October 28

"He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light."—John 1:8.

IT is an apt description, not of the Lord's forerunner only, but of the Lord's followers too.

Here is the limitation of my sphere and work. I am not that Light, transcendent, surpassing, supreme. Jesus is the one Sun of Righteousness, solitary, unapproachable—and at the best I am but a reflection of Him. He is the only Light of Knowledge, shining into the darkness of my sin-bemused and doubt-haunted heart, and able to change the midnight into "glad confident morning" for those over whom I yearn. He is the only Light of Purity, from whom holiness streams and radiates as well as pardon; I find the secret of sanctification in opening all the avenues of my being to Him. He is the only Light of Blessedness and Joy. When He comes, sorrow with its shadow and gloom flees away. Where He dwells, there is always a Sabbath in the soul, a day of rest which never draws to evening and night.

But here, also, is the dignity and the honour of my sphere and work. I am sent to bear witness of that Light. Like John, I can testify of Jesus by brave speech, and by lofty living, and by humble self-forgetfulness, and by patient endurance of sorrow and shame. So I shall carry to the world a good report of my Master. So I shall incline others to seek Him out. So even His glorious name may gain a new lustre from me and may achieve new victories.

Non Lux ista sed lucerna: not the Light itself, but the lamp, the torch kindled at it and flashing it abroad. Oh, it is a noble and desirable calling.