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Daily Devotionals
Our Daily Homily - Volume 2
Proverbs 20:27—The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord.
See that row of unlighted candles, standing in silver sockets, chased and wrought with wondrous skill—such are the souls of men by nature, rich in attainments and generous impulses, highly educated, perhaps, apparently fit for high and glorious work, but they have no light. They are a puzzle to themselves and others. another, who has none of their powers or advantages, casts a glow on his age, which lingers long after he has gone. He is like a common candle, but lit. The spark from God has ignited his soul.
But remember that while the candle shines with the light of God, it wastes. The slowly-dwindling length shows the amount of the inevitable expenditure. Our Lord said of the Baptist, "He was a burning and shining light." There must be burning before there can be shining; we must suffer in order to serve. It is good to know this, for it gives purpose to pain. "I cried to Thee, O Lord, and unto Thee I made supplication. What profit is there in my blood?" What profit! If we only knew that, the pain might be borne proudly and lightly. Oh, never dare to think of blessing men, except at a cost of blood and tears, that may seem to thee as a guttering candle, the wax of which is flowing down in trickling streams, or curling up in rugged contortions!
"Therefore, O Lord, I will not fail nor falter.
Nay, but I ask it; nay, but I desire—
Lay on my lips thine embers of the altar,
Seal with the sting, and furnish with the fire.
"Quick in a moment, infinite for ever,
Send an arousal better than I pray;
Give me a grace upon the faint endeavour,
Souls for my hire, and Pentecost to-day."
