Comment By Torchlight

The Way that I Take

As 1966 opens we should pause to take stock of our lives and to consider the direction we are taking. We cannot forecast the flow of events nor foresee the perils which may loom ahead. Our days are clouded by weakness and uncertainty. We plan, but none of us knows "what shall be on the morrow". Yet each of us has been entrusted with life and each has a personal responsibility for its use. Amid the bewildering vexations and vicissitudes of the daily round has your life and mine a clear and settled purpose, or are we drifting aimlessly on the sea of life? Can we say with Paul, "I press on toward the goal", or are we floundering, and "tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine ?" These are questions on which we could profitably reflect as we stand on the threshold of another year.

One of the notable features of our times is the apathy which, in the face of unprecedented perils, lulls the many to sleep. The masses seem impervious to shock. Those who seek to mould public opinion are frequently faced with this blanket of indifference to the serious issues of our times. And this attitude is also apparent among present-day Christians. We speak of great verities, of God and eternity, of sin and Satan, of heaven and hell, of the Cross and the glory; but how much are we really moved by them? Is this one reason why Christian witness is often so weak and ineffectual? When we feel the weight of these matters ourselves, then, and then only, will others be moved. Oh for a greater awareness of the unseen and eternal, for a clearer vision of the calling wherewith we were called, for eyes to see what Rutherford called "the beatific vision of the Redeemer"! These are present-day priorities for us all if we are not to lapse into spiritual apathy. As we face 1966 let us heed the clarion call, "Awake, thou that sleepest, and rise from the dead, and Christ shall shine upon thee" (Ephesians 5.14).

Say not "I live"

Unless the morning trumpets bring

A shock of glory to your soul.

Unless the ecstasies that sing,

Through rushing worlds and insects wing

Send thee upspringing to thy goal;

Glad of the need for toil and strife,

Eager to grapple hands with life.

Say not "I live".

That were a libel on the plan,

Blazing within the mind of God

E'er sun or moon or stars began.

Say rather "with my fellow-man

I grub, I burrow in the sod;"

Life is not life that does not flame,

With consciousness of whence it came.

Blessed are the Meek

It is told of John Wesley that once he asked his friend Joseph Bradford, who for years went about with him, to take some letters to the post for him.

"Yes, sir, after preaching," answered Bradford.

"No, I want them taken now," said Wesley.

"But I wish to hear you preach, and there will be time after."

"I insist on you going now, Joseph." But Bradford shook his head.

"You won't go, Joseph?"

"No, sir."

"Then we must part," said Wesley. "Very good, sir."

They slept over it, but at four o'clock in the morning Wesley asked, "Joseph, do you remember that I said we must part?"

"Yes, sir."

"And must we?"

"Please yourself, sir."

"Will you ask my pardon, Joseph?"

"No, sir."

"Then I will ask yours, Joseph."

And Bradford, strong and unbending, was instantly melted and burst into tears.

The value of a Soul

We live in days when statistics and averages govern almost every phase of human activity. The sacredness of human personality tends to be lost in symbols and numbers. Undoubtedly, the Welfare State has eased the lot of many, and for this we are all deeply thankful. But social improvement is being bought at the cost of the identity and value of the individual.

Look into the face of any one of

"The busy tribes of flesh and blood with all their joys and cares,"

and you see a wonder. Divorce him from the great mass of mankind and consider him as a unit. He bears the impress of a divine hand. He is "fearfully and wonderfully made". He is a miracle, and no less so because there are countless millions like him. Reflect, too, that each one is a distinct and indestructible personality. Sin is there, but man is loved by God, accountable to Him and travelling to eternity. The facts are staggering, and the Psalmist's words are appropriate:

"Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;

It is high, I cannot attain unto it " (Psalm 139.6).

When our Lord was here He was interested in persons as individual souls. He dealt with those who came in contact with Him by giving His undivided attention to their personal problems, whether it was a religious ruler, a sinful woman, a rich publican or a dying thief. None sought Him in vain. Incomparable Saviour!

unknown | Jan 1966
Comment By Torchlight