Morning and Evening

by Charles Spurgeon

SEPTEMBER
 

September 1 — Morning

"You shall guide me with Your counsel—and afterward receive me to glory!" Psalm 73:24

The Psalmist felt his need of divine guidance. He had just been discovering the foolishness of his own heart, and lest he should be constantly led astray by it, he resolved that God's counsel should henceforth guide him. A sense of our own folly—is a great step towards being wise, when it leads us to rely on the wisdom of the Lord. The blind man leans on his friend's arm—and reaches home in safety. Just so, should we give ourselves up implicitly to divine guidance, nothing doubting; assured that though we cannot see—it is always safe to trust the All-seeing God!

"You shall," is a blessed expression of confidence. He was sure that the Lord would not decline the condescending task. There is a word for you, O believer; rest in it. Be assured that your God will be your Counselor and Friend—He shall guide you—He will direct all your ways. In His written Word, so that you have this assurance in part fulfilled, for holy Scripture is His counsel to you. Happy are we to have God's Word always to guide us! What would the mariner be—without his compass? And what would the Christian be—without his Bible! This is the unerring chart—the map in which every dangerous shoal is described, and all the channels from the quicksands of destruction to the haven of salvation, mapped and marked by one who knows all the way. Blessed are You, O God, that we may trust You to guide us now, and guide us even to the end!

After this guidance through life, the Psalmist anticipates a divine reception at last, "and afterward receive me to glory!" What a thought for you, believer! God Himself will receive you to glory—you! Wandering, erring, straying—yet He will bring you safe at last to glory! This is your portion; live on it this day; and if perplexities should surround you—go in the strength of this text straight to the throne!

 

September 1 — Evening

"Trust in Him at all times." Psalm 62:8

Faith is as much the rule of temporal life—as of spiritual life; we ought to have faith in God for our earthly affairs—as well as for our heavenly business. It is only as we learn to trust in God for the supply of all our daily needs—that we shall live above the world. We are not to be idle—that would show we did not trust in God—who continues to work—but in the devil—who is the father of idleness. We are not to be imprudent or rash; that would be to trust chance, and not the living God, who is a God of economy and order. Acting in all prudence and uprightness, we are to rely simply and entirely upon the Lord at all times.

Let me commend to you a life of trust in God in temporal things. Trusting in God, you will not be compelled to mourn because you have used sinful means to grow rich. Serve God with integrity, and if you achieve no success—at least no sin will lie upon your conscience.

Trusting God, you will not be guilty of using deceptive means. He who trusts in deceit—sails this way today, and that way the next, like a vessel tossed about by the fickle wind. But he who trusts in the Lord is like a vessel propelled by steam, she cuts through the waves, defies the wind, and makes one bright silvery straightforward track to her destined haven. Be a man with living principles within; never bow to the varying customs of worldly wisdom. Walk in your path of integrity with steadfast steps, and show that you are invincibly strong in the strength which confidence in God alone can confer. Thus you will be delivered from carking care, you will not be troubled with evil tidings—your heart will be fixed, trusting in the Lord. How pleasant to float along the stream of providence! There is no more blessed way of living—than a life of dependence upon a covenant-keeping God. We have no care—for He cares for us. We have no troubles, because we cast our burdens upon the Lord.

 

September 2 — Morning

"Simon's mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever. They told Jesus about her right away." Mark 1:30

Very interesting is this little peep into the house of the Apostolic Fisherman. We see at once that household joys and cares are no hindrance to the full exercise of ministry, nay, that since they furnish an opportunity for personally witnessing the Lord's gracious work upon one's own flesh and blood—they may even instruct the teacher better than any other earthly discipline. Papists and other sectaries may decry marriage—but true Christianity and household life agree well together.

Peter's house was probably a poor fisherman's hut—but the Lord of Glory entered it, lodged in it, and wrought a miracle in it. Should our little book be read this morning in some very humble cottage, let this fact encourage the inhabitants to seek the company of King Jesus. God is oftener in poor huts—than in rich palaces. Jesus is looking round your room now, and is waiting to be gracious to you.

Into Simon's house, sickness had entered, fever in a deadly form had prostrated his mother-in-law, and as soon as Jesus came they told Him of the sad affliction, and He hastened to the patient's bed. Have you any sickness in the house this morning? You will find Jesus by far the best physician, go to Him at once and tell Him all about the matter. Immediately lay the case before Him. It concerns one of His people, and therefore will not be trivial to Him.

Observe, that at once the Savior restored the sick woman; none can heal as He does. We may not be sure that the Lord will at once remove all disease from those we love—but we may know that believing prayer for the sick is far more likely to be followed by restoration than anything else in the world; and where this avails not, we must meekly bow to His will by whom life and death are determined. The tender heart of Jesus waits to hear our griefs, let us pour them into His patient ear.

 

September 2 — Evening

"Except you see signs and wonders—you will not believe." John 4:48

A craving after marvels was a symptom of the sickly state of men's minds in our Lord's day; they refused solid nourishment, and pined after the miraculous. The gospel which they so greatly needed they would not have. Jesus did not always choose to give the miracles which they eagerly demanded. Many nowadays must see signs and wonders, or they will not believe. Some have said in their heart, "I must feel deep horror of soul, or I never will believe in Jesus." But what if you never should feel it—as probably you never may? Will you go to hell out of spite against God, because He will not treat you like another?

One has said to himself, "If I had a dream, or if I could feel a sudden shock of I know not what, then I would believe." Thus you undeserving mortals dream that my Lord is to be dictated to by you! You are beggars at His gate, asking for mercy, and you must needs draw up rules and regulations as to how He shall give that mercy. Do you think that He will submit to this? My Master is of a generous spirit—but He has a right royal heart, He spurns all dictation, and maintains His sovereignty of action.

Why, dear reader, if such is your case, do you crave for signs and wonders? Is not the gospel its own sign and wonder? Is not this a miracle of miracles, that "God so loved the world—that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him might not perish"? Surely that precious word, "Whoever will, let him come and take the water of life freely" and that solemn promise, "Him who comes unto Me, I will never cast out," are better than signs and wonders! A truthful Savior ought to be believed. He is truth itself. Why will you ask proof of the veracity—of One who cannot lie? The devils themselves declared Him to be the Son of God; will you mistrust Him?

 

September 3 — Morning

"You whom my soul loves." Song of Solomon 1:7

It is well to be able, without any "if" or "but," to say of the Lord Jesus, "You whom my soul loves." Many can only say of Jesus that they hope they love Him; they trust they love Him; but only a poor and shallow experience will be content to stay here. No one ought to give any rest to his spirit until he feels quite sure about a matter of such vital importance. We ought not to be satisfied with a superficial hope that Jesus loves us, and with a bare hope that we love Him. The old saints did not generally speak with "buts," and "ifs," and "hopes," and "trusts," but they spoke positively and plainly. "I know whom I have believed," says Paul. "I know that my Redeemer lives," says Job.

