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed ; either hid, that shall not be known" (Luke 12:2).
When Hezekiah received the kindly commission from Merodach-baladan congratulating him on his recovery, he was so delighted that he showed the men his precious things, all his treasures, silver, gold, spices, ointment, costly vessels; in fact the king frankly admitted to Isaiah that they had seen all that was in his house, and that there was nothing among his treasures that he had not showed them.
The spiritual significance is clear; just as it was unwise for Hezekiah to display his treasures before the eyes of the admiring worshippers of Bel and Nebo, so it is not Wisdom's way for us, particularly when tempted by flattering words, to tell all that is in our heart, especially that which should be laid up as treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.
There is certainly plenty of work for all: the giving of large or of small sums of money is only a very insignificant and minor part. Certainly there are times when the body of our Lord may be in sore need of a kindly Joseph of Arimathrea who will, when "the even" has come for some sufferer, help into a haven of rest and quiet, "until the day dawn."
As if to assure us that the least possible consideration for the disciples of our Lord will not be unnoticed, Jesus concluded his instructions, warnings, encouragements and commandments to the twelve by these words: "And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward." Don't you think that he would say to us Westerns, "a cup of tea"? Ah! that appeals to us. Now we understand. That little kindly hospitality! how valuable, how beautiful it is and how productive of good! A beloved brother now at rest has said there was more successful preaching of the Gospel done over the tea table than by public efforts.
We are enjoined to be given to hospitality and advised not to be forgetful to entertain strangers. There is excellent work done in scores of Christadelphian homes throughout the country: "stranger" friends are invited for the evening, and helpful talks take place over or after the Daily Readings. The conversation is followed up over a cup of tea. Lonely ones in the Ecclesia are invited at other times and made to feel that somebody cares. There is always room for such work to be extended, and we know from experience and observation that the blessing of God attends all such efforts.
But the sister's co-operation in making the friendly and helpful atmosphere is absolutely essential. In these ways, that which is very dear and precious to the sister herself is used in the service of God - the home itself. Let us join the happy band of sister-workers, whose pioneers were Mary called Magdalene, Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and others, which ministered unto him of their substance (Luke 8:3). For Jesus said, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (Matt. 25:40). These vital words link up other thoughts concerning acceptable offerings. We will look carefully and, like Mary at Bethany, listen attentively to the words of Jesus.
But now, another scene unfolds itself before our waiting eyes, unequalled for solemnity, more thrilling far than those on which we looked a while ago on desert sands near Sinai; for in the midst of a great throng, not Moses stands, nor John, nor Peter bold, but he, the Judge of all. And round him countless angels grace the scene, their work accomplished. To the Lord they've brought from every clime ten thousand times ten thousand. From the dead vast numbers they have raised and to these hosts have joined the living saints.
In companies all come from near and distant lands, for each had heard the words, "The Master calls you, come, he waits, fear not, but follow me."
Dear sisters, this is the scene we contemplate. Let us hear the very words of Jesus to those whose offerings are acceptable to him. "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world : for I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat : I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in : naked, and ye clothed me : I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me" (Matt. 25).
These pronouncements are of vital moment to us. Clear, concise, comprehensive, they teem with possibilities and throw brilliant headlights over the way to the future Kingdom on earth. We open our Gospel record, intently examine the chapter, and isolate two words :
COME DEPART
One or other of these words spoken to us by the King will give us transcendent and unending joy on the one hand or unutterable wretchedness on the other. It is the height of wisdom to examine his words and determine with God's help and in His mercy to qualify ourselves for this greatly-to-be-desired welcome from the King of kings.
Following the introductory conjunction "for," which clearly means "because," are twelve simple sentences: beautiful in their simplicity yet majestic in dignity, altogether befitting the royalty of the Speaker. There is not a redundant word, nor an obscure word, nor a controversial word. The Revisers give these dozen sentences exactly as they occur in the Authorized Version, for they are perfect.
The blessed, accepted ones did certain things, the cursed, rejected did not do those things. Here is the difference, those were active; these passive. Is it possible that these words "For I was an hungered ... " are passed lightly over with a self-satisfied feeling that anyway there are very few hungry ones now-a-days, no thirsty brethren and sisters, scarcely any really strangers to us, none naked, just a few sick but they are looked after by the Ecclesial visitors, and very few in prison.
