Thursday, April 13 is the date for the Memorial' of our Lord's Supper!

Many Christians throughout the world will commemorate the anniversary of Jesus' death in a simple ceremony centering around a common participation in unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine.

While it is customary in the Christian world to emphasize the resurrection of the Redeemer with Easter celebrations, the death of the Savior is commanded in the Bible for the follower of the Nazarene: "After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come" (1 Cor. 11:25, 26).

For many this simple ritual will have a deeper meaning than that of being only a memorial of the one all-sufficient sacrifice for sins on Calvary's cross. It will be a reminder of their personal commitment to share in his sufferings that they may also share in his glory.

Although the occasion being remembered is a sad one, it has a joyful side-the knowledge of the effect of that perfect sacrifice. Through the sin of one man, Adam, death had come upon the entire human race. Now, through the voluntary sacrifice of one man, Jesus, that penalty of death could be removed (1 Cor. 15:20, 21). It is this promise of life, life anew for everyone who has ever died, that gives joyful meaning to the crucifixion scene.

The Memorial also calls to mind promises of Jesus' return to complete the work he began at his first advent. "But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom" (Matt. 26:29).

His disciples claimed these words as a promise of his return: "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do skew the Lord's death till he come" (1 Cor. 11:26).

And so his followers have kept the simple feast for now nearly twenty centuries. Their hopes, like those of the Israelis who say, "next year in Jerusalem," is "next year anew with him in the kingdom."

This issue of THE HERALD is dedicated to the theme of Communion with Christ. Our opening article, reprinted from the Peoples Paper of Australia, is entitled Christ in You. It shows the personal relationship between the individual Christian and his Lord.

This relationship is well covered in the one word, "discipleship." Two articles examine different aspects of this association: The Cost of Discipleship and The Joys of Discipleship.

But, although there are many joys in a Christian's connection with his Lord, the followers of Jesus find that their lives differ little at times from the lives of others around them. They go through the same experiences, share the same sorrows, and react with similar emotions to their fellow man. "Why?" is a question often asked, "Why must the Christian suffer." The answer to this is probed in the treatise on Suffering with Christ.

There are over one hundred biblical illustrations on the unique union between Jesus and his church. Space permits looking at only two of these pictures: Bride and Bridegroom and Soldiers of Christ. The intimate love between the Bride and Bridegroom is even more clearly seen in the verse by verse Bible study of the Song of Solomon, chapter two: I Am My Beloved's.

The relationship of the Lord's Supper and the Hebrew Passover is probed by the author of Pressing On in our Pilgrim Way. Special emphasis is laid on the Passover as a preparation for the Exodus journey to the promised land.

Finally, The Question Box feature deals with why I Corinthians 10:17 mentions only the bread and not the cup in the discussion of the communion between Christ and his church.

We trust and pray that each of our readers will find the Memorial season of 1995 one of the richest yet in their spiritual lives as we each seek an ever closer personal relationship with Christ. May the Lord be with each of us as we partake of the emblems commemorating the Lord's body and blood, even as he so commanded.

Christ in You

"To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."
 -- Colossians 1:27.

Reprinted from the Peoples Paper of Australia

Union with Christ is the secret of the Christian's life.

The expression "Christ in you" speaks of the special relation­ship we are privileged to have with our dear Master and, through him, with our heavenly Father. In John 6:44 Jesus said, "no man can come unto me except the

Father who hath sent me draw him and I will raise him up at the last day." It is those who are called and drawn of the Father only who have Christ in them.

In the passage surrounding the theme text, Paul shows the special care he had for the church, those who had Christ in them. In verse 24 he speaks of the great sufferings and afflictions he was going through for them. Paul suffered perhaps more than any other of the apostles-severe beatings, scourgings, persecutions. All these experiences he gladly underwent; in fact he said that he rejoiced in his suffering! Why? Because he was doing it for the sake of Christ's body members to assist them in developing Christlikeness and character.

As he says in verse 28, it was so that "we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus." This is the reverse of "Christ in you," but these two experiences are linked together. Only those who are in Christ as his body members have Christ in them. Paul's concern for the church is an example to us, as he said in 1 Cor. 11:1: "Be ye followers of me even as I also am of Christ." He was always prepared to do anything, to go to any lengths to help his brethren in Christ and these should be our special concern also.

Paul likens our Christian development to running in a race. It is an unusual race in that we can run the race and make our calling and election sure only if we spend our time helping the other runners to become winners and overcomers also. If we truly have Christ in us, our chief concern should be to assist others who are in Christ and have Christ in them. These are our brothers and our sisters, members of our own family, the new creation God is bringing into being. This is really an amazing truth -- creating a special family to share his nature and to live on his plane of existence. This is the ultimate result if we allow Christ to be fully formed in us.

In Galatians 4:19 Paul said: "My little children of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you." There is more than one sense in which Christ is in us, and Paul here speaks of his being formed in us. When Christ is fully formed in us it means that we have developed the likeness and character of our dear Master, just as he bears the likeness and character of our heavenly Father. As he said in John 14:9: "he that hath seen me hath seen the Father," then, in verses 10 and 11: "Believest thou not that I am in the Father and the Father in me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me, or else believe me for the very works' sake."

Any suggestion that this passage of John 14 supports the trinity teaching is refuted in verse 20. The words of our Lord are: "At that day you shall know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you." This verse makes it clear that the Father is in Jesus, just as Jesus is in us. The passage really speaks of the oneness that exists between the heavenly Father, Jesus, and all the members of the family-a oneness of spirit, of purpose, of desire, of character. We are all at one with the wonderful divine plan of the ages which our heavenly Father has in hand, and we eagerly look forward to our part in it in the next age.

Our oneness with our heavenly Father, with his Son, and with each other is an ongoing development, not something that is achieved in just a moment of time. The forming of Christ in us is a lifetime work. To have Christ in us really means to have his mind in us. We recall Paul's words in Philippians 2:3-5: "let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus."

The mind surely is the most important part of the human body; it is with the mind that the important decisions of life are made. All our deeds and actions are governed by the mind. Scriptures frequently speak of the heart condition. We speak of a good-hearted person.

God says, "Give me thy heart." The term "heart" is used here in a poetic sense. It relates to the conscious decisions made by the mind-it is with the mind that we give our heart to God; it is with the mind that we decide to become a footstep follower of the Master and run in the race for the prize of the high calling; it is with the mind that we decide to strive to achieve Christlikeness within us.

First Corinthians 2:16 says we have the mind of Christ. This is the disposition, the character, that the indwelling of his holy spirit is developing in us if we allow it to do so. The mind of Christ is not something that we naturally possess; our fallen nature has many impulses and desires that would be quite contrary to the mind of Christ. So there must be a transforming work, as described in Romans 12:2, 3: "Be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your minds that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. For I say through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith."

