Sunday, November 24th, 2024 Roundtable
God Supplies Our Needs Abundantly
This week’s Lesson Sermon Subject: Soul And Body
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Morning Prayers
Beloved children, the world has need of you,—and more as children than as men and women: it needs your innocence, unselfishness, faithful affection, uncontaminated lives. You need also to watch, and pray that you preserve these virtues unstained, and lose them not through contact with the world. What grander ambition is there than to maintain in yourselves what Jesus loved, and to know that your example, more than words, makes morals for mankind!
from Miscellaneous Writings, by Mary Baker Eddy, page 110
The spiritual man’s consciousness and individuality are reflections of God. They are the emanations of Him who is Life, Truth, and Love. Immortal man is not and never was material, but always spiritual and eternal.
from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy, page 336
Daily Watch
170 — WATCH lest you fear the discordant and unpleasant phases of human experience more than those which, because they tend to put one to sleep, would rob one of his ability to meet and overcome the so-called domination of mortal belief, or mesmerism. Whatever stirs thought to greater spiritual activity, is preferable to the soothing and activity-destroying effect of human harmony, which tends to put one to sleep, and rob him of his determination to overcome the domination of mortal belief.
If you were learning to ride horseback and were given a bucking bronco to learn on — a horse determined to unseat its rider — when you could ride him, your ability as a rider would be unquestioned. Perhaps in His wisdom God is training us to maintain our spiritual hold on Him, by giving us the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, as we read in Is. 30:20, so that we may finally be able to say, “None of these things move me.” It is not difficult to perceive that one receives very little training in spiritual stick-to-itiveness through human harmony. Jesus declared, “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul (man’s spiritually active sense); but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (put man to sleep to his duty to God, when to keep awake spiritually is the paramount need).”…Real progress starts in human harmony and not in discord…Yet since it is materiality that is the enemy of God, it is necessary in progress to begin to resist the belief in the seemingly natural, and harmonious phases of mortal existence with determination.
Discussion points
11. 210 : 11-16
Knowing that Soul and its attributes were forever manifested through man, the Master healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, feet to the lame, thus bringing to light the scientific action of the divine Mind on human minds and bodies and giving a better understanding of Soul and salvation.
4. 530 : 5-12
In divine Science, man is sustained by God, the divine Principle of being. The earth, at God’s command, brings forth food for man’s use. Knowing this, Jesus once said, “Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink,” — presuming not on the prerogative of his creator, but recognizing God, the Father and Mother of all, as able to feed and clothe man as He doth the lilies.
5. 507 : 3-6
Spirit duly feeds and clothes every object, as it appears in the line of spiritual creation, thus tenderly expressing the fatherhood and motherhood of God.
1. Deuteronomy 6 : 4, 5
4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:
5 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
Correct material belief by spiritual understanding, and Spirit will form you anew. You will never fear again except to offend God, and you will never believe that heart or any portion of the body can destroy you.
from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy, page 425
Psalm 107:9
Satisfy: To supply fully what is necessary; To feed or supply to the full.
Longing: Earnestly desiring;
Fill: To supply with abundance; To complete
Hungry: To desire with great eagerness; to long for. Webster 1828
Psalm 107:9 “For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.”
“In the journey of life, spiritual hunger and thirst deeply resonate with our souls. The biblical text emphasizes that God provides for those who earnestly seek Him, fulfilling their innate longings.
This verse highlights a fundamental truth: that God actively satisfies the desires of the weary soul, promising not only physical sustenance but also spiritual nourishment. In contexts of both personal struggle and collective distress, we see a divine pattern of intervention where God not only identifies with our plight but also brings relief.
The psalmist notes that every longing soul finds satisfaction in divine goodness, which illustrates God's overarching care for humanity, especially during times of trial. The significance of waiting upon the Lord emerges here; those who thirst spiritually will find their needs met through Him.
This reflects the broader biblical themes of grace and redemption, echoing the call to gratitude for God's provisions. Thus, He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness serves as a powerful reminder to acknowledge and celebrate God’s steadfast love and provision in our lives.” (Bible Says Commentary)
“God wants us to seek Him more than anything else, even more than we seek answers to prayer. When we come to God in prayer, sometimes our hearts are so full of what we want that we leave God out. Our minds become consumed with the gift rather than the giver.” — Charles Stanley
15. 9 : 17-24
Dost thou “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind”? This command includes much, even the surrender of all merely material sensation, affection, and worship. This is the El Dorado of Christianity. It involves the Science of Life, and recognizes only the divine control of Spirit, in which Soul is our master, and material sense and human will have no place.
