Hudson Taylor-First Solo Journey

By Mary Vee

From J. Hudson Taylor's Notes

Every detail had been finished. I could hardly express the excitement riveting through my veins. At last, I was ready to go on a missionary trip alone.

It would be my second journey up the river to villages and cities well beyond the protected thirty miles, but my first trip alone. No one to speak for me. No one to translate.

I had a ship, well, a tiny one and an old one, but a river worthy ship. I hired a Chinese crew, always best to have crew who understood and spoke the language of the water and its traps. I had studied and practiced the language so many hours. Hah I found myself answering Mrs. Parker's English spoken question in Chinese! She laughed with me.

I loaded medical supplies, food, and Testaments and ran up the plank to board. How is it that the sun poked through the clouds at that very moment? I took a deep breath and for once during the war, it didn't smell full of gunpowder. 

My energy level outgrew my body, I seriously could have run the whole thirty miles to my destination. Well, maybe not seriously. But, well, have you ever looked forward to something so very much that when the time came you couldn't stand still? Yes. This trip was mine.

The crew set sail and went about their work like experts. The ship groaned begging to rest a few more days. No. Not possible. I would be the cruel taskmaster and force it to leave dock. This. . . sigh . . . this was my solo missionary journey.

Freezing winds filled the sails. January temperatures in China did not bring a balmy vacation breeze. I didn't care. The temperature would not hold me back. Not now. I had waited many years...so many years to tell the Chinese about Jesus. No Christmas present, or any other gift could come close to this moment. Crisp winds snapped my face as the ship sailed on. 

I didn't wander aimlessly up the river to the first cities I found. No. This moment deserved a plan. I set the course for Chuansha, Nanhui, and Zhapu. 

In Chuansha I chose to give the New Testaments only to people who showed me they could read. It may sound cruel, but the illiterate would use the pages to line their shoes from the cold. When the people saw I had medical supplies, they brought twelve patients who needed care. What a great opportunity to share God's love.

After docking at Nanhui, the eastern gate suddenly closed, preventing my entry. It wasn't night. I went around to the west gate and found it open. City folk gathered around me and touched my clothes. They stared at my pants and shirt, so different from their clothing. I took the opportunity to preach. As I spoke, more men and women came to hear what I had to say. One was the city official who I later found out ordered the east gate closed to keep the strange looking man out. He smiled when I gave him a New Testament. More than four hundred people came to hear God's Word!

In Zhapu, I again preached and gave a New Testament to those who could read. The food in this city was very cheap, much cheaper in Shanghai. I spent as much as I could afford to stock up and take back home.

The trip back to Shanghai had freezing winds, like the journey there. I hardly noticed. I stood on the deck and let my mind rewind my first solo journey. God blessed me with no issues. He must have known my first trip would encourage me to take the future ones. 

It did. I can't wait to go again!

J. Hudson Taylor

Do you have any questions?


Photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

Research resources: J. Hudson Taylor, An Autobiography by J. Hudson Taylor; It is Not Death to Die, a new biography of Hudson Taylor by Jim Cromarty; Hudson Taylor Founder, China Inland Mission by Vance Christie; J. Hudson Taylor, A Man in Christ, by Roger Steer, and Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret by dr. & Mrs. Howard Taylor.

David-First Thought: Worship

By Mary Vee
II Samuel 15

From David's Journals

courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

I looked back at the city.

Walking away with great sadness because my son, Absalom, had taken over the kingship. It broke my heart. On the other hand, a mighty strength, a resolve rolled around in my veins, boiling within me because God had given me the job and I needed to finish my work.

We crossed the Brook Kidron to escape. The Levities carried the ark of the covenant of God. 

But at the brook, I spoke with Zadok. "Carry the ark of God back into the city. If, somehow, I find favor in the eyes of the Lord, He will bring me back and show me both the ark and the dwelling place. If, I don't find favor, let Him do to me whatever seems good to Him.

"In fact, Zadok, you and your sons should stay in the city with the ark. I will wait in the wilderness for a message from you indicating I can return."

Zadok and his sons bowed and picked up the ark, carrying it back to the city where they remained.

I needed to spend time worshiping God. I led the people up to the Mount of Olives, weeping as I walked barefooted. My head was covered. 

