HE WAS SUBJECT UNTO THEM

BEN F. VICK, JR. 

       Luke records, “And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.” (Luke 2:51.)  This verse is within the context of Jesus having gone up to Jerusalem with his parents to observe the feast of the Passover. Having fulfilled their responsibilities of keeping the feast, they headed back home to Nazareth about sixty miles as the crow flies. His parents traveled a day’s journey, having assumed that Jesus was with their kinfolk and friends. When they realized he was not with them, they headed back to Jerusalem. Imagine the consternation they must have felt!

After three days, they found him in the temple. Have you ever wondered where twelve-year-old Jesus stayed during those three days?   During the Lord’s ministry, a scribe said to Jesus that he would follow him wherever he went. Jesus responded, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” (Matt. 8:20.)  The text does not tell us where Jesus stayed during those three days. Perhaps some good-hearted soul took him in during that time. 

When his parents found him, he was in the temple. He was not running around playing, but he was sitting among the doctors. The word “doctors” has reference to teachers. They were teachers of the Jewish religion. What was Jesus doing amid these religious teachers? He was listening and asking them questions. Those who heard Jesus were amazed at his “faculty of comprehension, intelligence, acuteness, shrewdness.” (BDAG.)  One might say: Well, he was God in the flesh. True. But he was also human. Were Jesus’ questions based on his being God? Or were they based on his training as a child? His parents, who were faithful to the law of Moses, must have surely been teaching him all along (Deut. 6:4-7). He grew just as any child would. He became strong in will and was filled with wisdom, indicated by his questions. The people who heard him in the temple were amazed at his answers.

Mary and Joseph must have had mixed emotions. They were relieved to find him. They were upset because he had not been with them. They were amazed to see him conversing with the religious leaders of the day. His mother said:  Son, why have you dealt with us this way? “Behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.”  They had been “anxiously looking” for him. Thayer says on the Greek word translated “sorrowing” (ὀδυνάω) “to torment or distress one’s self.”

  Several years ago, my son, grandson, and I went on a run on a golf course at Callaway Gardens, Georgia. The golf course had been closed, so we parked the car, got out, and started our run. It was getting dark, and my phone was dying. Somehow (I must take the blame), we got turned around and were on another golf course. We could not find our way back to the car; it was pitch dark outside, so we eventually found the main road and walked back to the cabin where the rest of the family was. We had been gone for at least a couple of hours. Lois and Wendi had sent out a search party for us. We thought they would be happy to see us, but their reaction was distress and relief:  “Where have you all been? We sent out a search party for you!”  They may have felt like Jesus’ parents, who had been terribly worried and yet relieved. 

Jesus said to his parents, “How is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?”  Even at 12 years of age, Jesus was focused on obeying his heavenly Father. He was spiritually minded. His parents had formed and molded him. They set the right example for him. Children do not grow up to be spiritually minded by accident. There must be instruction and a good example set. They must be involved in their children’s lives. Parents, face it:  When you bring a child into this world, your greatest responsibility is bringing them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6:4; 2 Tim. 1:5; 3:14-15). You might as well plan on 18 years of training. If we try to save the world and lose our children, we are failures. But if parents will bring their children up to love the Lord, think of how strong the church can be. If parents set the example of service in the vineyard of the Lord, imagine how vibrant and strong the church can be. We have lost a generation or two because parents in the past have been too busy with other things to mold their children in the right direction. 

Respect for authority begins with one’s parents. Jesus’ parents did not understand what he meant by being about his Father’s business. His mother kept all these sayings in her heart. Luke then states, “And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them.”  Here was the only begotten Son of God who was obedient to his parents. Many children and adults are not respectful of those in authority because their parents did not train them. They did not learn what “no” meant at a very early age. 

It amazes me how some parents think they are wiser than God. They do not believe in spanking a child when it is needed. I am not talking about abusing a child or spanking a child when one is angry, but the Bible teaches that corporal punishment is in order at times. Read these verses:

“He that spareth his rod hateth his son: But he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.” (Prov. 13:24.)

“Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; But the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.” (Prov. 22:15.)

“Withhold not correction from the child: For if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, And shalt deliver his soul from hell.” (Prov. 23:13-14.)