If this be our attitude, had we not better read again verse 44, for the Lord anticipates such excuses, "Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?" "Then shall he answer them saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me."
Let us make the doing of kindnesses so much a part of life, nay, make it our life, that, when the day dawns when the rays of the Sun of Righteousness will reveal them, ours may be a full record of devoted service. If the days are filled with kindly deeds which the doers forget, when the chroniclers unexpectedly arrive with their and our Lord, we shall be astonished to hear his gracious words, and feel like saying: "Lord, when did we all these things ?" and his reply will be: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
These silent secret offerings of devotion, ministration, kindness and consideration for our brethren, sisters and others, Jesus will transmute into the loveliest gems to adorn our crown of righteousness.
We remember too that many are hungry and thirsty, not for food and drink, but for the living Bread and life-imparting Water which came from above. We must do all in our power to lead them to the One who said : "I am the bread of life; he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."
Think also of those who are weary and oppressed with cares; sick, not physically, but tired and heart-sick, yearning for kind words and sisterly encouragement. Jesus had these sick souls in his thoughts as he uttered those "apples of gold in pictures of silver" - "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." But such were not in his thoughts only, for he healed the broken-hearted, and set at liberty those who were bruised.
Do not forget that there are many "in prison," "arrested," by sickness, infirmity, weakness ; kept indoors for weeks, months or even years. They welcome a cheery visitor, especially one who knows "how to speak a word in season to the weary." And those of our number in hospitals and homes, how they smile to receive a parcel or a friendly letter!
It is opportune even here to give a word of encouragement to many who are really sick and "in prison," who fear that perhaps by reason of disability and environment, they cannot bring these offerings required by the Lord.
A beloved sister was laid to rest some years ago. For twenty or more years she had been a sufferer, and compelled to remain indoors the greater part of each year. The brother remarked to the large audience, that there was probably not one person present for whom she had not done some kindly deed. Strangers had come, she took them in; weary ones sought her loving comfort, sick ones her kind advice; and far and near her sweet epistles went to all in trouble and distress.
A widowed sister goes out to work from early morning to earn her living; she does the home-work how and when she can; but if anyone is known to be in trouble there is always a helpful letter sent by her.
A small book was published some years ago by a sister who is now asleep. It was a meditation on The Song of Songs. Here is a quotation from the preface:
"This little book is a labour of love on the part of a sister who for many years past had been a confirmed invalid, and during practically the whole period of the compilation of the work, bedridden and helpless. Many of the thoughts that one may assume will be deemed the most beautiful have come to her especially in the nights of pain and sleeplessness."
The fortitude of many sick brethren and sisters is wonderful and splendid. They are living exhortations to us of patience under suffering and cheerfulness under trial ; what some of them accomplish in their days of weakness is positively marvellous.
The joy of service in this sphere of sisters' work, of bringing these sweet and fragrant offerings to the Lord, is very real and lasting. "If ye know these things," said Jesus, after humbly ministering to the twelve, "happy are ye if ye do them!" And he was never mistaken.
The Lord taketh pleasure now in His people; as He had a delight in the Fathers of Israel to love them, so He has joy in those who now obey Him.
Our own experiences, voiced by the wise man, help us to understand that this pleasure on high is indeed a reality. "He that begetteth a wise child shall have joy." Who among us does not remember the intense happiness experienced when some very dear one – father, mother, husband, wife, brother, sister, son, daughter or friend put on the saving name of Jesus in baptism and became a Christadelphian ?
Jesus said, "I do always those things which please the Father." "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased," is the Father's response.
Is it possible for mortals to contemplate the conversations in the presence of the heavenly hosts? We are dealing, not with myths or suppositions, but with actualities. "Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments hearkening unto the voice of his word."
