did. And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper” (2 Chr. 26:4, 5). A part of the Lord’s prospering him is told in verse 10, “Also he built towers in
“ The one with the writing on it.” Why the one with the writing? “ Because it is worth something.” But these checks both have ink on them. One has as much as the other. Why are you partial to one? “The ink is in writing on the good one, and just splashed on the other.” Yes, you are right. It makes a great deal of difference how the ink goes on the check. The ink on the good check went just where the hand guided the pen—it went to no other place. The ink on the worthless check was not guided by a hand— it went its own way. People are like ink. Some are obedi ent to God’s leading and have useful lives. Others refuse to let God guide them, and their lives are worthless. The boy or girl who learns to obey at home and at school will be the one most likely to obey the voice of God. This is the reason that the Bible says: “ Children obey your parents,” and “ Obey them that have the rule over you.” We are reminded of king Hezekiah and the people of Israel and Judah as we see these two checks. In 2 Chronicles 30:1 we read, “ And Heze kiah sent to all Israel and Judah . . . that they should come to the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, to keep the passover unto the Lord God of Israel.” This was a worthy purpose for which to gather the people of God, and all should have come gladly, but we read in verse 10, “ . . . But they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them,” referring to the king’s messengers. We are glad that we can tell you that this was not the attitude of all the people, for verse 13 says, “And there assembled at Jerusalem much people to keep the feast.” Then as now there are people who
one if possible, a large funnel, two cups and a pitcher of water. LESSON: Boys and girls, why does your mother use a funnel, such as this one? “ So that she will not lose what she is pouring.” Did you ever hear of anyone’s bringing a funnel to church in order not to lose any of the blessings God wants to give? No, I suppose you never have, but there are those who are careful to catch all the blessings of God. As I pour water into this fun nel, the liquid is transferred into the cup beneath it. Do you remember the psalmist who was so thankful for God’s blessings that he said: “My cup runneth oyer” ? Then there are those who come to the house of God with an umbrella. I am not talking about real umbrellas; I mean the imaginary ones, such as unbelief, prejudice and doubt, which keep people from being refreshed by God’s showers of blessings. The other cup which I have placed under the umbrella does not get a drop of water as I pour from the pitcher. This funnel reminds me of a great king named Hezekiah who was being opposed by a wicked king called Sen nacherib. In 2 Chronicles 32:2, 3, we are told, “And when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib was come, and that he was purposed to fight against Jeru salem, he took counsel with his princes and his mighty men to stop the waters of the fountains which were without the city; and they did help him.” Not only did this king have the help of his mighty men, but he had God’s help, for he said, “ Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dis mayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles. And the people rested them selves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah” (2 Chr. 32:7,8). The funnel of faith will be of much more help to God’s people today than the umbrella of doubt, just as faith helped this good king long ago. END.
the desert, and digged many wells: for he had much cattle, both in the low country, and in the plains: hus bandmen also, and vine dressers in the mountains, and in Carmel: for he loved husbandry.” You would think that he would have been content to be a king, with such blessings, but he was dissatisfied, for we read, “ But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his de struction: for he transgressed against the Lord his God, and went into the temple of the Lord to burn incense upon the altar of incense” (2 Chr. 26:16). It was displeasing to God for a king to take the place of a priest. For this great sin, Uzziah was strick en with leprosy and died. As you look at this word “ LIFE,” you will notice that the two letters in the middle spell “ IF,” suggesting doubt. The king had pride in his heart, and thinking there was some thing else in life for him besides be ing a king, he tried being a priest— thus displeasing God and bringing His judgment. I will fold the first and last letters of the word “ LIFE” back, leaving, the word “ IF.” As we turn the paper over we see that these letters which were a part of “ LIFE” have become a part of the word “ EVIL.” Let us be careful lest we turn that which is ia part of our “ LIFE” into “ EVIL” by doubting God’s plan for our lives. OBJECTS: Two checks. (Fill in one check with date, name, amount and signature. Splash several drops of ink over the face of the other.) LESSON: These two checks are from the same bank. I wonder which one you would rather have. May 2 2 , 1955 T h i n k A b o u t I n k
are like the ink on these checks— some are obedient to God and do His will—others are like the check with ink splashed on it, and refuse to do the will of God, choosing rather to have their own way. May 2 9 , 1955 T h e F i g h t o f F a i t h OBJECTS: A small umbrella, a toy
APRIL, 1955
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