Get positive knowledge of your love of Jesus, and do not be satisfied until you can speak of your interest in Him as a reality, which you have made sure by having received the witness of the Holy Spirit, and His seal upon your soul by faith. True love to Christ is in every case the Holy Spirit's work, and must be wrought in the heart by Him. He is the efficient cause of it.

But the logical reason why we love Jesus—lies in Himself. Why do we love Jesus? Because He first loved us. Why do we love Jesus? Because He "gave Himself for us." We have life through His death; we have peace through His blood. Though He was rich—yet for our sakes He became poor. Why do we love Jesus? Because of the excellency of His person. We are filled with a sense of His beauty! an admiration of His charms! a consciousness of His infinite perfection! His greatness, goodness, and loveliness, in one resplendent ray—combine to enchant the soul until it is so ravished that it exclaims, "Yes, He is altogether lovely!" Blessed love this—a love which binds the heart with chains more soft than silk, and yet more firm than adamant!

 

September 3 — Evening

"The Lord tries the righteous." Psalm 11:5

All events are under the control of God's Providence; consequently all the trials of our outward life are traceable at once to the great First Cause. Out of the golden gate of God's ordinance, the armies of trial march forth in array, clad in their iron armor, and armed with weapons of war. All providences are doors to trial. Even our mercies, like roses, have their thorns. Men may be drowned in seas of prosperity as well as in rivers of affliction. Our mountains are not too high, and our valleys are not too low for temptations; trials lurk on all roads. Everywhere, above and beneath, we are beset and surrounded with dangers. Yet no shower falls unpermitted from the threatening cloud; every drop has its order—before it hastens to the earth.

The trials which come from God are sent—to prove and strengthen our graces, to illustrate the power of divine grace, to test the genuineness of our virtues, and to add to their energy. Our Lord in His infinite wisdom and superabundant love, sets so high a value upon His people's faith, that He will not screen them from those trials by which faith is strengthened. You would never have possessed the precious faith which now supports you—if the trial of your faith had not been like unto fire. You are a tree that never would have rooted so well—if the wind had not rocked you to and fro, and made you take firm hold upon the precious truths of the covenant grace.

Worldly ease is a great foe to faith; it loosens the joints of holy valor, and snaps the sinews of sacred courage. The balloon never rises—until the cords are cut; affliction does this sharp service for believing souls. While the wheat sleeps comfortably in the husk—it is useless to man; it must be threshed out of its resting place before its value can be known. Thus it is well that Jehovah tries the righteous, for trials cause them to grow rich towards God.

 

September 4 — Morning

"Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Mark 1:41

Primeval darkness heard the Almighty fiat, "let there light!" and straightway light was, and the Word of the Lord Jesus is equal in majesty to that ancient word of power. Redemption like Creation has its word of might. Jesus speaks—and it is done. Leprosy yielded to no human remedies—but it fled at once at the Lord's "I am willing." The disease exhibited no hopeful signs or tokens of recovery, nature contributed nothing to its own healing—but the unaided Word of Jesus effected the entire work on the spot and forever!

The sinner is in a plight more miserable than the leper; let him imitate his example and go to Jesus, "begging to be healed." Let him exercise what little faith he has, even though it should go no further than "Lord, if you will—you can make me clean"; and there need be no doubt as to the result of the application. Jesus heals all who come, and casts out none.

In reading the narrative in which our morning's text occurs, it is worthy of devout notice, that Jesus touched the leper. This unclean person had broken through the regulations of the ceremonial law and pressed into the house—but Jesus so far from chiding him, broke through the law Himself in order to meet him. He made an interchange with the leper, for while He cleansed him, He contracted by that touch—a Levitical defilement. Even so Jesus Christ was made sin for us, although in Himself He knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. O that poor sinners would go to Jesus, believing in the power of His blessed substitutionary work, and they would soon learn the power of His gracious touch. That hand which multiplied the loaves, which saved sinking Peter, which upholds afflicted saints, which crowns believers—that same hand will touch every seeking sinner, and in a moment make him clean! The love of Jesus is the source of salvation. He loves, He looks, He touches us—WE LIVE!

 

September 4 — Evening

"You are to have honest balances, honest weights, an honest dry measure, and an honest liquid measure; I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt." Leviticus 19:36

Weights, and scales, and measures—were to be all according to the standard of justice.

Surely no Christian will need to be reminded of this in his business, for if justice were banished from all the world beside—it should find a shelter in true Christian hearts!

There are, however, other scales and balances which weigh moral and spiritual things—and these often need examining. We will call in the Judge right now.

Those scales in which we weigh our own and other men's characters—are they quite accurate? Do we not turn our own ounces of goodness—into pounds; and other people's pounds of excellence—into ounces? See to just weights and measures here, Christian!

Those scales in which we measure our trials and troubles—are they according to standard? Paul, who had far more to suffer than we have—called his afflictions light. Yet we often consider our afflictions to be heavy! Surely something must be amiss with the scales! We must see to this matter, lest we get reported to the court above, for unjust dealing!

Those scales with which we measure our beliefs—are they quite fair? The precepts and doctrines should have the same weight with us as the promises—no more and no less! With many, one scale or the other is unfairly weighted. It is a grand matter to give just measure in God's truths. Christian, be careful here!

Those scales in which we estimate our obligations and responsibilities look rather small. When a rich man gives no more to the cause of God, than the poor contribute—is that an honest weight, an honest measure, a just balance?

Reader, we might lengthen the list—but we prefer to leave it as your day's work—to find out and destroy all unjust scales, balances, weights, and measures!

 

September 5 — Morning

"Woe is me—that I dwell among these scoundrels of Meshech! It pains me—to live with these people from Kedar!" Psalm 120:5

As a Christian, you have to live in the midst of an ungodly world, and it is of little use for you to cry, "Woe is me!"

Jesus did not pray, "O that you should be taken out of the world!" And what He did not pray for—you need not desire. Better far in the Lord's strength—to meet the difficulty, and glorify Him in it.

The enemy is ever on the watch to detect inconsistency in your conduct; be therefore very holy. Remember that the eyes of all people are upon you—and that more is expected from you, than from others! Strive to give no occasion for blame. Let your goodness and piety be the only faults which they can discover in you. Like Daniel, compel them to say of you, "We will never find any charge against this man—unless we find something against him concerning the law of his God!"

Seek to be useful—as well as consistent. Perhaps you think, "If I were in a more favorable position, I might be able to serve the Lord's cause. But I cannot do any good where I am!" But the worse the people are among whom you live—the more need they have of your exertions! If they are crooked—the more necessity that you should set them straight! If they are perverse—the more need have you to turn their proud hearts to the truth. Where should the physician be—but where there are many sick? Where is honor to be won by the soldier—but in the hottest fire of the battle?

