The Heart of the Lesson By T. C. HORTON
sixth day was to be used in laying up the supply for the day of rest. There comes a day of rest when Christ will no more be manifested for the wilderness life. Blessed be they who have laid up for themselves a good supply of food upon which to feast in the presence of God. The written Word of God is the manna for the spiritual soul. It ought to be gath ered in the morning before the sun is up —before the cares and duties of the world engross us. Few will gather it any other time. They may fully expect to, but alas! failure is more than probable. The day that is begun in holy communion with Christ will end in a sweet retrospect. L esson VIII.— A ugust 17 C rossing the R ed S ea Golden Text,—Isa. 65:24 The order of God is “Go forward.’’ This is the divine order in every department— move on. The nation that is obedient to this command is prospered. The soul that responds to this injunction finds its de liverance from present danger. With the bright light from the cloud like a great searchlight, making the way as bright as day, Israel went down into the midst of the waters, walking on dry land ¿long the coral-strewn pavement of the deep sea—over a path never trodden be fore by human feet. In the presence of angry waters, which threatened immediate destruction, they journeyed in absolute safe ty. If in the hearts of any of them there was fear or dread, there was no occasion, for they were as safe as though they were sheltered in their homes in Goshen. Death was all about them, but the waters became a wall. As they moved forward the wav- opened, a step at a time. On that dark night, Israel made her way in the light of His presence and guided by His unfailing hand. The wall of waters became a de fense unto them; there was no opportunity« for the Egyptians to effect a flank move ment. This is typical of Israel’s history. Hedged
L esson VII.— A ugust 24 T he B read from H eaven Golden Text,—John 6:35 “Behold I will rain bread from heaven for you.” The practical commentary on this lesson is found in the sixth of John’s gospel. God answered the complaint of Israel by send ing bread from heaven—this is grace man ifested by a loving God. The deeper the depths of sin into which man descends the more radiant the glory of grace. This is fully seen in the cross of Christ where the need of man’s atonement is fully met in the blood of Christ. The manna is a type of Christ as our food, during the wilderness journey. Christ said, “I am the bread of life.” He came down out of heaven to supply the need of man. He is the ever-recurring source of supply. He is God-given, God-sent. He comes to the place of need, where the hun gry are. He comes in abundance for all man’s need. He comes where the lowlv may find Him—where all must stoop to receive Him. There is nothing more won derful than this—that Christ is the suffi cient portion for all believers—always sweet and satisfying to our spiritual natures, and that the strength gained from feeding on Him is all we need for our daily food. There are laws of limitations in connec tion with all of God’s blessings. We must fill our lungs with the air; we must catch the water or dig down to the bubbling springs; we must sow and reap, plant and gather. God sent manna, but the children of Israel must gather it. It must be gath ered in the morning; it must be gathered daily. Simple limitation, but sufficient to keep the eyes looking up and the faith fisted upon Him —the daily supply for daily need. No imperial combination can ever be formed by which the Gospel can be monop olized. Rich and poor are alike dependent and all must gather. There was no manna to be gathered on the seventh day. The
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