During this time, a messengers reported one of my advisors had gone with Absalom. I lifted my eyes to the heavens and prayed, "O Lord, I pray, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness."

Near the top of the mountain, Hushai ran toward me. Hushai had been a good friend and also an advisor. His robe had been torn and filled with dirt. I couldn't let him go with me, this would only stir up more trouble. " Hushai," I said. "Go back to the city and tell Absalom you will be his servant as you were his father's servant."

I held up my hand to make him wait for further instruction. "Listen carefully. Whatever you hear from the king's house, go and tell Zadok and his son, Abiathar the priests. Through them you can send me everything you hear."

He bowed to me and nodded. "I will be happy to serve you, my lord." 

Thank you, my friend. God be with you until we meet again.

I don't know how long we will have to wait in the wilderness, Lord. Please bring us back home soon.

****************************
1. Why did David and his loyal people run from the city?
2. What did David tell Zadok and his sons to do?
3. Where did David lead the people with him? and Why?
4. Who met David at the top of the mountain?
5. What did David tell the man to do?

During this time David was inspired to write this Psalm. 
Psalm 3

I have so many enemies, Lord,
    so many who turn against me!
 They talk about me and say,
    “God will not help him.”

 But you, O Lord, are always my shield from danger;
    you give me victory
    and restore my courage.
 I call to the Lord for help,
    and from his sacred hill^[b] he answers me.

I lie down and sleep,
    and all night long the Lord protects me.
 I am not afraid of the thousands of enemies
    who surround me on every side.

 Come, Lord! Save me, my God!
You punish all my enemies
    and leave them powerless to harm me.
Victory comes from the Lord—
    may he bless his people.

David-Death Threat and the Loyal Ones

By Mary Vee
II Samuel 15

From David's Journal

courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

The day had hardly begun when a messenger ran to my chambers and asked to speak with me. The man had sweat pouring down his face and his eyes wide with fright. Of course I let him meet with me.

"My lord," he huffed with deep breaths as though scared about something.

I called to my servant, "Bring this man some water."

"My lord, my message cannot wait. The people of Israel have taken to Absalom. They like him and want him to be king."

King? So that is what he has been doing. "Bring all my servants here at once." I had to get everyone out of the castle and to safety right away. 

Absalom had asked permission to go to Hebron to offer a sacrifice to God a few days ago. He said he wanted to show God his willingness to serve Him. The boy lied to me. He wanted to announce kingship there and overthrow my rule.

The servants crowded into my chamber and waited for my instruction. "Gather your things, quickly or we won't escape Absalom in time. Absalom has declared himself king which means death to anyone loyal to me. Hurry or he will overtake us and attack the city with his sword."

The servants bowed. "We are ready to do whatever my lord, the king, commands." 

Everyone scurried to gather supplies and other necessities and met at the gate. I led all those loyal to my crown away except ten women who were to take care of the castle in my absence.

At the outskirts of the city where the brook Kidron flows I stopped and had everyone in the group cross the river before me. I wasn't sure who all wished to show their loyalty and wanted to greet each one. All my servants, the Cherethites, Pelethites, Gittites, and six hundred men from Gath paraded past me. 

And then I saw Ittai and Gittite. "Stop." I called to them. "Why are you going with us? You only came to my household yesterday. Should I make you wander up and down through valleys and caves hiding? I don't even know where I'm going. Take you families back to the king. Mercy and truth be with you."

Ittai bowed before me, keeping his eyes low to the ground. "As the Lord lives, and as my lord lives, wherever you lead, whether in death or life, we will go. We remain loyal to you."

How could I send them away after hearing those words of dedication? Such loyalty must be rewarded. "Go, cross the river and join the others, you and your families."

There was great weeping from the people as we crossed the river, fleeing our home, and escaping into the wilderness a place of unknown. Who knows how long it will be before we can return. Who knows where we will sleep or what we will eat. Lord please protect us.

********************************
1. What message did the messenger bring David?
2. What did it mean?
3. Did David choose to stay and fight?
4. Who did David call to meet with him and what did he tell them to do?
5. Why did David stop Ittai an Gittite?
6. What did they answer the king?
7. Where did David and the people who followed him go?