When weary of the strife and sin which meets you on every hand, consider that all the saints have endured the same trial! They were not carried on beds of down to heaven—and you must not expect to travel more easily than they! They had to hazard their lives unto the death, in the midst of the battlefield—and you will not be crowned—until you also have endured hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Therefore, "Be courageous! Be strong!" 1 Corinthians 16:13

 

September 5 — Evening

"Have you explored the springs from which the seas come? Have you walked about and explored their depths?" Job 38:16

Some things in nature must remain a mystery to the most intelligent and enterprising investigators. Human knowledge has bounds beyond which it cannot pass. Universal knowledge is for God alone. If this is so in the things which are seen and temporal, I may rest assured that it is even more so in matters spiritual and eternal.

Why, then, have I been torturing my brain with speculations as to how to reconcile divine predestination with human responsibility? These deep and dark truths I am no more able to comprehend, than to explore the springs from which the seas come, from which old ocean draws her watery stores. Why am I so curious to know the reason of my Lord's providences, the motive of His actions, the design of His visitations? Shall I ever be able to clasp the sun in my fist, and hold the universe in my palm? Yet these are as a drop of a bucket—when compared with the Lord my God. Let me not strive to understand the infinite—but spend my strength in loving our transcendent God! What I cannot gain by intellect—I can possess by affection—and let that suffice me.

I cannot penetrate the heart of the sea—but I can enjoy the healthful breezes which sweep over its bosom, and I can sail over its blue waves with favorable winds. Even if I could explore the springs from which the seas come—the feat would serve no useful purpose either to myself or to others. It would not save the sinking boat, or give the drowned mariner back to his weeping wife and children!

Neither would my solving deep theological mysteries, avail me a single whit—for the least love to God, and the simplest act of obedience to Him, are better than the profoundest theoretical knowledge!

My awesome God, I leave the infinite to You, and beg You to put far away from me such a love for the tree of knowledge, as might keep me from the tree of life!

 

September 6 — Morning

"That you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like lights in the universe." Philippians 2:15

We use lights to make manifest. A Christian man should so shine in his life, that a person could not live with him a week, without knowing the gospel. His conversation should be such that all who are about him should clearly perceive whose he is, and whom he serves; and should see the image of Jesus reflected in his daily actions.

Lights are intended for guidance. We are to help those around us who are in the dark. We are to hold forth to them the Word of life. We are to point sinners to the Savior, and the weary to a divine resting-place. Men sometimes read their Bibles, and fail to understand them; we should be ready, like Philip, to instruct the inquirer in the meaning of God's Word, the way of salvation, and the life of godliness.

Lights are also used for warning. On our rocks and shoals a light-house is sure to be erected. Christian men should know that there are many false lights shown everywhere in the world, and therefore the right light is needed. The wreckers of Satan are always abroad, tempting the ungodly to sin under the name of pleasure; they hoist the wrong light, be it ours to put up the true light upon every dangerous rock, to point out every sin, and tell what it leads to—that so we may be clear of the blood of all men, shining as lights in the world.

Lights also have a very cheering influence, and so have Christians. A Christian ought to be a comforter, with kind words on his lips, and sympathy in his heart; he should carry sunshine wherever he goes, and diffuse happiness around him.

 

September 6 — Evening

"If you are led of the Spirit—you are not under the law." Galatians 5:18

We who looks at his own character and position from a legal point of view, will not only despair when he comes to the end of his reckoning—but if he is a wise man, he will despair at the beginning; for if we are to be judged on the footing of the law, then no man can be justified. How blessed to know that we dwell in the domains of grace—and not of law!

When thinking of my state before God the question is not, "Am I perfect in myself before the law?" but, "Am I perfect in Christ Jesus?" That is a very different matter. We need not enquire, "Am I without sin naturally?" but, "Have I been washed in the fountain opened for sin and for impurity?" It is not "Am I in myself well pleasing to God?" but it is "Am I accepted in the Beloved?"

The Christian views his evidences from the top of Sinai—and grows alarmed concerning his salvation; it were better far—if he read his title by the light of Calvary. "Why," says he, "my faith has unbelief in it, it is not able to save me." Suppose he had considered the object of his faith instead of his faith, then he would have said, "There is no failure in Him, and therefore I am safe." He sighs over his hope, "Ah! my hope is marred and dimmed by an anxious carefulness about present things; how can I be accepted?" Had he regarded the ground of his hope, he would have seen that the promise of God stands sure, and that whatever our doubts may be, the oath and promise never fail.

Ah! believer, it is safer always for you to be led of the Spirit into gospel liberty—than to wear legal fetters. Judge yourself at what Christ is—rather than at what you are. Satan will try to mar your peace by reminding you of your sinfulness and imperfections; you can only meet his accusations by faithfully adhering to the gospel and refusing to wear the yoke of bondage.

 

September 7 — Morning

"Since they were not able to bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above where He was. And when they had broken through, they lowered the stretcher on which the paralytic was lying." Mark 2:4

Faith is full of inventions. The house was full, a crowd blocked up the door—but faith found a way of getting at the Lord and placing the palsied man before Him. If we cannot get sinners where Jesus is by ordinary methods—we must use extraordinary ones. It seems, according to Luke 5:19, that a tiling had to be removed, which would make dust and cause a measure of danger to those below—but where the case is very urgent—we must not mind running some risks and shocking some proprieties. Jesus was there to heal, and therefore fall what might, faith ventured all so that her poor paralyzed charge might have his sins forgiven.

O that we had more daring faith among us! Cannot we, dear reader, seek it this morning for ourselves and for our fellow-workers, and will we not try today to perform some gallant act for the love of souls and the glory of the Lord.

The world is constantly inventing; genius serves all the purposes of human desire—cannot faith invent too, and reach by some new means the outcasts who lie perishing around us? It was the presence of Jesus, which excited victorious courage in the four bearers of the palsied man—is not the Lord among us now? Have we seen His face for ourselves this morning? Have we felt His healing power in our own souls? If so, then through door, through window, or through roof, let us, breaking through all impediments, labor to bring poor souls to Jesus! All means are good and decorous, when faith and love are truly set on winning souls. If hunger for bread can break through stone walls, surely hunger for souls is not to be hindered in its efforts. O Lord, make us quick to suggest methods of reaching your poor sin-sick ones, and bold to carry them out at all hazards!

 

September 7 — Evening

"There is sorrow on the sea; it cannot be quiet." Jeremiah 49:23

We know little what sorrow may be upon the sea at this moment. We are safe in our quiet chamber—but far away on the salt sea—the hurricane may be cruelly seeking for the lives of men. Hear how the death fiends howl among the storm; how every timber shakes as the waves beat like battering rams upon the vessel! God help you, poor drenched and wearied ones! My prayer goes up to the great Lord of sea and land, that He will make the storm a calm, and bring you to your desired haven!

Nor ought I to offer prayer alone, I should try to benefit those hardy men who risk their lives so constantly. Have I ever done anything for them? What can I do? How often does the boisterous sea swallow up the mariner! Thousands of corpses lie where pearls lie deep. There is death-sorrow on the sea, which is echoed in the long wail of widows and orphans. The salt of the sea is in many eyes of mothers and wives. Remorseless billows, you have devoured the love of women, and the stay of households!