Verse 3 seems to pinpoint one of the frailties of the natural mind before it has been renewed, that is, to think of ourselves more highly than we ought. It is a normal worldly tendency to have a feeling of self-importance, to want to be somebody, but we are not to be conformed to the world. Phillip's Modern Translation reads: "Don't let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God remake you so that your whole attitude of mind is changed."

There is a tendency on the part of many to have a desire to conform to the world, especially perhaps among young people. We sometimes hear the expression, "But everyone does it," referring to some particular activity that would not be appropriate. With us it is different, our desire above all else is to have the mind of Christ developed in us.

We note Phillip's translation again, "let God remake you." While this is not in the original text, it is a truth brought out elsewhere, for example in Philippians 2:13: "for it is God that worketh in you to will and to do of his good pleasure." Of our selves we are frail and weak, we cannot make progress in our own strength. But what a wonderful truth! We have the power and strength of the Almighty God working in us. "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Rom. 8:31). All things are from God through Jesus Christ, so perhaps we should say that God is working through Jesus Christ who is in us. That seems to be the thought in the beautiful prayer found in John 17 of our Master on behalf of his followers.

In verses 9 and 10 of that chapter Jesus is speaking of his footstep followers, "I pray not for the world but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine, and I am glorified in them." Then, from verse 20, "neither pray I for these alone, but for them which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one, as thou Father art in me and I in thee, that they also may be one in us, that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them, that they may be one, even as we are one. I in them and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one, that the world may know that thou hast sent me. and hast loved them as thou hast loved me."

"I in them and thou in me." God is in Christ Jesus, and Christ is in us -- in this way God is in us and working in us through Jesus Christ. Speaking of the heavenly Father and the sending of the Comforter, the spirit of truth, Jesus said in John 14:17, "the world seeth him not, neither knoweth him; but you know him, for he dwelleth with you and shall be in you." Again in John 14:23 Jesus said, "if a man love me he will keep my words and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him and make our abode with him."

Let us now link these verses with 2 Corinthians 5:17: "therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature [or new creation]: old things are passed away, behold all things are become new. And all things are of God who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ and hath given us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and bath committed unto us the word of reconciliation."

God has been in Christ throughout the gospel age reconciling to himself those he has been calling out of the world to be his special family and a bride to his dear Son. Soon this work will be complete; all of the firstfruits class will be gathered in, but the reconciliation work will continue on for another thousand years. During that time all of the willing of the remainder of mankind will be reconciled to God. Jesus prayed not for the world not because they will have no part in God's plan but because it was not the due time. He will pray for them when that time comes, for he gave his life for all.

To return to the passage in Philippians 2 previously touched upon, and this time reading part of verse 12, "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." One translation puts it, "work out your own salvation with reverence and self-distrust." This again would be a paraphrase but the thought is that we need never fear that God will let us down. He will always perform his part to the full; our only fear would be that we may come short.

These two verses teach an im­portant lesson: while God works in us, we must work out our own sal­vation. God does not do that work for us; he works in us. He provides the strength and power, but we must make the effort, we must util­ize the help our heavenly Father and his Son are offering. That power and strength becomes avail­able to us only as we draw upon them in working out our own sal­vation. God does not take over our minds. He does not control us against our will.

We could take an illustration from the developing countries of the world. The more affluent nations often provide skills and technical know-how and often the machinery and the means to enable them to im­prove their position. It is entirely up to them whether they utilize the help provided. Just so in our rela­tionship with Jesus and our heavenly Father: they are dwelling in us ready to provide all the help required for our spiritual development, but they will not renew our mind, they will not make of us a new creation, they will not make us perfect contrary to our will and desire.

We also have Christ in us as our example and 1 Peter 2:20, 21 bring out one way in which he is a pat­tern for us. The passage reads, "For what glory is it if, when you are buffeted for your faults, you shall take it patiently? But if, when you do well and suffer for it, you take it patiently, this is acceptable to God. For even hereunto were you called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps."

God has not shielded us from the difficulties, trials, and experi­ences of life; these are necessary to develop Christlikeness in us. We learn to take them all without mur­muring or complaining, without bit­terness or antagonism in our heart toward anyone, even if they have not treated us fairly. Peter points out in this passage one way in which Christ is our pattern or ex­ample; but we are to copy him in all the affairs of life. When we come to the crossroads, when there are decisions to be made, we do not just please ourselves but ask the question, "what would Christ do?"

The word "example" in this pas­sage is very interesting: it is from the Greek hupogrammos. This is the only place where it occurs and a Greek scholar says that it means "a written copy," such as is set up for children, or an outline or sketch for a painter to fill up, then in general an example, a pattern, for imitation.

At the last supper Jesus gave us a most important lesson in the washing of his disciples' feet. We find the account in John 13:13-15, "you call me Master and Lord and you say well for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you."

The lesson here presented was not that we need literally "wash one an­other's feet" but simply that we should be prepared to perform the most menial tasks for each other, the most commonplace humdrum things, tiresome uninteresting duties. Jesus knew well that many would want to serve him in the bigger and what they thought to be, more important and honorable things.

In the Lord's sight nothing can be more important than the small, mundane, everyday tasks we can do for each other, pictured by washing each other's feet or the giving of a cup of cold water.

In all this our heavenly Father has set Jesus before us as the pat­tern to follow. Those who have Christ in them are gradually grow­ing into his likeness, for we all bear the family resemblance to our elder brother and our heavenly Father. In Matthew 5:48 Jesus said, "Be you therefore perfect, even as your Fa­ther who is in heaven is perfect." In Colossians 4:12 Paul, referring to Epaphras, states that he is "always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in the will of God."

We all have a strong desire for perfection, for completeness. We cannot be perfect in the absolute sense while in this body of flesh, but that is the goal and pattern set before us: perfection, the same per­fection that our heavenly Father has-nothing less. As much as we would like to be able to do so, we cannot obtain absolute perfection, because of the weakness of the fallen nature. God desires that we develop perfection of character in heart condition, perfection of intent and desire. If we achieve that goal in this life, our gracious heavenly Father will make us perfect in the full sense on the other side of the vail on the resurrection morning.

If we have this desire for perfec­tion of character, we can achieve it through the power and strength of Christ who is in us. We can achieve nothing worthwhile by re­lying on our own strength and might. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. If we have Christ dwelling in us, we have that desire for Christlikeness, and to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect. Scriptures tell us that God is love, so if we would be like God, we must develop and grow in love-­love for our neighbor, love for our enemies-and above all, we must obey the new commandment that our Master gave us, that "you love one another as I have loved you" (John 13:34). "He that loveth not knoweth not God, for God is love" (1 John 4:8).

It is so important that we know God, not just about him but really know him; know and appreciate his character; know his love as manifest through his Son and his glorious plan of salvation for all mankind if we are to be perfect as he is perfect. We must have the correct pattern set before us; we must know just what his perfection is like; in other words, have a correct understanding of his character. As we know, many have an imperfect understanding of the character of God; and the doctrines they believe and teach show him as being far from a God of love.

