Jasper County Democrat, Volume 16, Number 104, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 April 1914 — BROOKLYN TABERNACLE BIBLE STUDY ON [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

BROOKLYN TABERNACLE BIBLE STUDY ON

PROFITABLE TABLE TALKS. Cfeke 14:7-24—April 5. "Every one that exalteth himself shall Ik humbled; and he that humbleth himself shali be exalted."—?, u. CODAY’S lesson shows the Master as a guest of a prominent Pharisee, and speaking in a manner inappropriate to any but Ilimseif. In a parable He criticised the gathering guests because they selfishly chose the chief seats of honor. He would have them see that this selfish spirit had to do with their char-acter-building and their fitness or unfitness for the Kingdom. When bidden to a function, they should humbly take inconspicuous

places, not know,-/ ing how many might be more worthy than they In the estimation of the bost Then, if the host so desired, he might ask them forward to a more prominent seat Thus they would be honored; whereas, in taking u prominent place unin-

vited, they ran the risk of displeasing the host. The Master declared that this principle held with the Heavenly Father; namely, "Whosoever exalteth himself shall be bumbled; and he that hum- 1 bleth himself shall be exalted.” The thought is that the self-seeking, the proud in spirit, could not be trusted by the Lord in a high position. With such a spirit they might do damage to themselves and to His Cause. But those of humble mind would not be injured by exaltation nor be in danger of deflecting in the future work of the Kingdom. _ Turning to His host, Jesus complimented him somewhat, saying, “When thou makest a feast, call * • * the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: and thou shalt be blessed; for thou shalt be recompensed in the resurrection of the Just.” The Pharisee had done something of the very kind in inviting Jesus and probably His disciples to dinner. He well knew that they could not ask him In return. The Master’s words set forth a grand principle, which should be recognized by rich and poor alike. Let us follow the Master’s instruction, and seek to do kindnesses to those who cannot return the favor, assured that God will appreciate such acts and will give proper reward.

God’s Great Feast. A guest, hearing Jesus' comments, remarked that it would be a blessed thing to share in the great feast which will inaugurate the Kingdom of God. Thereupon Jesus preached another parable sermon in respect to the Kingdom. A man made a great supper and bade many guests. When the time arrived, he sent servants to Inform them that all was ready. But with one accord they began to make excuse. When the servants returned and told their experience, the master was provoked and said. Go quickly into the streets and the lanes, and bring in the poor, the maimtsl, tin* blind and the lame. The meaning of the parable is apparent Loug years before, God bad to Israel that in due time a great blessing would be open to them—the privilege of membership In Messiah’s Kingdom. Yet, when the time came, those who had been bidden were careless. Jesus and His disciples bad been declaring for some time that the Kingdom of Heaven was nt hand. But those invited were full, covetous, money lovers. When they* beard the Message of the Kingdom, they slighted God’s invitation. extended them through Jesus and the, Apostles. The great feast represented rich blessings of God’s providence for the Church—knowledge of the Truth, justification from sin.

begetting of the Holy Spirit, the privilege of appropriating the rich promises of God’s Word. First the Pharisees, representatlves of Moses, and secondly the outcasts of Israel, were invited. Some of these came; but not enougb were “Israelites in-

deed,” to (ill the foreordained number of the Church. Then the Master sent out His servants the third time, saying, that they should go outside the city and urge people to come In, that His House might be filled. This applies, evidently. to the sending of the Gospel to the Gentiles. For eighteen hundred years the Message has gone up and down through the highways and hedges, calling such as have hearing ears and responsive hearts—a Little Flock. Ultimately the full number purposed ' by the great Householder will havebeen found worthy through Christ to share in that feast, given in honor of the marriage of the "Lamb- (Revelation 19:7-9.V At that feast we are told, will be a second company, not worthy to be of the Bride class. These may figuratively be styled the bridesmaids. the Great Company; for after the gathering of the Bride class we have the Lord’s Message to those subsequently delivered from Babylon, saying. “Blessed are they that are called to the marriage supper of the Lamhf , ,

Jesus reproving selfishness.

Gentiles urged to come in