What a resurrection shall there be from the caverns of the deep—when the sea gives up her dead! Until then, there will be sorrow on the sea. As if in sympathy with the woes of earth, the sea is forever fretting along a thousand shores, wailing with a sorrowful cry like her own birds, booming with a hollow crash of unrest, raving with uproarious discontent, chafing with hoarse wrath, or jangling with the voices of ten thousand murmuring pebbles.

The roar of the sea may be joyous to a rejoicing spirit—but to the son of sorrow—the wide, wide ocean is even more forlorn than the wide, wide world. This is not our rest, and the restless billows tell us so. There is a land where there is no more sea—our faces are steadfastly set towards it; we are going to the place of which the Lord has spoken. Until then, we cast our sorrows on the Lord who trod the sea of old, and who makes a way for His people through the depths thereof.

 

September 8 — Morning

"From Me is your fruit found." Hosea 14:8

Our fruit is found from our God as to union. The fruit of the branch is directly traceable to the root. Sever the connection, the branch dies, and no fruit is produced. By virtue of our union with Christ—we bring forth fruit. Every bunch of grapes have been first in the root, it has passed through the stem, and flowed through the sap vessels, and fashioned itself externally into fruit—but it was first in the stem. So also every good work was first in Christ, and then is brought forth in us. O Christian, prize this precious union to Christ; for it must be the source of all the fruitfulness which you can hope to know. If you were not joined to Jesus Christ, you would be a barren bough indeed.

Our fruit comes from God as to spiritual providence. When the dew-drops fall from heaven, when the cloud looks down from on high, and is about to distill its liquid treasure, when the bright sun swells the berries of the cluster, each heavenly blessing may whisper to the tree and say, "From me is your fruit found." The fruit owes much to the root—that is essential to fruitfulness—but it owes very much also to external influences. How much we owe to God's grace-providence! in which He provides us constantly with quickening, teaching, consolation, strength, or whatever else we need. To this we owe our all of usefulness or virtue.

Our fruit comes from God as to wise husbandry. The gardener's sharp-edged knife promotes the fruitfulness of the tree, by thinning the clusters, and by cutting off superfluous shoots. So is it, Christian, with that pruning which the Lord gives to you. "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vineyard keeper. Every branch in Me that does not produce fruit He removes, and He prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit." Since our God is the author of our spiritual graces, let us give to Him all the glory of our salvation!

 

September 8 — Evening

"The immeasurable greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His vast strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised him from the dead." Ephesians 1:19, 20

In the resurrection of Christ, as in our salvation, there was put forth nothing short of a divine power. What shall we say of those who think that conversion is wrought by the free will of man, and is due to his own goodness of disposition? When we shall see the dead rise from the grave by their own power—then may we expect to see ungodly sinners of their own free will turning to Christ. It is not the Word preached, nor the Word read in itself; all quickening power proceeds from the Holy Spirit.

This power was irresistible. All the soldiers and the high priests could not keep the body of Christ in the tomb; Death himself could not hold Jesus in his bonds—even thus irresistible is the power put forth in the believer when he is raised to newness of life. No sin, no corruption, no devils in hell nor sinners upon earth—can stay the hand of God's grace when it intends to convert a man. If God omnipotently says, "You shall!" man shall not say, "I will not."

Observe that the power which raised Christ from the dead was glorious. It reflected honor upon God and wrought dismay in the hosts of evil. So there is great glory to God in the conversion of every sinner.

It was everlasting power. "Christ being raised from the dead—dies no more; death has no more dominion over Him." So we, being raised from the dead, do not go back to our dead works, nor to our old corruptions—but we live unto God. "Because He lives—we live also." "For we are dead—and our life is hid with Christ in God." "Like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."

Lastly, in the text mark the union of the new life to Jesus. The same power which raised the Head—works life in the members. What a blessing to be quickened together with Christ!

 

September 9 — Morning

"Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and wondrous things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3

There are different translations of these words. One version renders it, "I will show you great and fortified things." Another, "Great and reserved things." Now, there are reserved and special things in Christian experience—all the developments of spiritual life are not alike easy of attainment. There are the common frames and feelings of repentance, and faith, and joy, and hope—which are enjoyed by the entire family. But there is an upper realm of rapture, of communion, and conscious union with Christ, which is far from being the common dwelling-place of believers. We have not all the high privilege of John, to lean upon Jesus' bosom; nor of Paul, to be caught up into the third heaven. There are heights in experimental knowledge of the things of God which the eagle's eye of acumen and philosophic thought has never seen—God alone can bear us there. But the chariot in which He takes us up, and the fiery steeds with which that chariot is dragged, are prevailing prayers.

Prevailing prayer is victorious over the God of mercy, "By his strength he had power with God—yes, he had power over the angel, and prevailed—he wept, and made supplication unto Him—he found Him in Bethel, and there He spoke with us." Prevailing prayer takes the Christian to Carmel, and enables him to cover heaven with clouds of blessing, and earth with floods of mercy. Prevailing prayer bears the Christian aloft to Pisgah, and shows him the inheritance reserved; it elevates us to Tabor and transfigures us, until in the likeness of his Lord, as He is, so are we also in this world. If you would reach to something higher than ordinary groveling experience, look to the Rock that is higher than you, and gaze with the eye of faith through the window of importunate prayer. When you open the window on your side, it will not be bolted on the other.

 

September 9 — Evening

"Twenty-four thrones surrounded Him, and twenty-four elders sat on them. They were all clothed in white and had gold crowns on their heads." Revelation 4:4

These representatives of the saints in heaven are said to be around Christ's throne. In the passage in Canticles, where Solomon sings of the King sitting at his table, some render it "a round table." From this, some expositors, without straining the text, have said, "There is an equality among the saints." That idea is conveyed by the equal nearness of the twenty-four elders.

The condition of glorified spirits in heaven is that of nearness to Christ, clear vision of His glory, constant access to His court, and familiar fellowship with His person. Nor is there any difference in this respect, between one saint and another—but all the people of God, apostles, martyrs, ministers, or private and obscure Christians—shall all be seated near the throne, where they shall forever gaze upon their exalted Lord, and be satisfied with His love! They shall all be near to Christ, all ravished with His love, all eating and drinking at the same table with Him, all equally beloved as His favorites and friends, even if not all equally rewarded as servants.

Let believers on earth, imitate the saints in heaven in their nearness to Christ. Let us on earth be as the elders are in heaven, sitting around the throne. May Christ be the object of our thoughts, the center of our lives. How can we endure to live at such a distance from our Beloved? Lord Jesus, draw us nearer to Yourself. Say unto us, "Abide in Me, and I in you"; and permit us to sing, "His left hand is under my head, and His right hand embraces me."

