CHRIST'S ACTORS by J. O. C.

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Feb 17, 1914

CHRIST'S ACTORS

By J. O. C.

THE Lord of glory was an actor in the world's theater. Coming to earth in human form, He in the flesh revealed the Ruler of the universe. The world beheld the marvelous drama of God-life among them and were bewildered. Some said, "We never saw it on this wise before"; and others, "What manner of man is this?" But with all His demonstration of God-power, even the beloved Philip could not be satisfied without demanding an actual view of the One personated. John 14:8. The Jews were ready to stone the royal Actor, even though they had seen in His life what in reason they knew to be the works of their avowed Father. John 10:32. But so little was then actually known of God's attributes, only a few were able to recognize the perfection of that divine stage setting.

Only through the death of Christ was the onlooking world to comprehend how accurately God had been personated in the wonderful drama of Christ's earth career. Though He did nothing in secret throughout His ministry, His most open act was the triumph of His resurrection, when many graves released their captives, who were led by their Emancipator to mansions in the heavens. Matt. 27:52, 53; Eph. 4:8.

But though the Saviour removed from earth to heaven, it is certain that He did not design to have the stage curtain drop, and thus hide His life-work from the view of humanity. Among His

later earth words were these: "I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me." John 12:32. As He came in the flesh to be the world's light, so through the flesh that light must continue to shine, and draw men to Him. But this can be done only by human beings becoming actors for Him and in His stead before human audiences. The great apostle, when writing of himself, said that though he was chief of sinners, yet he had obtained mercy, that in him first Christ might show forth all long-suffering, for a pattern to those who might afterward believe. 1 Tim. 1:16.

Men were then, and are now, called to the same end — openly to show forth the virtues of Him who has lived the God-life for them in the flesh. 1 Peter 2:9. To do this successfully is to personate Christ in the presence of surrounding humanity. Such exhibition, however, will not be alone before men, but also in the sight of a heavenly host. For as the angelic legions viewed with evident anxiety the pageant act of Christ's earthly sojourn, so before these all, humanity is called to act the part over again of that princely life in its holy setting.

Whether one wills or not to have this so, we are assured that it is so at all events. Thus the apostle says, "We are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men." 1 Cor. 4:9. For the word "spectacle" in this text, the marginal rendering gives "theater"; that is, a stage where the habits, customs, and characters of noted persons are reproduced in pantomime or dialogue. Spectators attend such exhibitions to view the story of human life in active deeds, anticipating a treat in the language and dress of the original characters presented. If the rendering is true to historical setting, it is well spoken of; if not well performed, the actor becomes an object of contempt.

With Christ's actors it is practically the same. If before the great world audience they personate Him to a fair degree, a drawing influence results; but if the acting is indifferent, and the dress and the pose are carelessly assumed, or adjusted to the world's standard, not only are the actors ridiculed, but the cause of Christ which they profess to represent is sadly jeopardized. To be an actor for Christ is a high and noble calling, and one deserving careful study of the character to be personated. J. O. C.