Jesus spoke to the Father as recorded fully by the beloved disciple. His words occupy twenty-six verses in chapter 17 of John's Gospel. Look at them; with death imminent, and what a death! With betrayal at hand and by one whom we call a "serving brother," he spoke to his Father of all who should be his friends. These friends are the all-absorbing subject of his most intimate communion. Twenty-three verses out of the total twenty-six are concerning his brethren. We cannot conceive that in his present state of the closest fellowship, expressed in the words "By the right hand of God exalted," he has a less deep, personal and individual interest in his people, and therefore in the mission of those spirits sent forth to minister to them who shall be heirs of salvation. How very practical and comforting are the assurances that he has gone to prepare abiding-places for us, to receive for himself a kingdom and to return, and that, in the meantime, he is able to save to the uttermost them that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
The fitting corollary of all these considerations is that our obedience gives pleasure to the Father, to his beloved Son, and to the Angels of His power.
These angels are the silent observers and recorders of our lives, concerning whom Jesus said: "In Heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father." Peter's deliverer from prison was called "his" angel – a very suggestive possessive adjective indeed !
How appropriate that of the time when our returned Lord shall have sent his angels to gather together His elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of Heaven, it is written :
"Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of Man also confess before the angels of God: but he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God !"
These immortal beings, our prototypes, who are deeply interested in, and inseparably connected with our "conversation" as mortals, after gathering the saints together, and after witnessing the greatest tribunal of all time before the excellent One whom they worship, will go forth, and sever the wicked from amongst the just.
Ponder over the rapturous delight of the redeemed, to whom David's Lord and our King, as he sees of the travail of his soul and is satisfied, could most fittingly and triumphantly say: "Bless the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his that do his pleasure."
Is it not wisdom's way to turn often to ourselves with the searching question, Will this attitude, this conduct, this conversation, this occupation, this visit, this place please God?
This is the way by which all shadows of doubt are dispelled, the crooked places made straight and the Royal Highway to the future kingdom of God made plain.
Chapter Four
Beware
Beware
We have watched the spinning women at work, and with discerning eye have seen how we may spin. Now look at the Israelites who brought offerings to the Lord of treasured things, precious articles and useful gifts - bracelets, earrings, pendants, jewels of gold, valuable skins. "They brought a willing offering unto the Lord, every man and woman whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work which the Lord had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses" (Exod. 29 : 35).
Golden earrings were brought on a previous and disastrous occasion - not invited by Moses as offerings to the Lord, but given to Aaron as a means to a most wicked end (Exod. 32 : 2). The women who at that time surrendered their jewels were surely not of the wise-hearted class described in our chapter - Exod. 35. They were not women of faith, but impatient and short sighted; such as could say, "Up, make us gods ... for as for this Moses, .. we wot not what is become of him." Were these women, whose hearts yet made them willing to bring, characters of faith and obedience, who longed and lived to give of their best for the Tabernacle of the God of Israel? Did they love and trust their mediator, the man Moses, faithful in all his house?
Our eyes are fixed upon another scene, of disappointment most intense. There is "weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth," for all the congregation lift up their voice and cry and weep all night. In the morning their tears are changed to murmurs against Moses and Aaron, and their voices are heard: "Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God that we had died in this wilderness" (Num. 14 : 1, 2).
Are the busy spinning women amongst these? and the willing donors of their personal treasures?
Some perhaps have fallen asleep, having obtained a good report through faith. These we shall meet, if we obtain the same, when they with us shall be made perfect. But some are undoubtedly amongst the murmurers. Listen to the words of the Lord: "How long shall I bear with this evil congregation which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel ... as truly as I live ... all which have murmured against me ... shall not come into the land" (Num. 14 : 27-30). "Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it, for unto us was the gospel preached as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it ... Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief" (Heb. 4 : I, 2, 11).
Chapter Five
We now turn again to that personal question: What may we bring, what can we bring to the Lord, distinct and separate from the doing of all things well and as unto Him in the daily round of necessary and compulsory duties? What May We Bring?
That which is precious, treasured, and valuable must be our offering.
Our most valued possession is expressed in the words of Jesus: "For what shall a man be profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? or what shall a man give in exchange for his life ?" (Matt. 16 : 26, R.V.).
