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Find your life in your oneness with God!
Metaphysical Application Ideas for the Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lesson on
“Probation after Death”
for April 22-28, 2024
by John & Lindsey Biggs, C.S of Maryland Heights, MO
541 418 1176 johnbiggscs@gmail.com
541 460 3515 biggs.lindsey@gmail.com
Introduction
This week’s Bible Lesson shows us that our life proceeds from God. Maintaining an active oneness with God – a relationship with God that we can grow in each day – gives us an understanding of our oneness with God that can never be interrupted. Maintaining a conscious oneness with God gives us the strength and ability that we need to succeed. God’s will for us is salvation, so let’s see how we can demonstrate the universe that God has created this week – beautiful, whole, peaceful, healthy, and holy.
Golden Text
I love the word “trust” here in this Golden Text. It implies we are not working alone! We are resting on a divine Principle that is much bigger than us. We can feel the presence of God, and yield to the power, gentleness and perfection of God as we go about our day.
Here are a couple expanded views of the word trust from the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary.
“Confidence; a reliance or resting of the mind on the integrity, veracity, justice, friendship or other sound principle of another person [i.e. of God]….
To trust in, to confide in; to place confidence in; to rely on; a use frequent in the Scriptures.”
And, of course, when we do trust in God, God directs our paths, giving us the confidence and certainty that we are on the right track. We don’t have to rely on our own human intellect or will power. We can confidently trust in God, take each step with God, and allow God to guide our thoughts, motives, and acts.
Responsive Reading
Bible Lens Research has this commentary to add in part:
“In addition to wearing body armor, Roman soldiers protected their feet with spiked sandals. These enabled them to plant themselves firmly on the ground, a distinct advantage in battle. Here the image applies to spiritual readiness, showing reliance on God’s might to be the means of arming for divine warfare.” (Bible Lens, Christian Science Sentinel Issue April 22, 2024)
We want to be as clear as possible on what is really real and true – never floating along with mortal currents of thought. We want to rouse ourselves by drawing and using the sword of Spirit, “before it can be returned into the scabbard.” (from an article by Mary Baker Eddy called “PUT UP THY SWORD” in Miscellaneous Writings,
p. 214:14).
“Be watchful, sober, and vigilant. The way is straight and narrow, which leads to the understanding that God is the only Life.”
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 324:13–15)
Section 1 – God’s creation already perfect and complete
God’s will for us and the entire earth is salvation. Salvation is defined by Mary Baker Eddy in the Glossary of Science and Health as “Life, Truth, and Love understood and demonstrated as supreme over all; sin, sickness, and death destroyed.” (citation S4, SH p. 593:20)
Imagine that – a world governed and controlled by infinite Love! That indeed would be salvation.
As we draw more towards the light — the illumination of divine Mind — the unenlightenment of mortal mind disappears. Then we are governed by Soul, spiritual sense, — by God — not by material sense or human will.
Our demonstrations are all about proving the supremacy of God, good, over the universe. We want to prove our dominion as sons and daughters of God and live our birthright of Genesis 1.
God’s creation is already complete, already pure and holy. Because this spiritual truth is already the basis of our being, we strive to demonstrate it from that basis (see cit. S3, 3:7). It’s similar to how a sculptor already beholds a beautiful form in the marble, and they simply chip away at what is hiding that form.