 

September 10 — Morning

"Jesus went up on a mountain and called the ones He wanted to go with Him. And they came to Him." Mark 3:13

Here was sovereignty. Impatient spirits may fret and fume, because they are not called to the highest places in the ministry. We should rejoice, that Jesus calls whom He wills. If He shall leave me to be a doorkeeper in His house, I will cheerfully bless Him for His grace in permitting me to do anything in His service. The call of Christ's servants comes from above. Jesus stands on the mountain, evermore above the world in holiness, earnestness, love and power. Those whom He calls must go up the mountain to Him, they must seek to rise to His level by living in constant communion with Him. They may not be able to mount to classic honors, or attain scholastic eminence—but they must like Moses go up into the mount of God and have familiar fellowship with the unseen God, or they will never be fitted to proclaim the gospel of peace.

Jesus went alone to hold high fellowship with the Father, and we must enter into the same divine companionship if we would bless our fellow men. No wonder that the apostles were clothed with power—when they came down fresh from the mountain where Jesus was. This morning we must endeavor to ascend the mount of communion, that there we may be ordained to the lifework for which we are set apart. Let us not see the face of man today—until we have seen Jesus. Time spent with Him, is laid out at blessed interest. We too shall cast out devils and work wonders—if we go down into the world girded with that divine energy which Christ alone can give. It is of no use going to the Lord's battle—until we are armed with heavenly weapons. We must see Jesus, this is essential. At the mercy-seat we will linger until He shall manifest Himself unto us as He does not unto the world, and until we can truthfully say, "We were with Him in the Holy Mount!"

 

September 10 — Evening

"Evening wolves." Habakkuk 1:8

While preparing the present volume, this particular expression recurred to me so frequently, that in order to be rid of its constant importunity, I determined to give a page to it. The evening wolf, infuriated by a day of hunger, was fiercer and more ravenous than he would have been in the morning. May not the furious creature represent our doubts and fears after a day of distraction of mind, losses in business, and perhaps ungenerous tauntings from our fellow men? How our thoughts howl in our ears, "Where is now your God?" How voracious and greedy they are, swallowing up all suggestions of comfort, and remaining as hungry as before.

Great Shepherd, slay these evening wolves, and bid Your sheep lie down in green pastures, undisturbed by insatiable unbelief. How like evening wolves—are the fiends of hell—for when the flock of Christ are in a cloudy and dark day, and their sun seems going down, they hasten to tear and to devour. They will scarcely attack the Christian in the daylight of faith—but in the gloom of soul conflict they fall upon him. O You who have laid down Your life for the sheep, preserve them from the fangs of the wolf.

False teachers who craftily and industriously hunt for the precious life, devouring men by their falsehoods, are as dangerous and detestable as evening wolves. Darkness is their element, deceit is their character, destruction is their end. We are most in danger from them when they wear the sheep's skin. Blessed is he who is kept from them, for thousands are made the prey of grievous wolves that enter within the fold of the church. What a wonder of grace it is—when fierce persecutors are converted, for then the wolf dwells with the lamb, and men of cruel ungovernable dispositions become gentle and teachable. O Lord, convert many such—for such we will pray tonight.

 

September 11 — Morning

"Come out from among them and be separate." 2 Corinthians 6:17

The Christian, while in the world, is not to be of the world. He should be distinguished from it, in the great object of his life. To him, "to live," should be "Christ." Whether he eats, or drinks, or whatever he does—he should do all to God's glory. You may lay up treasure—but lay it up in heaven, where neither moth nor rust corrupts, where thieves do not break through nor steal. You may strive to be rich; but be it your ambition to be "rich in faith," and good works. You may have pleasure; but when you are merry, sing psalms and make melody in your hearts to the Lord.

In your spirit, as well as in your aim—you should differ from the world. Waiting humbly before God, always conscious of His presence, delighting in communion with Him, and seeking to know His will—you will prove that you are of heavenly race.

And you should be separate from the world in your actions. If a thing is right, though you lose by it—it must be done; if it is wrong, though you would gain by it—you must scorn the sin for your Master's sake. You must have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness—but rather reprove them. Walk worthy of your high calling and dignity. Remember, O Christian, that you are a son of the King of kings. Therefore, keep yourself unspotted from the world. Do not soil those fingers—which are soon to sweep celestial strings. Do not let those eyes become the windows of lust—which are soon to see the King in His beauty. Do not let those feet be defiled in miry places—which are soon to walk the golden streets. Do not let not those hearts be filled with pride and bitterness—which are before long to be filled with heaven, and to overflow with ecstatic joy.

Then rise my soul! and soar away,
Above the thoughtless crowd;
Above the pleasures of the mirthful,
And splendors of the proud;
Up where eternal beauties bloom,
And pleasures all divine;
Where wealth, that never can consume,
And endless glories shine!

 

September 11 — Evening

"Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies." Psalms 5:8

Very bitter is the enmity of the world against the people of Christ. Men will forgive a thousand faults in others—but they will magnify the most trivial offence in the followers of Jesus. Instead of vainly regretting this, let us turn it to account, and since so many are watching for our halting, let this be a special motive for walking very carefully before God. If we live carelessly, the lynx-eyed world will soon see it, and with its hundred tongues—it will spread the story, exaggerated and emblazoned by the zeal of slander. They will shout triumphantly. "Aha! So would we have it! See how these Christians act! They are all hypocrites!" Thus will much damage be done to the cause of Christ, and much insult offered to His name.

The cross of Christ is in itself an offence to the world; let us take heed that we add no offence of our own. It is "to the Jews a stumbling block"—let us mind that we put no stumbling blocks where there are enough already. "To the Greeks it is foolishness"—let us not add our folly to give point to the scorn with which the worldly-wise deride the gospel. How jealous should we be of ourselves! How rigid with our consciences! In the presence of adversaries who will misrepresent our best deeds, and impugn our motives where they cannot censure our actions, how circumspect should we be!

Pilgrims travel as suspected people through Vanity Fair. Not only are we under surveillance—but there are more spies than we reckon of. The espionage is everywhere, at home and abroad. If we fall into the enemies' hands—we may sooner expect generosity from a wolf, or mercy from a fiend, than anything like patience with our infirmities from men who spice their infidelity towards God, with scandals against His people. O Lord, lead us ever, lest our enemies trip us up!

 

September 12 — Morning

"The Lord is a jealous God!" Nahum 1:2

Your Lord is very jealous of your love, O believer. Did He choose you? He cannot bear that you should choose another. Did He buy you with His own blood? He cannot endure that you should think that you are your own, or that you belong to this world. He loved you with such a love that He would not stay in heaven without you! He would sooner die—than you should perish; and He cannot endure that anything should stand between your heart's love and Himself.

He is very jealous of your trust. He will not permit you to trust in an arm of flesh. He cannot bear that you should hew out broken cisterns, when the overflowing fountain is always free to you. When we lean upon Him, He is glad—but when we transfer our dependence to another, when we rely upon our own wisdom, or the wisdom of a friend—worst of all, when we trust in any works of our own—He is displeased, and will chasten us that He may bring us to Himself.

