In Christ’s Stead
In every period of this earth’s history, God has had His men of
opportunity, to whom He has said, “Ye are My witnesses.” In every age
there have been devout men, who gathered up the rays of light as they
flashed upon their pathway, and who spoke to the people the words
of God. Enoch, Noah, Moses, Daniel, and the long roll of patriarchs
and prophets,—these were ministers of righteousness. They were not
infallible; they were weak, erring men; but the Lord wrought through
them as they gave themselves to His service.
Since His ascension, Christ the great Head of the church, has
carried forward His work in the world by chosen ambassadors, through
whom He speaks to the children of men, and ministers to their needs.
The position of those who have been called of God to labor in word and
doctrine for the upbuilding of His church, is one of grave responsibility.
In Christ’s stead they are to beseech men and women to be reconciled
to God; and they can fulfil their mission only as they receive wisdom
and power from above.
God’s ministers are symbolized by the seven stars, which He who
is the first and the last has under His special care and protection. The
sweet influences that are to be abundant in the church are bound up
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with these ministers of God, who are to represent the love of Christ.
The stars of heaven are under God’s control. He fills them with light.
He guides and directs their movements. If He did not, they would
become fallen stars. So with His ministers. They are but instruments
in His hands, and all the good they accomplish is done through His
power.
It is to the honor of Christ that He makes His ministers a greater
blessing to the church, through the working of the Holy Spirit, than
are the stars to the world. The Saviour is to be their efficiency. If they
will look to Him as He looked to His Father, they will do His works.
As they make God their dependence, He will give them His brightness
to reflect to the world.
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