Hudson Taylor-Freezing

By Mary Vee

From J. Hudson Taylor's Notes

courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

After the near escape of the teen crowd threatening to harm us, my missionary friend and I did not shy away. Oh no. We took our rescue by the local teacher as a message from God telling us to continue to preach the Gospel in that city.

On the other hand, we wanted to be wise. We returned to our boat gathered satchels full of Chinese New Testaments and went back the city. 

We walked quickly and handed the little books to anyone who wanted them. If someone wanted to ask a question we spoke to that person but never went to a public place and called crowds to come and listen to our message. A much better idea.

We were inspired to travel further up the river. This had not been done before by any other missionary because it took us beyond the thirty mile range of protection offered to foreigners. 

With this success, God gave us the strength and confirmation to sail onto Jiaxing, a city deeper into China. We had been warned of the unsafe border region where many criminals lived and had their businesses. But God blessed, like I knew He would, and allowed us to step on shore unharmed.

Jiaxing was a beautiful city surrounded by a wall and a mote. The people prospered with trading cotton, silk, copper goods, and books. Around the city, huge plantations of mulberry trees provided leaves needed to feed silkworms. 

The city managers came to greet us and promised our safety and even provided  men to protect us while we visited. The people gathered around us, curious about the strange looking men who gave little books. 

We gave away every book we had then returned home. In all, we traveled eight days for this missionary journey, my first in China. This was where the work needed to be done. Deep in the heart of China where many people had never heard about Jesus. 

Excited from the successful trip I bought an old boat and all its equipment with some of the last funds I had. I increased my study time of the language both the Shanghai dialect and Mandarin.

The ministry prospered. 

Until I received a note from the mission agency who owned the house I rented. They wanted the house back. The Parker family, who also live in the house with me, had not received enough housing or food money either. We both suffered with barely surviving on the small sums sent. The people in our homeland didn't understand the our needs.

I wrote our missionary agency and desperately asked for money to build a compound with a doctor's home, hospital, school, living quarters. We needed several thousand pounds.

In the meantime winter came. Evening temperatures dipped into the twenties. The homes we rented had no heat. I sailed up the river to buy cheaper wood and mixed the burning wood with charcoal and salt-petre, put it in a container with a lid and set it under my bed. At least I had some warmth at night.

Please pray that our agency will send us money to stay warm, have a home, and buy food. It's difficult to do missionary work when hungry, cold, and no home. Thank you.

J. Hudson Taylor

Do you have any questions?



Photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

Research resources: J. Hudson Taylor, An Autobiography by J. Hudson Taylor; It is Not Death to Die, a new biography of Hudson Taylor by Jim Cromarty; Hudson Taylor Founder, China Inland Mission by Vance Christie; J. Hudson Taylor, A Man in Christ, by Roger Steer, and Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret by dr. & Mrs. Howard Taylor.

David: Absalom's Plot

By Mary Vee
II Samuel 15

From Absalom's Servant's Notes

courtesy visualbiblealive.com

I am recording these events in this post, hoping someone will notice and maybe put a stop to it. My loyalties are with King David. The chosen one for Israel's throne. He is a kind and blessed king and I don't want anything bad to happen to him.

His son, Absalom, is wicked. I didn't notice this until recently, and I apologize for not telling anyone sooner. But maybe this warning is not too late.

I had worked in Absalom's household for many years. He cared for his sister Tamar after her half brother Amnon hurt her. He has sons and one daughter whom he named after his sister. Absalom even ached to see his father and begged an audience with him.

I believed him. Thought he truly loved his father. Until. . .

Absalom hired chariots and fifty men to run before him--everywhere he went in the country. The people loved his pageantry. They came out of their houses to see the handsome and grand prince waving branches and bowing before him.

He asked me to wake him early each morning. Before the sun rose. He dressed and ate a quick breakfast then hurried to the gate where the people made appointments to tell their concerns. Anyone who came with a lawsuit to bring to the king he greeted especially nice.

Absalom stepped toward the person and reached his hand toward them. With a concerned smile he asked, "What city are you from?" When they answered he then said to them, "Your case is good and right. Sadly there is no deputy of the king to hear you." He would lift his chin a little and say, "Oh, if I were judge in the land, then when anyone had a case to be heard, I could give them justice." He leaned forward and gave the person a hug and kiss on the cheek. "I wish you well."

