Jeremiah 31:33

LIGHT-WRITING

‘I will … write [My law] in their hearts.’

Jeremiah 31:33

(A sermon to children)

Did you ever think that the best writer in the world is light? A photograph is a writing by means of light. When you go to a studio and say, ‘I want my photo,’ what the artist does is this: he puts you in a certain position, then he arranges the camera—a darkened box with an opening in front, in which a glass to catch up and refract the rays of light is inserted—then into the back part of this box he places a little glass; and then in a moment your image, formed on the glass in front, is focused in the other glass in the back part. There you are! The light has done what pen and ink could not do. Now see in this a type of the photograph spoken of by the prophet.

I. What it is that receives the image.—If you speak to the photographer about his art, he will tell you that the sort of surface which suits him is one that is sensitive—easily affected by the sun’s rays. Now if you look at the word of Jeremiah you will notice that in God’s photographic work the camera is said to be the inward part: that which takes the image is the sensitive fleshy table of the heart. If there is no writing of God there, the saving work of the blessed light has not yet been begun.

How can we receive the writing of God in our hearts? A photographer must get his glass or lens made specially for his work. God needs a heart specially for His writing, and He alone can give you that heart. ‘A new heart also will I give you.’ God’s will is to take away the stony heart, and give you His heart which will receive His light.

II. What is the image received?—‘I will write My law in their hearts.’ The photograph which God makes in the heart is myself as I should be. When I see any child showing a wicked temper, I say, that is not the real, right child. Just as we are, sinners away from God, we are not our real, right selves. My real, right self is in the law of God. God’s law is ‘exceeding broad,’ but the whole law is gathered up in Jesus Christ. A great preacher of old used, when preaching, to hold a tablet with the name of Jesus written on it. We hold up His name before you, praying that you may have it written on the table of your hearts.

III. How the picture formed is perfected.—Suppose that you looked at the glass after the photographer was done with you. What would you see? Nothing. Your likeness is there, but it is scarcely visible. The artist has to wash the plate in acids, and by and by the likeness comes out. And so when God’s light streams into your heart, the image is written, but it needs many washings to bring out the likeness. ‘There is a fountain filled with blood.’ There is nothing so strong as that blood of Christ. The Holy Spirit takes that heart to the fountain, and washes and bathes it, until little by little the mind is renewed and the beauty of holiness gradually grows.

The photographer, when all is ready, says, ‘Now look steadily.’ Look straight to your loving Saviour, and pray for His Holy Spirit. He it is Who can open your eyes and give you the power to look.