BROOKLYN, N.Y., JANUARY 12TH, 1918
BROOKLYN, N.Y., JANUARY 12TH, 1918
Mr. H. Waldron.
My Dear Brother, — I was very glad indeed to get yours of December 6th. I note that you are now in the government’s service. We continue to remember you in prayer in your trying circumstances. I note, too, the critical time through which your dear wife passed. I am thankful that both she and the dear baby boy are well through God’s mercy. It is a sore trial for her, I am sure, to be deprived of her husband, but evidently God is sustaining her. The whole world is in sorrow and trial, but those who are of it are without solace and hope, whereas we have both in an abiding way.
[p. 154] As regards Luke 15 there cannot be a doubt that the generally accepted view is that the “younger son” represents the Gentiles, as having deliberately turned away from God — the elder son being the Jew. Luke recognises man as being primarily in relation with God — “Adam, of God” (Luke 3: 38), see also Acts 17: 28. God had allowed man to take his course of self-will — “having overlooked the times of ignorance”. Romans 1 and Ephesians 2: 11 - 22 are also confirmatory. The Jews were “nigh” and the Gentiles were “afar off”. As to the difficulty raised as to the ‘Father’s house’, it should be noted that the house is not mentioned until the prodigal had returned. The elder son refused to go in. This surely points to the opposition of the Jews to the reception of the Gentiles as seen in the Acts. The similarity of the action of the prodigal’s father in Luke 15: 20 and that of the Holy Spirit in Acts 10: 44, is worthy of special notice. The original for “fell” is the same in each — denoting, not a dead fall, but energetic action of love.
Concerning Luke 22: 14, I do not see that it shows that the Lord is first at the Supper. Primarily it was the passover that was in view. The Lord sat down to partake of that — the Supper being introduced afterwards. The Lord did not partake of the Supper; it was for the disciples; it was to be a remembrance of Him, as you say. We do not need to remember one who is present with us.
On this side we are now under pressure on account of the war, especially the young brothers, but the Lord is helping. Where His hand is seen there is no room for discouragement. I was at Chicago for special meetings. There was a cheering time.
With love in Christ to you and Mrs. Waldron and the dear brethren with you, I am,
Affectionately in Him,
James Taylor.