In the Christian Science Bible Lesson July 1, 2013 Issue

Impossible? Not to God!

For the Lesson titled "God" from July 1 - 7, 2013

Mary Trammell

We’ve all encountered challenges that seem impossible to surmount such as spiraling debt, a debilitating illness, a natural disaster. This week’s Christian Science Bible Lesson, titled “God,” offers compelling spiritual encouragement for anyone grappling with such issues. It reminds us that our Father-Mother God is totally good—the only real power in heaven and on earth. Therefore good is not only possible for each of us; it’s inevitable! The final citation in Section 1 summarizes a recurring point in the Lesson: “Good. God; Spirit; omnipotence; omniscience; omnipresence; omni-action” (Mary Baker Eddy, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 587, citation 5).

Jesus’ tender words “with God all things are possible” bookend the Lesson, as both Golden Text and the final Bible citation (Matthew 19:26, cit. 24). The Master has just told a wealthy young man that to earn eternal life, he’ll need to liquidate his assets, give the proceeds to the poor, and follow him. Crestfallen, the young man reneges. Afterward, the disciples ask how anybody can be saved if such a wrenching sacrifice is required. Jesus’ reply speaks of God’s all-forgiving grace: “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” 

The final Bible citation in Section 1 echoes the theme of impossibility overcome. After informing the Virgin Mary that she will bear a son named Jesus, who will be the Savior of his people—a son fathered not by a man, but by “the Highest”—the angel Gabriel tells Mary that her elderly cousin Elisabeth, who had all her life been considered “barren,” is now in her sixth month of pregnancy! “For with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37, cit. 5).

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Spiritual Perspective on Books

Fresh eyes on the Bible