This is where Bible study and doctrine fit in-we study to know God and his Son Jesus Christ; we can truly know them only when we come to a full understanding and appreciation of the divine plan. We can obtain an insight into the character of God by looking around us at the many good and lovely people who are still in the world. We know that there is wickedness, but there are many who 'still have not fallen completely from the image in which God created mankind. "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him, male and female created he them" (Gen. 1:27).

The previous verse also uses the word "likeness," not the physical image and likeness but the character likeness. So by looking around us at the very best of men and women we can see in some small measure at least a reflection of the character of God. This is especially true when we look at our brothers and sisters in Christ, those who have Christ in them. They should all indeed be a reflection of the Lord. This is exactly the thought in 2 Corinthians 3:18, "But we all, with open face, beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as by the spirit of the Lord."

By looking at our brothers and sisters in Christ we do see in some measure a reflection of the character and love of our heavenly Father, bearing in mind that only one person has ever been a perfect reflection of God, and that, of course, was Christ. Let us keep this in mind when looking at our brothers and sisters in Christ and not expect absolute perfection.

It is evident that we are not going to achieve complete oneness of doctrine on this side of the vail, but let us not allow that to become a stumblingblock; let us not allow this to prevent our oneness in Christ in a spirit of love. It has been said that when we awake on the resurrection morn each and every one of us will find out that we wrongly understood many things. But let us rejoice in that we do hold so many precious truths in common; let us rejoice that we know our heavenly Father; we know that he is a God of love, as manifested by his glorious, divine plan. We know our elder brother Jesus and have the hope of being like him and seeing him as he is one day.

Let us be tolerant, forgiving one another whenever the occasion arises as Christ forgave us. Paul says in Philippians 4:5, "Let your moderation be known to all men, the Lord is at hand." The Lord Jesus is indeed at hand. He is with us always. He sees our every deed and action. Another translation renders the verse, "Let your sweet reasonableness be known to all men" (the Greek word means to be yielding or pliable.)

This sweet reasonableness is something the Lord would have us display at all times, even to those we might feel are being quite unreasonable. What a beautiful world it will be when all have developed this attribute! We who have Christ in us are developing that trait of character now. Let us all strive to develop more and more the sweet reasonableness desired by our Master at all times, and especially towards each other.

That he would grant you, according to his riches in glory, to be strengthened with might by his spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height, and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fullness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.-Ephesians 3:16-21

Ready for Either

A Roman coin was once found with a picture of an ox on it; the ox was facing two things-an altar and a plough; and the inscription read, "Ready for either." The ox had to be ready either for the supreme moment of sacrifice on the altar or the long labor of the plough on the farm. There is no one cup for the Christian living. To drink the cup simply means to follow Christ wherever he may lead and to be like him in any situation life may bring.

The Cost of Discipleship

ECHOES FROM THE PAST

"So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple." -- Luke 14:33.

Reprinted from the May 1, 1927 Herald

These words of Jesus, as well as others by him and by the Apostles, leave no room for doubt that the way of entrance into the kingdom of heaven, the way whereby any may obtain a place with him in the heavenly inheritance, was intended of God to be a costly way-away involving sacrifice and self-denial so far as the present life is concerned. Not that one can actually purchase for himself a place in God's Kingdom by enduring so much or by paying so much for it in the way of physical suffering or by the practice of self-denial. Something more important than these is involved, and that is complete and supreme loyalty to the will of God. It is only to the extent that sacrifice, self-denial, and suffering are the result of yielding the heart to him, full consecration to him, that they are counted by God as of any value in his sight.

The Pearl of Great Price

Various parables of our Lord constantly call our attention to the peculiar and difficult terms of becoming disciples of Christ and his royal Kingdom. The parable of the pearl of great price is amongst those that convey to the devout disciple an impressive message (Matt. 13:45, 46). In the days of our Savior pearls were represented amongst the most precious and most desirable jewels; and the larger and more nearly perfect the pearl, the greater was its value. The parable represents one of the pearl merchants as coming across the finest pearl he had ever seen. He considered it so priceless that he was quite rejoiced to sell or trade all of his other pearls and property that he might become the owner of that pearl.

This parable represents the Gospel offer of a place with Christ in his Kingdom as being superior to all other propositions in the world. The honors of the world, of name and fame, position and wealth, are truly desirable, as the Scriptures say-"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches" (Prov. 22:1); but when our eyes behold the pearl of great price, the Kingdom offer of joint-heirship with our Lord Jesus in his heavenly Kingdom and the blessed association with him in his ministry of service and love, which will mean the uplift and blessing of all the families of the earth, we realize that it is a priceless thing; worthy more by far than all the honor and dignity, emoluments, and treasures of the world. Those worthy to buy this pearl will gladly therefore exchange all earthly things, even their good name.

Cost of the Kingdom Pear

Thus the Master virtually said that the pearl illustrated the value of the Kingdom with its glory, honor, and immortality, which he was inviting an elect company, a little flock, to share with him. Those who value it properly will show their appreciation by the amount they will willingly and gladly pay for it. Whether a man be wealthy or poor, learned or ignorant, influential or otherwise, the cost of this kingdom pearl of great value will be his all. It cannot be had for less. The wealthiest or most educated person in the world could not obtain a share in that Kingdom if he kept back one single atom of his possession. The price of the Kingdom is self-sacrifice, even unto death; and nothing less will secure it. Nor would any sacrifice that we could make secure a place in this Kingdom for us except as our sacrifice would first be made acceptable in God's sight through the precious merit of our Redeemer's sacrifice made at Calvary.

But besides and in addition to the sacrifice and self-denial involved in winning a place in the Kingdom of God, the "sufferings of Christ," sufferings because of being a Christian, are represented as a most necessary condition and phase of discipleship. This was made prominent by our Lord when questioned respecting the occupying of positions very dear to himself in the Kingdom. He said, "Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" (Matt. 20:22). His cup represents the portion or dispensation of experience, trials, sorrows, misunderstandings and finally the humiliating death of the cross. The same thought is represented in his baptism, which related to sacrifice, humiliation, and death. Our Lord continually reiterated this line of thought, at times using one figure or parable or another to impress the lesson. He spoke of the cross and the necessity of bearing it after him. He spoke of how his true disciples would be reviled, mistreated, and spoken of evilly, and added, "Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven" (Matt. 5:12).

Because the Darkness Hateth the Light

According to the words of inspiration, the messages of our Lord and the Apostles, much of the suffering incidental to the Christian life comes as a result of the gross darkness that exists upon the earth and because the masses of mankind are groping blindly under the influence of the great Adversary. Under these circumstances, as Jesus explained, the darkness hateth the light, and therefore the various agencies of darkness have been generally active in obstructing the course and in making very difficult the pathway of the true children of light, the children of God.

