Not I, but Christ

 •  2 min. read  •  grade level: 15
 
THE following lines were written by a sister in Christ to a lady whose son had for the first time stood up to tell forth the gospel of the blessed God, and were sent in reply to the mother's desire to know how it had pleased the Lord to use such a humble instrument.
The words from which he spake appear in Rev. 3:2020Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3:20), "Behold I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”
“He held the lamp of truth that day
So low that none could miss their way,
And yet so high to bring in sight
That picture fair, the world's great "Light.”
The lamp thus coming in between,
The hand that held it ne'er was seen.
He held the pitcher, stooping low,
To lips of little ones below,
Then raised it to the weary saint,
And bid him drink when sick and faint.
The pitcher coming thus between,
The hand that held it ne'er was seen.
He blew the trumpet loud and clear,
That trembling sinners need not fear;
Then with a louder note and bold
To raze the walls of Satan's hold.
The trumpet coming thus between,
The hand that held it scarce was seen.
And when the Master says, Well done,
Good and faithful servant thou,
Lay down the pitcher and the lamp,
Lay down the trumpet, leave the camp,'
Those weary hands will then be seen
Clasped in those pierc'd ones, naught between.”
Oh that such might be the character of all those engaged in service for Him, and that the language of one used so mightily may be ours too. “For me to live. Christ" (Phil. 1:2121For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21))