THE K I N G ’ S BUS I NESS This was a surprise to the apostles (viii. 3-5). It was of their own suggestion that they thus offered; they needed no urging (viii. 3). They considered the opportunity to give a “ grace from God’,’ a “ fellowship with the saints,” and a gi,ft of the Spirit (viii. 4, 7; cf. Romans xii. 8; 1 Corinthians xiii. 3 ); hence they recognized the duty of, stew ardship (Luke xvi. 1-13). They gave themselves (viii. 5), and after that everything else was easy. They gave spontaneously, needing no “ sermon on the collection.” They longed for the opportunity. Giving was to them a lux ury; they enjoyed it. (b) The Example of Our Lord Jesus Christ (viii. 9). Great as was the example of the Macedonian Christians in the matter of beneficence, that of our Lord Jesus Christ was infinitely greater and higher. Jesus Christ is the supreme example of beneficence. With verse 9— “ For we know the grace of our Lbrd Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich” — should be studied Philippians ii. 5-11: “ Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, counted it not a prize to be on an equality with God: But emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross. Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name; That in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and of things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (R. V.). What won drous riches Jesus Christ gave up for our sakes! Think of the treasures of heaven, the glory of the Father, and the full enjoyment of His presence (John xVi. 15; Ephesians iii. 8). All this
673 He gladly and voluntarily gave up in the incarnation (viii. 9; Hebrews ii. 14; Galatians iv. 4. What poverty He assumed! He was not merely poor, but a pauper, a mendicant. He was born in a borrowed cradle and buried in a bor rowed tomb. “ The foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head” (Luke ix. 58). And for whom was this great renunciation? “ For our sakes.” And why? In order that we “ might become rich”— be made heirs of God (Romans viii. 16, 17; John xvii. 22,). O, the unsearchable riches of God in Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians iii. 4-23; Ephesians i. 17-19)! With such an example of renunciation and beneficence before them, and us, they, and we, need not that the apostle “ speak by way of commandment” (viii. 8). Example is stronger than precept. INTERCESSORS The fundamental need of the Church today and of its various auxiliary agen cies, is not that of money—desirable as it is that the money power be-more largely related to the plans of the expanding Kingdom. Nor is the chief need that of better organization, although any one can see the waste, friction and comparatively meager fruitage resulting from the want of better co-ordination and distribution of the forces. Moreover, our greatest need is not that of better plans—insistent as are the demands of the modern age for the exercise of a truer statesmanship and an abler leadership in the activities of applied Christianity. Neither is the pri mary need that of more workers, although at first glance that might seem para mount. No, back of this and other un questioned needs is the fundamental need of more Christlike intercessors. This, if adequately suppllied, will carry with it the meeting of the other clamant require ments of our day.— Mott.
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