Section 2 – Never too late
Oh, Manasseh. This is a king who shows all the worst tendencies of the kings of Israel and Judah. In 2nd Kings, Manasseh is portrayed as a terrible king, full stop (see 2nd Kings 20). However, 2nd Chronicles includes this story of Manasseh’s redemption (which is unique to Chronicles). The Chronicler goes on to say that, as part of his repentance, he built a defensive wall for Jerusalem, staffing it with great captains, and that “… he took away the strange gods, and the idol out of the house of the LORD, and all the altars that he had built in the mount of the house of the LORD, and in Jerusalem, and cast them out of the city. And he repaired the altar of the LORD, and sacrificed thereon peace offerings and thank offerings, and commanded Judah to serve the LORD God of Israel.” (2nd Chronicles 33:15 he, 16)
What’s going on here with this storytelling? Was he a bad king, or was he a self-serving king who repented only when he was in trouble? Or, was there perhaps something more? The two books of Chronicles are interesting and very special because, although they may seem like nothing more than a retelling of the books of Samuel and Kings, they actually differ in quite a few ways. Essentially, Chronicles was written after the children of Israel had already returned from the Babylonian exile and were trying to discover what was going on; they had returned home, and yet things still weren’t perfect. The Bible Project gives us this lovely summary:
“…the Chronicler is acting as the first commentary on the Old Testament. He’s offering us a prophetic interpretation of Israel’s history that is meant to guide the reader’s attention forward to the hope of a coming king who will restore order and pursue the Lord as David once did, at least mostly. In other words, 1-2 Chronicles are a “prophetic work.” That is, they represent God’s point of view on Israel’s past, and announce that exile and disappointment is not the end of the story. This author is offering the same prophetic hope we find in the books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and in the rest of the prophets….The book of Chronicles is a journey through the entire Old Testament that makes crystal clear that the story isn’t over…. And this wasn’t just cool theology for the Chronicler. The book’s message has a pastoral purpose: to bring comfort and hope to generations of God’s people who were tempted towards despair or apathy. During a time when many wondered if God was ever going to fulfill his promises, the Chronicler retold the story of their collective past in order to rekindle hope for the future.”
So, to this specific snippet with Manasseh. The Chronicler wanted to make it clear that no one is stuck in the worst version of themselves. Sure, Manasseh seemed to only repent when he was in dire straits. But isn’t it wonderful that he DID repent, and that he didn’t consign himself to staying stuck in his poor past actions? The books of Kings in part served as cautionary tales, and their recounting of Manasseh has one purpose: to show that behaving badly leads to nothing but discord. But…this is not actually interesting; people do tend to recognize that behaving badly ends badly, and while that lesson is certainly needed, Kings just hammers it in. But this account in Chronicles is very moving, tracking Manasseh’s complete turnaround – and by extension, promising the fact that this turnaround is possible for us all. And what was the key thing? Manasseh recognized his error, and repented of it – active repentance.
It can be hard to recognize what we have done wrong, and it can be hard to make it right. But we have the eternal promise of God’s love, in whose eyes we can discover who we truly are – His beloved – and in that clear sight, we discover how we can be better, rising in the strength of God. It’s never too late!
Section 3 – Making the distinction
In reading this, I was very struck by Bible citation 10, first verse, where Paul says, and then clarifies: “…I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing…” He was distinguishing between himself – his identity, his mind, his being – distinguishing between himself, and a material sense of himself, including material sensation, definition, history, and prospects. This distinction is so important, because if we are including a limited sense of self in our own identification, we may be trying to fix, heal, improve, or even just deal with something that actually has no part in our true identity.
We are not material! This is not going to be a surprising statement to many readers of this newsletter, of course, but I have found it really helpful – and really interesting – to make sure to consider the implications of that fact.
Limits simply have no part in our being, at all. Why? Because, as reflections of God, our entire being is dependent on infinite Love alone. This is a sweet children’s article that shares a lovely experience that stemmed from realizing one’s utter dependence on God: Poor God? No way! (from the July 31, 1995 issue of the Christian Science Sentinel)
Section 4 – The immediate presence of God’s activity
There’s a real sense of immediacy which permeates this section for me. Bible citation 13 especially resonates – the humble, clear call, inquiring as to how to follow God. Jesus’ whole ministry was predicated on the fact of the immediacy of heaven: that heaven is HERE, and if one couldn’t see it, well, repent – turn around – change your perspective! Part and parcel of the here-ness of heaven, is that working within heaven – working God’s work, bearing witness to His will and creation – is a present opportunity and possibility, so this dear openness and honest inquiry into “how shall I work God’s work” is a great and relatable example for us all.