The man or woman usually walked away sad Absalom would not be the judge for their case.

One by one Absalom secretly won the hearts of the people. For forty years he prepared the people for his evil plot.

One day he requested an audience with King David. He bowed before the king and gave the impression he meant great respect for him. "May I have permission to go to Hebron, father? I wish to honor a vow to the Lord which I made long ago in Gesur. I promised the Lord if he brought me back to Jerusalem I would serve Him."

David, of course gave permission for such a worthy request. But he did not know what Absalom really planned to do in Hebron. Absalom sent spies into all the tribes to tell the people, "When you hear the trumpet sound shout 'Absalom reigns in Hebron!'"

Absalom took two hundred men from Jerusalem with him on his journey to Hebron. They did not know his plan. He also invited David's counselor to join him. The conspiracy grew strong and the number of people with Absalom increased.

I must stop here. Some one is coming. I will continue this report next time.

**************************
1.  The servant reporting this news says Absalom is ________
2.  When Absalom returned to Jerusalme he hired _____________
3.  Each morning Absalom rose early and went to ________ and told the people _____
4.  Why did he do this?
5.  After forty years Absalom requested permission to go to _________
This is an important city. It was a home for Abraham and many important events took place there.
6.  Did those who were invited to Hebron with Absalom know what was going on?
7. Now we ask, what do you think Absalom is planning to do?

David-Forgives Absalom

by Mary Vee
II Samuel  14

From Joab's Notes

photo courtesy of visualbibleimages.com

At one time I thought saving Absalom from banishment was a good idea. May be not so much anymore.

He sent a messenger to me recently who said, "Absalom wants  you to get permission for him to go before the king."

I didn't want to interfere between him and the king anymore. 

I will be the first to admit Absalom has received great praises from all the people for his good looks. His hair grew thicker than anyone. It weighed so heavy on his head he had it cut it once a year, much more than any other man. When the cut portion fell on the scales, it weighed two hundred shekels according to the king's measurement.

I thought Absalom had settled back into his home and lived a happy life. God gave him three sons and one daughter. He names his little girl Tamar after his sister. I guess I was wrong.

I sent the messenger back to Absalom with no answer.

A few days later the messenger returned again, carrying Absalom's wish to go before the king. "Tell Absalom, No. I will not come to see him. He has asked far too much of me."

I should have known better. Absalom is quite used to getting his own way. I looked out my window a few days later and found my barley field ablaze. Only one person would do something that wicked. 

I set out for his home right away.

He had a smug look on his face, like most spoiled children. It did not look as well on a man. "Why did you burn my barley field?"

He shrugged. "You wouldn't come when I asked for you."

If he weren't the prince I would have left right then. "Tell me, what do you want."

He paced around the room moving his arms as he spoke. "I ran away to Gesur because I thought father would have me arrested for killing Amnon. He gave permission for me to come back yet it has been two years since my return. I've waited long enough. I want to see my father, now."

I bowed to him, even though he didn't deserve it. "I will go to him for you."
"Thank you, Joab. I knew I could get you to agree."

I held my tongue. There were many words I could have said, though. I traveled to the king's palace. Best to get the ordeal over with right away. I asked to go before King David. He granted permission and allowed me into his chamber right away.

"My lord, your son, Absalom requests to see you. He says he spent three years in banishment and now two years here in Jerusalem. He would like to speak with you."

David closed his eyes and sat quiet for a time. I stayed at attention waiting for him to make a decision. "All right, Joab. Bring Absalom."

I was a bit surprised but pleased, not knowing what Absalom would do if David said no.  Absalom prepared himself, put on his best clothes and journeyed with me to the palace. 

When David signaled permission for Absalom to walk forward, he did then bowed low to the floor. "Oh, Father, how I've longed to see you."

David reached his hands forward, pulled his son close to him and kissed him.

I don't think Absalom deserved his father's kindness, but I am grateful for peace.

***************************

1.  What message did the messenger bring from Absalom?
2. What message did the messenger bring the second time?
3. When Joab did not respond, what did Absalom do?
4. Joab agreed to _________
5. When Absalom went before the king, what did he do?
6. What was David's response?

Hudson Taylor-When In Rome

By Mary Vee

From J. Hudson Taylor's Notes

The saying, when in Rome, do as the Romans do had not yet become a part of my missionary work, yet. I learned there was a reason such phrases become popular. 