He is also very jealous of our company. There should be no one with whom we converse, so much as with Jesus. To abide in Him only, this is true love; but to commune with the world, to find sufficient solace in our carnal comforts, to prefer even the society of our fellow Christians to secret fellowship with Him, this is grievous to our jealous Lord. He would sincerely have us abide in Him, and enjoy constant fellowship with Himself; and many of the trials which He sends us are for the purpose of weaning our hearts from the creature, and fixing them more closely upon Himself. Let this jealousy which would keep us near to Christ—be also a comfort to us, for if He loves us so much as to care thus about our love—we may be sure that He will allow nothing to harm us, and will protect us from all our enemies. Oh that we may have grace this day to keep our hearts in sacred chastity for our Beloved alone, with sacred jealousy shutting our eyes to all the fascinations of the world!

 

September 12 — Evening

"I will sing of mercy and judgment!" Psalm 101:1

Faith triumphs in trial. When reason is thrust into the inner prison, with her feet made fast in the stocks—faith makes the dungeon walls ring with her merry notes as she cries, "I will sing of mercy and of judgment. Unto you, O Lord, will I sing." Faith pulls the black mask from the face of trouble—and discovers the angel beneath. Faith looks up at the cloud, and sees that "Tis big with mercy and shall break, In blessings on her head."

There is a subject for song—even in the judgments of God towards us. For, first, the trial is not so heavy as it might have been. Also, the trouble is not so severe as we deserved to have borne. Also, our affliction is not so crushing as the burden which others have to carry. Faith sees that in her worst sorrow—there is nothing penal; there is not a drop of God's wrath in it; it is all sent in love. Faith discerns love gleaming like a jewel on the breast of an angry God! Faith says of her grief, "This is a badge of honor, for the child must feel the rod"; and then she sings of the sweet result of her sorrows, because they work her spiritual good. "Nay, more," says Faith, "these light afflictions, which are but for a moment, work out for me a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory!" So Faith rides forth on the black horse, conquering and to conquer, trampling down carnal reason and fleshly sense, and chanting notes of victory amid the thickest of the fray!

 

September 13 — Morning

"When they walk through the Valley of Baca (Valley of Weeping,) they make it a well!" Psalm 84:6

This teaches us that the comfort obtained by one—may often prove serviceable to another; just as wells would be used by the company who came after. We read some book full of consolation, which is like Jonathan's rod, dropping with honey. Ah! we think our brother has been here before us, and dug this well for us—as well as for himself. Many a "Night of Weeping," "Midnight Harmonies," an "Eternal Day," "A Crook in the Lot," a "Comfort for Mourners," has been a well dug by a pilgrim for himself—but has proved quite as useful to others.

We especially notice this in the Psalms, such as that beginning, "Why are you cast down, O my soul?" Travelers have been delighted to see the footprint of man on a barren shore, and we love to see the waymarks of pilgrims while passing through the valley of tears.

The pilgrims dig the well—but, strange enough, it fills from the top instead of the bottom. We use the means—but the blessing does not spring from the means. We dig a well—but heaven fills it with rain. The horse is prepared against the day of battle—but safety is of the Lord. The means are connected with the end—but they do not of themselves produce it. See here the rain fills the pools, so that the wells become useful as reservoirs for the water; labor is not lost—but yet it does not supersede divine help.

Grace may well be compared to rain for its purity, for its refreshing and vivifying influence, for its coming alone from above, and for the sovereignty with which it is given or withheld. May our readers have showers of blessing, and may the wells they have dug be filled with water! Oh, what are means and ordinances—without the smile of heaven! They are as clouds without rain, and pools without water. O God of love, open the windows of heaven and pour us out a blessing!

 

September 13 — Evening

"This man receives sinners!" Luke 15:2

Observe the condescension of this fact. This Man, who towers above all other men—holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners—this Man receives sinners. This Man, who is no other than the eternal God, before whom angels veil their faces—this Man receives sinners. It needs an angel's tongue to describe such a mighty stoop of love. That any of us should be willing to seek after the lost is nothing amazing—they are of our own race. But that He, the offended God, against whom the transgression has been committed, should take upon Himself the form of a servant, and bear the sin of many, and should then be willing to receive the vilest of the vile—this is marvelous indeed!

"This Man receives sinners"; not, however, that they may remain sinners—but He receives them that He may pardon their sins, justify their persons, cleanse their hearts by His purifying Word, preserve their souls by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and enable them to serve Him, to show forth His praise, and to have communion with Him. Into His heart's love, He receives sinners. He takes them from the dunghill—and wears them as jewels in His crown! He plucks them as brands from the burning—and preserves them as costly monuments of His mercy. None are so precious in Jesus' sight—as the sinners for whom He died!

When Jesus receives sinners, He has not some out-of-doors reception place, no casual ward where He charitably entertains them as men do passing beggars—but He opens the golden gates of His royal heart, and receives the sinner right into Himself—yes, He admits the humble penitent into personal union, and makes Him a member of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones. There was never such a reception as this! This fact is still most sure this evening, He is still receiving sinners—would to God sinners would receive Him!

 

September 14 — Morning

"And other boats were with Him." Mark 4:36

Jesus was the High Admiral of the sea that night, and His presence preserved the whole convoy. It is well to sail with Jesus, even though it is in a little boat. When we sail in Christ's company, we may not be sure of fair weather, for great storms may toss the vessel which carries the Lord Himself, and we must not expect to find the sea less boisterous around our little boat. If we go with Jesus—we must be content to fare as He fares; and when the waves are rough to Him, they will be rough to us. It is by tempest and tossing—that we shall come to land, as He did before us.

When the storm swept over Galilee's dark lake, all faces gathered blackness, and all hearts dreaded shipwreck. When all creature help was useless, the slumbering Savior arose, and with a word, transformed the riot of the tempest into the deep quiet of a calm; then the little vessels were at rest—as well as that which carried the Lord. Jesus is the star of the sea; and though there is sorrow upon the sea, when Jesus is on it there is joy too. May our hearts make Jesus their anchor, their rudder, their lighthouse, their life-boat, and their harbor. His Church is the Admiral's flagship, let us attend her movements, and cheer her officers with our presence. He Himself is the great attraction; let us follow ever in His wake, mark His signals, steer by His chart, and never fear while He is within hail. Not one ship in the convoy shall suffer wreck; the great Commodore will steer every barque in safety to the desired haven. By faith we will slip our cable for another day's cruise, and sail forth with Jesus into a sea of tribulation. Winds and waves will not spare us—but they all obey Him; and, therefore, whatever squalls may occur without, faith shall feel a blessed calm within. He is ever in the center of the weather-beaten company—let us rejoice in Him. His vessel has reached the haven, and so shall ours.