And then in Bible citation 14, I really like the example of Paul’s straightforwardness – his clarity that he’s not inventing things or trying to make things sound shinier than they are, but just bearing faithful witness.
And then, of course, there is Bible citation 15, describing the disciples’ encounter with Jesus after the resurrection and the finality of the fact of his presence. I’m so grateful for this clarity because it really shows that Christianity, and the Science which undergirds it and demonstrates it, is not just ‘thinking nice things’ or trying to manifest nice things into our lives. It’s the natural activity of the presence of Christ, which Jesus fully represented and demonstrated for us all.
To admit the reality of the law which undergirds Christianity is to admit it’s healing and saving effectiveness for us all, because that law has no caveats and no second-guessing. Mary Baker Eddy writes, “God is the law of Life, not of death; of health, not of sickness; of good, not of evil. It is this infinitude and oneness of good that silences the supposition that evil is a claimant or a claim.” (Miscellaneous Writings, 259:5) This practical, present law and activity of law is certain and sure. We can rely on it!
Section 5 – Right motives
“Working and praying with true motives…” (cit. S18, 326:3) This is a wonderful checking point. What are my motives? is a great question to ask ourselves when praying or embarking on a new endeavor.
When the motive is to bless God, then there will be much less “self” in the way. We will even be willing to get ourselves out of the way so that God can be glorified more easily. For instance, when working on a group project, this may mean stepping back, giving others the credit and letting them shine. Or, it could mean silently and humbly appreciating the Christ in others as you work together harmoniously.
There is a great article called Humility that I enjoy from the October 1966 issue of The Christian Science Journal that has some additional ideas on this subject.
Rather than reckoning his own oneness with God, Simon thought the power of God was something that could be bought monetarily from Philip.
These passages come to mind when thinking about this story:
“Is man’s spiritual sonship a personal gift to man, or is it the reality of his being, in divine Science? Man’s knowledge of this grand verity gives him power to demonstrate his divine Principle, which in turn is requisite in order to understand his sonship, or unity with God, good.”
(Miscellaneous Writings, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 181:3)
“You have simply to preserve a scientific, positive sense of unity with your divine source, and daily demonstrate this. Then you will find that one is as important a factor as duodecillions in being and doing right, and thus demonstrating deific Principle.”
(Pulpit and Press, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 4:9)
Section 6 – Waiting on God, good
Where does strength really come from? Is strength mental and spiritual, or is it physical? I’m sure we’ve all had experiences where we have felt imbued with a divine strength that came to us from a Source outside of ourselves – outside of the body.
We can look at so many Bible examples of strength coming from Spirit. This section signifies a oneness with God that preserves strength, integrity, and ability. “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength…” (cit. B21, Isaiah 40:31). This passage tells us of a beautiful relationship that we have with God and that strength, intelligence, and endurance rests on God, good. This prevents us from looking to self for health, harmony, and success. Instead we can always turn and look to God for who we are, for our abilities, strength, and identity.
Bible Lens Research adds this about this passage from Isaiah:
“The author turns the people from transient, mortal existence to the eternal Word of God and His promise of deliverance. This verse assures them that trust in Him brings vitality and strength.” (Bible Lens Research, Christian Science Sentinel Issue April 22, 2024)
I love this idea of turning from a material sense of existence to what is really real and true – to the strength and permanence of Spirit.
“Beholding the infinite tasks of truth, we pause, — wait on God. Then we push onward, until boundless thought walks enraptured, and conception unconfined is winged to reach the divine glory.” (cit. S20, 323:9)
This passage illustrates a divine timing, a divine order, governing our demonstrations and our days. This keeps us awake and alert to doing the right thing at the right time. It also counteracts human will with the divine will.
Recently I’ve been realizing a little bit more about divine will. Divine will unfolds good, reveals good to us. It counteracts human will which is “blind, stubborn, and headlong – cooperat[ing] with appetite and passion” (Science and Health, p. 490). Divine will is allowing the flowers to bud and blossom according to divine law. It is the “letting” aspect of our prayers and activities rather than forcing. It enables us to feel light, satisfaction, and goodness flowing through us from a divine Source – enabling us to feel our oneness with God. It allows God to take the reins and makes sure that we are following, listening, and obeying. It enables us to conform to God’s will.