A living sacrifice holy and acceptable
To God must be consecrated the whole life - nothing less. All that we are, that we have, that we do, from a set date in our lives, is the Lord's. From our burial into Christ by baptism, redeemed with the precious blood of Christ as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot, the life we live is by faith of the Son of God. Risen with Christ, we seek those things which are above, set our mind on things above, and live the rest of our time according to the will of God.
Perhaps these sentences have failed to impress us. Let us suspend them as word-pictures on the walls of our Courts, and gaze intently and intelligently on them. They are to us a matter of life or death, of eternal life or of condemnation.
Christ has shown us how to succeed, for his very meat and drink was the doing of the Father's will. Like him we have one end in view - the future Kingdom of God on earth; one great object in life - to please Him for whose pleasure we were created. Our whole life is His, not ours: "Ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body" (1 Cor. 6 : 19-20).
But we are short-sighted, frail, forgetful, self-centred, and often very busy. Yet our longings are God-wards. Each sister can truly say: "With my soul have I desired thee in the night: yea, with my spirit within me will I seek Thee early." This is the right frame of mind, commended by Jesus: "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled."
We cannot give our whole life to the Father at once: for life is a process and we measure it in days. The simplest rule is to give to the Lord each day as it comes, from morning until evening. When this idea of daily consecration dominates the mind, words and deeds conform to the grand ideal of serving God. Each day thus devoted, the result will be a whole-life offering, well-pleasing to God.
These lines were handed to us by a zealous brother many years ago, and have helped many sisters. They are not ballast, but excellent rules for daily life.
Begin the day with God;
Kneel down to Him in prayer;
Lift up thy heart to His abode,
And seek His love to share.
Open the Book of God,
And read a portion there,
That it may hallow all thy thoughts,
And sweeten all thy care.
Go through the day with God,
Whate'er thy work may be;
Where'er thou art - at home, abroad,
He still is near to thee.
Converse in mind with God;
Thy spirit heavenward raise;
Acknowledge every good bestowed,
And offer grateful praise.
Conclude the day with God;
Thy sins to Him confess;
Trust in the Lord's atoning blood,
And plead his righteousness.
Lie down at night with God,
Who gives His servants sleep ;
And when thou tread'st the vale of death,
He will thee guard and keep.
Chapter Six
Redeeming the Time
Redeeming the Time
Reading
Time is very precious in these days of rush. Give some to the Lord in the daily reverent and attentive reading of His Word. Hear Bro. Roberts: "Where people place the Bible they place God. Do you neglect it ? You neglect God. .. A voice of thunder would not be too loud to rouse you from your folly. You say you have no time to read . .. Christ will stand in the earth one of these days. . . You will want to turn to wisdom in a hurry ... You will want to seek God with your whole heart but He will not be found of you " (Seasons of Comfort, No. 16).
Read the whole exhortation. It is unsurpassed as a spiritual tonic.
EcclesiaI Classes
Let us plan our work that time is devoted to Bible or other Classes in connection with the Ecclesia.
Willing Support
When we are asked to give our personal support to schemes decided upon as being wise and necessary, such as the distribution of literature, let us not offer the excuse that we really haven't time. (We mean we are not sufficiently in love with the Lord's work!) Have we ever read of Jesus saying when asked to help, to heal, to explain, to teach, to preach, to visit, to give necessary food, or to answer questions, "I have not time", or "I am too busy"? Never.
The Breaking of Bread
Of course time is always set apart for the Memorial Service - the Breaking of Bread. No visitors are allowed to keep us from the weekly remembrance of the one who took bread, and gave thanks, and broke it, and gave to the disciples and said, "Take, eat; this is my body." Likewise the cup saying, "Drink ye all of it, for this is my blood of the new testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins" (Matt. 26 : 26, 28).
But, we RECEIVE from the Lord at this service. We go there to be the recipients of the emblems representative of the greatest sacrifice ever made. We feel his outflowing love and draw near to the Father through His Son in a way elsewhere and otherwise impossible. At that Service it is HIS OFFERING we celebrate.
The Lectures
After partaking of the emblems of His redeeming grace, we seize the very first opportunity to reciprocate His love, and in the evening make our freewill offering of two hours - a regular and reverent attendance at the preaching of the Gospel.
