Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 217, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 September 1917 — Jesus In the Midst [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Jesus In the Midst

By REV. L. W. GOSNELL

Assistant Dean, Moody Bibls Institute. Chicago

TEXT—In the midst. The words of this text occur in several places and yield precious teach-

1n g concerning our Lord Jesus Christ. In Lake 2:46 we find him as a boy In the temple In the Midst of the Teacher*— Our Example. “All that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.” Jesus was a close Bible student. How ready he was la giving Just the

right answer out of the Book when Satan tempted him In the wilderness! How he astonished the Sadducees when hd proved -the resurrection by the words of Moses in the Pentateuch, whose authority they acknowledged (Luke 20:37, 38) I To know the Bible means application and toil, but the Master thought it worth all this, and the servant is not above his Lord* In John 19:18 we find him In the Midst of the Sinners—Our Substitute. He was crucified between two malefactors, as if he were-the worst of thei three. Indeed, he took our place under the wrath of God.

Bearing shame and scoffing rude, In my place condemned he stood; Sealed my pardon with his blood. Hallelujah! If "the reader is burdened with the 1 sense of sin, he need wait no longer. He may leave his burden at the cross and bear away a song. “The Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us aIL” In-order to be saved we have nothing to do but gladly'believe this! In several passages Jesus Is seen In the Midst of the Saints—Our Center. For example, Matthew 18:20 ehows he gives us his presence, for where two or three gather in his name there he is “in the midst.” What a difference It would make in our assemblies If we realized this! The story of how Dr. A. J. Gordon dreamed Christ came to his church one Sunday is well known. In a little Book, “How Christ Came to Church,” Doctor Gordon has told what a revolution was wrought as the result of the dream, for everything was done afterwards as though Christ were present and they were trying to please him. John 20:19-21 tells how he gives us Ills peace. He stood “In the midst” of his disciples after the resurrection, saying, “Peace be unto you.” Then he showed his hands and his side, for only in his wounds Is there the assurance of peace. After this he repeated his salutation, “Peace be unto you,” and added, “As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.” In other words, those who find peace in his wounds are sent as messengers of peace. What a thrilling errand! The deepest need of men is to be reconciled to God and to find rest for their hearts, yet the poorest saint Is a herald of this great blessing. Peace, perfect peace, In this dark world of aln?. The blood of Jeans whispers peace within. Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed? To do the will of Jesus—this Is rest. Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown? Jesus we know, nnd he la on the throne. Hebrews 2 :12 reads, “I will declare thy name untd my brethren, In the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.” Christ did not speak of his disciples as his brethren till after the resurrection, for sonship is a blessing of the new covenant. In the text before us we see Jesus crowned and leading the praises and prayers of his church. He is fully accepted before God and is our representative; so, as our voices mingle with his, our praises and prayers ' bre acceptable. Once again, in Revelation 1:13 Jesus Is seen “In the midst” of seven golden candlesticks, representing the church. From this place amongst his people he prompts them, as in the letters to the seven churches. We serve no dead Christ, dear reader, but one who today walks amidst the churches and speaks to them words of praise or rebuke. Finally, we seA Jesus in Revelation 5:6 In the Midst of the Throne—Our Hope. The Lamb seen by John in the midst of the throne takes the seven-sealed book of destiny telling of his right to the inheritance, fqr he alone Is worthy to open it. All heaven worships him. Wo wait for the time when he shall rule over the ransomed creation, which groans awaiting the day of its deliverance. Never shall this earth have permanent peace until all other rulers are put down and he reigns who is King of Kings and Lord of tprds. But while we aifrait that day, let ua see he is enthroned in our hearts. Some give Christ a place. Some give him prominence;. Shall not we glvfc him preeminence? ,