As strange as it may seem, the purpose of God has really been served and advanced unwittingly by those who have been the cause of suffering to our Lord Jesus and his faithful followers: "It became him," says the Apostle, "for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings" (Heb. 2:10). In other words development and refinement of character, proving and testing of character, the rounding out and ripening of character are realized in connection with faithful submission to the will of God, to his providences, through experiences of distress and suffering. The trial of our faith as Christians is likened to the gold tried, refined, purified in the fire. And again we are instructed that suffering because we are Christians yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them that are rightly exercised thereby. All such learn to realize the sentiment set forth in beautiful verse:

Let sorrow do its work,
Send grief and pain;
Sweet are Thy messengers,
Sweet their refrain.

Our faith is greatly strengthened by considering the course of our Lord and noting the similarity between his experiences and those of his faithful followers. Both he and his Apostles were evilly treated and persecuted by their brethren of the Jewish household and faith. The entire Jewish nation professed to be God's people and our Lord recognized them as his own, as it is written (John 1:11). Again we have before us the strange paradox of those who have professed to be God's chosen people persecuting and rendering evil to their brethren. History shows that the majority of the persecutions and sufferings endured by Christians have come from those who professed to be the people of God, many of whom really thought they were.

Christ Left Us An Example

But the important consideration for the child of God is not so much who his persecutors have been or why professing brethren have persecuted him; rather the all-important question is how is he receiving the persecution; and what spirit is he of in the midst of his sufferings; and is he being properly exercised as he passes through these tribulations. Surely our Lord desires to see in his followers the disposition to triumph over the weaknesses and tendencies of the fallen condition and to follow in his steps. No one is properly able to do this in his own strength; therefore each one must fall back upon the Divine promise of grace provided, which is realized only in connection with the possession of a large measure of the holy spirit, the spirit of faith, of power, and of love.

Of the Savior it is written, "Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow his steps. Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not" (1 Peter 2:21, 23). It is evident that to be reviled is to be made to appear vile, to be evilly treated, slandered. The natural tendency of all is to resent injustice, to render evil for evil, to give as good as we get and a little more, if possible. This is the inclination of the natural man; and because all of the Lord's people in the flesh still have the body marked with these natural proclivities, they are sure to realize more or less of a struggle in conserving the attitude of holiness and love that is dictated by the holy spirit. It was because our Lord Jesus was filled with the spirit and thoroughly controlled by it that we find his entire course and conduct the opposite of the spirit of reviling. No matter then how much we may be reviled, we are not to revile in return; no matter how much we are persecuted, we are not to persecute in return. This is undoubtedly the law of the new creation, that they are to bless instead of to injure. This would signify that if the person who had done us injury became involved in difficulty and needed help we should overlook altogether what wrong had been done to us and be just as ready to render help to him as to any other person.

Your Brethren That Hated You

The spirit of the Lord's people must not be anything else than the spirit of generosity and benevolence. They are to bless those who revile and persecute them by doing good and by explaining to them if possible the situation which evidently they have misunderstood. The true disciple is to bless his enemy by helping him, if opportunity offers, out of darkness into light.

It behooves the Lord's people to look with sympathy upon those who may be their opponents and persecutors. We recall instances where persecution has been carried on with the thought that the persecutor was doing the will of God. Those who persecuted the Lord Jesus were to some degree ignorant of who he was, as the Apostle Peter declared, "I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers" (Acts 3:17). Paul says, "Had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory" (1 Cor. 2:8). And when Saul of Tarsus persecuted Stephen and others of the early church, he thought that he did God a service, as he afterward tells us.

Sufferings and persecutions today are of much the same kind as those endured by the faithful in the past; and they come from those who profess to be the Lord's people. In harmony with this fact is the scripture which says, "Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the Lord be glorified; but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed" (Isa. 66:5). This statement, we believe, applies also to the members of the family of the one cast out who are not in sympathy with a clear statement of the truth; that is to say, persecutions coming from one's own family are frequently from those who profess to be Christians. And often their opposition is not for personal reasons but disagreement on some point they do not see in the same light as the one whom they would cast out and injure. If those who do the disowning and casting out possessed more largely of the spirit of our divine Master, they would show more tolerance, especially on nonessential points that do not constitute the foundation of the brotherhood in Christ.

Considering that we are living in the closing hour of the age, it appears that our day has a peculiarity other days have not had. The Divine Plan is now so beautiful that by its light it is manifest that the masses are in darkness. As this is the time when God is concluding his work with the church and preparing the last members for exaltation with Christ, the voice of God, the voice of conscience, the voice of enlightenment calls his true faithful children out of every condition of bondage and confusion; calls them to be separate from everything that misrepresents God's character, plan and word. But instead of feeling like bringing vengeance upon our enemies or those who would hinder, we should feel a compassionate sympathy for them-not with them, but for them. We should remember that with them it is as it was with the Jews in our Lord's day, and of others in the Apostolic period, who had they known what they were doing would have been ashamed of their course.

How Are We Being Exercised Under Trials and Tests?

Our Lord's warning that men "shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake" (Matt. 5:11) does not imply that those who malign the true Christian will say, "We do this to you for Christ's sake, because you are one of his followers." We have never heard of any one who was thus persecuted; and therefore such a course cannot be what our Lord meant. Evidently his meaning was that his followers-honorable, truthful, honest, possessing the spirit of a sound mind, like himself-would be highly esteemed amongst the nominally religious were it not for their loyalty to the Word of God. Because of faithfully pointing out popular errors, because of fidelity to the truth, they are hated by those who are still under the blinding influence of error.

These conditions and circumstances through which the disciples of Christ are passing are most certainly in the nature of a schooling, a test to prove whether they are willing to endure the terms of discipleship cheerfully as a part of the cost of being associated with Christ. If, under the pressure of these trials and tests, they would render evil or revile in return and slander and backbite, they would thus demonstrate unfitness for a place in the Kingdom. If, on the other hand, they receive these lessons with patience and longsuffering, they will develop more of the character-likeness of their Redeemer and thus become more worthy of a place with Him in the future glory.

Our Lord's declaration, "Ye are the salt of the earth" (Matt. 5:13), may very properly be applied to all those of his followers who are obediently heeding his teachings and who accordingly are cultivating his character-likeness. As salt is useful in arresting decomposition, so the influence of these faithful ones is preservative. This was evidently so in our Lord's case. That influence is still manifest in the world where true Christians live. Even today, although the truly -consistent, consecrated believers in the Great Redeemer are confessedly few in numbers, yet the soundness of the teachings of the Savior has a wide influence. In spite of it, of course, we see corrupt influences at work everywhere; but the wider our horizon, the more general our information, the more we realize that Christianity has had something of a beneficial and stabilizing effect upon humanity. It has not converted the world. It was never intended for that purpose in this age.

