In a recent number of the “Shield” we were reminded of the many valuable helps we daily receive on our journey towards the fulness of stature in Christ Jesus : a word of wisdom here, some sound advice there—and first and foremost the daily admonition and encouragement that comes from the source of all wisdom, the precious word of God !
Within its pages lies highest wisdom, and, many who have gleaned a little of that wisdom have given to the world thoughts that inspire and encourage, and awakened, or strengthened the desire to scale the heights and attain a wider and more comprehensive view of what has been scripturally termed “the unspeakable gift”.
One such piece of wisdom was to be found at the foot a page in February “Shield”. The charm of the corner bits is that usually a great truth finds expression in very few words. There is no need of great concentration to grasp the meaning of what is so briefly but forcibly expressed. These were the words printed there for all to read, and to profit thereby :
“Deep feeling is contagious : words poured forth from burning hearts are sure to kindle the hearts of others.”
Instantly our minds go back to a memorable scripture scene ; Jesus walking with two of his disciples on the road to Emmaus, and expounding to them from the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
The re-action on the part of the disciples is told to us like this :
“And they said one to another, Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened unto us the Scriptures ?”
The teacher was well versed in his subject. The law and the prophets, bound up with the purpose and plan of God, had been his meditation all the day, so that he spoke with a burning zeal, which kindled the hearts of those who travelled the road with him.
It makes us wonder how it is with us. Do our hearts burn within us as we talk by the way? Are the words that come from our hearts capable of kindling the hearts of others ? Is our enthusiasm so real and vital that those who listen to our words are touched by them, and so moved to think about those things which we speak about and gravely consider them ?
The scriptures are able not only to make us wise, but to awaken an enthusiasm and a burning zeal for God’s word, if those same scriptures are given a rightful place in our lives, and their messages of love and admonition become a compelling factor in every day life. Whose heart has not responded to the moving words of the psalms of David ? Over and over again we find ourselves lifted above the troubles and turmoils and anxieties of a restless world, and with “our feet set on a rock and our goings established a new song is put in our mouth, even praise unto our God. Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men. Let them sacrifice the sacrifice of thanksgiving and declare His works with rejoicing.”
Centuries later, we can sense the uplifted hearts of the believers in Christ, on receipt of this wonderful letter from the apostle Paul. Would not their hearts burn within them while they listened to his message of burning zeal and love of God and of His Son, Jesus Christ. Do not our hearts burn within us as we listen to these words—
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ : shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril or sword ?”
Paul spoke from the depths of experience. Let us heed his answer to the query :
“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor power, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
There is great depth of feeling expressed in those words, and the heart would be dull indeed if they did not stir us to greater effort and make our lives a sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.
“Deep feeling is contagious”. We can help each other to more deeply appreciate the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God, if we cultivate those riches in ourselves. Then shall the words of our lips and the meditation of our heart be acceptable unto our God, and of benefit and help to our fellow pilgrims.
May the God of love and mercy keep each one to that end.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One