August 16. Duty After Privilege

"Peter said to Jesus: Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters — one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." Matthew 17:4 We would know that it was Peter who said this — even if his name were not given; it is just like Peter. He wanted to hold the heavenly vision on the mountain top — and not go back any more to the cold, struggling life of earth. It seemed such a heavenly place that he did not want to leave it. It certainly was good to be there; but they could not stay there long — and yet be faithful to their duty and their mission. There was work waiting in the sad world below, which they must hasten to do. There was a poor demoniac at the foot of the mountain whom the disciples could not cure; the Master was sorely needed there. Then farther off, were Gethsemane, Gabbatha, and Golgotha for Jesus; He must make an atonement for sinners. Then for Peter, there was Pentecost, with many years of earnest service, and martyrdom in the end. Devotion is good. It is very sweet to commune with God in the closet, in the church, at the sacramental table; but we must not spend all our time in these holy exercises. While the raptures thrill our souls — we must not forget that outside there are human needs crying for help and sympathy; and we must tear ourselves away from our warmest devotions and most exalted experiences — to go down to answer these cries. Religion is not for personal enjoyment only; God gives us spiritual enjoyment — that we may be strong for all loving service.