Our presence testifies to our belief of the glad tidings of the Kingdom of God and those things concerning the Name of Jesus Christ; it is an evidence of our earnest desire that others may hear and live; it encourages the brother who speaks the Word; it strengthens the hands of those who arrange the business of the Ecclesia. Nothing but sickness, little children, infirmity, or compulsory Sunday duties should keep us from the Lecture. As Christadelphians we believe all this; then let us bring our weekly offering to the Lord.
The brother who lectures has given hours to his preparation, and willingly works his hardest to preach the Gospel faithfully and effectively. We sit and rest and listen.
The wife of a lecturing brother is fully aware of the sacrifice she and others in her class willingly try to make evening after evening, and especially on Sundays, that the brethren may "preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine" (2 Tim. 4:2). Such a sister has many a heart-pang when she sees her husband come home tired during the week; she knows more work is waiting, for the lecture or exhortation is not yet ready for Sunday. These try to give willingly their time, labour and companionship for the service of the House of God ; do we?
Our lecturing brethren may not take a rest and a country stroll on Monday to recover from the strain of the previous day. It is business as usual, and that often after a shortened night of rest.
There are hundreds of brethren and sisters who long to make this offering regularly but are prevented by sickness or infirmity from attending the lectures; and we may be in this category next Sunday, and many Sundays. Any lecture may be our last one. This is a solemn thought, and should stir us up to our grave responsibilities.
Hear what the Psalmist says :
"I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord. What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits towards me? I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord. For it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant and praise is comely."
"0 come, let us sing unto the Lord : let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God and a great King above all gods."
We cannot, we will not, neglect our opportunities for worship and for the preaching of the Gospel in the face of such invitations and in the presence of the Psalmist's words: "Thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name."
Sunday School
Sisters who work in the Sunday School must give time to the careful preparation of lessons. We would particularly stress this, so that our boys and girls may receive carefully thought-out and thoroughly well-prepared lessons.
The Perfect Teacher
Why not have the desire to make those precious forty-five minutes with the class so very interesting and helpful, that the scholars will look forward to Sunday School, enjoy Sunday School, talk about the lesson at home, and feel that their teacher does all she possibly can for them? Remember that you have not quite one hour out of the fourteen dozen hours of the week, and determine with God's help to use that time to the very best advantage, in order that the children may receive the very necessary supply of "vitamins" from the living word.
Probably you long to be better informed and consequently better equipped for Sunday School work. Should you be at a loss about the requisite books, there are many brethren qualified and most willing to advise. If you fear the cost prohibitive, your Ecclesia will willingly arrange a Book Club, such as many find an excellent medium for obtaining supplies of the Truth's literature, and up-to-date works on Archaeology, History, and the Geography of Bible lands.
But perhaps you long not only to increase knowledge, but, which is commendable, to be more successful in the art of teaching. The advice is - study the methods of successful teachers. And how can this be done? We have the Divine and perfect Teacher sent from God, whom we may observe and study in the four wonderful records of his doings and sayings. We can feel his impressiveness, be moved by his eloquence, enthused by his whole-heartedness, stirred by his vivid illustrations, encouraged by his words of comfort, and responsive to his moving appeals. Does he not at once arrest interest by his simple, suitable, graphic illustrations? Are we not charmed and held by his gracious manner and kindly tone? And what an adept he was at telling a story and driving home the lesson! Nay, often there was no need to emphasize that, for the story was all-sufficient.
Think of the ineffaceable impressions he would make by placing the little child in the midst of his disputative disciples; by drawing attention to the poor widow's treasury offering; by washing the feet of his followers !
Study the methods, style and illustrations of Jesus : imitate him in earnestness, zeal, kindness, sincerity, prayerful preparation, trustfulness in the Father: and like him, you will bring blessings to the children in this, another offering of time, for the service of the House of God.
Chapter Seven
Ministering to the Saints
But our theme is, "What can we bring for the service of the House of God?" What sweet spices and ointments can we give for the body of Jesus, which is the Ecclesia? (Col. 1:24).
