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Christ’s Object Lessons
of Judah perished by the most horrible forms of death. Millions were
sold, to serve as bondmen in heathen lands.
As a people the Jews had failed of fulfilling God’s purpose, and
the vineyard was taken from them. The privileges they had abused,
the work they had slighted, was entrusted to others.
The Church of Today
The parable of the vineyard applies not alone to the Jewish na-
tion. It has a lesson for us. The church in this generation has been
endowed by God with great privileges and blessings, and He expects
corresponding returns.
We have been redeemed by a costly ransom. Only by the greatness
of this ransom can we conceive of its results. On this earth, the earth
whose soil has been moistened by the tears and blood of the Son of
God, are to be brought forth the precious fruits of Paradise. In the lives
of God’s people the truths of His word are to reveal their glory and
excellence. Through His people Christ is to manifest His character
and the principles of His kingdom.
Satan seeks to counterwork the work of God, and he is constantly
urging men to accept his principles. He represents the chosen people
of God as a deluded people. He is an accuser of the brethren, and his
accusing power is employed against those who work righteousness.
The Lord desires through His people to answer Satan’s charges by
showing the results of obedience to right principles.
These principles are to be manifest in the individual Christian, in
the family, in the church, and in every institution established for God’s
service. All are to be symbols of what can be done for the world. They
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are to be types of the saving power of the truths of the gospel. All are
agencies in the fulfillment of God’s great purpose for the human race.
The Jewish leaders looked with pride upon their magnificent tem-
ple, and the imposing rites of their religious service; but justice, mercy,
and the love of God were lacking. The glory of the temple, the splen-
dor of their service, could not recommend them to God; for that which
alone is of value in His sight they did not offer. They did not bring
Him the sacrifice of a humble and contrite spirit. It is when the vital
principles of the kingdom of God are lost that ceremonies become
multitudinous and extravagant. It is when the character building is ne-
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