2 Kings 7:9

UNKINDLY SILENCE

‘We do not well: this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace.’

2 Kings 7:9

The world now is very much the same as that city then—famine within, leprosy without. This hungry world is for ever asking—What is truth? What is the right? and, Has love no future?

I. The first of these questions is asked alike by the thinkers in India and the ignorant in Africa.—Light! more light! was the soul’s cry. And only one answer could be given: ‘Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.’

II. The second question, What is the right, and how can I attain to it? is an equally conscious want.—Can your God give peace? is the cry of the weary soul. Yes; but it is peace founded on righteousness. Our Lord is first King of Righteousness, and next King of Peace.

III. Has love no future? was the third question.—Must all my loves and affections perish in the grave? No! Love has found a ransom, and that ransom is the Son of God. The Christian Church only sends out a few search-parties, instead of sending her armies to gather the spoil. Let us tell these starving millions of the bread of life.

—Canon E. A. Stuart.

Illustration

‘The experience of many workers in the Master’s vineyard can furnish as strange instances as this of the co-operation of the human and the Divine in producing marvellous things. If only we are ready and receptive, who can say but God will use us too, as He was pleased to use the lepers, for great streams of blessing to others? Why, then, hold our peace? Christians all know of folk starving in soul, and of great plenty close at hand. Why, then, not speak out in the day of good tidings, and tell of the abundance?’