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[Remain Teachable to be Truth-full!]
Metaphysical Application Ideas for the Christian Science Bible Lesson on
"Truth" for January 27, 2013
by Rick Stewart, C.S., Dresden, Germany
rickstewartcs@aol.com
Tel. +49 351 312 4736
My oldest brother, Gary, often observes, “Our teachers are all around us.” I love that thought. It is such a powerful acknowledgement of the teachers that have touched our lives and also how creation itself continually teaches us “grand lessons.” (See Science and Health, page 243:7.)
In this week’s Christian Science Bible Lesson on “Truth” I have been taught some great new things. I love learning about God. And I am always thrilled when my children learn something new about God. As in this promise from Isaiah 54:13 “And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.” (KJV)
What could be better than that? Well how about this, “All your sons shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the prosperity of your sons.” (RSV, Revised Standard Version) or “I will teach all your children, and they will enjoy great peace.” (NLT, New Living Translation), or “All your children will have God for their teacher—what a mentor for your children. You’ll be built solid, grounded in righteousness, far from any trouble—nothing to fear! far from terror—it won’t even come close!” (The Message)
I began to see a difference. It is not just learning “about” God, but learning from God. In this week’s Bible Lesson we discover God, Truth as our teacher. Enjoy.
Golden Text and Responsive Reading
It was in thinking about the Golden Text that I began to see we are all being taught by God. “Teach me Thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth.” Psalms 86:11
The Responsive Reading continues to introduce us to this concept: “teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me… Good and upright is the Lord: therefore will he teach sinners in the way… and the meek will he teach his way. “
And the “way” He will teach us is indeed the way of Truth.
Section 1: Teach me, “make me to understand”…”enlighten my darkness.”
In 1795 Sir William Curtis Mayor of London gave a speech to the London Board of Education, he was serving as Mayor of London. His topic was what has become known as “the Three Rs.” According to Wikipedia.com, the online encyclopedia, he referred to:
- Reading and writing
- Reckoning and figuring
- Wroughting and wrighting
“From reading and writing comes the idea in modern education of literacy, by which we generally mean having the ability to understand ideas expressed through the medium of words. From reckoning and figuring comes the modern idea of numeracy which means being able to understand ideas expressed in the medium of mathematics. There is no single word, equivalent to literacy or numeracy, that expresses wrighting and wroughting (that is the ability to make – as in wheelwright, shipwright, cartwright). In late 18th and early 19th century the role of schools in preparing children to work in manufacturing industry would have been seen to have had a greater vocational and economic relevance than it would today.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_three_Rs
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sir_William_Curtis,_1st_Baronet
Now my primary education began with Mrs. Leonard in first grade at Skeen Elementary, Leesburg, Florida. Mrs. Leonard taught us plenty of the “the Three Rs.” But what I remember most was her passion for bird watching. She took us out early one morning and began to teach us about the Florida birds: habits, songs, appearance. And that is what stays most with me, what she taught with love were the lessons of nature. That was her passion.
The Bible and Science and Health citations in this first section teach us with that same passion. The Psalmist wrote,” O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me;” …”Make me to understand the way of thy precepts:”… “the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.” (B-1), (B-3), (B-4) “Truth and Love enlighten the understanding, in whose “light shall we see light;” and this illumination is reflected spiritually by all who walk in the light and turn away from a false material sense.“ (S-2) “The eternal Truth destroys what mortals seem to have learned from error, and man’s real existence as a child of God comes to light.” (S-6)
The light of Truth teaches us and we learn that we are indeed the child of God.
Section 2: Sincere Solomon’s hunger for knowledge is rewarded; God teaches him.
In this section we read of a new king seeking understanding. This familiar Bible story of Solomon’s dream deserves a little background. By reading the preceding chapters you begin to understand a little of Solomon’s mental state. (I Kings 1, 2) Adonijah, another son of King David, had attempted to place himself in the line of succession. It almost worked, but the wise instructions of Nathan the prophet helped Bathsheba, Solomon’s mother, position Solomon for the succession to the throne of David. With King David’s blessing Solomon began his reign.
Evidently Solomon [at 20 years of age] was pretty daunted by his new position. I can almost feel him asking, “How am I ever going to do this?” He went to sleep in Gibeon with this hunger for understanding. And God answered. “Because thou hast asked this thing…for thyself understanding to discern judgment; Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart;” (B-7) [Click to hear more on Solomon in a Gary Duke Practitioner Talk at Family Camp 2011, after Desiree Goyette’s descant on Hymn 455, “Seek Ye First”.]
For me this portion of (S-10) captures the spirit of Solomon’s enlightenment, “This understanding is not intellectual, is not the result of scholarly attainments; it is the reality of all things brought to light.”
Reality brought to light, isn’t that the ultimate goal of true education?
Section 3: Solomon puts his education into practice.
This section reminds me of the Prophet Jeremiah’s explanation of God’s covenant, Jeremiah 31:33 “But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.”
The wisdom that Solomon expressed, that has been heralded for thousands of years, was more than just book learning; it was the practical wisdom of Truth come to light.
Citation B-12 relates the story of two mothers. One of these mothers tragically loses her child and thinks she has come up with a plan to recover her loss by taking from another. Since there are no witnesses her plan seems to succeed. But as Mrs. Eddy writes,” Let Truth uncover and destroy error in God’s own way, and let human justice pattern the divine.” (S-12, 542:19)
Solomon in his wisdom found a way to uncover the real mother. His wisdom led him to utilize the purest form of love we know in human experience, mother love, to bring out the Truth.
Through this and other experiences the “wisdom of Solomon” has become a phrase known the world over for thousands of years.
I remember one time when I used this example as a teenager. I was working as a lifeguard at our city swimming pool. Two young boys, around 10 years old, had been fighting with each other and causing problems all day long at the pool. As I was trying to solve the problem a little “Solomonic” wisdom came to me. I took the two boys in a very serious manner to a storage room just off of the pool deck. I closed the door, handed a metal pipe to one boy and a 2×4 (a piece of wood 2 inches by 4 inches.) to the other boy. I explained I had other things to do and I would leave them alone to finish their fight. (Now, you have to know that I was praying like crazy as I did this. ) Both boys looked at me like I was actually crazy. They were not interested in really hurting each other. I then simply said, “Okay, can we go back out and have some fun in the pool?” Both seemed rather relieved as I opened the door. “Okay, shake hands and let’s go swimming.” They shook hands and that was the end of the bickering.
Citation S-15 clearly indicates the source of the “wisdom” that equips and teaches each of us, “At all times and under all circumstances, overcome evil with good. Know thyself, and God will supply the wisdom and the occasion for a victory over evil.” (571) [When challenges face you, click “Rise to the Occasion’ for Warren’s 2003 application ideas on using this citation to help.]
Section 4: The “touch of the Christ” teaches through healing.
Bible citation B-15 tells of the woman suffering from hemorrhaging for 12 years without medical relief. She touches Jesus robe and she is healed. Is it a question of, “”What a robe?” Or “What a man?” [See the attached illustration of Jesus’ robe from last week with the healing power of the 10 Commandments in its wings (translated hem).]
In citation S-19 Mrs. Eddy writes,
“The great Teacher knew both cause and effect, knew that truth communicates itself but never imparts error.”
“Jesus once asked, “Who touched me?” Supposing this inquiry to be occasioned by physical contact alone, his disciples answered, “The multitude throng thee.” Jesus knew, as others did not, that it was not matter, but mortal mind, whose touch called for aid. Repeating his inquiry, he was answered by the faith of a sick woman. His quick apprehension of this mental call illustrated his spirituality. The disciples’ misconception of it uncovered their materiality.”
When a person in pain and suffering reaches out for healing is it a reach for person, personality, or some magical touch? I often think of an experience my mom had years ago on a cruise. She had been invited by a member of her Christian Science Association. Mom and her friend, Mary, stood along the ship’s rail as the ship sailed from the dock and a stranger came up to them. This woman was obviously in great distress. She explained that her husband had recently died, and she had planned this cruise with her son and his family. At the last minute the son had cancelled. She was alone and heartbroken. My mom spoke with the woman and shared many spiritual truths about the presence of God and our oneness with Him. The woman left in a little while in a much better mood.
Mary, mom’s friend, turned and commented, “Glatha, I would never have spoken with a complete stranger like that!” My mom simply replied, “Mary, why do you think she came to us? Is it because we are the best-looking people on the cruise? She came for the Christ.” Mom said that during the cruise every time they saw this woman she was never alone and she was always having a good time.
Several days later at the end of the cruise Mom and Mary were leaving the ship. This woman came up to my mom and said, “I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to talk with me that first day. I have had a wonderful time.”
The “touch of the Christ” had turned this woman’s gloom into glory; she had had a wonderful time.
As our Leader writes in Miscellaneous Writings 358:4-6:
“The student who heals by teaching and teaches by healing, will graduate under divine honors, which are the only appropriate seals for Christian Science.”