How truly comforting is the divine message, which assures us that the Lord's consecrated people belong so completely to him that in all their afflictions he is afflicted. (Isa. 63:9). When Saul of Tarsus was persecuting the early church, our Lord called to him on his way to Damascus, "Saul, why persecutest thou Me?" And he said "Who art Thou, Lord?" And the Lord said, "I am Jesus whom thou persecutest" (Acts 9:4, 5). Saul was not persecuting the glorified Savior directly; he was persecuting the followers of Jesus; but so near were these to their Master that what injury was done to them was considered by him as done against his own person.

For Thy Sake are We Killed

Here then is the divine program for the age, as summed up in the apostolic teaching: As our Lord suffered in the flesh, so also will all those who are members of the church, which is his Body (Eph. 1:22, 23). Peter admonishes us to expect this, saying, "Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind" (1 Peter 4:2). It is the flesh, not the new creature, that suffers. While suffering in the flesh, we are also being developed in the spirit; and the holy spirit will in time enable us to sing cheerfully:

I fear no tribulation,
Since whatso'er it be,
It makes no separation
Between my Lord and me.
Since Thou, my Lord and Teacher,
Hast claimed me for Thine own,
E'en now with Thee I'm richer
Than monarch on his throne.

In Psalm 44:22 we read, "For Thy sake are we killed all the day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter." The Apostle Paul shows that this statement is a prophecy applicable to the entire membership of Christ, of whom our Lord Jesus is the Head (Rom. 8:36). The day to which reference is made is the Gospel Day (2 Cor. 6:2), the great antitypical Atonement Day in which "better sacrifices" have been in process of being offered up. They began with our Lord and continue with his Body, the church.

In carefully examining and studying this subject we have seen that the real sacrificing began at the time of our Lord's consecration, which was the full surrender of his life to God to be used in any way the Father saw fit and his providences might direct. Those who are to be with him in his Kingdom and compose his Bride follow in his steps. Their consecration is their death to the world, to earthly hopes, human aims and ambitions. In our Lord's case we see that his sacrificial death not only meant the giving away of his physical strength in healing and teaching, but included also the suffering resulting from the opposition of those about him. Even from members of his own family he experienced ostracism. Thus the Savior died daily.

Dying Daily

Surely in proportion as we are faithful to our heavenly Father, faithful in carrying out the terms of our covenant, our consecration, we shall have similar experiences. Faithfulness to our covenant of sacrifice will bring upon us opposition from the world,. the flesh, and the Devil. Often our distressing experiences will come as a result of the treatment received from professing brethren who are not developed sufficiently to appreciate matters from the true and proper spiritual standpoint. The great Apostle, in speaking of his own case, said that he was dying daily. This statement is applicable to all who are laying down their lives in the Lord's service. Sometimes it is by the expenditure of physical strength; sometimes it is by an evil, unkind word from someone who is disposed to hurt and injure his fellow brethren with his tongue. In the picture in ancient times this kind of experience is represented, we believe, by the burning of the flesh outside the camp, a place which represents the outcast's condition. Thus the faithful servants of the Lord are sure to experience ostracism by the worldly-minded, as our Lord foretold. Their attitude of full consecration to the Father's will is not appreciated; to the world it seems foolish. True disciples of Christ are constantly, by their holy conduct, reproving others around them; as our Lord said, "For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved."

The all-important consideration with all the Lord's people is, "We have a baptism to be baptized with and how are we straitened [how much difficulty we are in] until it be accomplished." To be faithful unto death is a part of the covenant of sacrifice. In some instances death may come early, in others it may come late. One of the early Church, St. Stephen, was faithful unto death, which came early in his Christian experience. St. Peter was also faithful, but met his death after a long lifetime. The promise to the overcomer is "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life" (Rev. 2:10). "If we suffer, we shall also reign with him" (2 Tim. 2:12).

We gravely fear that many Christians make the Apostle's word,
"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, "
the unconscious justification for a low standard of Christian living.
It were almost better to overstate the possibilities of sanctification
in his eager grasp for holiness than to understate them
in his complacent satisfaction with a traditional unholiness.

Dr. A. J. Gordon

The Joys of Discipleship

"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith: who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." -- Hebrews 12:2

Contributed

Frequently the requirements of sacrifice and suffering are associated with the Christian walk. Equally important, and an essential element for the disciple of Jesus, is joy. Joyfully counting all as loss (Phil. 3:7, 8) and joyfully enduring throughout the Christian walk is a reflection of the hope and trust in the scriptural promises. God often directs the paths of his children through his Word. The joy in sacrifice can be the difference between success and failure in attaining the prize of the high calling.

Joy Defined

The meaning of the word "joy" is "cheerfulness" and "sincere delight." Joy can be an emotion evoked by the feeling of well-being and happiness. The spiritual joy experienced by the disciple of Christ is elevated to a level above mere happiness. Also, the scriptures often refer to "rejoicing" as an expression of joy and instruct the faithful to rejoice. The Apostle Paul repeatedly reminded the Philippians to maintain a spiritual attitude of rejoicing in the Lord. "Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. Rejoice in the Lord alway:and again I say, Rejoice" (Phil. 3:1; 4:4).

The initial joy of discipleship is experienced with new awareness of the privilege of the calling to be a follower of Christ. The breaking of the fetters of the old man allow the new creature to come forth. The spiritual thoughts of the mind and the sentiments of the heart combine to make one ready to receive the grace of God and bask in the depth of his love. The true joy of discipleship is thrilling, and the newly begotten is spiritually energized by the holy spirit to serve the Master and his grand plan.

Great Joy to All

The glorious message announcing the birth of Jesus set the scene of "great joy." As the angel said, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people" (Luke 2:10). The joy originally associated with Jesus has continued to influence and encourage his followers, just as the joy that was set before him was an inspiration to Jesus to please the heavenly Father.

A Parable of Joy

In a parable consisting of one simple verse, Jesus explains the joy of sacrifice. "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man bath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field" (Matt. 13:44).

The man in this parable immediately recognized the great value of the treasure. He willingly, eagerly, and without hesitation sacrificed his worldly possessions to purchase the field and attain the treasure. But his added element of joy is the quality that goes a step beyond the expected response, reflecting a heart that is unreserved in its determination to follow through with complete commitment.

This parable is an example of Jesus and the great sacrifice he joyfully offered to redeem mankind. He was delighted to do God's will. This parable pictures each consecrated heart freely and joyfully forsaking all personal preferences and ambitions, choosing rather to endure the cross. Following the example set by Jesus, the new creature "delights" in doing the Lord's will; just as Jesus expressed, "I delight to do thy will, O my God; yea, thy law is within my heart" (Psa. 40:8).

A Fruit of The Spirit

Jesus offered comfort to his disciples, assuring them that if "ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you." And then Jesus encourages them by saying, "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples" (John 15:7, 8). Christ links the instruction to bear much fruit with the assurance that the Father will respond to the needs of those who abide in his spirit. Thus, those who petition their heavenly Father for the spirit of joy will be blessed.