“It is not what you do. It is what you don’t do—and what God does—that helps one,” Mary Baker Eddy said (John C. Lathrop reminiscences; We Knew Mary Baker Eddy Expanded Edition Vol. 1, p. 270 – 271).
“All I have ever accomplished has been done by getting Mary out of the way and letting God be reflected.”
(Ibid, p. 270 – 271)
Section 7 – “… progress is the law of God whose law demands of us only what we can certainly fulfill.” (S&H 233:6)
Progress is a law of God so no matter what demonstration we are hoping for, or what new skills we are trying to acquire, we can know and love the fact that spiritual “progress is the law of God…” – a law that we respond to. And God is demanding of us only what we can certainly accomplish. God’s will is fruitfulness, success, and accomplishment and knowing this can bolster our confidence that we can make the demonstrations that God is equipping us to make.
“In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death [no inaction, no stoppage of harmonious action].” (cit. B24, Proverbs 12:28)
We can live a life that “approaches the supreme good…” (cit. S23, 496:9–13). This passage shows us that as we strive each day to draw nearer to God —thought by thought and action by action — we will feel the ultimate closeness of oneness with God — of the kingdom of God within us.. Mary Baker Eddy says not to delay to make God our FIRST acquaintance (Misc. Writings, p. 151). And the Bible assures us that being acquainted with God brings us peace (Job 22:21).
The way will get brighter, fresher, and freer as we put off old, worn-out material beliefs, and put on our real, spiritual selfhood – immortal, pure, and perfect. That is always the basis of our demonstration.
As we aim to overcome error each day, we will get stronger and stronger until finally these beliefs have no power over us, and we have dominion over them. This is something that God enables us to do because God’s law brings us freedom (not fear).
“…the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” (cit. B25, Proverbs 4:18)
Enjoy living in this Kingdom today!
Initial GEMs of BIBLE-BASED application ideas (from Cobbey Crisler & others) should be POSTED & Emailed early in the week and others will be added to the string and EMAILED together later in the week. You can always check for current GEMs at CedarS INSPIRATION website, whether or not you’ve SUBSCRIBED here for this free, inspirational offering.
Also later in the week, look for Ken Cooper’s
“POETIC POSTLUDE”
contributions related to this Bible Lesson.
THANKS to all you PRECIOUS DONORS for ALL your ONGOING SUPPORT!
Every future camper & visitor will be blessed by your generosity, vision & LOVE!
If you’re able to help meet several needs before camp, we would be very grateful to complete upgrades needed: for several cabin bathrooms; for Jr. Leadership facilities to properly celebrate their 50th summer; for two corrals to be covered for shade and rain protection; for the Settlers House roof repairs, plus for making useable Dawn Lodge bedrooms #6 & 9 so as to be able to be booked all summer. In each area several thousand dollars more is needed to be able to comfortably complete the necessary work.
(If God has put it in your heart and your wherewithal to be an answer to prayer for these needs at this time, please just send in a gift or call me (Warren) at 314-378-2574 with a pledge to match my gift so we can proceed on this work.)
And, if you haven’t yet checked out the GIVING TREE, there are still plenty of other smaller areas of need before summer! Campers & staff will also be blessed bigtime by the donations made to additional areas of camp, including the horse program, activity equipment, camperships, and Christian Science nursing and practitioner services.
We are deeply grateful for EVERY GIFT of love and support,
The CedarS Team
P.S. For more about ways to keep CedarS operations ever more green and flourishing and/or to MAKE A PLANNED GIFT, a required IRA distribution or an ENDOWMENT GIFT (that will all be MATCHED), feel free anytime to call or text me (Warren Huff. Executive Director Emeritus, Project Manager & Development Team) at 314-378-2574. I can put you in touch with our Financial Advisor/broker who donates all fee for stock transfers and sharing tailored, tax-advantaged giving approaches.
