suggestion in it of what a . true king should be, that is, a servant of the people. Rehoboam’s folly is readily seen in his adoption of the advice of the young men. Subsequent events demonstrate that the choice he made was a poor choice. His course of action was utterly opposed to the conduct of a godly king. Rashness and selfishness characterize it. It is ap parent that Rehoboam did not seek wis dom from God when he made this choice (James 1:5). Rehoboam's Announcement vv. 12-17 After three days, Jeroboam and his
IN CHRIST IS LIFE
W h a t is Truth? { suppose all of us at some time or other get around to doing a little armchair philosophizing. And in these fleeting mo ments of contemplating we’re likely to nibble at a question that has intrigued philosophers from Thales to Dewey. The question: just what is truth? The late American physicist and logician Charles Sanders Peirce held that truth is the opinion which is fated to be ultimately agreed to by all who investigate. Dewey with his concept of inquiry would agree with logician Peirce. But not all philosophers (Bertrand Russell for one) would agree. It is entirely possible that the investigators could all agree on a monstrous untruth. Most of us ordinary, garden-variety humans have little desire to tangle with the philosophers on such a subject. We’d much prefer a ready-made, neatly packaged answer. Some of us may even show the impatience of Pilate who asked Jesus Christ “What is truth?” and then hurriedly-left'before receiv ing an answer. While it is true that the answer to our question does not come neatly packaged it is equally true that there is an answer within the reach of each of us. You will recall that shortly before Pilate ended his hasty' search for truth Christ told him, “ . . . for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.” Before His arTest, Christ had given a clear-cut definition of what truth is. Jesus is talking, “ In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself: that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.” Then one of His followers said, “Lord, we know not whither thou goest, and how can we know the way?” And Christ said, “ I am the way, the truth; and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” There’s our answer. Jesus Christ said He was truth. Beyond this simple statement there is no answer. We need search no further. We cannot inquire into it as Dewey would like. But we can experience it. If there is a deep unrest at the very center of our life then we dare not rest until we find peace for that unrest. Jesus is telling us today that He is the answer to our seeking soul. Is the way dim? Then turn to Him for He is the way and the truth and the life. Here is His promise for you, “He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into con demnation; but is passed from death unto life.” This is eternal truth . . . to meet your need this very hour. —■ L .H . If you have found in this short article a way of life that you would like, we urge you now— this very moment— to yield your will to His will and in doing so find that in Christ is life. If you have a question, or if we can be of help in any way, please write us. We shall be happy to send you a copy of the Gospel of John. It is yours free for the asking. Address: The Editors, King's Business, 558 S. Hope, Los Angeles 17, Calif.
★
★
★
F o r Y o u Perhaps your relationship with God isn't alw ays w hat you'd like it to be. Each month this special column is written to help seeking hearts find th at in Christ is abundant life. When you've read this column won't you clip and share it with a friend?
★
★
★
followers came to hear the decision of Rehoboam in accordance with the pre vious arrangement (w . 1-5). He an nounced that he was going to follow the advice of the young men. That meant hardship for the people. Chastisement would be their lot and thus would be fulfilled the word of the Lord to Jero boam by Ahijah (v. 15). This does not at all excuse Rehoboam’s folly, nor lessen the guilt of his haughtiness and passion. God overruled his lack of judgment and mercy to the end that disruption might come to the house of Israel as the result of Solomon’s sin in forgetting God. God often visits the iniquities of the fathers upon the children. Solomon forsook God in marrying many wives and having part in their idolatry but his son after him is forsaken by the greatest part of his people. Thus we have the sad story of the division of the whole house of Israel into two parts (vv. 16,17). Sin is always divisive in its effects in one way or an other. Leaders especially need to keep this in mind if they would maintain a spir itual unity among those whom they lead. Helps For the Children A King's Choice 2 Chron. 10 MEMORY VERSE: "[W e] speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things" Eph. 4:15. The children of Israel, God’s chosen people, had a new king. Eagerly they watched his actions and listened to his words to see what kind of a king he would be. The people asked him to be kinder to them than his father had been when he was their king. Rehoboam, the new king, told the people to return in three days for his answer. King Rehoboam asked the old men what his answer should be. They told him to be kind to the peo- CONTINUED ►
41
M A R C H , 1 9 5 5
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker