Editor’s Note: The following background information and application ideas for the Christian Science Bible Lesson for this week are offered primarily to help CedarS campers and staff see and demonstrate the great value of daily study of the Christian Science Bible lessons year-round, not just at camp. If more information or the text of this Lesson is desired, please see the Director”s Note at the end. The citations referenced in the “met” (metaphysical application ideas) are taken from the King James Version of the Bible and the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. 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.
Without time and calendars . . . Find your God-given worth!
Application Ideas for “Sacrament” (Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lesson for January 2-8, 2006) by Corde Hanzlik, C.S. (Austin, Texas)
It is always interesting and challenging to thought, that immediately after the joy of Christmas we have the Sacrament Lesson that includes the crucifixion and resurrection story. It would seem, as Christmas is a reminder of the innocence of the Christ, the Sacrament Lesson (Easter) defines the humanity of the Christ, through Jesus. Both are without time and calendars.
What is our duty in communion? What is the cup and bread referred to in the Golden Text? What do we do? The Responsive Reading is Paul’s rendition of following what Jesus did and told his disciples to do in regard to communion. Communion is “unifying with,” while sacrament is “an oath, a vow.” in the case of the Last Supper, the promise of Jesus’ followers to be faithful to the Master by partaking of the bread and wine, are symbolic of that oath, their love for him and recognition of what he represented. Little did they know what an example he would be to them and to us. Neither did they know that they would violate their oaths because of fear and sadness. How do we measure up? Only by self-examination will we find our God-given worth.
Section 1 Praise to God! Always where we start!
Praising the magnificence of God and His works. (We are included as His workmanship.) All of the markers until the last one, #4, demand honor, credit, praise, worship, etc. to God. In B4 is the example of how Abram (later Abraham – the prophet who received the covenant with God, remember?) braved all danger from enemy armies to rescue Lot from the “bad guys”. (Read the whole story. It another Lord of the Rings with all the armies and battles.) Because of Abram’s good deed, Melchizedek, the priest, offered a special blessing both to Abram and especially to God who took care of Abram. Although Abram was not of Roman times, he is a soldier in this story. He was a soldier of God willing to make a personal sacrifice if necessary to honor God. The wine didn’t have the symbolism to those in Abram’s times, but we have the insight of centuries later of the Christ cup. (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy #2,3) Abram practiced S&H 4 in his service to God and courage to complete his mission. He had to be a pray-er as well as a do-er. With trust in God and the understanding of “self-forgetfulness, purity and affection,” Abram was safe. Look, too, that we are silent, lips mute, as we ‘audience’ with Spirit. That means that we are supposed to listen, not tell God what we want. Are we as consecrated to God as Abram was? (S&H 5) What does consecration mean? More than devotion and dedication, it is total spiritualization of service. Abram knew where his authority and power was – with God.
Section 2 O Little Town of Bethlehem
Here we have Christmas again. John is the witness as Jesus came to be baptized. John recognized this prince. (Isn’t it strange that John sent his disciples in last week’s Lesson to ask Jesus if he were the Christ? John knew that he was! It must be that he was teaching his followers about his cousin.)Not only would Judah (S&H 6) represent a place of Jesus’ beginnings, it would represent John. For either one, it shows a transition of thought, a revelation of prophecy of a timeless Christ ideal. We’re the current witnesses. (S&H 7) We are all baptized moment-by-moment. (Look up baptism in the Glossary) “The calm, strong currents of true spirituality” (S&H 10) are not water currents in a baptismal pool, but the stir of cleansing thought of any “imposition” that mortal sense would suggest. Bald = exposed, uncovered. (Sorry)
Section 3 “Work, work, work. Watch and pray.”
(’00 2:7 “The song of Christian Science is, “Work – work – work – watch and pray.” Mary Baker Eddy) By example, Jesus shows us how to work, heal, everywhere. (B 9) He then teaches how to pray, heal. (B 11) Then comes the command, “Do it!” (B 12)It is important to shut the door of our closet. It keeps erroneous thought that isn’t real, out, and us and the only real, in. Each of us is a sanctuary. Let’s keep our sanctuary pure. (S&H 11) Faith is a great foundation (S&H 12), but demonstration is better. (S&H 13) We have the promise of the Lord’s Prayer – “it covers all human needs”. How? “Instantaneously!”
Section 4 Last Supper
The Last Supper is called that as it was the last meal that the disciples had with Jesus before his crucifixion. It was for them the celebration of the Jewish Passover as established in Moses’ time. The meaning for Christians has become very different since this ritual of Jesus and his followers that we have in B 14. Mrs. Eddy explains the ceremonial meaning so well. Thank you, Mrs. Eddy. (S&H 14)
Section 5 He is risen!!! (Easter gladness)
(Read the whole fishing story in John. There’s more to the story.) Oh, those disciples. They were so lost without their leader. (Probably very afraid, too.) They went back to what they did before Jesus came into their lives. They toiled humanly for a supply, an answer. Jesus didn’t give up on them. He could have really chewed them out for their laziness, stupidity. He could have felt great hurt. But he didn’t. (Are we always so loving to others?) Instead, Jesus gave them guidance as to what to do, where to look for the answers – on the right side. The Bible doesn’t say that the disciples were fishing on the left side of the ship. Jesus wasn’t talking about left or right, was he? Of course not! It’s a matter of wrong or right. There is only one correct side, right? Or is it right, correct? When the disciples come to shore, Jesus already had fish and bread. (Where did he get his fish and bread? Had he gone to the market? Of course not. He knew the correct side, mental place.) The disciples no longer doubted Jesus.This feast is the Morning Meal. The disciples learned so much from their mistake. (S&H 15) How about us? Are we tempted to fish on the wrong side? Often. What must we do about it? Be church, Christly witnesses. (u r are the middle two letters ch.) We will partake of the real communion by divine symbolism and mental commitment. (S&H 16)
Section 6 Back to section 1
Here is the full circle of the Lesson. (B 18,19,20) Is Jesus like Abram? (in marker 20, Abraham) Has he saved us? Neither he nor Abram wanted praise for themselves, the priesthood, or special honors. The two only kept God’s Word. Each was a soldier of God. The definition of Judah (Juda) is complete. The “material belief” is gone and “spiritual understanding” rules. Moses’ law wasn’t enough for us. It took the grace of the Christ as hope to “make things perfect.” So the grace? (B21) Thank you, Jesus for showing us the way to know our Father, Mother God. We are pure. We are the Genesis 1 man – dominion. That is our true heritage, inheritance.We too, now glimpse the Messiah, Christ. (S&H 17) Do we always realize our heritage of pre-existence? We, too, were before Abraham as we are one with God. Do we understand our Christly relation with God? Jesus broke the earth barrier for us. Christ breaks all barriers. (S&H 18) In S&H 19, it is confirmed that each one of us is “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people” as I Peter 2:9 tells us (originally in Deuteronomy. Each of us is the one that God loves most!
Camp Director”s Note: The above sharing is the latest in a long series of CedarS Bible Lesson “mets” (metaphysical application ideas) contributed weekly by a rotation of CedarS Resident Practitioners and occasionally by other metaphysicians. This document is intended to initiate further study as well as to encourage the application of ideas found in the Weekly Bible Lessons as printed in the Christian Science Quarterly and as available at Christian Science Reading Rooms.* Originally sent JUST 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 and inspiration they had felt at camp, CedarS lesson “mets” are in no way meant to be definitive or conclusive or in any way a substitute for daily study of the lesson in the books. The thoughts presented are the inspiration of the moment and are offered to give a bit more dimension, background and daily applicability to some of the ideas and passages being studied. 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 these ideas helpful in your daily spiritual journey, in your deeper digging in the books and in closer bonding with your Comforter and Pastor.) Enjoy!
Warren Huff, Director director@cedarscamps.org
The CedarS Camps Office
1314 Parkview Valley
Manchester, MO 63011
(636) 394-6162