Section 5: Learn Truth, find freedom.
In this section The Mother Church’s MyBibleLesson.com, includes this interesting note, “The Range of Jesus’ travels extended at least 50 miles east to west and 150 miles north to south through present-day Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria (see the map in Section 2). By the time the first Gospel (Mark) is thought to have been written (ad 70), the “fame” of Jesus had spread all around the Mediterranean area from Europe to Africa. Some scholars think Jesus walked over 3,000 miles during his three-year ministry. As a child, he also went to Egypt with Mary and Joseph.”
During his three year ministry Jesus taught and he healed. And we always need to keep in thought that he expected us to follow him in word and deed. Bible citation B-18 includes Jesus’ call, John 8:31,32, ” Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
What binds and disables material sense? What sets free? Knowing the Truth!
[See Section 3 notes and link for citation S-15.]
In Miscellaneous Writings, Page 338 Mrs. Eddy quotes from a poem,
"Be True," from Hymns of Faith and Hope (1867)
By Horatius Bonar.
Thou must be true thyself,
If thou the truth wouldst teach;
Thy soul must overflow, if thou
Another's soul would'st reach!
It needs the overflow of heart
To give the lips full speech.
Think truly, and thy thoughts
Shall the world's famine feed;
Speak truly, and each word of thine
Shall be a fruitful seed;
Live truly, and thy life shall be
A great and noble creed.
http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Horatius_Bonar
Section 6: Like Paul, obeying the call of Truth
In this section, citations (B-21, B-22) we read Paul’s account of how he was called to teach and preach. Rather dramatic to say the least, but have you thought about how the Christ has spoken to you? Your call is just as holy as that of Paul. Paul told the story of his calling many, many times. It was usually the main part of his teaching about the Christ. Are you sharing your testimony? As Paul put it to King Agrippa, “Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:”
Beginning in Junior High School I was a competitive swimmer. One coach had a saying, “Swim through the wall.” He did not mean that he expected us to get up such a head of steam that we swam through the end of the pool. It was a simple message; the race goes all the way to the wall. I did not always obey that instruction. My first swim meet was actually a return to my old home town of Leesburg. It was fun to be in the pool where I had actually learned to swim, Venetian Gardens. And right where I had learned back stroke I was winning my first race. I was so far ahead of everyone that I started taking it easy. I thought it was a great triumph. But when I reported back to my coach he was almost red with anger. Why had I eased up right at the end of the race? “But coach I had it won.” “Ricky, this is just the first heat. The final is later; if your time isn’t fast enough you won’t qualify for the finals.”
In a letter to the Galatians Paul asks, “Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?” (B-20) Kind of like Ricky in the race, aren’t we often our own hindrance? It isn’t somebody else’s fault; it is usually our own undoing.
Mrs. Eddy encourages us in citation S-26: “The purpose and motive to live aright can be gained now. This point won, you have started as you should. You have begun at the numeration table of Christian Science, and nothing but wrong intention can hinder your advancement. Working and praying with true motives, your Father will open the way. “Who did hinder you, that ye should not obey the truth?”
Section 7: Truth is revealing itself, remain teachable.
Since the nature of Truth is infinite, then our knowledge of Truth will always be growing. If we remain open to this unfolding infinity of Truth, we will be growing with it. And as we use or practice what we know of Truth, we will find continually more unfoldments.
It just amazes me when my kids start a new class in school. In a matter of a few short weeks, their daily teaching and study has them light years ahead of their starting point. I have particularly noticed that with Noah’s Latin and French. In the first few days I can kind of keep up with the vocabulary, but after a few weeks, due to daily study and practice, his knowledge is far beyond mine.
Another example is in the area of planets. When I was a kid we all knew the planets, after all there weren’t that many according to our knowledge. But add an incredible research tool like the Kepler Space Observatory and eager researchers like Christian Scientist, Dr. Laurance Doyle, and the task is not so easy. More in the direction of infinite.
According to National Geographic Daily News, “More than a thousand potential new planets have been found outside our solar system—nearly doubling the number of candidates discovered so far by NASA's Kepler space telescope, according to a new study.” The fresh batch of Kepler Objects of Interest, or KOIs, emerged from an analysis of mission data gathered between May 2009 and September 2010. The data revealed 1,091 possible new planets, bringing the total count to 2,321—up from 1,235 candidates formally announced last February.”