Jesus was a child just as we were. We are not told if his parents had to apply the rod to him. However, he obeyed his parents. If children do not obey, it is because parents do not make them obey. Several years ago, I gave a mother a paddle to use on her boys. I do not think she ever used it. Later I visited them in prison. This idea of counting to ten, time out, or removing some privilege is more work for the parents than is necessary. Here is a principle:  “Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.” (Ecc. 8:11.)

PAUL AND THE GREAT COLLECTION

JOHN CHOWNING

 The litmus test of a person, his character, and his life is measured by carefully and thoughtfully examining what he does (Matthew 7:21-27; Luke 6:46-49). Few things are more illustrative of this truth than a thorough examination of a project the apostle Paul worked on for several years of his life and involved a sizable amount of money.

After making an analysis of Paul and the Great Collection, one writer concluded—There is no nobler example of disinterested benevolence in history. Except for the false accusations, constant character assassination, and a bogus arrest in Jerusalem, Paul profited nothing from it. We, however, can profit much by considering the heart and soul of this one who spearheaded this monumental effort and saw it through to its completion.

Paul was a man of integrity. He gave his word to Peter, James, and John that he would remember the poor among the Jews while in Jerusalem (Galatians 2:9-10) between his first and second church-planting journeys (Acts 15), and he kept it. Despite the passage of time and the trials such an endeavor generated for him, he was impervious to what it cost him personally. This is the granite-like integrity righteous people in fellowship with God have when they give their word (Psalm 15:1, 4).

Paul was a man of wisdom. Kindness destroys barriers faster and more efficiently than conflict and bitterness do. Prior to the gospel, the Jews and Gentiles were alienated from one another religiously, socially, and ethnically. God’s plan was to reconcile them to Him and one another in one body by the cross (Ephesians 2:16). In practical terms, few things combat the horrific evils of prejudice, pride, and alienation better than kindness (Romans 12:20-21). Paul’s wisdom is not seen in simply noting he knew what the remedy was; it shines brightest by observing his diligence in doing the wise thing.

Paul fervently loved his brethren and kinsmen. His immense and intense love for his kinsmen in the flesh is declared in Romans 9:2-3 with these stunning words: “I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh.” It is morally impossible for Paul to be accursed for his brethren; however, it was possible for him to tirelessly teach them the gospel of the One who was accursed for them (cf. Galatians 3:13) and do all within his power to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction. Like Mary (Mark 14:8), Paul did what he could.

Paul had a strong sense of duty. Recompensing those who preach the gospel and having a sense of debt and duty to others who help promote the gospel are not optional matters in God’s eyes: “Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things...It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things..If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?” (Galatians 6:6; Romans 15:27; 1 Corinthians 9:11).

At the very beginning of the church, the generous brethren in Jerusalem supported at least twelve full-time preachers and their families, plus needy widows (Acts 6). Without the selfless financial sacrifices like those described in Acts 4:32-34, the early church would not have thrived as it did and that would have resulted in the Gentiles not hearing the gospel. The Gentile Christians had a debt to pay and a duty to discharge in light of this.

Paul’s courage. Few things place a traveler in any greater danger than the transporting of a large sum of money on a thousand mile trip from Corinth to Philippi to Troas to Jerusalem. Christ’s bond-servant was not carrying paper currency. He could not convert a single shekel into legal tender that could be hidden discreetly while he traveled. There were no travelers’ checks or electronic money transfers. The best he could do would be to divide the sizable amount of coins among his traveling companions like Ezra did (cf. Ezra 8:24-33) and carry a sword (cf. Luke 22:36) to protect the Lord’s money.

In addition, before he ever boarded the ship which sailed out of Miletus’ harbor for Caesarea in Palestine, the Holy Spirit was informing him in every city that bonds and afflictions lay ahead of him (Acts 20:23). After landing safely in Caesarea, the prophet Agabus (who had accurately predicted the famine in Judaea about twelve years earlier—Acts 11:28) predicts Paul’s arrest in Jerusalem by the Jews (Acts 21:11-12). Though many sought to persuade him to not make the final leg of the trip, Paul courageously went ahead (Acts 11:13-14). He refused to allow his courage succumb to his fears or the fears of others.

Integrity. Wisdom. Brotherly love. Duty. Courage.

Five essential characteristics every soldier of the cross ought to possess.

