Article August 27, 1921 Issue

"The Father hath sent me"

OLIVER BOWLES

Certain earnest students of Christian Science have found some difficulty in reconciling the thought of a God who knows no evil with the statement of Scripture that God sent Jesus into the world to redeem the world from sin. Specifically stated the question is: How could God send Jesus to redeem mankind from sin if He knows nothing of sin? It is highly desirable that such students should read and study that part of "Unity of Good," by Mary Baker Eddy, entitled, "The Saviour's Mission" (p. 59). In connection with this study it may be helpful to direct thought toward the nature of the call that came to Jesus, and its divine authority.

Jesus repeatedly stated that the Father had sent him. This is particularly in evidence in the fifth chapter of John, where the definite statement is made six times. It is plain, therefore, that Jesus wished to emphasize the divine nature of his mission. It is important to note, however, that this was not a unique experience, for, while Jesus heard and understood the divine call more clearly than all others, a commission to bear important messages to mankind was bestowed also upon the ancient prophets. Jeremiah heard the call, "Thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak;" and the voice of God came to Ezekiel, proclaiming his mission to the children of Israel, saying, "I do send thee unto them; and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God." These, and other holy men thus inspired with a vision of a message they were impelled to proclaim, were the beacon lights that pointed the way to a clearer understanding of God and enabled humanity to grasp in some measure the fuller revelation which Jesus brought. Furthermore, the divine commissions were not confined to the time of Jesus and earlier periods. His followers who carried on his work were likewise inspired with the call to noble service. The word of the Lord that came to Ananias concerning Paul was, "He is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel;" and Paul himself said, "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel."

A remarkable number of the outstanding figures in all Biblical history were messengers or heralds of the truth. What was the secret of their selection? Were they chosen arbitrarily, as soldiers in the ranks are sent forth to various duties? The Bible clearly teaches that the mantle of divine prophecy, pointing the way of salvation, falls only upon those who have the vision to see it and the understanding to apply it. Was the word of prophecy sent only to Isaiah, Ezekiel, and the other noble seers? The world was filled with the voice of God, divine Principle, but they alone heard it. Were Jesus and his immediate disciples the only ones to whom God sent the impulse to spread abroad the gospel of healing from disease and sin? The hills and valleys of Palestine reechoed with the healing message, but the ears of the multitudes were so filled with the discordant tones of material living that they heard not the call. The messengers were not arbitrarily chosen. The cry was to all who had ears to hear, but only those who had attained some degree of spiritual insight heard the call, and delivered the message upon which all civilization and Christianity now rest.

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