BIBLE QUIZ

Dear Boys and Girls,

As we enter the month of October, several things are brought to mind. The end of the growing season has arrived and we are called to consider the many blessings which the Lord has given us. Some will again have Thanksgiving Day this month, while others have it in November. When it is held, whether in October or November, it is a day set apart to bow before the Lord in humble thanks for the blessings received.

Then too there is at the end of October a day designated as Reformation Day. It especially brings to mind the changes which the Lord brought about in the religious world at the time of Martin Luther. It was on October 31 that he nailed the long list on the church doors of Wittenburg. On it were the points of disagreement with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. Other Reformers are also spoken of on Reformation Day, but it is the Lord who must be acknowledged for sending forth these men to bring the truth to the people.

How good it is that these days are set apart to remind us of what the Lord has done and are remembered with thankfulness of heart in the house of the Lord! However, every day many reasons are given us for which the Lord must be acknowledged, for there are many blessings. Some we do not even take notice of in our busy lives. We almost look upon our families, our homes, food, drink, clothing, etc, as natural for us — something which everyone has. But if we read the newspapers, we know that it is different for many others.

Our blessings are gifts, and gifts are certainly not things which we have earned. The book of James tells us by whom these gifts are given to us. Look it up and read it for yourselves. Perhaps you know of someone who has many nicer things than you have. But it is possible that he or she has not been taught about God and His Word, and never goes to church. Do you not then have much better gifts? Maybe you do not have the same ability someone else has. But are there not many blessings surrounding you? Have you earned or deserved any of them?

In the Bible we read about Leah, Jacob’s wife. We are told that she was less favored by her husband than was Rachel. What a difficult life it must have been for her! Yet we read that the Lord blessed her with children. Also in the names which she gave them we may see that she had made known her needs, her sorrows and difficulties, before the Lord. That is the place where we too can bring our every need. The Lord has said, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee and thou shalt glorify Me.” Leah was also enabled to give God the glory for that which she did receive. We see that especially in the naming of her fourth son. The first letters of the answers to the quiz will spell out what she said as she named him. May we also be given to do so.

One of the Psalms begins with, “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto Thy______, O most High.”

The Lord Jesus said to Satan, “Get thee hence: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him______shalt thou serve.”

When Abraham’s servant saw that he had been brought to a wife for Isaac, he bowed down his head and______the Lord.

In Psalm 139 the psalmist said, “I will praise Thee; for I am fearfully and______made.”

After Zacharias wrote, “His name is John,” his mouth was opened______, and his tongue loosed, and he spake, and praised God.

When Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom was restored to him, he said, “I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured Him that ______for ever.”

The lame man healed by Peter and John entered with them into the temple, walking, and______, and praising God.

Another psalm begins with the words, “The Lord reigneth; let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of______be glad thereof.”

At midnight______ and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

______said to the spies, “The Lord your God, He is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.”

When Leah brought forth her first son, she said, “Surely the Lord hath looked upon my ______.”

Four thousand in the house of the Lord praised the Lord with the______which I made, said David, to praise therewith.

When Jehoshaphat and the people began to ______and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir.

Joseph said to his brothers, “Ye thought______ against me; but God meant it unto good.”

After Jesus’ ascension, the apostles returned to Jerusalem with great joy: and were continually in the______, praising and blessing God.

When Leah’s second son was born, she said, “Because the Lord hath ______ that I was hated, He hath therefore given me this son also.”

Joseph called the name of his second son ______: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.

When the ark was brought back, David appointed certain of the ______ to minister before the ark of the Lord, and to record, and to thank and praise the Lord God of Israel.

When Jesus was come nigh to Jerusalem, even now at the descent of the mount______, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God.

The shepherds______, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen.

______and Barak sang, “I, even I, will sing unto the Lord; I will sing praise to the Lord God of Israel.”

Your answers should be sent to Garret J. Moerdyk 5211 Woodmont Drive Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001

The answers to the September quiz are:

“What is your occupation?”

