The Sabbath-School by J. W. Scoles

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 24, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 24.

The Sabbath-School.

By J. W. Scoles

Notes on the International Lesson.

A MISSIONARY LESSON.

CHRIST is rightfully our Master and our Lord, and as such has the first claim to our service. The language used in the great commission is not only that of authority, but there is something so irresistible about it, that it can be seen at once that this is no commonplace errand which Christ is laying upon his disciples.

THE plan of salvation cost the best gift of Heaven in the first place, the Son of God himself, and not only did it cost this much to Heaven, but all the trials and temptations of Christ, all his toil and grief, all his agony, and, at last, the death of shame upon the cross, all this was patiently endured by our suffering Saviour to purchase pardon and peace for sinful men. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Rom. 5:8.

AND such a salvation as this, though requiring the costliest offering within the gift of God, is offered free, absolutely free, to the world. Is it any wonder that the commission is, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature"? How could it be otherwise?

EVERY cry for help from those in darkness should be considered as coming to us individually. Just so surely as God calls us by his love to accept the sacrifice he has provided, that our transgressions may be covered, just so surely should the love of Christ constrain us to carry the bread of life to other famishing souls.

THIS is true, also, in regard to any light that God gives us in his word. Every ray of spiritual light that falls upon our pathway from the open Bible imposes an additional responsibility upon us. Let your light shine for others. It is not given for you to selfishly hide it, or walk in it alone.

CHRIST has claims upon every one of us. And we may rest assured of the fact that our work is, or should be, in some way connected with God's work. If the Lord does not impress upon us the call to labor in word and doctrine, then it becomes our duty to assist with our means and influence those who do thus labor. We are simply stewards here, and are to use our time, our talents, and our means in such a way that when the Master comes to reckon with us, and requires at our hands that which we have for a few years been permitted to use, we may give such an account of our stewardship as will show that these things have been used in the service of the Lord. "For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch." Mark 13:34.

"THESE signs shall follow them that believe," etc. In view of such a statement as this, which certainly relates to the fruits promised by the commission of which it is a part, we almost wonder at the weakness of the church to-day. Why should not the promises of God be claimed upon our part to-day as much as they were by our fathers? Is the Lord's hand shortened that he cannot save? or his ear heavy that it cannot hear? With such a work as is given the church of God to do, why should she be satisfied with her present poor attainments? Is it possible that our iniquities have separated us from the Lord until we cannot exercise that faith in his promises which will enable us to claim his blessings? It certainly is time for us to begin to awake, and put on the whole armor of God. "The night is far spent, the day is at hand; let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light." Rom. 13:12. J. W. SCOLES.