Q. San Bernardino, Calif. "Could you explain the word 'meditate' as used in Joshua 1:8? How could one follow such a practice day and night?" A. This illustration may be helpful in understanding what the Spirit of Cod would have us learn. When the high priest went into the holy place every morning he replaced the fire on the altar of incense to the Lord. The same was done each evening so that at all times the fra grance would fill the holy place. This was done just twice a day but yet the result of these activities would carry on in the smoke and smoldering embers. This pictures meditation. The Lord does not mean to set aside other necessary aspects of existence such as mak ing a livelihood. There are some very necessary responsibilities in this world. Yet, we are to be in such communion and fellowship with our Lord that the fragrance of that experience can be realized all day and all night. Our minds and thoughts are to be centered upon the things of the Spirit so much as possible. Q. Berkeley, Calif. "What is the difference between a memorial, an ordinance, and a sacrament?" A. These can be secular as well as Biblical terms. A "memorial" in Is rael referred to the keeping of the Passover. It brings to mind some thing special that Cod has done. He wants to have it impressed continuously upon our hearts and minds. An ordinance in the Old Testament generally referred to certain phases of the Mosaic law. Sacrament is not usually employed with anything in the Old Testa
ment. A memorial in the New Tes tament would be the Lord's Supper. Christ said, "This do in remem brance of Me." A sacrament is one of the sacred religious ceremonies instituted by our Lord. In Protestan- ism we have two which are baptism and the Lord's Supper. Really, the word "ordinance" would better describe these two functions. Q. Dallas, Tex. "In Jonah 3:10, what does it mean when it says that God repented?" A. When man repents he changes his mind. When Cod repents he simply changes His method. You see, the Lord knows the end from the beginning. He is never taken by surprise. Repentance, so far as man is concerned, is used in con nection with being sorrowful for sin and turning to the Almighty for mercy. Cod knew all along that the Ninevites would repent. Hav ing this foreknowledge He changed His method rather than destroying them as He had threatened. Jonah became upset and discouraged be cause He did not carry out his wishes, but we must keep in mind the overriding factor that the Lord is not willing that anyone should perish.
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