Candles Are Enough

Tom Barnard

 

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the world.”

Matthew 5:5

 

“Don’t let us think that we need to be ‘stars’ in order to shine.

It was by the ministry of a candle that the woman recovered her lost piece of silver.”

John Henry Jowett

 

I have a book that boasts that it contains 12,000 inspirational quotations. I went searching for a quote on meekness and found none. Surprised? I was, until I discovered that the Bible uses the term twice in the Old Testament (Psalm 37:11 and Zephaniah 3:12) and once in the New Testament. (Matthew 5:5) But if you search for synonyms for meekness in Scripture, you will find more references than you can use in any one devotional. Try humility, kindness, discipline, submission, surrender, faithfulness. Tons of references.

 

The secular mind rejects meekness, calling it “weakness.” Big mistake. To be meek is to be strong.

 

Our nation’s attention was focused this week on honoring America’s veterans—past and present. I was reminded of the current slogan embraced by the United States Marine Corps—“The Few. The Proud. The Marines.” I honor that heritage. But the Marines have a motto that is much older than the new slogan.

 

“Semper Fi”—short for Semper Fidelis. Latin for “Always Faithful.”

 

On November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress created a corps of fighting men to which they gave the name “Marines.” This week celebrated another birthday of the Corps. Another proud moment in time. To be a Marine, a person needs to be dedicated, disciplined, submissive, and faithful. Weak? Not!

 

I believe “always faithful” is what Jesus meant when he said, “Blessed are the meek….” Powerful word. Jowett reminded us that a person doesn’t need to be a “star” in order to change darkness into light. The woman found the lost coin by the light of a candle, not a torch. Candles are enough.

 

Heavenly Father, teach me to be meek. All around me are appeals to be strong, trim, powerful. I am none of those. But St. Paul discovered that when he was weak, then he was strong. That is the kind of strength I want. I know it comes from being committed to your way and to your walk. I pray that you will take my limited strength and, through being faithful, turn it into something mighty. In the strong name of Jesus I pray. Amen.