It is our privilege to reach higher and
still higher for clearer revealings of the character of God.
When Moses prayed, "I beseech Thee, show me Thy glory"
(Exodus 33:18), the Lord did not
rebuke him, but He granted his prayer. God declared to His servant:
"I will make all My goodness pass before thee, and will
proclaim the name of Jehovah before thee." Verse 19, A.
R. V.
It is sin that darkens our minds and dims
our perceptions. As sin is purged from our hearts, the light
of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ,
illuminating His word and reflected from the face of nature,
more and more fully will declare Him "merciful and gracious,
long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth." Exodus
34:6.
In His light shall we see light, until
mind and heart and soul are transformed into the image of His
holiness.
Wonderful possibilities are open to those
who lay hold of the divine assurances of God's word. There are
glorious truths to come before the people of God. Privileges
and duties which they do not even suspect to be in the Bible
will be laid open before them. As they follow on in the path
of humble obedience, doing His will, they will know more and
more of the oracles of God.
Let the student take the Bible as his guide
and stand like a rock for principle, and he may aspire to any
height of attainment. All the philosophies of human nature have
led to confusion and shame when God has not been recognized as
all in all. But the precious faith inspired of God imparts strength
and nobility of character. As His goodness, His mercy, and His
love are dwelt upon, clearer and still clearer will be the perception
of truth; higher, holier, the desire for purity of heart and
clearness of thought. The soul dwelling in the pure atmosphere
of holy thought is transformed by intercourse with God through
the study of His word. Truth is so large, so far-reaching, so
deep, so broad, that self is lost sight of. The heart is softened
and subdued into humility, kindness, and love.
And the natural powers are enlarged because
of holy obedience. From the study of the words of life, students
may come forth with minds expanded, elevated, ennobled. If they
are, like Daniel, hearers and doers of the word of God, they
may advance as he did in all branches of learning. Being pure-minded,
they will become strong-minded. Every intellectual faculty will
be quickened. They may so educate and discipline themselves that
all within the sphere of their influence may see what man can
be, and what he can do, when connected with the God of wisdom
and power.