Haggai 2:8-9 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, said the LORD of hosts. There is an oriental proverb to the effect that the useful outlasts the beautiful, and I remember how an ingenious author illustrates this bit of practical philosophy by allusions to several famous works and names. The tomb of Moses, Israel's greatest chieftain, has never been known, but the traveller continues to quench his thirst at the Well of Jacob. Solomon's magnificent temple is gone, but the same king's reservoirs and conduits are still available. The ancient buildings of the Holy City are not to be found, but the Pool of Bethesda is clear and limpid and refreshing to-day. The columns of Persepolis, Persia's royal capital, are crumbling into decay, but its cisterns and aqueducts remain intact. The golden house of Nero at Rome is in ruins, but the Aqua Claudia pours into the city of the seven hills its bright and healthful stream, Many other triumphs of grandeur and beauty, that in their time commanded the admiration of the world, have disappeared, while humbler works of utility of the same period survive them. Certain it is that in the service of Christ usefulness alone is immortal. Many a brilliant discourse has been admired and forgotten, many a thrilling solo from a sacred oratorio has obtained a few days' enthusiastic praise, while a humble preacher's blunt appeal, or an uncultured singer's simple hymn, has had enduring results. The former were efforts of human genius, like the grand edifices adorning once famous cities; the latter were the lowly channels through which God's "living water" reached thirsty human souls. (J. Grant.) Parallel Verses KJV: The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the LORD of hosts.WEB: The silver is mine, and the gold is mine,' says Yahweh of Armies. |
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