Rejoicing in Luke 9 and 10

Chapter 9:47-62 shows different states of thought that Jesus had to deal with.  Isn’t it interesting that the Bible and Science and Health are capable of dealing with us all right where we have progressed to on our spiritual journey?

Hello Hello!  In Luke 10:1, some translations have seventy-two being sent forth by Jesus rather than the seventy we are used to hearing about.  Dummelow says merely, “Many ancient authorities read seventy-two here and in v. 17.”  He also says that the number is significant – it is the number of members of the Sanhedrin and that he was establishing a new Sanhedrin.  He also cites other possible references which the Jews would have made to the number.  It is significant that Mary Baker Eddy chose seventy students
to teach in her last Class, although the actual number was a few less than seventy.  Now I wonder if the Christian Science Board of Lectureship has that number in mind when it appoints lecturers.  It seems not.  Luke 1:1-20 – what a marvellous study for one going forth around the world as a Christian Science Lecturer.

How glad I am that Julie has pointed out the joy and rejoicing in Luke’s Gospel!  I had just been wondering the other day about the joy in the Bible and perhaps the absence of that wondrous quality in Science and Health.  What a misconception!  How about the example of the man healed in the “Trial Scene” (pp 430-442).  Hear this,

“Then the prisoner rose up regenerated, strong, free.  We noticed, as he shook hands with his counsel, Christian Science, that all sallowness and debility had disappeared.  His form was erect and commanding, his countenance beaming with health and happiness.  Divine Love had cast out fear.  Mortal Man, no longer sick and in prison, walked forth, his feet “beautiful upon the mountains,” as one “that bringeth good tidings.” (p 442:7)

And we joyfully acknowledge now and forever God’s supremacy, omnipotence, and omnipresence.  (Ref. p 521:10)  And that, “…joy is spiritual.” (p 265:29).

Joyce Voysey