My friend and missionary partner, Joseph Edkins, and I had stopped at a monastery to share the Gospel with the Buddhist priests. After a two-day visit, we walked back toward the wharf where our ship had been docked.

Edkins and I had dressed in typical European fashion. Pants, button down shirt, dress shoes and our hair cut short. We did not look Chinese at all. We may as well have been wearing tuxedos to a pizza party. That's how different we looked.

The Chinese typically wore tunics, long braids of black hair down their backs, and sandals. Their skin color had a yellow tinge and many men were shorter than us.

Walking down the street dressed like Europeans raised the curiosity of the villagers. We had been called foreign devils, yet we brought books to give and told stories. The Chinese couldn't understand why men who dressed and looked so different would want to spend time with them and give them gifts.  

A large group of teenagers came close, surrounding us and making loud noises. I couldn't understand what they said but their conversation and body movements told me they wanted to cause trouble. Maybe hurt us. 

The teens picked at our clothing and drew close to our faces. They laughed and jeered at us. The more they did the bigger the crowd grew. Edkins and I tried to keep steady faces and  walk as if we did not feel bothered. On the inside, I felt  scared and concerned for our safety. If the teens squeezed any closer they could knock us down and beat us up.

We saw some gates to the side and slipped through them, hoping to escape the crowd. Unfortunately we stepped onto private property. So that was why the teens didn't follow us. The owner ran out of his home screaming and yelling something about foreign devils trespassing on his property. In my mind I saw a jail scene. It didn't look pretty.

We ran to the river and tried to flag down a passing ship. "Help us, please, help!" The sailors ignored our cry. In the meantime, the landowner had called for the police. We needed to leave, quick, but where should we go? Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a junk close to the shore. I hopped on board and asked the crew to move the ship close enough for my friend to board.

I paid the crew to take us farther up the river and collapsed on the deck. The captain took us about a mile and dropped us off. From there we walked back toward our ship. 

What an adventure. I learned a few lessons and thanked God for delivering us safe. In a short distance we would be safe on our ship.

But our trouble hadn't ended.

A few of the same teens saw us as we walked the last street toward the wharf. They gathered their friends and marched toward us. God have mercy. We need your help.

Around the corner came a local teacher. One I recognized. He had given me Chinese lessons when I first came. He stepped in between the teens and us, held out his arms and ordered them to leave us alone. He continued to tell the teens, "These are missionaries, they bring you books and want to tell you about Jesus, the God who loves you."

Thanks to God sending the teacher at the time of need, we safely walked back to our boat.  Thank you God. I sighed. Thank you.

J. Hudson Taylor

Do you have any questions?


Photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

Research resources: J. Hudson Taylor, An Autobiography by J. Hudson Taylor; It is Not Death to Die, a new biography of Hudson Taylor by Jim Cromarty; Hudson Taylor Founder, China Inland Mission by Vance Christie; J. Hudson Taylor, A Man in Christ, by Roger Steer, and Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret by dr. & Mrs. Howard Taylor.

David-A Woman's Plea

By Mary Vee

II Samuel 14

From the notes of the Woman at Tekoa

courtesy of christianimageresouce.com

The captain of our army visited me and asked for my help. Yes, I was rather surprised at his visit. But as he spoke, I sensed he needed me to assist the king with a problem. I felt honored.

For the last three years, all the Hebrew people have known King David's sorrow over the death of his son Amnon. He has also missed his son Absalom, despite what he did. He murdered Amnon. Joab, the captain, ask me to carry a message, to the king. Maybe if David realizes the people want  Absalom to return from hiding, he will allow it.

Joab asked me to dress like a woman in mourning, a black robe, no lotions, or cosmetics. He felt the king would listen to my words better. I also cried for the whole morning to stain my eyes red. Prepared what I would say to the king. And set out for the palace.

I arrived at the palace the next day around mid day, as I promised Joab and requested to address the king with a problem. King David allowed me into his chambers, I knew he would. We have truly been blessed with a compassionate king.

I bowed before him laying on the ground to show my grief. "My lord, help me." I buried my face into the floor and waited.

"What troubles you?"

