Leviticus 6:13 The fire shall ever be burning on the altar; it shall never go out. I. PIETY MUST BE HABITUAL TO PROVE THAT IT IS REAL. 1. Whatever is chief in the heart will be ever showing itself in the life. 2. We shall thus surely and thus only verify and carry out the Scripture descriptions of godliness. II. PIETY MUST BE HABITUAL IN ORDER TO BE PROGRESSIVE. 1. The attainment of holy character is by degrees. 2. These advances can only be attained by constant well-doing. III. PIETY MUST BE HABITUAL IN ORDER TO BE USEFUL. 1. If there be inconsistency or fitfulness, a painful sense of insincerity will he felt by those to whom the truth may be addressed. 2. With habitual piety, how much greater weight, pathos, and earnestness will there be. 3. An unconscious yet speaking power is in such godliness. IV. HABITUAL PIETY GIVES DIGNITY AND ELEVATION TO THE WHOLE OF LIFE. It was a noble testimony that the son of J. A. James bore of his father: "I never found in him anything inconsistent or unworthy." What a wreath to lay on that honoured tomb! Conclusion: See to it that the fire be ever burning. What Christian workers should we have then-lips touched with a live coal, because the heart is glowing with the sacred flame. What Churches should we have then — not formal and languishing, but strong in godliness and increasing in numbers. What households should we have then-where the younger members would prove their appreciation of devout sincerity and the attractiveness of lofty example. Individual influence would be benign as that of the Australian tree which destroys infection, and breathes health around; and the whole spiritual scene would be beautiful and fragrant, as "a field that the Lord hath blessed." Cherish the sacred fire, if it is within. As the Parsees with the precious sandalwood keep alive the ever-burning flame in their temples, so with precious passages of Divine truth and prayer seek to keep alive and vigorous the name of love. (G. McMichael, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.WEB: Fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it shall not go out. |
    |