Leviticus 24:2-9 Command the children of Israel, that they bring to you pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually.… Here is the experience of a little blind boy, which shows what a blessed light the presence of Jesus gives. This boy had had an attack of scarlet fever, which left him perfectly blind. One day his minister called to see him. In talking about this affliction, he said, "Well, my dear boy, this is hard for you, isn't it?" He did not answer for a moment; then he said, "I don't know that I ought to say ' hard'; God knows best"; but his lips quivered, and a little tear stole down his cheek. " Yes, my child; you have a kind Saviour, who loves you, and feels for you, even more than your mother does." "I know it, sir," said the little boy, " and it comforts me." "I wish Jesus was here to cure Frank," said his little sister. "Well," said I, "He will open the eyes of little Frank's soul to see what a dear, loving Saviour He is. He will show him that a blind heart is worse than blind eyes; and He will help him to see and enjoy heavenly things in all their beauty, and this will make him a thousand times happier than many children who have the use of their bodily eyes." "Still, I can't help wishing he could see," said Lizzie. "I dare say; but I hope you don't try to make Frank discontented?" "Frank isn't discontented," said Lizzie, earnestly;" he loves God. And love makes its own sunshine, doesn't it, Frank?" "I don't feel cross about it now," said the poor blind boy, meekly. "I pray, and think about the sweet hymns I learned in Sabbath School, and I sing, and sing, and then I think that Jesus is with me, and it feels light, and — and — I forget that I'm blind at all," and a sweet light played over his pale features as he spoke. That was the light which the presence of Jesus gives. The Tabernacle taught us that His presence with His people was intended to be an enlightening presence. (Richard Newton, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually. |
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