This responsibility to bear much fruit is elaborated in Galatians. The Apostle Paul instructs the Galatians to walk in the spirit (Gal. 5:16) and proceeds to list the fruits of the spirit (joy being second on that list after love). Paul is confirming the importance of joy in the character of the true followers of Christ.

Joy's Influence

Proverbs describes the effect of joy on the well-being of an individual. Without the spirit of joy, the new creature would be lacking the ability to praise God or bring glory to his name.

"A merry (joyful) heart maketh a cheerful countenance; but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken" (Prov. 15:13).

"A merry (joyful) heart doeth good like a medicine; but a broken spirit drieth the bones" (Prov. 17:22).

Returning to John 15:11, we read that Jesus continues: "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full." The wisdom of the Proverbs was understood by Jesus: the necessity of joy as a fruit of the spirit had to be emphasized to his followers.

Sacrifice and Joy

The elements of sacrifice and joy work in harmony throughout the Christian walk. The concept of sacrifice and joy combined may seem contradictory. However, the two qualities flow together as intertwining threads forming a strength that neither element could supply alone. As the joy and delight in serving God and his purpose for all mankind is cultivated, the sacrifice becomes a sweet savor to the heavenly Father.

The sacrifice of the Philippians on behalf of the needs of the Apostle Paul was acknowledged by him. He describes their efforts, "an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God" (cf. Phil 4:15-18).

Paul's Joy

The scriptures have provided a beautiful example of a joyful attitude in the character of the Apostle Paul. Though he suffered greatly, preaching the truth and nurturing fellow new creatures brought him great joy and strength. Paul says, "I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ" (Phil. 3:8).

Paul trusted in God to be the supplier of all his needs. (James 1:17) He suffered greatly without complaint, "For when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears" (2 Cor. 7:5). And yet at. the same time in verse 4 he says, "Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation." In these verses Paul is revealing a perfect example of suffering combined with joy.

The Joy of Oneness

In respect to Paul's Christian character and faithfulness, consider his proclamation to the Philippians. "Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind" (Phil. 2:2) .

Paul is declaring his personal joy in the spirit of oneness among his fellow servants. In the previous verse he explains that this oneness in spirit provides consolation in Christ, comfort of love, and bowels of mercy. Each member should also have this desire of oneness, recognizing the spirit of joy it provides.

A Joyful Walk

The joy of discipleship evolves and develops taking on new facets with each experience as the new creature embarks upon the Christian walk. Worldly possessions become worthless when compared to the opportunity and privilege of walking with our Lord.

The new creature finds his experiences a blessing, though the suffering and temptations encountered along the way would be interpreted by worldly understanding as being painful. A trial often blossoms into a beautiful opportunity to bring glory to the heavenly Father, and the overruling of God's providence is joyfully recognized. Each experience provides development of character and greater maturity.

Joy Unspeakable

The Apostle Peter describes this condition of the servant of God: "Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen . . . ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory" (1 Peter 1:6-8).

The joy of success is exceeding when it is realized by an ambassador of Christ. Paul describes the response to his preaching to the Thessalonians as their "receiving the word of God" and "becoming followers of Christ" (1 Thess. 2:13, 14). What a joy for him to witness the fruitage of his efforts! He expressed his love for the Thessalonians and rejoicing in the recognition of their faithfulness to their Christian walk: "For ye are our glory and our joy" (2:20).

Paul praises the spiritual condition of the "elect." He assures them that they are begotten unto a "lively hope" and "to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, that fadeth not away," for it is reserved in heaven for the faithful saints (1 Peter 1:4).

May the saints of God be aroused to joyful faithfulness when consider­ing the mere glimpses that have been provided in the scriptures concerning the glory to follow.

"Behold, what manner of love the Father bath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God . . . Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is" (1 John 3:1, 2).

Indeed, joy rules over the conse­crated heart in the opportunity to glorify God now in this age and to become a joint member of the body of Christ for the ages to come, thence to be able to glorify God forever.

Returning to the theme text, the Apostle provides a picture in which Jesus, the author of our faith, is seated at the right hand of the Fa­ther. Indeed, Jesus is the captain of our salvation and has successfully and joyfully completed his mission as the Savior of mankind. Let us have faith that God is a rewarder of those who are faithful. Jesus further confirms this, saying, "Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven" (Matt. 5:12).

Pressing On in
Our Pilgrim Journey

"And thus shall ye eat [the lamb]; with your loins girded, your shoes
on your feet, and your staff in our hand; and ye shall eat it in haste;
 it is the Lord's Passover." -- Exodus 12:1

By Charles Redeker

During the Memorial season the thoughts of the brethren in­stinctively turn to our Lord Je­sus, to consider anew his life and to commemorate his costly sacrifice for us. To assist in these meditations our Lord instituted the Memorial supper with its very special emblems and meanings. Many of the Lord's peo­ple have also found it instructive to turn their attention to another cere­mony, the original Passover, which was celebrated in the land of Egypt almost 1,650 years before our Lord's ministry began.

Why should we be interested in going back into the dim past of Is­rael to examine the Passover rite? It is because we are convinced that the Lord's supper cannot be appre­ciated in its fullness without a background knowledge of the Pass­over. These are not merely ran­dom events: they stand as type to antitype, as shadow to substance, as preview to reality. We might almost say that neither of these ceremonies--the Passover or the Memorial--can be understood fully without grasping the relationship between the two.

Hence we believe it will be helpful to look again at the events of the first Passover night in the land of ancient Egypt. Hidden away in the details of the type is a lovely, instructive picture that por­trays the method God will use to bring salvation and blessing to the human family.

Various Pictures

When we think of the original Passover, several aspects come to mind. The larger picture shows the escape of the Israelites from bondage in Egypt across the Red Sea. There were many actors in this real-life drama: natural Israel represented the whole people of God, that is, all of the human family who will ultimately be­come reconciled with him. The Egyptians pictured the opponents of God, both men and angels; Phar­aoh, the prince of evil and arch ad­versary of God. Moses represented Christ, the deliverer; and the Red Sea was a symbol of the second death.

Within this scene there are yet other pictures. Many of the things that happened to Israel were en­samples for the new creation and were meant for our admonition (1 Cor. 1:11). Especially do we feel this so in regard to of the Passover. Think, for example, of the first­born-how they were spared or passed over from the tenth and fi­nal plague of death upon Egypt.

Only the firstborn were subject to the possibility of death in advance of their brethren. By passing them over and sparing their lives God reckoned them as his own hallowed posses­sion. Later, during the wilderness wanderings, God exchanged these for the tribe of Levi. They were separated from their brethren, gave up all inheritance in the land, and became priests and teachers.

We can see how these fittingly pictured the Royal Priesthood class in training, who are subject to death (the second death) during the Gospel age in advance of the world. They are the "church of the firstborn," whose names are written in heaven (Heb. 12:23). Only they are sufficiently enlightened with truth and in covenant relationship with God for their eternal destiny to be placed "on the line," so to speak, at the present time.