LEARNING FROM THE EXAMPLE OF EUTYCHUS

JOHN CHOWNING

 Eutychus is a young man who fell into the history of the New Testament church at Troas. The only place in Scripture where we can read anything about him is in Acts 20:7-12. Here, it is written: “And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep...” (Acts 20:7-9).

This scene recorded by Luke has several profitable lessons. These include:

Eutychus is a noteworthy example of pursuing spiritual things while he was a young man. Solomon’s timeless counsel of remembering God in the days of one’s youth (Ecclesiastes 12:1) appears to have been implemented in his life. To have the best possible life on this earth, beginning it with a desire to pursue spiritual things is getting started on the right foot.

As he does of Saul of Tarsus (in Acts 7:58) and Paul’s nephew (in Acts 23:16), Luke describes Eutychus as a “young man” (v. 9). This description would place him in all probability in the 18-30 age range. Even though many of his peers in Troas were focused on less spiritual, even sinful, activities on that Sunday, he was not. Eutychus had prioritized attending worship on the first day of the week, and thus he was where he was.

Eutychus is a sobering example of coming to worship and/or Bible class not fully prepared to actively participate. We are not given any back story as to why Eutychus was so tired that he fell into a “deep sleep”. There are “best case” scenario explanations and “worst case” scenario explanations. Each provide excellent food for thought.

A “best case” scenario is that Eutychus had had to work during the day, quite possibly because he was a slave. (According to first century historians, his name was a common one among slaves.) Therefore, it is possible he had been up by sunrise or before and had worked until sunset attending to his master’s demands. He had no choice in the matter. Then, rather than going home to eat and rest after a long day of work, he went to worship.

Records do exist from the early centuries of church history which document our brothers and sisters in Christ meeting for worship on the first day of the week before dawn (i.e., before attending to their chores as slaves) or after dusk (i.e., after doing a day of chores as slaves). Such may have been Eutychus’ situation.

Another possible “best case” scenario is that Eutychus may have had a physical disease (like narcolepsy) or a medical condition. Brethren today who war with pain on a daily basis or have a terrible allergy attack may take medication prior to assembling with the saints in hope of finding some relief. Such actions have been known to result in and undesired bout with drowsiness. This may have been Eutychus’ experience.

A third possible “best case” scenario is that Eutychus was more of an early riser, not a “night owl”. Staying up until midnight may not have been something agreeable to his sleep patterns, even though he was a young man. From a tender age brother Wayne Jackson developed the habit of being an early riser (i.e., 4:00 a.m.). He maintained this practice throughout his lifetime (he died December 2, 2020). Staying awake and functional past his usual bedtime may have been too much for Eutychus on this first day of the week.

Unfortunately, several instructive “worst case” scenarios are possible. It may have been that Eutychus was not a slave, and therefore he had the opportunity to get the necessary sleep so as to be prepared for worship, but he chose not to. He may have overscheduled himself. Thus, when he finally slowed down at the end of a hectic day, he was exhausted and shortly thereafter he drifted off into a deep sleep.

In the past fifty years, the world has dramatically increased its disrespect for any kind of sanctity for the Lord’s Day, and Satan has leveraged this to encroach upon people’s schedules. Sports events, athletic practices, mandatory work, shopping, parties, and showers which would not have been scheduled on the first day of the week fifty years ago, now are. Because of this, brethren can so fill the Lord’s Day with so much hustle and bustle that by the time they do assemble together with the saints in the evening, they join the ranks of Eutychus.

Not only can this be done on Sunday afternoons, it also can be done on Saturdays, especially on Saturday nights. It is a necessary duty of Christian parents to guard their children’s schedules on Saturdays and their bedtimes on Saturday nights. Preparation for Sunday morning Bible class and worship begins on Saturday night.

Just as parents of school-aged children are a detriment to their child’s education when they do not set and enforce a reasonable bedtime, Christian parents can be a hindrance to their child’s readiness to participate in Bible class and worship for exactly the same reason. In light of our Lord’s warning in Matthew 18:4-6, being a hindrance to a young child and his faith is NOT wise.

Assembling with the saints is a commendable example set by Eutychus. Being so tired that you cannot actively and attentively participate in worship and Bible class is a cautionary warning his example also sets.

PEACE PERFECT PEACE

BEN F. VICK, JR.

  “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on thee: Because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: For in the Lord JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:” (Isaiah 26:3-4.)

