And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever (Dan. 12:3).
To be wise with the wisdom that God bestows and to be a winner of souls--what more glorious attainment? Does my service for God, my testimony, actually win people to Christ? Is it effective?
When Sir. Astley Cooper, the famous British surgeon, was asked by another surgeon how many times he had performed a certain wonderful feat of surgery, he replied, "Thirteen times."
"But sir, I have done that operation 160 times."
"I saved 11 of the 13," said Sir Astley. "How many of your 160 did you save?"
"Ah, sir, I lost them all; but the operation was very brilliant."
Of how many popular ministers might the same be said. Souls are not saved, but the preaching is very brilliant. People who try to shine here are not apt to shine hereafter. The wisdom of God in a human life leads to the salvation of souls. "God does not accept the most splendid service unless self is laid upon the altar, a living, consuming sacrifice....While worldly ambition, worldly projects, and the greatest plans and purposes of men will perish like the grass, 'they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever' " (Gospel Workers, p. 371).
Not only like a star, but like the stars--the whole firmament itself. Look up at the clear sky tonight, and think of this wonderful promise. Think of the magnitude of the stars, their distance, their unchanging glory! In their brightness, majesty, and inconceivable antiquity they remind us of their Creator, the Ancient of days. They proclaim the glory of God forever and ever, and so also will those who win souls for Christ.
MEDITATION PRAYER: "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom" (Ps. 90:12).
To be wise with the wisdom that God bestows and to be a winner of souls--what more glorious attainment? Does my service for God, my testimony, actually win people to Christ? Is it effective?
When Sir. Astley Cooper, the famous British surgeon, was asked by another surgeon how many times he had performed a certain wonderful feat of surgery, he replied, "Thirteen times."
"But sir, I have done that operation 160 times."
"I saved 11 of the 13," said Sir Astley. "How many of your 160 did you save?"
"Ah, sir, I lost them all; but the operation was very brilliant."
Of how many popular ministers might the same be said. Souls are not saved, but the preaching is very brilliant. People who try to shine here are not apt to shine hereafter. The wisdom of God in a human life leads to the salvation of souls. "God does not accept the most splendid service unless self is laid upon the altar, a living, consuming sacrifice....While worldly ambition, worldly projects, and the greatest plans and purposes of men will perish like the grass, 'they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever' " (Gospel Workers, p. 371).
Not only like a star, but like the stars--the whole firmament itself. Look up at the clear sky tonight, and think of this wonderful promise. Think of the magnitude of the stars, their distance, their unchanging glory! In their brightness, majesty, and inconceivable antiquity they remind us of their Creator, the Ancient of days. They proclaim the glory of God forever and ever, and so also will those who win souls for Christ.
MEDITATION PRAYER: "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom" (Ps. 90:12).
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