Be practical
Perhaps one's thoughts turn involuntarily to the words of the Apostle Paul concerning the collection for the needs of the household. But many ways of ministering to the saints suggest themselves if we walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us and hath given himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour. We must not allow the promptings and suggestions of the kindly heart to remain as such. Be practical as Jesus was.
Secret offerings
Since the direct command of our Lord Jesus Christ enjoins secrecy and unostentatiousness in doing good to others, little is made public regarding this department of our Ecclesial and private life. But that day will reveal all, and our true characteristics will then be laid bare. "For there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed ; either hid, that shall not be known" (Luke 12:2).
When Hezekiah received the kindly commission from Merodach-baladan congratulating him on his recovery, he was so delighted that he showed the men his precious things, all his treasures, silver, gold, spices, ointment, costly vessels; in fact the king frankly admitted to Isaiah that they had seen all that was in his house, and that there was nothing among his treasures that he had not showed them.
The spiritual significance is clear; just as it was unwise for Hezekiah to display his treasures before the eyes of the admiring worshippers of Bel and Nebo, so it is not Wisdom's way for us, particularly when tempted by flattering words, to tell all that is in our heart, especially that which should be laid up as treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.
There is certainly plenty of work for all: the giving of large or of small sums of money is only a very insignificant and minor part. Certainly there are times when the body of our Lord may be in sore need of a kindly Joseph of Arimathrea who will, when "the even" has come for some sufferer, help into a haven of rest and quiet, "until the day dawn."
Hospitality
As if to assure us that the least possible consideration for the disciples of our Lord will not be unnoticed, Jesus concluded his instructions, warnings, encouragements and commandments to the twelve by these words: "And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward." Don't you think that he would say to us Westerns, "a cup of tea"? Ah! that appeals to us. Now we understand. That little kindly hospitality! how valuable, how beautiful it is and how productive of good! A beloved brother now at rest has said there was more successful preaching of the Gospel done over the tea table than by public efforts.
We are enjoined to be given to hospitality and advised not to be forgetful to entertain strangers. There is excellent work done in scores of Christadelphian homes throughout the country: "stranger" friends are invited for the evening, and helpful talks take place over or after the Daily Readings. The conversation is followed up over a cup of tea. Lonely ones in the Ecclesia are invited at other times and made to feel that somebody cares. There is always room for such work to be extended, and we know from experience and observation that the blessing of God attends all such efforts.
But the sister's co-operation in making the friendly and helpful atmosphere is absolutely essential. In these ways, that which is very dear and precious to the sister herself is used in the service of God - the home itself. Let us join the happy band of sister-workers, whose pioneers were Mary called Magdalene, Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and others, which ministered unto him of their substance (Luke 8:3). For Jesus said, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (Matt. 25:40). These vital words link up other thoughts concerning acceptable offerings. We will look carefully and, like Mary at Bethany, listen attentively to the words of Jesus.
Christ's estimate
But now, another scene unfolds itself before our waiting eyes, unequalled for solemnity, more thrilling far than those on which we looked a while ago on desert sands near Sinai; for in the midst of a great throng, not Moses stands, nor John, nor Peter bold, but he, the Judge of all. And round him countless angels grace the scene, their work accomplished. To the Lord they've brought from every clime ten thousand times ten thousand. From the dead vast numbers they have raised and to these hosts have joined the living saints.
In companies all come from near and distant lands, for each had heard the words, "The Master calls you, come, he waits, fear not, but follow me."
Dear sisters, this is the scene we contemplate. Let us hear the very words of Jesus to those whose offerings are acceptable to him. "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world : for I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat : I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in : naked, and ye clothed me : I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me" (Matt. 25).
These pronouncements are of vital moment to us. Clear, concise, comprehensive, they teem with possibilities and throw brilliant headlights over the way to the future Kingdom on earth. We open our Gospel record, intently examine the chapter, and isolate two words :
COME DEPART
One or other of these words spoken to us by the King will give us transcendent and unending joy on the one hand or unutterable wretchedness on the other. It is the height of wisdom to examine his words and determine with God's help and in His mercy to qualify ourselves for this greatly-to-be-desired welcome from the King of kings.
