THE K I N G ’ S B U S I N E S S approved. This is not the forfeiture of life eternal which is secured for us by the sovereign grace of God and the precious blood of Christ. It is rather, the loss of reward. Rev. 3:11. FRIDAY, January 27. I Kings 19:19- 21 . The call of Elisha. The call of God to service comes as a rule to busy men. Moses was tend ing his flock as was David. Elisha was plowing. Peter, James and John were fishing. Matthew was at his toll-booth. In this busy world of ours where there is so much to be done, God seems to have no use fer a man who is out of a job. We may understand why a church should be without a preacher if there are not enough to go around. A preacher without; a charge or even a “ retired pastor,” calls for explanation if not apology. Perhaps there would be fewer pastorless churches if the church-less pastors, instead of waiting Micawber-like for something to turn up, would subsidize an empty soap-box upon a street corner for a pulpit and sound the Gospel message forth to dying men. A fisherman’s boat once served a preach er passing well. SATURDAY, January 28. Esther 5:9- 13. The .secret of contentment. Behold Ahab, king of Israel, upon his royal couch with his face to the wall, re fusing to eat. He is sulking like a spoiled child from whom a toy has been taken. We are reminded, as we look upon him. that happiness consists not in having but in being. The proud Persian in his splendid palace is per fectly miserable because a stiff-backed Jewish porter at the gates will not kow tow before him as he passes by. There are many today who allow their lives to be shadowed because some Naboth denies them a vineyard or some Mor- aecai will not salute them. They for get that if they had what they want they would be no better off for they would then want something else just as bad. They do indeed lack one thing but that is not without them but within them. The peace of God is better than a thousand vineyards. Be content with such things as ye have for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of things which he possesseth. SUNDAY, January 29. I Kings 21:17- 24. ' ' In Naboth’s vineyard. When Ahab heard Elisha’s stern de nunciation as they stood face to face
90 prepared by laying hands on the shore of Galilee for tired and toil-worn fish ermen who, following Peter’s example, went back to the boats and fishing tackle as if they had given up all hope of the Saviour’s com’ng. To be for saken of man is not to be forsaken of God. “ I have loved thee with an ever lasting love.” “ Having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the uttermost.” WEDNESDAY, January 25. I Kings 19*:9-18. The still small voice. Elijah was bidden by God to stand at the entrance of a cave on Horeb. A violent tornado swept by, breaking the rocks in pieces, but the Lord was not in the wind. Then the mountain swayed under an earthquake but the Lord was not in that. Then a roaring conflagration made 'the mountain a smelting furnace but the Lord was not in the fire. Then, according to the Septuagint translation, there came a "gentle breath of air,” a zephyr so soft and quiet that it would scarcely lift a golden curl from the brow of a sleeping child and God spoke to the waiting prophet. People are always asking and waiting for the stupendous and the spectacular. When a revival is sought for an effort is made to secure eloquent preachers and great choirs and large crowds. Manifestations are coveted similar to the cyclone, the earthquake and the fire. Nature-teaches us our mistake, Who hears the falling of the dew, or the music of the spheres in their orbits? When the heavenly dove descends no fluttering of wings is heard. “ Thy gentleness hath made me great.” THURSDAY, January 26. John 21:15- 25. Go, return. Elijah was never fully re-instated in his former ministry after his flight. He was bidden to return however and a certain work was assigned him. That work was the selection and anointing of three men who would together un dertake the service that might have been his alone had he been true and and faithful to his obligations. The work of God will surely go on. If we fail, God will raise up others to take our place. God will not repudiate His children but He may set aside His ser vants through disobedience and un faithfulness. This was what Paul fear ed in I Cor. 9:27. He gave all heed lest after he had been especially honor ed in service, he himself should be dis-
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