Pilgrims and Strangers

There is another aspect of this firstborn class on which we would especially like to focus. It is the aspect of their giving up an earthly inheritance, which the church must do as it accepts instead the heavenly calling--the great hope offered in Christ Jesus. If the firstborn class gives up their right to earthly life and privileges, they might be considered as pilgrims and strangers in the land. And indeed that is exactly how the scriptures describe them!

Peter writes: "Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; . . . ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:11, 9).

In taking another look at the Passover activities to see what lessons what may be found for the new creature, thinking especially from the standpoint of pilgrims and strangers. In the grandest sense of the term, we are running for the prize of the high calling, towards a city whose builder and maker is God. We must be keenly interested in any instructions our heavenly Father has given that will help us to press on in the pilgrim way.

The Desired Goal

The first thing a traveler must have in mind is a destination -- where is he heading? Proverbs informs us that: "Where there is no vision, the people perish" (29:18). Of the ancient worthies, those outstanding men of faith in the Old Testament, we are told that "they desired a better country, that is, an heavenly"-the city prepared for them (Heb. 11:16). Regarding the children of Israel, about to make their momentous exodus from Egypt, their destination was evident. It was spoken of by God for many generations: "I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians . . . (v. 6); and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God . . . (v. 7). And I will bring you into the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob" (v. 8; Exod. 6). It was the promised land of Canaan, flowing with milk and honey.

But what about the Lord's people today? What is our longrange goal? Where are we headed? Jesus said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness" (Matt. 6:33). Have we caught this vision of the kingdom, "the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven" (Rev. 21)-that blessed place where God shall wipe away all tears and there shall be no more sorrow or crying or any more pain? Where the saints of God shall live and reign with Christ the thousand years? (Rev. 20:4-6). If we can but keep a mental vision of this Kingdom in all its glory, it will help us endure the hardships of the way. As David expressed it, "I had fainted unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living" (Psa. 27:13).

Loins Girded

"To gird up the loins of our mind . . signifies that we have determined upon a course of activity; that rest and ease are put aside . . . (that we] require all the strength we possess." C. T. Russell (Q448)

Let us note the manner in which the Passover meal was to be eaten: "with loins girded, shoes on, staff in hand, and eaten in haste" (Exod. 12:11). Let us consider these one at a time.

"Your loins girded." The Living Bible says, "with your traveling clothes on, prepared for a long journey." Literally, the Israelites simply drew up their long skirts and fastened them in their girdles; this had the effect of leaving the legs and knees free for active motion.

What does this mean for us? The Christian pathway is not a flowery bed of ease. It is a long and difficult way (Matt.7:14). We need to be prepared for the long haul, and we need to wear an outfit appropriate for our purpose. Pilgrims and strangers are not dressed in party clothes or anything else that will restrict their movement or hinder their progress. They have neither the time nor the inclination to stop for worldly pleasures. Their clothing reflects the journey to be completed, the battle of faith that must be carried out.

In another figure Paul writes, "If ye then be risen with Christ [if we share the same vision of the kingdom with him], seek those things which are above, . . . not on things on the earth" (Col. 3:1, 2). Be diligent not to permit the transitory things of this life, whether it be job or family or earthly goals or anything else, to sidetrack us-to interfere with our making progress along the pilgrim way. Remember our Lord's example, of whom it was written that he set his face like a flint and was not ashamed (Isa. 50:7) He said, "I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened [that is, pressed] till it be accomplished" (Luke 12:50).

The new creature also has a staff upon which to lean: the promises of God sustain us each and every day of our pilgrimage. The more difficult the way becomes, the more we need the staff and the help that it affords. And so, in pressing on in the Christian way, let us make full use of the staff that our Lord supplies. Especially in the times in which we live, we need every precious promise the Lord has given. Let us go to the Scriptures, be continuously reminded of our close relationship to the Father and the Son, and be uplifted by their words; let us not be ashamed of the gospel of Christ "it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth" (Rom. 1:16). Let it be evident to all that we are using our staff-all along the way.

Shoes on Feet

Next they were told to eat the meal with "shoes on your feet." The Living Bible says, "wearing your walking shoes." The usual custom of Orientals is to remove their shoes when indoors, and the ancient Egyptians followed this rule. But the Israelites were not to adhere to this custom. They were to be prepared to leave at once and needed proper footwear to tread the difficult path of the wilderness that lay ahead.

Christians also are not to be conformed to this world, nor to be wearing the slippers or sandals that might picture the comfortable life. We are promised to be led into paths of righteousness with the Lord as our shepherd. But this does not mean that the going will be easy. To the contrary we read, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me" (Matt. 16:24). Also Paul says that: ". . . all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Tim. 3:12). So let us wear the traveling outfit that will protect from the sometimes harsh environment about us. Perhaps the shoes could also represent willingness to follow our Lord wherever he leads, even through the difficult terrain.

Staff in Hand

One other item was mentioned along with the clothing and shoes: they were to eat "with staff in hand." The Living Bible says, "carrying your walking sticks in your hands." Since it must have made eating quite difficult, this must have been an important item in the collage of instructions intended for us. The staff was an aid in walking and perhaps also in guiding the animals that accompanied them in the exodus. To any outside observer, it would have been abundantly evident that the Israelites were em­barking on a long journey.

Eaten in Haste

The Passover meal was eaten in the night time that preceded the deliverance, typifying the night of sin and death. It was to be eaten in haste, for the Israelites were in the land of Egypt, longing for the promised land. They had to be prepared for Moses' command to assemble and to begin the exodus at a moment's notice. This was no ordinary meal, with relaxed participants taking part in casual dinner conversation, savoring the food, and relishing the occasion. They were to concentrate on the rigors of the journey ahead and not waste valuable time or be distracted from their mission.

In the antitype, the participants of this meal are to show by their conduct that they are indeed pilgrims and strangers in this world. There is little time for the customary frivolities and pleasures of the day. We are not to be conformed to such or be entangled in earthly affairs. Our chief duty is to be concerned with spiritual matters and to prepare ourselves for the kingdom of the Lord.

John tells us, "Love not the world, neither the things in the world" (1 John 2:15); and James adds, "keep [yourselves] unspotted from the world" (James 1:27). Perhaps these admonitions are pictured by eating the Passover meal in haste. The hymn writer also reminds us "to touch lightly the things of this earth, esteeming them only to trifling worth."

Closing Thoughts

Let us look lastly at our pen picture of the pilgrim traveler from a negative standpoint. What would happen if he started out on his journey with no destination and with no preparation? Suppose he had no traveling clothes, good walking shoes, or staff in hand? And, we might add, no good meal? The results would be predictable and catastrophic. If a man has no goal and no destination, he obviously will get nowhere. And if he has not made proper preparation, he is not going to get very far.

Let us therefore heed the lesson afforded in this Passover type to assist us in our Christian journey during the night time of sin and death and keep to our steadfast goal before us. Deliverance will surely come in the morning! And may we be found worthy of having a part in the work of blessing all the families of the earth that will then follow.

