“FOR OUR LAMPS ARE GONE OUT.” MATT. 25:8.
By Jos. Clarke
Sad dilemma! no oil in the lamp! gone out in darkness! What could be more unfortunate! and will this be the case with any of us? Unless we cherish the Spirit of God, and daily overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil, we may find at the last that our lamps will expire and become useless. Then, indeed, when we shall need the light of God’s presence, his Spirit in our hearts, then, when all unrepentant hearts will fail and mourn and weep, then to find one’s lamp empty and dark—how very bitter the thought! Brother, do you or I cherish one sin? Do we live in the neglect of duty? Do we do injustice to any living being? Have we done injustice or wrong? and is it confessed and forgiven? Let us make clean work with our own hearts and consciences, and get full pardon from God and our fellowmen, and be sure that our lamps are filled with oil from the heavenly sanctuary. Yes, let us keep them burning continually, day after day, and week after week. It is very unsafe to let them burn low for one moment. Only imagine the confusion we would feel to have it to say at the last, Our lamps are gone out. May we all draw near to God, and so will our lamps be full.