I raised my face and let tears fall. "I am a widow, my husband died some time ago. I am left with two sons. One day my sons fought bitterly while out in the field. There was no one around to separate them. One struck the other and killed him."

The kings eyes glazed over, he understood the problem. I continued. "And now the whole family has risen up against me saying 'Give us him who struck his brother that we may execute him for the life of his brother. We will destroy the heir.' If left alone, they will destroy the last ember that is left and leave my dead husband without a name to carry on the family."

David looked at me with tender eyes. "Go to your house and I will send an order to take care of this problem."

Then I thought, maybe someone will blame the king for saving my son, the murderer. They will think he does not keep justice in the land. "My lord, please let any guilt from this matter fall on me and not the king or his throne."

He said, "Whoever says anything to you, bring him to me and he will not touch you anymore."

"My lord, please don't let anyone hurt my son."

"I won't let that happen."

I took a deep breath and wiped my eyes. "Thank you. May I speak another word with you?"

"Yes."

"If you are willing to treat my son so kindly, why have you kept your son, Absalom, from the people. He still sits, banished from his home. I have come because I am afraid of the people, ones who will be hurt."

"Who asked you to come. Was it my captain, Joab?"

I didn't want to tell him, but he was the king. "Yes."

David called for Joab to join the conversation. "You may bring Absalom back, but he is to go to his own home, not here."

Joab bowed. "Thank you, my lord. I know I have found favor in your sight because you granted my request."

Now that the matter had been settled, I felt free to return to my home and change out of the mourning clothes.

*************************
1. Who asked the woman to go to King David?
2. What did he want her to do?
3. What story did the woman tell King David?
4. Did David offer to help her?
5. What was the second message she gave King David?
6. What did David tell Joab?
7. What clue does the story give at the end showing David was not pleased to bring Absalom back?


Psalm 5

Give ear to my words, O Lord,
Consider my meditation.

Give heed to the voice of my cry,
My King and my God,
For to You I will pray.
 My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord;
In the morning I will direct it to You,
And I will look up. 

For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness,
Nor shall evil dwell with You.
 The boastful shall not stand in Your sight;
You hate all workers of iniquity.
 You shall destroy those who speak falsehood;
The Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. 

But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy;
In fear of You I will worship toward Your holy temple.
 Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies;
Make Your way straight before my face. 

For there is no faithfulness in their mouth;
Their inward part is destruction;
Their throat is an open tomb;
They flatter with their tongue.
 Pronounce them guilty, O God!
Let them fall by their own counsels;
Cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions,
For they have rebelled against You. 

But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You;
Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them;
Let those also who love Your name
Be joyful in You.
 For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous;
With favor You will surround him as with a shield.

blah blah

David-Joab's Sneaky Plan

By Mary Vee

II Samuel 14

From Joab's Journal

photo courtesy of christiansourceimages.com

King David hardly spoke today. Ever since his son Absalom murdered Amnon, another son, he lost his desire to laugh and have fun. I knew he wouldn't say the words, but his heart painted the picture clearly. He missed Absalom. 

David loved all his children. He mourned terribly when one baby became ill and died. He still mourned for Amnon.  But those two were dead. It couldn't be changed. Absalom was alive, despite his sin. David needed a way to see Absalom without violating his duties as king.

I spent the last week thinking, working out a plan to bring Absalom back to David's presence without causing a problem. Absalom had fled to Geshur after murdering Amnon and was hiding there. He dared not return without king David's permission.

Then an idea came to me. As king, David held the responsibility to maintain order. He couldn't ask Absalom to come back. And it would also be wrong for him to grant permission to the captain of his army, which is me, to bring Absalom back. But...

What if the people asked for Absalom back? Yes. If I could persuade a man or woman to go before the king and plead for Absalom's return, he would then have a reason to say yes, despite the murder charges. Oh, I like this plan. 

I went out to the village of Tekoa and met a woman who showed great wisdom. She invited me into her home and gave me food and drink. 

During my visit I talked about the king's problem and asked for her help. "Go before the king and pretend you are mourning for a loved one. Dress in mourning clothes and don't dress in fancy cosmetics or lotions. Act like a woman who has gone through many days grieving for a dead loved one. Say the words I tell you."

"Why do you want me to do this?"

I stood and paced the room. Yes. She needed a reason to do a convincing job. "I want your help because the king loves his son."