Suffering with Christ

"Precious (costly, valuable, rare) in the sight of the Lord
is the death of his saints." -- Psalm 116:15

Contributed

What makes the death of one of the Lord's saints different from the death of anyone else? There is no experience Christians have that others do not experience. Christians "die like men" (Psa. 82:7). Death comes in all forms-natural or violent; sudden or drawn out; for supporting a righteous cause or in a seemingly insignificant role. Yet the death of his saints is very precious in the Lord's sight.

The last hours of life are not the focal point but the years leading to that end. The years of long suffering and patient endurance produce the Christ-like character acceptable to the Lord.

What is the purpose of suffering and trials of the saints? Is it more than a test of faithfulness?

The Cup

When our Lord gathered together his disciples just hours before his death, he introduced them to a new concept associated with his impending death. As Jesus gave them the cup at the Passover Supper, he instructed them to drink of it also (Matt. 26:27, 28). Earlier, when asked about their position in the Kingdom, Jesus responded, "You do not know what you are asking for. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?" (Matt. 20:22 NAS) Jesus knew that sitting at his right hand in the Kingdom was an honor requiring a willingness to drink of the same cup he was about to drink. The disciples did not fully know what would be involved when they answered, "We are able." In time, as their minds were enlightened to the true meaning of our Lord's words, the disciples did not waiver from their commitment to drink of Jesus' cup. As each member of the body of Christ drinks of the Lord's cup, he shares in communion (Greek koinonos: partnership, participation) with the death and sufferings of his Savior. "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?" (1 Cor. 10:16).

Followers of Christ

Jesus called to his disciples, "Follow me." And they forsook ali, and followed him (Luke 5:11). "Follow" means to be in the same way with, to accompany, to be in harmony with his road. "For even hereunto were ye called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps" (I Peter 2:21). "These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth . . ." (Rev. 14:4)

Conformable to his Death

The Apostle Paul recognized spiritual types in the Law. He reflected upon the types as illustrations of Jesus' sacrifice and the sacrifices of those willing to drink of the cup of suffering. The church would "know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death" (Phil. 3:10). " . . . as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation" (2 Cor. 1:7). "Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body" (2 Cor. 4:10).

Pattern to Follow

The Day of Atonement sacrifices seem to picture the sufferings of the gospel age, beginning with our Lord and continuing until the completion of the church, resulting in blessing the people.

What happened to the bullock (a picture of our Lord), also happened to the Lord's goat (a picture of the church). Both animals were killed. Their blood was taken into the Most Holy. Their fat burned on the brazen attar. Their skins, flesh, and dung burned without the camp (Lev. 16).

"Outside the Camp"

For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest as an offering for sin are burned outside the camp. Therefore, Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people through his own blood, suffered outside the gate. Hence, let us go out to him outside the camp, bearing his reproach.-Hebrews 13:11-13 NAS

Following Jesus includes the bearing of his reproach. As the skin, flesh, and dung of the bullock and goat produced a stench outside the camp, so the living sacrifices of Jesus and the church bring reproach from the world. "We are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things" (I Cor. 4:13). "The reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me" (Psa. 69:9). Jesus was "despised and rejected of men." He was esteemed "stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted" (Isa. 53:3, 4). Jesus told his disciples, " . . . the world hateth you . . . . The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you . . ." (John. 15:19, 20).

Burning in the Court

The fat and life organs of the bullock and goat were burned on the brazen altar in the court. Life organs (heart sentiments, best powers offered in self denials) were burned quickly because of the fat (zeal). Jesus' sacrifice was consumed quickly in three and a half years because of his zeal. "The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up" (John 2:17). When the love (zeal, fat) of our inmost being is laid on the altar, it increases the fire of God's acceptance. The more love in our consecration, the more quickly the offering may be consumed.

Incense in the Holy Place

Simultaneous with the burning outside the camp and the burning in the court, incense was burned in the Holy. The incense (perhaps representing Jesus' perfection) was burned (consumed by obedience) by fire (trials), producing fragrance (a sweet perfume to God). "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him" (Heb. 5:8). "Walk in love as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savor" (Eph. 5:2). Through the perfections of Jesus, the obedient sufferings of the followers of Christ also are a sweet savor to God. "For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved . . ." (2 Cor. 2:15).

Seated in the Heavenly Places

The new creatures of the church, like the new creature of Jesus, developed in the Holy place while the bullock and goat were consumed in the court and without the camp. God "hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Eph. 2:6). In the Holy, Jesus and the church feed at the table of shewbread, the Word of God, for strength and refreshment. They hold forth the word of life to others (Phil. 2:16). The "golden candlestick" represents the church enlightened by truth from the holy spirit (olive oil), and thence being lights in the world (Matt. 4:16; Matt. 5:14; Rev. 1:11). At the incense altar, prayers of the saints are offered (Rev. 5:8).

Ram of Consecration

In another picture, the blood of the ram of consecration was put on the tip of the right ear, right thumb of the right hand, and great toe of the right foot of Aaron (Jesus) and his sons (the church) (Lev. 8:22-24). As with Jesus, so with the church; spiritual ears are opened by faith to hearing God's Word. (Psa. 40:6-8; Rom. 10:17). Spiritual hands physically doing the service of God (Phil. 4:13; Eccl: 9:10). Spiritual feet walk in newness of life, walk by faith, walk in the spirit and walk in the light (Rom. 6:9; Eph. 4:17; 2 Cor. 5:7; Gal. 5:16).

Sympathetic Priesthood

During Jesus' years of ministry it is difficult to imagine he could experience every problem and trial common to man from Adam to the present. There are problems since his time to which he never would have been exposed to, and yet he is our High Priest of whom we read: "For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin" (Heb. 4:15 NAS). The Greek sumpatheo means to feel "sympathy" with, to commiserate. It is from the root, sumpathes, to have a fellow-feeling, mutually commiserative.

The risen Lord Jesus is our sympathetic High Priest. He knows what we are going through. He understands and is there to encourage us to keep up the good fight and to resist the world, the flesh, and the Adversary. Misery loves company. What better company could one ask for than to have a sympathetic Lord Jesus near us at every moment down through the age. "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Our privilege is to use our experiences today to make us sympathetic to the sufferings of the world that we may help them up the highway of holiness in the next age. Each experience is intended to bring out the best in our character. Each painful lesson is custom designed to mold and shape us for a unique place in the body, so as a whole, the body of Christ may be better enabled to serve in lifting the groaning creation up from the miry depths of sin.

When we have been chosen of the Lord to experience a severe trial, he knows we have the ability to withstand it. It is a sign of his confidence in our ability to overcome. He would not allow such experiences to fall upon us if we could not handle it. He will not leave us to flounder about, helpless, alone. He will be there to supervise each moment. The greater the suffering, the higher the honor.

"There hath no temptation taken you, but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it" (1 Cor. 10:13).

The Fullness of Christ