“The Woman With A Painted Face”

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6658, 19 September 1931, Page 6

“The Woman With A Painted Face”

The Marquee Mission in Main street is drawing largo audiences and the interest is increasing nightly. On Thursday night Evangelist Hinrichsen took for his text: And Jezebel ‘'painted her face and tired her head and looked out through tho window.” Ahab ruled over Israel, but Jezebel ruled over Ahab. She refused to believe in tho true God, and she was anxious to put to death all true prophets. She worshipped Baal, and had more than 400 prophets who ate at her table. God had on Mt. Carmel given a very striking demonstration of his existence by a wonderful answer to prayer. The onlookers were amazed and convinced and cried, “The Lord, He is God.” Not so with Jezebel. She was maddened by tho overwhelming evidence and sought to kill Elijah. It did not suit her to believe to the true God, because ho expects clean living. Tho greatest cause of doubt is unwillingness to live U 3 God requires. There were those to-day who arc anxious not to believe. They read every book they can against God, Christ, the church, and the Bible, and nothing in favour of Christian evidences. Then when they have murdered their belief they whine around, saying: "I wish I could believe, but I can’t.”

Because this woman had no God she had no character. God is tho foundation of genuine character. No God means no foundation; if there is no foundation there cannot bo any superstructure. It may bn objected that some who do not believe have high ideals and live moral lives. Whilst this must be admitted, on closer examination, it would be found that such as one in nine cases out of ten had Christian parents who instilled into him those high ideals. But the parents received those ideals from Christ. His influence has been universally felt, although He does not always get the credit. Tho character of this woman was shown in her nefarious and successful plot to have Naboth murdered. She had men who were ready to assist. A good woman can reach higher heights than the best man, but a bad woman can descend to lower depths than the worst man. Extra seating is being provided for Sunday night as on certain nights many were obliged to stand. A service of special interest is planned for each night of next -week, except Saturday.