T h e
K i n g ’ s
B u s i n e s s
April 1932
179
WM on CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR B y M ary G. G oodner
Then followed Jesus commission, . . . “ Feed my sheep.” So Peter “ found his place” that memor able morning so long ago, and the place was that o f an undershepherd for his Lord. So may each young Christian today find his place, if he really loves the Sav iour and tells Him so. Peter’s commis sion came after his confession of love. Love for Christ is the one absolute essen tial for real service for Him. Illustration Years ago, the story runs, France and Spain contended on the plains o f Italy. Battle after battle had been won by the Spanish forces, and the French officers were discouraged and ready to retreat. Just then, there arrived a new command ing general, sent out from Paris. He had no great fame as a strategist or as an ex pert in military science, but to a rare de I Shall Be Glad When I am dying, how glad I shall be That the lamp o f my life has been blazed out for Thee! I shall not mind then whatever I gave, Labor or money, one sinner to save. I shall not mind that the way has been rough: That Thy dear feet led the way was enough. When I am dying, how glad I shall be That the lamp o f my life has been blazed out for Thee! ■—J. M. C leaver . gree he possessed the love and confidence of the common soldiers in the French army. He met with his officers. They ad vocated retreat. He argued, persuaded, pleaded. It made no difference. Finally, it is said, young Gaston de Faix turned away from those who were his counsel ors, moved alone in the direction from which the ‘enemy was approaching, then turned back toward the French army which stood ■awaiting orders, waved his sword and cried in a loud voice, “ Let him that loves me, follow .me.” As if moved by a common , will, the French army sprang forward to the attack, and in an incredibly short time, the Lions o f Aragon and the Castles of Castile went down be fore the Lilies of France. What reason and argument could not do had been ac complished when men responded to the call o f love. Across the centuries there comes the voice o f One greater than young de Faix, but its appeal is the same, “ Follow me.” Respond to that appeal, for in such re sponse is the way to victory and peace. —C lark .
M AY 1, 1932 FINDING M Y PLACE IN LIFE J ohn 21:15-17 Suggestions for the Meeting Hymn— “Where He Leads Me.” Hymn— “More Love to Thee, 0 Christ.” Prayer. Scripture Lesson (read responsively). Silent Prayer. Hymn— “Love Divine.” Leader’s Talk. Testimonies and Scripture Verses. Quiet Hour. Hymn— “ O Love that Will not Let Me Go.” ' Benediction—Psalm 19:14. Meditation on the Lesson This wonderful incident in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ is a favorite pas sage with Bible students. The lovely set ting—the early dawn, the historic Sea of Galilee, the tired apostles, the radiant Lord—all these combine to surround the story with charm. When we see the loving, tender, thought ful ministries o f our Saviour as He pre pared breakfast for these discouraged dis ciples, we are prepared for the deep, searching con versa don with Peter. Christ loved with ai: unspeakable love, and His heart yearned and Hungered for a love that He was never gi,Ten here on earth. He deserved it, and how He wanted it! As He talked to Peter He used Peter’s old name, Simon, the vacillating, human name. Notice the intensity of the question, “Lovest thou me, more than these?” We miss something in the English rendering of the Scriptures in this passage. The Greek word Jesus used for “love” is a dis tinctive New Testament word, agapao. It is the verb form o f the word used in 1 Corinthians 13, translated “charity,” but which is rightfully called “ love.” All the long-suffering, patience, gentle ness, kindness, humility, and purity that are described there as belonging to love are implied in the verb agapao which Jesus used. After Peter’s lamentable fall, he could not presume to answer with a confident reply using that word. He used the ordinary Greek word for love, phileo, meaning “to be fond of.” Again Jesus ask ed him, still using the high word for love. Again, Peter replied with the more ordi nary word—his heart must have been breaking, but he dared not claim that holiest, highest form o f love in the light o f his recent shameful conduct. Now for the third time Jesus questioned Peter, and this time He used Peter’s own word, phileo. How it must have searched Peter’s soul as the tender Saviour said to him, “Are you sure you love me phileo, Peter? Peter’s answer revealed that his longing heart was anxious to be restored to full fellowship: “ Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee.”
Discussion Material I. “ F eed M y S heep ”
That was a green hillside By Galilee’s soft tide, And sweet the garden’s shade
By ancient olives made. We often follow there Thy words o f life to share— But, oh, the multitude of Thine intended sheep! Speaks there a voice within our spirit’s deep, Thy voice to us, And speaks it thus: “ Oh, if you love me, feed my sheep.” —M rs . M. E. G ates . II. “M e ” “ Come unto me” for rest (Matt. 11:28). “Believe in me" for life (John 11:28). “Abide in me” for fruitfulness (John 15 :4). “ Learn o f me" for wisdom (Matt. 11:29). “ Follow me” for service (Matt. 4:19). “Look to me” for reward (Rev. 22:12). “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” —C. E. P axson . Make this “Family Night,” inviting not only the mothers but the fathers, and have the meeting so informal that they will feel the cordial warmth in the atmosphere. Decorate the room and have a welcoming committee. Our parents deserve the best we can give them. Hymn— “He is So Precious to Me.” Hymn— “ Saviour, Like a Shepherd Lead Us.” Prayer. Scripture Lesson—Ephesians 6:1-3; 2 Timothy 3 :14-17. Solo or Quartette— “Mother’s Prayers Have Followed Me.” One-minute testimonies, thanking God for Christian home and parents. Leader’s Remarks. Brief time in which fathers and mothers may bring a Bible verse or short testimony. Quiet Hour (let several be asked be forehand to lead in sentence prayers', ask ing God’s blessing on the parents). Hymn— “ Blest be the Tie that Binds.” Mizpah Benediction. Meditation on the Lesson In the book o f Ephesians, from which the Scripture lesson is taken, Paul uses the first three chapters to teach doctrine. In fact, in many o f his epistles, we observe this order strictly follow ed: doctrine be fore duty, precept before practice, and character before conduct. But in the be ginning o f the fourth chapter, after he has unfolded and expounded some o f the very deepest truths found anywhere in the Bi ble, he begins his practical application. “ I, M AY 8, 1932 OUR PARENTS E phesians 6:1-3 Suggestions for the Meeting
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