       Peace is defined as “1) a state of quiet or tranquility; freedom from disturbance or agitation; calm; repose. 2) Specifically, absence or cessation of war. 3) General order and tranquility; freedom from riot or violence. 4) A state of reconciliation after strife; peaceable or friendly relations; agreement; concord. 5) Freedom from mental agitation or anxiety; 6) Spiritual content.” (Funk and Wagnalls College Standard Dictionary, p. 833, 1943.)

All men want peace. I know no exception to this maxim. I would imagine even warmongers desire peace at times.   The writer of Hebrews commands, “Follow peace with all men….” (Heb. 12:14.) Paul wrote, “Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” (Rom. 14:19.)

God is described as “the God of peace.”  Consider these verses:  “Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.” (Rom. 15:33.)  “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” (Rom. 16:20.) “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” (Phil. 4:9.) “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thess. 5:23.) “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant.” (Heb. 13:20.)

Consider with me peace from different perspectives: First, peace with God. Second, peace with fellowman. Third, peace with self. Fourth, peace in death; Fifth, everlasting peace in heaven.

To have peace with God, one must be reconciled to him. Sin separates us from God (Isa. 59:1-2). It puts us at enmity with God (James 4:4). The sin which separates man from God must be removed. This is made possible by God’s having sent his Son into the world to reconcile us unto God in one body (Eph. 2:11-17). Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6). He is our peace. However, to experience true peace in Jesus Christ, we must obey the gospel. Hear it; believe it; repent of our sins, confess our faith in Christ, and be baptized for the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:37-47). There can be peace in the world but war within our souls if not obedient to the gospel. However, there can be wars and rumors of conflicts in the world; we can be unjustly treated yet experience true peace because of Jesus Christ.

Think of Paul. Unjustly treated. Imprisoned in Rome, yet he wrote, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7.)  Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9.) The Sweet Singer of Israel penned, “Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: For the end of that man is peace.” (Psalm 37:37.)

  If one is at peace with God, having obeyed the gospel, he can seek peace with his fellowman. It might be that enjoying peace with others is a challenging proposition. However, the question is not how others treat you but your reaction to how they treat you. Some people, it seems, are born in the objective case and the “kickative” mood. However, Paul enjoined, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” (Romans 12:18.)  It is not, “Well, they did this or that to me, or he did me wrong; but how do I react to the wrong done? Look at Jesus (1 Peter 2:21-24). Some seem to walk around looking for a fight. Proverbs says, “Make no friendship with an angry man; And with a furious man thou shalt not go:” (Prov. 22:24.)  So, avoid the angry man. Practicing the Golden Rule (Matt. 7:12) can smooth all differences. Learning to give a soft answer is the lubricant that can melt harsh, angry words. When differences arise, do not let them fester. Solve them (Matt. 5: 21-26; 18:15-17). Do not let the sun go down upon your wrath (Eph. 4:26).

If one has peace with God based on obedience to God’s word, he can have true peace. Forgiveness of sins brings real contentment, removes anxiety, and comforts. The false prophets in Jeremiah’s day were crying peace, peace when there was no peace. Trouble from the Babylonians was coming. It was a false peace. People can have false peace, thinking they are right with God. This is a big mistake. Make your calling and election sure.

I have a long-time, dear friend who often prayed, “Let us have a peaceful hour in which to depart.”  To that statement, I heard a well-known preacher criticize that prayer. I have never understood that. Was it not Simeon who prayed as he held baby Jesus, “Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart In peace, according to thy word:” (Luke 2:28-29.) If one has peace in this life, he can depart this world in peace.

If we die having been reconciled to God, we can be ushered into that eternal home where perfect peace is enjoyed. 

PEACE PERFECT PEACE

Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin…

The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.

Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed:

To do the will of Jesus – this is rest.

Peace, perfect peace with sorrows surging round:

On Jesus bosom naught but calm is found.

Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away:..

In Jesus’ keeping we are safe, and they.

Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown:

Jesus we know, and He is on the throne.

It is enough; earth’s struggles soon shall cease.

And Jesus calls us to heav’n’s perfect peace.

GUIDE ME, O THOU GREAT JEHOVAH

BEN F. VICK, JR.

Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah, Pilgrim through this barren land;

I am weak, but thou art mighty, Hold me with thy pow’rful hand;

Bread of heaven, Feed me till I want no more:

Bread of heaven, Feed me till I want no more.

