Jasper County Democrat, Volume 16, Number 85, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 January 1914 — BROOKLYN TABERNACLE [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

BROOKLYN TABERNACLE

//>'7r= a y«»BIBL£’§TUDY«ON “HIS SERVANTS SHALL SERVE HlM.’’ Luk* 8:1-3; 9:57-62; 10:38-42—Jan. 25. ‘‘lnasmuch as ye did it unto one of these my brethren, even these hast, ye did it unto Me."—Matthew ts;jo. R. V. CHE opening verse of this Study furnishes the key to all Jesus’ preaching, so far as recorded. His one Message was the Good Tidings of the Kingdom of God. Any Christian who has not learned that God’s Kingdom is the very essence of the Church’s hope and the world’s hope has not profitably read and believed the Bible. The Jews, not being ready for the Kingdom, were as a nation rejected from being Messiah’s associates in that Kingdom. But not all were rejected; hence we read that to as many as received Him gave He power to become sons of God—by the begetting and anointing of the Holy Spirit at rentecost. While thus declaring the Kingdom. Jesus was not begging His way. Wo have no suggestion that he ever took

up a collection or in any manner solicited m one y. Many think this a suggestion that His followers should likewise make no appeals for money, but merely use of their own substance and whatever is’ voluntarily given into their possession. How-

ever, each much decide for himself. Amongst those healed was Mary of Magdala, out of whom the Lord had cast seven demons. In other words, the poor woman was in the condition Of many in insane asylums. Iler trouble was not organic, but cause<| by the harassing of the fallen angels who had taken possession of her. Whoever believes the Bible must believe that there are fallen angels—spirit beings who exercise a malevolent influence upon those under their control and who must be resisted with the will. Mary, apparently, was wealthy. Released from the power of the demons, she was so grateful that she did her best to serve Jesus on every occasion. Other honorable women are mentioned as contributing to our Lord's support. “Let Me Bury My Father.” Some were attracted to Jesus, evidently, with the thought that one so gifted and so well supplied with life’s necessities must be wealthy. One such said, "I will follow Thee whlthersoever Thou goest." But apparently his ardor cooled when Jesus Informed him that He had no home of His own, although there were numerous homes to which He was welcome. Poverty attracts few Another said in substance. Lord,, count me as a disciple; but I feel that I must stay with m.v father until his death. Jesus' reply shows the Importance which lie attaches to every sei v? ice rendered to the Father’s Cause. He said, “Let the dead bury their dead, but go thou and preach the Kingdom of God.” The whole world is already dead from the Divine standpoint. Adam's death sentence involved all his children; The only ones whom the'Scriptures recognize as alive are those who become related to tin* Lifegiver, Jesus. The Master Intimates that all such should take a different view of life from others. There are many to attend to earthly things; few to attend to the more Important work of proclaiming the Kingdom. Another said, I will follow Thee; but first 1 will spend a little time in bidding my friends farewell. It was not heartlessness that suggested Jesus’ answer: “No man. having put his hand TO tho plow, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God.” According to these searching words, who. even among the Lord’s consecrated people today. Is fit! We are not to judge others, but to judge self. Yet, in a general way, are not many not only looking back and making special provision for social amenities, but also plunging into many

of the world’s luxuries, pleasures and frivolities? The question is a searching one. How many tof us will the Lord consider fit for a place in His glorious Messianic empire, which we trust is nigh—at the door! The story of Martha and Mary concludes the lesson.

Both loved the Savior, but manifested that love differently. Jesus did not disapprove of Martha’s carefulness in providing for His comfort; but He especially appreciated Mary’s spirit, which drew her to His feet to hear the wonderful words of life. In our service for the Master let us remember that He is especially pleased when we j give earnest attention to His words and seek to be tilled with His Holy Spirit. Today’s Study represents special services which were rendered at differ- | ent times during our Lord's ministry. Acceptable service, like acceptable praise, must come as a fruitage of love to the Lord. He who loves much serves much. Salaries cannot purchase this kind of service, and persecution cannot hinder it. Whoever serves the Lord’s brethren serves Him. «.

“Let the Dead Bury Their Dead.”

Jesus Specially Approved Mary’s Spirit.