"I see. For this reason I will gladly do as you ask. Absalom is a handsome man and the king is kind hearted. I will prepare tomorrow and go before the king on the next day."

I walked to the door. "Thank you. You will be helping the king."

I left her home satisfied knowing Absalom would returned to the palace in a few days. 

I may have done this for the king, but really, in truth, one day Absalom will be king. He'll remember what I did today and make me his captain. Sometimes a captain must take control of problem situations and solve them to earn what should be his in the future.

*******************************************
Do you see a problem with Joab's thinking? Was it his job to bring Absalom home? Think about a child sitting in time out. The child did something wrong and the parent gave them the time out punishment. Now if a neighbor came to the house and begged the parent to let the child out of the corner early would that be right? What would the child learn? 

This story continues next time. We'll see what happens when the woman goes before the king.
This psalm seemed fitting for today's story:

Psalm 1

Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
    Nor stands in the path of sinners,
    Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
 But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    And in His law he meditates day and night.

He shall be like a tree
    Planted by the rivers of water,
    That brings forth its fruit in its season,
    Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.

 The ungodly are not so,
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

For the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Hudson Taylor-Deception

By Mary Vee

From Hudson Taylor's Notes

picture courtesy of visualbibleimages.com

Late in December of 1854, I went on my first week-long missionary journey. Joseph Edkins, who travelled short distances with me in the past, joined me for this trip.

We hired a Chinese crew and their single masted, forty foot sailing ship and stowed clothes, bedding, medical instruments, medicine, food, books, and tracts in the only cabin on board. 

We sailed up the Huagnpu River for one day and stopped at Sonjang, an ancient city with a rather large Buddhist temple. We made our way up the road to the temple and asked to preach to the priests living there. 

We were guided to a large court where the priests sat on mats. Edkins preached to the large crowd of men with shaved heads while I gave away copies of the Bible and tracts. They were very polite and seemed to listen to Edkins message with a tremendous amount of interest.

When Edkins closed the meeting with prayer, the leaders came to us. "We appreciate your visit and invite you to stay and rest for a while in our monastery. And if you would also please visit our holy man. He could not hear your earlier message."

Edkins and I looked at each other. Who were we to turn down an opportunity given by God? "Yes, we'd like to stay and are happy to visit with the holy man."

The man lead us through corridors, down stairs, and deep into the temple. I don't think I could have found my way out without help. The priest lead us to a small room that had a tiny hole in the wall, barely enough room for a man's hand to squeeze through.

The man walked to the hole and stopped. "You can see the holy man through this small hole."

Edkins first looked inside. He stayed until his eyes adjusted to the dark then stepped back for me to look. In a few minutes my eyes focused on a small man sitting on a mat. He didn't move. The room had no windows or doors. He had no way to leave.

I realized as I looked at the poor man that he had sacrificed himself to be walled off from the world. He could only speak with people who visited him and brought the little food and drink which could fit through the hole.

The priest told us this holy man hoped to keep himself from the evils of the world and to gain complete holiness. This was how he hoped to find salvation for his soul. This is how the man lived every day. Unable to clean himself, rarely hearing, seeing or speaking with anyone.

Our hearts ached for this poor deceived man. He did not need to live this way to have salvation. Edkins spoke in a language the man understood. He explained the free gift of salvation and Jesus' sacrifice to pay the punishment for our sins. All he had to do was accept the free gift.

I won't know if the holy man listened or believed until we get to heaven. I do know we prayed for this poor deceived man who thought he had to hide from the world and live without anyone or anything to please God.   

God did not created us for misery.  Instead, He showed love for us by sending his Son Jesus to give us the gift of salvation. God loves you and offers you the free gift of salvation. If you want to know more, ask your parents, a pastor, or email  Miss Mary who is writing this for me at mimary_vee@yahoo.com

J. Hudson Taylor

Do you have any questions?


Photo courtesy of visualbiblealive.com

Research resources: J. Hudson Taylor, An Autobiography by J. Hudson Taylor; It is Not Death to Die, a new biography of Hudson Taylor by Jim Cromarty; Hudson Taylor Founder, China Inland Mission by Vance Christie; J. Hudson Taylor, A Man in Christ, by Roger Steer, and Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret by dr. & Mrs. Howard Taylor.