(Gen. 26)
OUR chapter covers far too much ground to be even touched in the page which is every line of space our kind Editor can spare for our monthly Bible Class, so we must be content to notice TWO points only, the ALTAR and the TENT of Isaac. In a time of famine he seems to have forgotten that God could, and, if trusted, would care for him and his household, so he turned aside. He did not go all the way to Egypt, a type of the world, but dwelt at Gerar, a place which, though only three days’ journey from Jerusalem, was for him coming short of the promises and the purposes of God. His course there was far from a happy or straightforward one, and it is a relief to find that in verse 23 he gets clear from it: in verse 24 he receives promises from the God of his father Abraham, while in the next verse he builds an altar, takes his true place as a worshipper, while the tent is quickly reared, and as easily taken down, reminds us of the pilgrim path, and the unworldly character suited to these who seek heavenly things, “who desire a better country” (Heb. 11:1616But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. (Hebrews 11:16)).
DEAR YOUNG FRIENDS,
It is encouraging to notice not only in what numbers but with what right good-will Aunt Alice’s girls and boys have rejoined our Class, while there are a few newcomers, to each and all of whom we give a loving welcome. The names of prizewinners for the half-year ending June 30th will, D.V., appear in print as soon as possible. Do not be afraid to write freely, dear girls and boys. Ask questions, or state your difficulties, if you have any. Cousin Edith may perhaps not be able to answer quite all the questions some of her class may ask, but we can pray for each other, and in this way our monthly Bible Talk will become a source of real help, and in the good hand of the Lord a channel of blessing to ourselves and others.
Fred J. M., Woodford Bridge.—So glad to find that you study your Bible, though under difficulties. The answer you could not find is given in the 4th chapter of John’s Gospel, As we read of the meeting between Abraham’s servant and Rebekah, another scene seems to rise before us, and we love to think of the Lord who, as He rested for a little while by Jacob’s well, asked for a drink of the woman of Samaria. Himself the Giving God, yet in Grace asking a favor at her hands that He might win her to listen while He spoke of LIVING WATERS which could alone meet and satisfy her deep soul-thirst.
Maggie H., Elmwood, High Wycombe.—Thanks, dear, for your nice bright letter. Your suggestion that every member of our class who knows the Lord Jesus as his or her own precious Saviour should pray for the unconverted boys and girls is a good one, and we shall, I hope, not only remember, but act upon it. The time is short, and perhaps none of us are so careful as we might be in the use of opportunities. It has often been a help to me to remember some words I heard years ago from one of the Lord’s servants: “An opportunity once lost never comes our way a second time. God may in His grace give us another, but never the one we let slip.”
Lily C., Portsmouth.—Your letter, dear Lily, is an encouraging one. Cousin Edith is glad that you have written freely. Your desire is, you say, that you may shine for the Lord Jesus, for the One who has won your heart for Himself. Shall I tell you what seems to me the secret of shining for Christ? Keeping so near Him that the light of the scene where He now is shines right down into our hearts. Then, and not till then, we reflect it, and so become, in our measure, “light-bearers” in this poor, dark world, and are found “Holding forth the word of life” (Philip. 2:16).