Following the introductory conjunction "for," which clearly means "because," are twelve simple sentences: beautiful in their simplicity yet majestic in dignity, altogether befitting the royalty of the Speaker. There is not a redundant word, nor an obscure word, nor a controversial word. The Revisers give these dozen sentences exactly as they occur in the Authorized Version, for they are perfect.
The blessed, accepted ones did certain things, the cursed, rejected did not do those things. Here is the difference, those were active; these passive. Is it possible that these words "For I was an hungered ... " are passed lightly over with a self-satisfied feeling that anyway there are very few hungry ones now-a-days, no thirsty brethren and sisters, scarcely any really strangers to us, none naked, just a few sick but they are looked after by the Ecclesial visitors, and very few in prison.
If this be our attitude, had we not better read again verse 44, for the Lord anticipates such excuses, "Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?" "Then shall he answer them saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me."
Fragrant offerings
Let us make the doing of kindnesses so much a part of life, nay, make it our life, that, when the day dawns when the rays of the Sun of Righteousness will reveal them, ours may be a full record of devoted service. If the days are filled with kindly deeds which the doers forget, when the chroniclers unexpectedly arrive with their and our Lord, we shall be astonished to hear his gracious words, and feel like saying: "Lord, when did we all these things ?" and his reply will be: "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
These silent secret offerings of devotion, ministration, kindness and consideration for our brethren, sisters and others, Jesus will transmute into the loveliest gems to adorn our crown of righteousness.
Vital needs
We remember too that many are hungry and thirsty, not for food and drink, but for the living Bread and life-imparting Water which came from above. We must do all in our power to lead them to the One who said : "I am the bread of life; he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."
The heart-sick
Think also of those who are weary and oppressed with cares; sick, not physically, but tired and heart-sick, yearning for kind words and sisterly encouragement. Jesus had these sick souls in his thoughts as he uttered those "apples of gold in pictures of silver" - "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." But such were not in his thoughts only, for he healed the broken-hearted, and set at liberty those who were bruised.
"Arrested"
Do not forget that there are many "in prison," "arrested," by sickness, infirmity, weakness ; kept indoors for weeks, months or even years. They welcome a cheery visitor, especially one who knows "how to speak a word in season to the weary." And those of our number in hospitals and homes, how they smile to receive a parcel or a friendly letter!
Excuses
But, say some, it is difficult to attend to these things, life is so busy and full now-a-days! Then suppose we reorganize our daily work, re-model the daily routine and omit unessentials; put household gods into the dust-bin and speed up the home-machinery. Maybe we are careful and troubled about many things, sweeping diligently through and through without finding ! Examples with encouragement
It is opportune even here to give a word of encouragement to many who are really sick and "in prison," who fear that perhaps by reason of disability and environment, they cannot bring these offerings required by the Lord.
A beloved sister was laid to rest some years ago. For twenty or more years she had been a sufferer, and compelled to remain indoors the greater part of each year. The brother remarked to the large audience, that there was probably not one person present for whom she had not done some kindly deed. Strangers had come, she took them in; weary ones sought her loving comfort, sick ones her kind advice; and far and near her sweet epistles went to all in trouble and distress.
A widowed sister goes out to work from early morning to earn her living; she does the home-work how and when she can; but if anyone is known to be in trouble there is always a helpful letter sent by her.
A small book was published some years ago by a sister who is now asleep. It was a meditation on The Song of Songs. Here is a quotation from the preface:
"This little book is a labour of love on the part of a sister who for many years past had been a confirmed invalid, and during practically the whole period of the compilation of the work, bedridden and helpless. Many of the thoughts that one may assume will be deemed the most beautiful have come to her especially in the nights of pain and sleeplessness."
The fortitude of many sick brethren and sisters is wonderful and splendid. They are living exhortations to us of patience under suffering and cheerfulness under trial ; what some of them accomplish in their days of weakness is positively marvellous.
The joy of service in this sphere of sisters' work, of bringing these sweet and fragrant offerings to the Lord, is very real and lasting. "If ye know these things," said Jesus, after humbly ministering to the twelve, "happy are ye if ye do them!" And he was never mistaken.