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Notes and References for Sunday, 2/6/00 As you all know, the theme of our class is Grand and Noble Lives from the sentence in Science and Health: “We must form perfect models in thought and look at them continually, or we shall never carve them out in grand and noble lives.” The Christian Science Teacher, James Spencer, spoke at the Longyear luncheon. (The Longyear Museum has a 75 year history of collection and preservation of the life and achievements of Mary Baker Eddy and early workers in the Christian Science movement.) In Mr. Spencer’s remarks he asked us to describe ourselves. Would we answer with a physical description, or with qualities that we are characteristic of? If we took a tour of the Statute of Liberty, he continues, would the tour guide tell us of the type of concrete used, how much, how long it took to build, etc? Or, would the tour guide tell us of the gift from the French in recognition and celebration of the American Revolution? Wouldn’t a good tour guide explain the importance of the freedom and the struggle for liberty that the statue represents to immigrants coming to America? Mrs. Eddy writes in Ret 70:18: Each individual must fill his own niche in time and eternity. That means you and me! What about you? How do you describe yourself? How will the world be different as a result of your being in it? 5’8” with blue eyes? Or, loving, curious, passionate, caring, honest and so forth? If we listen to mortal opinions and are drawn in to destructive, self-deprecating thoughts, we are making a reality out of a lie. If we hold to the Truth of our identity not matter what condition we are in we are recognizing the very presence of God’s expression. Jacob was in a “dreadful” place. We have all been there at one time or another. If we are recognizing the true qualities that we represent and express (our spiritual identity) we view that dreadful place or circumstance as an opportunity to see God’s presence. (God, that active power of Love that comes to our rescue through inspired thoughts - just like the angels ascending and descending on the ladder Jacob was dreaming of.) Let’s look at the story of Jacob’s ladder: (You have heard it many times in Sunday School over the last 15 to 20 years but this time read it very carefully and give special attention to God’s promise to Jacob and to Jacobs realization that this dreadful place is right where God is—he is, in fact, at “ the gate of heaven”. Gen 28:10-17 And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; …And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not. And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. From Ps 139 we find: 8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; No matter where we are or what we are doing we can avail ourselves of God’s right hand. So lets look at that gate and what is on the other side of it. Hear are some references: Matt 7: 13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: S&H 451:8-14 Students of Christian Science, who start with its letter and think to succeed without the spirit, will either make shipwreck of their faith or be turned sadly awry. They must not only seek, but strive, to enter the narrow path of Life, for "wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat." '02 18:1 Be faithful at the temple gate of conscience, wakefully guard it; then thou wilt know when the thief cometh. See you all next week. Much love, Mike |
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