Open now the crystal fountain, Whence the healing waters flow;

Let the fiery cloudy pillar, Lead me all my journey thro’;

Strong Deliverer, Be thou still my strength and shield:

Strong Deliverer, Be thou still my strength and shield.

When I tread the verge of Jordan, Bid my anxious fears subside.

Bear me through the swelling current, Land me safe on Canaan’s side;

Songs of praises I will ever give to Thee;

Songs of praises I will ever give to Thee.

This song was one of brother W. L Totty’s favorites, and he especially requested it to be sung at the conclusion of worship services. He had been criticized for this request. I suppose it would get old to hear it every service; however, do we get tired of the same sentiments, the exact words expressed in prayers? We do not. The lyrics of the song should be an encouragement to us. At the Memphis School of Preaching, the daily chapel services would end with the song, “I Know The Lord Will Make A Way For Me.” It never grows old. To express the same words in a song or prayer is not necessarily vain repetition. Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane prayed the same words three times. The question is, does it come from our hearts?

Jeremiah wrote, “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” (Jer. 10:23.)  The prayer-song, “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah, " is a plea for direction. It implies that man knows his need for divine guidance. Man does not know what is best. The world does not know what is best for man, even with all the advances in sciences. Philosophers are not the answer. Paul inquired, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:” (1 Cor. 1:18-22.)

In olden times God gave direction in a variety of ways. The writer of Hebrews began, “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.” (Heb. 1:1-2.)  He spoke directly to man (Gen. 2:16-17; 22:1; Ex. 20). He spoke through dreams and visions (Gen. 28:10-15; 37:5-10; Dan. 2). Jehovah guided Israel in the wilderness wandering in a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (Ex. 13:21-22; Num.9:15-23). Jehovah revealed his will through the Urim and Thummim. God spoke to Balaam through his donkey (Num. 22). Theophanies (visible manifestations of God) appeared to man to relate God’s will (Gen. 22:17ff; Josh. 5:13-17).   God sent heavenly messengers, angels, to reveal his will to man (Judges 6). A sobering message to Belshazzar appeared on a wall as the Chaldeans were partying (Dan. 5). God sent prophets often.

The writer of Hebrews continues, “Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son….” Though God has not changed in revealing his will, he has changed in the manner of having revealed his will. It is through his Son, Jesus Christ. The New Testament is that will which comes through our Lord Jesus Christ. The New Testament is complete. Paul wrote of the Scriptures, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Tim. 3:16-17.)

We have the word of God today. It is our guide. The Psalmist sang, “NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105.)  It is all sufficient for our needs spiritually. Peter wrote, “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:” (2 Peter 1:3). The Father gave the Son the word; the Son gave it to the Holy Spirit, who delivered it to the apostles and prophets. It was given by inspiration and preserved through providence down to the present time. 

How do we learn his will since we have God’s revealed will and it is all sufficient for us? God cannot lead if we will not follow. God cannot deny himself (2 Tim.2:13). He will not force us. We must give diligence to show ourselves approved unto God by rightly handling the word of God correctly (2 Tim. 2:15). 

  A dip into history tells us the following about the Moravians: 

… Moravianism was not a thoroughly Biblical organization. The Bible was not its supreme authority, but authority lay also in personal experience, and of course, varied according to the sentiments of the individual. Nor was the  Bible a book to which they gave diligent study; they regarded it somewhat as a compilation of texts and mottoes, and they had the curious practice of opening it at random and accepting the first verse their eyes lighted upon as the immediate guidance of heaven. They employed it also in the casting of lots and we are told that the Count “carried his lot apparatus in his pocket; he consulted it on all sorts of topics and regarded it as the infallible voice of God.” – Dallimore, Arnold, George Whitefield Vol. I, East Peoria, IL,  Versa Press Inc., p. 172, 2019. 

  The Quakers or Friends teach the idea of an “inner light” which is God‘s residing in every person to direct him. The Pentecostals teach continuous revelation, which they believe miracles are still occurring today. The Catholics lean on their man-made traditions as being on par with or superior to the Bible. On and on, we can go with those who have/are not satisfied with God’s word.

When will the Lord lead us? He will lead us through our sojourn in this life. He will lead us in good and evil times. He will guide us down the uneven pathways of life. So, let us sing:  “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah” and let us obediently follow him. Where He leads, let us follow.