1 Dail$ Devotional Home Readings
♦ J
Connected with International Sundaj) School Lessons
Bj> FREDERIC W. FARR, D. D.
8
8
SATURDAY, May 1. Acts 26:15-20. Paul’s Account ot His Call. There are three accounts of Paul’s conversion in the book of Acts, by Luke in Acts 9:3-9, by Paul on the temple steps, Acts 22:7-11, and by Paul be fore Agrippa, Acts 26:12-18. There is substantial agreement between these accounts with certain circumstantial differences of detail. Paul’s cyclonic conversion was occasioned by a face to face interview with the risen Lord. He was converted, called and commissioned at the same time. The chief point of his testimony is that he was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision. His experi ence was the result of God’s sovereign action unaided and unaccompanied by any human intermediate, as the Saviour was three days and nights under the power of death, so Paul was three days and nights in silence, solitude and dark ness before he emerged into the new ness of the Christian life. SUNDAY, May 2. 2 Tim. 4:1-8. Paul’s Charge to Timothy. Paul at the end of his journey, makes an appeal to his son Timothy of su preme importance. That which lies heaviest upon his heart is the preaching of the Gospel. “ Preach the Word.’’ Bring the Lord Jesus Christ into human life with all its sin and sorrow. As the Apostle stands on the threshold of eternity, this of all things in his view, is what Timothy should do. He would have many other duties to discharge of course, but his constant and highest task was to minister to man’s great need by proclaiming the Word. This is as true in the twentieth century as in the first. We recognize the importance and neces sity of the various ministries and ordi
nances in the church in all its work and worship but after all it is preach ing that is the vital requisite in the church’s efficiency. “ Faith .cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” MONDAY, May S. 1 Sam. 2:12-17. Sin of Ell’s Sons. Priesthood has been a world-wide and age-long curse. Priests have commer cialized religion through greed of gain and become a barrier between God and his people. On this account God raised up the order of the prophets on the ruins of the priesthood who should de clare His will and plead His cause with the people. There has been a tendency in every age to build up a priestly caste claiming especial privileges and looking upon the people as their rightful spoil. They have brought the cause of God into disrepute by making merchandise of holy things. The sons of Eli are notable examples of priestly usurpation. Priesthood is of God. Priestcraft is of man. TUESDAY, May 4. I Sam. 2:27-30. Prophecy Concerning Eli’s Sons. Prophecy implies failure. The , first prophecy in the Bible, Gen. 3:15, fol lows the failure and the fall of man. After Eli’s sons had perverted and dis graced the priestly office, a prophet of God rose up to foretell their punish ment and pronounce their doom. The dignity of their office is vindicated and the majesty of God upheld. The eth ical standards of the Old Testament are in accordance with the loftiest ideals of truth and justice. Sin can never be committed with impunity or with im munity. This is the verdict of nature, science and Scripture.
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker