Evening Republican, Volume 20, Number 23, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 January 1916 — A Model Seeker and a Model Christian [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

A Model Seeker and a Model Christian

By REV. R- M. RUSSELL, D. D.

Instructor in Doctrine, Moody Bible Institute of Chicago

TEXT—He went on his way rejoicing.— Acts 8:39. The story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch presents at once an illus-

tratlon of effective personal work in soul winning, and the portrait of a model seeker and a model Christian. It is safe to draw lessons from such an incident since it is so near to the fountain head of Christian history and so manifestly controlled by the spirit of God. The eunuch stands forth as a model of excellence both

as a seeker and a Christian. a model seeker the eunuch presents four points of excellence: 1. He was an earnest seeker. Knowing that Jerusalem was a place of special divine manifestation he made the long journey from northern Africa, not by the comfortable method of modern travel, but by the slow process of chariot driving. Neither distance nor desert sand hindered his journey. What a contrast here with many unsaved men who will not make any effort to come in contact with truth, even by as much as walking around a corner to some place of worship where the word of God would be explained. 2. He was a persistent seeker. Failing to find the truth for which he sought, either in the splendor of the temple worship, or by association with other worshipers, he left Jerusalem for his home still seeking, and was giving himself to a diligent reading of the prophecy of Isaiah. Here again he stands out in. marked contrast with many of the unsaved who utterly neglect the Word of God and who do not open the Bible from one month to another even though they admit it i# the good news of salvation, the time table of God’s road of eternal life, and the description of a heavenly inheritance with the conditions of possession.

3. He was a teachable seeker. The eunuch was puzzled by the writing of the prophet. Confronted by one who seemed to claim knowledge, he at once Invited the stranger to share his chariot and asked him to explain the prophet’s message. In this regard he is a model fbr every inquirer. It Is no confession of mental weakness to seek the help of another in things spiritual. It is simply the recognition that another has preceded us in the search for truth. Many people struggle for years with doubts and fears that might be removed in a single hour of conference with pastor or spiritual friend. 4. He was an obedient seeker. Hearing Philip’s explanation of the gospel he at once expressed his faith in Christ and claimed the first opportunity for confession through baptism. A readiness to accept Christ on his own terms is the true test of a seeker’s honesty and earnestness. The ordinances of the gospel are both simple and significant. Their observance permits the believer to express his faith .toward God and to take the attitude of open testimony as a witness for Christ. II. —As a model Christian the eunuch “went on his way rejoicing.” 1. He rejoiced over new-found truth. All truth is interesting. Men with eager joy push their investigations along lines of natural science, but the largest truth is God in Christ. 2. He rejoiced in a new relation to God. No longer was he an unforgiven sinner, or an orphan in the world, without joyods relation to its maker. Having accepted the gospel he rejoiced at being a child of God, a friend of Christ. 3. He rejoiced in new opportunity for service. The eunuch was financial secretary of his kingdom. Hereafter he was to have a share in the worldwide and universe-embracing kingdom of Jesus Christ. He became an evangelist and tradition reports that he baptized Queen Candace. Association with Christ’s kingdom work enlarges life and brings joy. A toiling woman explained her spiritual gladness by saying, “I work every day over the washtub. It used to be dreary work as I saw only the clothes, and the tub, and my little home comforts. Now I know of woman’s work for women in foreign lands and give each week from my wages to spread the gospel, and now while I work my thoughts go out to the ends of the world.”

4. Lastly the eunuch rejoiced at thought of his heavenly inheritance. Before this his. largest hopes concerned political promotion, increase of salary, or lengthening of vacation —all earthly things. Now he thought of the heavenly. He did not worry because his hair was growing white, or because some younger man would soon get hL place. He; was slated for promotion to service in the heavenly No one Who is not a Christian can be cheerful and happy at thought of advancing age. I have never known a man sixty years of age and over who seemed really happy Unless being a Christian. „ ■ ~ ri -ter '