— Genesis 47:3

Watchman — 2 Samuel 18:24

Horsemen —Acts 23:22-23

Armourbearer —1 Samuel 16:21

Tentmakers — Acts 18:2-3

Instructor —Genesis 4:22

Silversmith —Acts 19:24

Yarn —2 Chronicles 1:16

Orator —Acts 24:2

Uzziah — 2 Chronicles 26:17-18

Recorder — 2 Samuel 8:1 7

Overseers — 2 Chronicles 34:10-12

Centurion —Acts 10:1

Carpenter —Matthew 13:54-55

Understanding —Daniel 1:17

Physician —Colossians 4:14

Astrologers —Daniel 2:2

Tiller — Genesis 4:2

Image —Daniel 3:3

Officers — Genesis 40:2

Nehemiah —Nehemiah1:11

There are again letters to answer —

Aline Bosch

I think that everyone enjoys receiving letters from friends who live far away, Aline. In the Bible we also read about the sending of letters, but these were not always such pleasant ones. Can you think of any examples? Do I have all the commas included that are supposed to be there?

Nelina Van Hierden

We welcome you to the Bible quiz, Nelina. How old is your grandfather now? I am sure that he will tell you that those years have flown by so rapidly. Hailstorms can be very destructive. They are also mentioned in the Bible on several occasions. Do you know of any?

Irene Verheij

Was the river flooded because of rain or was it caused by the melting snow in the mountains, Irene? We read that in Bible times there were also occasions that the river overflowed, and mention is made of many different rivers in those days. When water is lacking, it can be a problem, but when water is overabundant, that’s also a problem.

Mary Bosch

Was the quiz easy this month, Mary? I know that fathers and mothers may sometimes have to join in if there are difficult ones, but that brings the whole family together in searching God’s Word. The Bible tells us that there is a

treasure to be found in that Word, and how necessary that we become seekers to find it.

Rianne Vogelaar

We were glad to hear that you had a safe trip home again, Rianne. We speak of needing the Lord’s protection as we travel, whether by car, by boat, or by plane, but we need it every moment, even in our own homes. Was Lake Michigan quite calm when you were there? It can also be quite turbulent.

Daniel Geuze

What are you doing with the logs after the bark is removed, Daniel? Is it just firewood, or is there another purpose? Trees are a resource which have been used throughout the ages, and they serve many pruposes. What examples do you find in the Bible regarding the use of trees?

Eric Bosch

Do you keep the calves until they are full-grown, Eric? Just like boys and girls, they must be fed every day in order to keep them healthy. The Lord in His wisdom created in the world that which is necessary to sustain the life of every creature, but how seldom do we give this much thought.

Again we have reached the end of our letters. It is our prayer that we may meet again next month, knowing that much can take place in a short time which changes all our plans and expectations. May the Lord spare us together, and teach us more and more how dependent we are upon Him.

With love,

Your friend,

“Uncle Garret”

Gospel Feast

Not worthy, Lord, we must confess,
That we of children’s bread should taste,
Yet, trusting in Thy righteousness,
We venture to the gospel feast;
The bread we ask which comes from heaven,
O let some blessed crumbs be given.

Lord, set Thy cross before our eyes,
With all its wondrous toil and smart;
And feast us on Thy sacrifice,
And show our names upon Thy heart;
Till faith cry out, “I jesus view,
I trust Him now, and feel Him too.”

— J.C Philpot

Bernie Bakker

Billie Jo Bakker

Daniel Bakker

Jason Bakker

Joshua Bakker

Greg Bleeker

Aline Bosch

Eric Bosch

Mary Bosch

Geraldine De Boer

Nathan De Boer

RitaDe Vos

Jason De Vries

Priscilla De Vries

Maria Derksen

Melissa Derksen

Jodi Deur

Ryan Deur

Cameron Feyter (2)

Stan Feyter

Daniel Geuze

Stephanie Geuze

Chris Heikoop

Elena Heikoop

John Heikoop

Michelle Heikoop

David Hoogerheide

Katharine Hoogerheide

Joseph Igele

Sheila Kaat

Melanie Kaat

Bradley Kamp

Virginia Kamp

Amanda Kardux

Frank Kardux

Myrna Kardux

Lisa Kleppe

Maria Kleppe

Krista Kroesbergen

Andrew Krygsman

Anna Krygsman

Paul Krygsman

Peter Krygsman

Tara Lagge

Jennifer Lagge

Rachel Lagge

Alexandria Marshall

Jennifer Marshall

Joshua Meeuwse

Lynne Meeuwse

Nathan Meeuwse

Nicole Meeuwse

Matthew Mol

Sarah Mol

Bill Remijn

Heidi Remijn

Peter Remijn

Mare Slingerland

Danielle Sporte

Ang Timmer

Mandy Timmer

Bridget Touw

CarlVan Brugge

Renie Van Brugge

Nelina Van Hierden (2)