They all ate
This phrase signifies the inclusivity and completeness of the miracle. The Greek word for “ate” is “ἔφαγον” (ephagon), which is a common term used in the New Testament to describe the act of eating. In the context of this miracle, it emphasizes the physical nourishment provided by Jesus. Historically, meals were significant social events in Jewish culture, often symbolizing fellowship and community. This act of eating together underlines the unity and provision of God for His people.
and were satisfied
The Greek word “ἐχορτάσθησαν” (echortasthēsan) is used here, meaning to be filled or satisfied. This term is often associated with a deep, fulfilling satisfaction that goes beyond mere physical hunger. In a spiritual sense, it reflects the sufficiency of Christ to meet all needs, both physical and spiritual. The satisfaction experienced by the crowd is a testament to the abundance of God’s provision, echoing the Old Testament accounts of God providing manna to the Israelites in the wilderness.
and the disciples picked up
The act of the disciples gathering the leftovers is significant. The Greek word “συνήγαγον” (synēgagon) means to gather together or collect. This action demonstrates the importance of stewardship and the careful management of God’s blessings. It also serves as a practical lesson for the disciples, teaching them about the abundance of God’s provision and the responsibility to preserve and respect what is given.
twelve basketfuls
The number twelve is symbolically significant in the Bible, often representing completeness or the people of God, as seen in the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles. The Greek word for “basketfuls” is “κοφίνους” (kophinous), which refers to a specific type of basket used by Jews. The collection of twelve baskets signifies the overflowing abundance of God’s provision, ensuring that nothing is wasted and that there is more than enough for all of God’s people.
of broken pieces
The term “κλασμάτων” (klasmatōn) refers to fragments or pieces that are broken off. This highlights the miraculous nature of the event, where even the remnants of the meal are significant. In a spiritual context, it can symbolize how God can use what seems broken or insignificant to fulfill His purposes. The broken pieces are a reminder of the miracle’s magnitude and the meticulous care of Jesus in ensuring that every part of the blessing is gathered and valued.
that were left over
The phrase “τὸ περισσεῦον” (to perisseuon) means that which remains or is left over. This emphasizes the superabundance of God’s provision. In a historical context, leftovers were not common in a subsistence economy, making this miracle even more remarkable. Spiritually, it reassures believers of God’s ability to provide beyond immediate needs, offering a surplus that can be shared and used for future needs. This abundance reflects the overflowing grace and generosity of God, encouraging believers to trust in His provision.
Matthew 14:20 from the Berean Study Bible on Bible Hub:
Twelve baskets full.–The basket here is the cophinus, a small basket carried in the hand, and often used by travellers to hold their food. So Juvenal (Sat. iii. 14) describes the Jews of Italy as travelling with “their cophinus and a wisp of hay,” by way of pillow, as their only luggage. St. John records that the gathering was made by our Lord’s express commands, “that nothing be lost.” The marvellous display of creative power was not to supersede forethought, thrift, economy in the use of the gifts it had bestowed. It is probable, from the language of the disciples in Mark 6:37, and from John 13:29, that they were in the habit of distributing food to the poor in the villages and towns in which they preached, and the fragments were, we may believe, reserved for that use.
I felt that all of the above gave me a better appreciation of what an abundance of blessings were being demonstrated by Christ Jesus in this event. Not only the disciples and all the crowd were shown God’s great love, but the fragments left over were collected to be distributed further to those who had not been present, blessing them also, and the ’12’ baskets indicating completeness of the demonstration of God and man(idea).
from Ellicotts Commentary for English Readers
Improve Your Time from Miscellaneous Writings by Mary Baker Eddy
“Looking up to Heaven” by Fred B. Kerrick from the January 5, 1929 issue of the Christian Science Sentinel
Jesus beheld in Science the perfect man, who appeared to him where sinning mortal man appears to mortals. In this perfect man the Saviour saw God’s own likeness, and this correct view of man healed the sick.
from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy, pages 446-447
The rich in spirit help the poor in one grand brotherhood, all having the same Principle, or Father; and blessed is that man who seeth his brother’s need and supplieth it, seeking his own in another’s good.
from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy, page 518
…in Christian Science, we understand that God made man, and gave him presence, and certainty, and position, and man does not desire to get from somebody or some other nation, but draws from Infinity.
from Addresses, by Martha Wilcox, page 388
Final Readings
THE MARY BAKER EDDY SOUVENIR SPOON
It is our privilege to publish the following letter written to the Rev. Mary Baker Eddy, by the Christian Science Souvenir Co., of Concord, N. H., together with a description of the beautiful souvenir spoon therein referred to. This souvenir will be valued by Christian Scientists, not so much because of its artistic appearance or intrinsic material value, but because of that for which it stands in the spiritual sense. Silver is one of the Biblical symbols for Purity. Purity and Truth are synonymous; therefore this symbol of Purity is also a symbol of Truth. To Christian Scientists it means that Truth which is revealed to the world through “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” of which the Rev. Mary Baker Eddy is the author. Christian Scientists know that back of each souvenir is the thought of love; love for Christian Scientists, love for all mankind, regardless of person or condition. In this spirit are the souvenirs sent forth, and in this spirit will they be received. It is truly a beautiful Christmas token. May it keep us in renewed remembrance of the true Christ-mass. May we celebrate it on an ascending scale. May we take on higher and deeper appreciation, in our lives, of the teaching and example of Christ Jesus, whose coming into the world was heralded by that wondrous conjunction of earth and heaven, so graphically portrayed in Luke 2. May all who bear the name of Christ in this age re-echo the glad refrain of the angelic host:—
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
from “The Mary Baker Eddy Souvenir Spoon” written to Mary Baker Eddy by the Christian Science Souvenir Col, of Concord, N.H. from the December 22, 1898 issue of the Christian Science Sentinel