Pointers on the Lesson, H omer A. K ent , T h .M. Helps for the Children, A llison A rrowood
Lesson material is based upon outlines of the International Sunday School Lessons , copyrighted by the International Council of Religious Education; used by permission.
July 4, 1948 COURAGE TO SPEAK THE TRUTH 1 Kings 22:5-9, 13-18, 26-28
“No Christian dogs allowed!’’ Old Cheo Han had his own opinion of dogs . and Christians. Cheo Han led the Boxer Rebellion . . . Changsha was closed to all “Christian dogs!’ Christ was hardly welcome anywhere in China. .. . That was less than fifty years ago. Today China welcomes the gos pel. There are hundreds of thousands of Chinese Christians . . . Chinese churches . . . Bible schools. The Alliance has had a large share in bringing about this change. Some of her great names are now honored history . . . Alexander . . . Christoph- erson . . . Hess . k. Hinkey . . . Jaffray. But a new generation of Alliance missionaries carries on . . . with the same zeal. . . and skill. . . and faith fulness. Get acquainted with the work of the Alliance. Write for free booklet, “ The Silver Key to Changsha” TheChristian andMissionary ALLIANCE Dept. K4 • 260 WEST 44TH STREET • NEW YORK 18 In C anada: 145 EVELYN AVENUE • TORONTO 9
Pointers on the Lesson During the quarter now beginning some of the less prominent characters of the Scriptures are given an opportunity to teach us lessons that their lives have exemplified. These unsung characters will bless our lives if we will give care ful consideration to what they have to tell us. It will be satisfying to see how God is able to take common, ordinary folks and in simple, varied ways use them wonderfully to bless hearts and to hon or God’s cause. One outstanding thing should be remembered as we consider the service of these rather obscure in dividuals of this series, and that is this: God rewards His servants, not accord ing to their prominence, brilliance or ability, but according to their faithful ness. That should be an encouragement to all. See First Corinthians 4:2. The man we consider this week dared to speak the truth at any cost. Micaiah was the kind of person who would rather die than be untrue to his God-given com mission. His record in this regard was made in times when it was difficult to be faithful, even in the days of wicked Ahab and Jezebel. He Was One Among Hundreds (1 Kings 22:5-9) The great question at this period in Israel’s history was whether or not they should engage in a third Syrian cam paign. Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, with whom Ahab had made an allianfce, advised making inquiry of the Lord about the matter. Ahab, idolatrous king of the Northern Kingdom, made inquiry of 400 prophets of his realm who ad vised him, “ Go up.” But this was not divine counsel. Jehoshaphat discovered that there was one prophet in the vicin ity who was truly God’s man. Although Ahab hated him, he was invited to give his opinion of God’s will. Micaiah was
one among hundreds, but because he was in touch with God, his message deserved to be heard. One with God is always a majority. He Was Unswerving in Loyalty (1 Kings 22:13-18) The easy thing for Micaiah was to bring Ahab a message of encouragement and victory as the other 400 prophets had done. That would have been the popular thing, but that was not the make-up of Micaiah. He served One higher than any earthly king; he had to be true to Him. “ What the Lord saith unto me, that will I speak” (v. 14). One sure word from God is worth more than a thousand uncertain words from wicked men. The correct prophecy was to the effect that Israel would be defeated; Ahab would be slain, and Israel would return home in peace (v. 17). Micaiah represents the true ambas sador of God in any generation, who de clares God’s message whether it be pop ular or not; who refuses to be persuaded by the entreaties of influential people or of the multitudes. He gives forth the word from heaven. He Was Willing to Suffer (1 Kings 22:26-28) It never seemed to occur to this proph et that standing true to God might bring suffering. But it always does. “ Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12). The main thing Micaiah was concerned about was to be true to God and duty, cost what it might. With prison staring him in the face, he continued to witness to the truth even though it meant proph esying the death of the king (v. 28). Though such men are called upon to suffer for God’s sake, yet His grace is sufficient, and they are able to smile ihrough the experience. T H E K I N G ' S B U S I N E S S
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