 

September 14 — Evening

"I acknowledged my sin to You and did not conceal my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,' and You took away the guilt of my sin." Psalm 32:5

David's grief for sin was bitter. Its effects were visible upon his outward frame, "my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long; my strength was drained as in the summer's heat." No remedy could he find, until he made a full confession before the throne of the heavenly grace. He tells us that for a time he kept silence, and his heart became more and more filled with grief—like a mountain stream whose outlet is blocked up, his soul was swollen with torrents of sorrow. He fashioned excuses; he endeavored to divert his thoughts—but it was all to no purpose. Like a festering sore his anguish gathered, and as he would not use the lancet of confession, his spirit was full of torment, and knew no rest.

At last it came to this—that he must return unto his God in humble penitence, or die outright; so he hastened to the mercy-seat, and there unrolled the volume of his iniquities before the all-seeing One, acknowledging all the evil of his ways in language such as you read in the fifty-first and other penitential Psalms. Having done this, a work so simple—and yet so difficult to pride—he received at once the token of divine forgiveness; the bones which had been broken were made to rejoice, and he came forth from his closet to sing the blessedness of the man whose transgression is forgiven.

See the value of a grace-wrought confession of sin! It is to be prized above all price, for in every case where there is a genuine, gracious confession, mercy is freely given, not because the repentance and confession deserve mercy—but for Christ's sake. Blessed be God, there is always healing for the broken heart! The fountain is ever flowing to cleanse us from our sins! Truly, O Lord, You are a God "ready to pardon!" Therefore will we acknowledge our iniquities!

 

September 15 — Morning

"He shall not be afraid of evil tidings." Psalm 112:7

Christian, you ought not to dread the arrival of evil tidings; because if you are distressed by them—how are you different than men of the world? Other men have not your God to fly to; they have never proved His faithfulness as you have done, and it is no wonder if they are bowed down with alarm and cowed with fear. But you profess to be of another spirit; you have been begotten again unto a lively hope, and your heart lives in heaven and not on earthly things; now, if you are seen to be as anxious as other men—what is the value of that grace which you profess to have received? Where is the dignity of that new nature which you claim to possess?

Again, if you should be filled with alarm, as others are, you would, doubtless, be led into the sins so common to others under trying circumstances. The ungodly, when they are overtaken by evil tidings, rebel against God; they murmur, and think that God deals harshly with them. Will you fall into that same sin? Will you provoke the Lord as they do? Moreover, unconverted men often run to wrong means in order to escape from difficulties, and you will be sure to do the same if your mind yields to the present pressure.

Trust in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him. Your wisest course is to do as Moses did at the Red Sea, "Stand still and see the salvation of God!" For if you give way to fear when you hear of evil tidings, you will be unable to meet the trouble with that calm composure which nerves for duty, and sustains under adversity. How can you glorify God—if you play the coward? Saints have often sung God's high praises in the fires—but will your doubting and desponding, as if you had none to help you, magnify the Most High? Then take courage, and relying in sure confidence upon the faithfulness of your covenant God, "let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

 

September 15 — Evening

"A people near unto Him." Psalm 148:14

The dispensation of the old covenant was that of distance. When God appeared even to His servant Moses, He said, "Do not come any closer. Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground." And when He manifested Himself upon Mount Sinai, to His own chosen and separated people, one of the first commands was, "You shall set bounds about the mount." Both in the sacred worship of the tabernacle and the temple, the thought of distance was always prominent. The mass of the people did not even enter the outer court. Into the inner court—none but the priests might dare to intrude; while into the innermost place, or the holy of holies, the high priest entered but once in the year. It was as if the Lord in those early ages—would teach man that sin was so utterly loathsome to Him, that He must treat men as lepers to be put outside the camp. And when He came nearest to them, He yet made them feel the width of the separation between a holy God and an impure sinner.

When the gospel came, we were placed on quite another footing. The word "Go" was exchanged for "Come"; distance was made to give place to nearness, and we who aforetime were afar off, were made near by the blood of Jesus Christ. Incarnate Deity has no wall of fire about it. "Come unto me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest," is the joyful proclamation of God as He appears in human flesh. He no longer teaches the leper his leprosy—by setting him at a distance—but by Himself suffering the penalty of His defilement!

What a state of safety and privilege is this nearness to God through Jesus! Do you know it by experience? If you know it, are you living in the power of it? Marvelous is this nearness—yet it is to be followed by a dispensation of greater nearness still, when it shall be said, "The tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell among them." Hasten it, O Lord!

 

September 16 — Morning

"Partakers of the divine nature." 2 Peter 1:4

To be a partaker of the divine nature is not, of course, to become God. That cannot be. The essence of Deity is not to be participated in by the creature. Between the creature and the Creator—there must ever be a gulf fixed in respect of essence; but as the first man Adam was made in the image of God, so we, by the renewal of the Holy Spirit, are in a yet diviner sense made in the image of the Most High God—and are partakers of the divine nature. We are, by grace, made like God.

"God is love"; we become love, "He who loves is born of God." God is truth; we become true, and we love that which is true. God is good, and He makes us good by His grace, so that we become the pure in heart who shall see God.

Moreover, we become partakers of the divine nature in even a higher sense than this—in fact, in as lofty a sense as can be conceived, short of our being absolutely divine. Do we not become members of the body of the divine person of Christ? Yes, the same blood which flows in the head—flows in the hand; and the same life which quickens Christ—quickens His people, for "You are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God."

Nay, as if this were not enough, we are married unto Christ. He has betrothed us unto Himself in righteousness and in faithfulness, and he who is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Oh! marvelous mystery! we look into it—but who shall understand it? One with Jesus—so one with Him that the branch is not more one with the vine—than we are a part of the Lord, our Savior, and our Redeemer!

While we rejoice in this, let us remember that those who are made partakers of the divine nature will manifest their high and holy relationship in their fellowship with others, and make it evident by their daily walk and conversation, that they have escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. O for more divine holiness of life!

 

September 16 — Evening

"Am I the sea—that You put me under guard?" Job 7:12

This was a strange question for Job to ask of the Lord. He felt himself to be too insignificant to be so strictly watched and chastened, and he hoped that he was not so unruly as to need to be so restrained. The enquiry was natural from one surrounded with such insupportable miseries—but after all, it is capable of a very humbling answer. It is true man is not the sea—but he is even more troublesome and unruly.

The sea obediently respects its boundary, and though it be but a belt of sand, it does not overleap the limit. Mighty as it is—it hears the divine 'hitherto'; and when most raging with tempest—it respects the God's boundaries. But self-willed man defies heaven and oppresses earth, neither is there any end to this rebellious rage.

The sea, obedient to the moon, ebbs and flows with ceaseless regularity, and thus renders an active as well as a passive obedience; but man, restless beyond his sphere, sleeps within the lines of duty, indolent where he should be active. He will neither come nor go at the divine command—but sullenly prefers to do what he should not, and to leave undone that which is required of him.

