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Dailj) Devotional Home Readings
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ginning of a new work and show what the Gospel had to encounter and over come of Satanic opposition on the threshold of its career. TUESDAY, Feb. 3. Acts 8:26-39 . The Sovereignty o f God. It seems arbitrary and unwise to take Philip away from a successful work of grace in Samaria and send him down to an uninhabited desert. The Master of the vineyard knows where each work man is needed most. Philip obeys God like Abraham of old and goes out not knowing whither he went nor why. God’s plans however were now reaching afar. Ethiopia was stretching out her hands untp God. The evangelist met a representative of that far-off land whom God had chosen to hear the Gospel message. Must not Philip have under stood when his ministry with this Afri can was finished that the Gospel was intended for all the world? He prob ably accomplished more in leading this one man of influence to Christ than he had accomplished with all his converts in Samaria. God appoints both the worker and his field. WEDNESDAY, Feb. 4. 2 K ings 17:24- 41. Lions As Teachers. This passage describes the peopling of Samaria. When the people showed no concern for God, he sent wild beasts among them to put the fear of God into their hearts. He prefers to employ gentle measures but when these fail he has recourse to harsher ones. He is too faithful to give up His purpose. More over, He goes outside His own resources when He uses severer measures. He does not keep lions around as pets.
SUNDAY, Feb. 1. Acts 8 :4 -3 9 . Peter and John in Samaria. God bad raised up the Samaritans to be a half way house between the Jews and Gentiles. They bfidged the social, political and religious gulf between these two extremes. Philip was the leader in this work of grace. He is the second deacon in the catalogue of names, Acts 6:5, and the first one to carry the Gospel beyond the walls Of Jerusalem. He could lead the people to Christ and baptize them but Peter and John had to come down from Jeru salem to confer the Holy, Spirit. This was another use of the keys, Matthew 16:19, ,like that of Acts 2:14, and 10:34. Pentecostal features are re peated and miracles are wrought. As the Gospel went abroad, the Divine power attending it seemed to he inten sified. Thousands had been converted in Jerusalem hut thousands also had re jected the Gospel hut here the people with one accord gave heed and great joy possessed the entire city. MONDAY, Feb. 2. Acts 8:9 -2 4. Simon the Magician. The story of Simon occupies a large place in this narrative. The Gospel had not conquered the high priest in Jeru salem hut it mastered the self-appointed high priest of this Samaritan city. He who had bewitched the people with his sorceries is seen a selfish suppliant at the feet of the Apostles, praying that the misfortunes which his wickedness merited may not come upon him. He and his money have lost their power. Two similar stories are found in the book of Acts, that of Elymas, 13:8, and the maiden with the spirit of divination, 16:16.' These experiences mark the be
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