Andrelei Van Hierden (2)

Eric Van Ree

Jennifer Van Ree

Trina Van Tol

Rebecca Van Veldhuizen

Robert Van Veldhuizen

Angela Van Voorst

Nathan Van Voorst

Larissa Van Voorst (2)

Rachel Van Voorst (2)

Aaron Van Voorst (2)

Jason Van Voorst (2)

Jon Vanden Berg

Rachelle Vanderbush

Maria VanderSpek (2)

Elise VanderSpek (2)

Irene Verheij

Justus Verheij

Rianne Vogelaar

Cindy Ymker

Denise Ymker

Greg Ymker

Janice Ymker

Jean Ymker

Mark Ymker

Mike Ymker

JOHN’S SACRIFICE

Steamboats used to travel on Lake Erie carrying passengers from one side of the lake to the other. A steamboat had a large boiler below deck that burned wood or coal to make steam to run the boat. “The Swallow” was a large steamboat that could hold many people.

One beautiful day, “The Swallow” was about halfway on its run that usually took one and one-half hours. Some of the passengers were seated, and others were strolling along the deck. They were enjoying the beautiful trip. No one was thinking of any possible danger. But suddenly a large cloud of smoke billowed up from beneath the boat.

Captain Jones was the first to see the smoke. “Sam!” he called to one of the crew, “quickly go below deck and see what is causing all that smoke!”

Sam did as he was told but returned at once, pale and filled with terror. “Captain! Captain!” he shouted. “The boat is on fire!”

Several of the passengers also heard Sam and began to shout, “Fire! Fire!”

Captain Jones quickly took command. “Everyone on deck!” he ordered. “Seamen! Pour on water!” His orders were followed immediately. Streams of water were poured onto the fire. But the boat was loaded with tar, which burns easily and makes a very hot fire. It was, therefore, impossible to put out the fire with water.

The passengers began to panic. “Captain, how far is it to land?”

“About a mile and a half,” he answered.

“How long will that take?”

“At the rate we are going, about forty-five minutes.”

“Will we make it? Are we in danger?”

“We are in great danger. Everyone, go to the back of the boat! Most of the fire is at the front.”

Everyone hurried to the back of the steamboat, except old John Maynard. John remained at the wheel, steering the boat towards land. From the rear of the boat, Captain Jones called through the smoke, “John! John, can you hear me? What direction are we going?”

“South-southeast,” came the reply.

“Steer southeast to the nearest coast,” returned the Captain.

Black clouds of smoke continued to pour from below deck. Flames began to lick their way around the front of the boat. After some time, the Captain called again, “John! John! Are you still there?”

“Here, Captain,” was the reply. But his voice was growing weaker.

“Can you hold out for five more minutes? We are almost to land!”

“I will try, Captain, with the help of the Lord.”

The hair of the old man was already singed, and parts of his body were badly burned. His right arm was charred, but his left hand was steady on the wheel. He stood as firm as a rock in the middle of the smoke and flames. He had to steer the boat to land to save his Captain and all the men, women, and children on board the boat.

At last the boat reached land. The Captain, passengers, and crew scrambled

from the burning vessel. John, too, was helped ashore. But as everyone gathered around him, he sank down on the shore and died. What a sad sight this was! Grief filled the hearts of the people. There lay the one who had been the means of saving them. John had given his life so that they could live. Thankful tears filled their eyes.

The Captain and all the crew members and passengers attended the old man’s funeral. A large crowd from the city also came. As the coffin was lowered into the grave, many tears fell.

A beautiful marble headstone was placed on John’s grave. Engraved on the stone in gold letters are the words:

John Maynard
The Man at the Wheel
From the Thankful Passengers of
“The Swallow.”
He Died For Us!

John Maynard was certainly a hero. He did not spare himself, but saved those on board the steamboat. In this respect he was similar to the Lord Jesus. But Jesus did much more for His people. Jesus freely gave Himself, knowing that He would die the most painful and shameful death on the cross. This was necessary to save His people from an eternal death. But the grave of the Lord Jesus is empty, for He has risen again. He has ascended into heaven to pray for His people there. If you may know, by the grace of God, that He died to save you, then you too will be truly blessed — both now and forever.

—JL

Garret J. Moerdyk serves as elder in the Netherlands Reformed Congregation of Kalamazoo, Michigan.

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