What would Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science say about all this? Well, she has said it, “Suns and planets teach grand lessons.” This is from a paragraph captioned, “Some lessons from nature”. (Science and Health, 243) She also writes,” The astronomer will no longer look up to the stars, —he will look out from them upon the universe; and the florist will find his flower before its seed.” (Science and Health, 125)
Our Bible Lesson concludes with these Science and Health citations, (S-28, S-29, S-30)
“When we wait patiently on God and seek Truth righteously He directs our path.” (254:10)
“The effects of Christian Science are not so much seen as felt. It is the “still, small voice” of Truth uttering itself. We are either turning away from this utterance, or we are listening to it and going up higher. Willingness to become as a little child and to leave the old for the new, renders thought receptive of the advanced idea.” (323: 28)
“Truth is revealed. It needs only to be practiced.” (174:20)
Remain teachable and let the universe of Truth continue its expansion in your life. Your Teacher loves you dearly, you are the “Teacher’s Pet”… we all are, we are His beloved children.
[The application ideas above are from a Christian Science Practitioner who has served as a Resident Practitioner at CedarS Camps. They are provided primarily to help CedarS campers and staff (as well as friends) see and daily demonstrate the great value of study and application of the Christian Science Bible lessons throughout the year, not just at camp! YOU CAN ALSO SIGN UP for weekly emails from past CedarS staff of possible ways to share Bible Lesson applications with older, as well as younger, Sunday School classes by clicking the "Subscribe Now" button (lower left) athttp://www.cedarscamps.org/metaphysical/
Warren Huff, CedarS Director & editor of these notes & its bracketed, italic additions.]
[THANKS TO YOUR SUPPORT CedarS "Emerge ‘n See" NEEDS were met by year-end! We were SO grateful able to buy needed hay and get timely funding for building and equipment repairs! While our herd still needs your "adoptive" support to be fully fed, trained and ready for camp, our focus now goes to filling camp with worthy campers! With Early Enrollment expiring at the end of January, our main funding goals for early 2013 are raising funds for camperships and for operations support. If you'd rather not give online, thank you for mailing your checks to:
CedarS Camps Office,
1314 Parkview Valley Dr.,
Manchester, MO 63011
Or for calling us at
636-394-6162 to give a monthly pledge or a single, Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card gift.]
[Additional Director's Note: You can sign up to have these application ideas emailed to you free — by Monday each week in English; or by each Wednesday you can get a FREE TRANSLATION: in German, thanks to Helga and Manfred; or in Spanish, thanks to a team of Ana, Erick, Claudia and Patricio. A voluntary French translation by Pascal or Denise cannot be guaranteed due to their busy schedules. An "official" version of the weekly Portuguese translation is now available for CedarS Mets, thanks to helpers of Orlando Trentini in Brazil. You can sign-up at http://www.cedarscamps.org/ and click "Newsletters" to sign-up for the Portuguese version. This sharing is the latest in an ongoing, 12-year series of CedarS Bible Lesson "Mets" (Metaphysical application ideas) contributed weekly by a rotation of CedarS Resident Practitioners and occasionally by other metaphysicians. (Ask and look for "Possible Sunday School Topics "and "Possible Younger Class Lessons" in subsequent emails.) These weekly offerings are intended to encourage further study and application of ideas in the lesson and to invigorate Sunday School participation by students and by the budding teachers on our staff. Originally sent JUST to my Sunday School students and to campers, staff and CedarS families who wanted to continue at home and in their home Sunday Schools the same type of focused Lesson study, application and inspiration they had felt at camp, CedarS lesson "mets "and Sunday School ideas are in no way meant to be definitive or conclusive or in any way a substitute for daily study of the lesson. The thoughts presented are the inspiration of the moment and are offered to give a bit more dimension and background as well as new angles (and angels) on the daily applicability of some of the ideas and passages being studied. The weekly Bible Lessons are copyrighted by the Christian Science Publishing Society and are printed in the Christian Science Quarterly as available at Christian Science Reading Rooms or online at eBibleLesson.com or myBibleLesson.com. The citations referenced (i.e.B-1 and S-28) from this week's Bible Lesson in the "Met" (Metaphysical application ideas) are taken from the Bible (B-1 thru B-24) and the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health With Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy (S-1 thru S-30). The Bible and Science and Health are the ordained pastor of the Churches of Christ, Scientist. The Bible Lesson is the sermon read in Christian Science church services throughout the world. The Lesson-Sermon speaks individually through the Christ to everyone, providing unique insights and tailor-made applications for each one. We are glad you requested this metaphysical sharing and hope that you find some of the ideas helpful in your daily spiritual journey, in your deeper digging in the books and in closer bonding with your Comforter and Pastor.]