Every drop in the ocean, every beaded bubble, and every yeasty foam-flake, every shell and pebble, feel the power of God's law, and yield or move at once. O that our nature were but one thousandth part as much conformed to the will of God! We call the sea fickle and false—but how constant it is! Since our fathers' days, and the old time before them—the sea is where it was, beating on the same cliffs to the same tune; we know where to find it, it forsakes not its bed, and changes not in its ceaseless boom. But where is man—vain, fickle man? Can the wise man guess by what folly he will next be seduced from his obedience? We need more watching than the billowy sea, and are far more rebellious. Lord, rule us for Your own glory! Amen.

 

September 17 — Morning

"Bring him unto Me!" Mark 9:19

Despairingly the poor disappointed father turned away from the disciples, to their Master. His son was in the worst possible condition, and all means had failed—but the miserable child was soon delivered from the evil one, when the parent in faith obeyed the Lord Jesus' word, "Bring him unto Me."

Your children are a precious gift from God—but much anxiety comes with them. They may be a great joy—or a great bitterness to their parents. They may be filled with the Spirit of God, or possessed with the spirit of evil. In all cases, the Word of God gives us one recipe for the curing of all their ills, "Bring him unto Me!"

O for more agonizing prayer on their behalf, while they are yet babes! Sin is there, let our prayers begin to attack it. Our cries for our offspring should precede those cries which betoken their actual advent into a world of sin. In the days of their youth we shall see sad tokens of that dumb and deaf spirit, which will neither pray aright, nor hear the voice of God in the soul—but Jesus still commands, "Bring them unto Me." When they are grown up, they may wallow in sin and foam with enmity against God! Then, when our hearts are breaking—we should remember the great Physician's words, "Bring them unto Me!" Never must we cease to pray for them—until they cease to breathe. No case is hopeless—while Jesus lives.

The Lord sometimes allows His people to be driven into a corner—that they may experimentally know how necessary He is to them. Ungodly children, when they show us our own powerlessness against the depravity of their hearts, drive us to flee to the Strong One for strength—and this is a great blessing to us. Whatever this day's need may be, let it like a strong current—bear us to the ocean of divine love! Jesus can soon remove our sorrow. He delights to comfort us. Let us hasten to Him—while He waits to meet us!

 

September 17 — Evening

"Encourage him."

Deuteronomy 1:38 God employs His people to encourage one another. He did not say to an angel, "Gabriel, my servant Joshua is about to lead my people into Canaan—go, encourage him." God never works needless miracles; if His purposes can be accomplished by ordinary means, He will not use miraculous agency. Gabriel would not have been half so well fitted for the work—as Moses. A brother's sympathy is more precious than an angel's embassy. The angel, swift of wing, better knowns the Master's bidding—than the people's temper. An angel had never experienced the hardness of the road, nor seen the fiery serpents, nor had he led the stiff-necked multitude in the wilderness as Moses had done.

We should be glad that God usually works for man by man. It forms a bond of brotherhood, and being mutually dependent on one another, we are fused more completely into one family. Brethren, take the text as God's message to you. Labor to help others, and especially strive to encourage them. Talk cheerily to the young and anxious enquirer, lovingly try to remove stumbling blocks out of his way. When you find a spark of grace in the heart—kneel down and blow it into a flame!

Leave the young believer to discover the roughness of the road by degrees—but tell him of the strength which dwells in God, of the sureness of the promise, and of the charms of communion with Christ. Aim to comfort the sorrowful, and to animate the desponding. Speak a word in season to him who is weary, and encourage those who are fearful to go on their way with gladness. God encourages you by His promises; Christ encourages you as He points to the heaven which He has won for you; and the Spirit encourages you as He works in you to will and to do of His own will and pleasure. Imitate divine wisdom, and encourage others, according to the word of this evening.

 

September 18 — Morning

"If we live in the Spirit—let us also walk in the Spirit." Galatians 5:25

The two most important things in our holy religion are the life of faith—and the walk of faith. He who shall rightly understand these—is not far from being a master in experimental theology, for they are vital points to a Christian. You will never find true faith, unattended by true godliness. On the other hand, you will never discover a truly holy life, which has not for its root a living faith upon the righteousness of Christ. Woe unto those who seek after the one—without the other!

There are some who cultivate faith and forget holiness; these may be very high in orthodoxy—but they shall be very deep in condemnation, for they hold the truth in unrighteousness! And there are others who have strained after holiness of life—but have denied the faith, like the Pharisees of old, of whom the Master said, they were "whitewashed sepulchers." We must have faith, for this is the foundation. We must have holiness of life, for this is the superstructure. Of what service is the mere foundation of a building to a man, in the day of tempest? Can he hide himself therein? He needs a house to cover him, as well as a foundation for that house.

Even so—we need the superstructure of spiritual life, if we would have comfort in the day of doubt. But seek not a holy life without faith, for that would be to erect a house which can afford no permanent shelter, because it has no foundation on the Rock. Let faith and life be put together, and, like the two abutments of an arch, they will make our piety enduring. Like light and heat streaming from the same sun—they are alike full of blessing. Like the two pillars of the temple—they are for glory and for beauty. They are two streams from the fountain of grace; two lamps lit with holy fire; two olive trees watered by heavenly care. O Lord, give us this day life within—and it will reveal itself without to Your glory.

 

September 18 — Evening

"And they follow me." John 10:27

We should follow our Lord—as unhesitatingly as sheep follow their shepherd, for He has a right to lead us wherever He pleases. We are not our own, we are bought with a price—let us recognize the rights of the redeeming blood. The soldier follows his captain, the servant obeys his master—much more must we follow our Redeemer, to whom we are a purchased possession.

We are not true to our profession of being Christians—if we question the bidding of our Leader and Commander. Submission is our duty—but caviling is our folly. Often might our Lord say to us as to Peter, "What is that to you? Follow you Me." Wherever Jesus may lead us—He goes before us. If we know not where we go, we know with whom we go. With such a companion, who will dread the perils of the road? The journey may be long—but His everlasting arms will carry us to the end.

The presence of Jesus is the assurance of eternal salvation, because He lives—we shall live also. We should follow Christ in simplicity and faith, because the paths in which He leads us—all end in glory and immortality. It is true, they may not be smooth paths—they may be covered with sharp flinty trials—but they lead to the "city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God." "All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep His covenant."

Let us put full trust in our Leader, since we know that, come prosperity or adversity, sickness or health, popularity or contempt—His purpose shall be worked out, and that purpose shall be pure, unmingled good to every heir of mercy. We shall find it sweet to go up the bleak side of the hill with Christ; and when rain and snow blow into our faces, His dear love will make us far more blessed than those who sit at home and warm their hands at the world's fire. To the top of Amana, to the dens of lions, or to the hills of leopards—we will follow our Beloved. Precious Jesus, draw us—and we will run after You!

 

September 19 — Morning

"The liberty with which Christ has made us free." Galatians 5:1

This "liberty" makes us free to heaven's charter—the Bible. Here is a choice passage, believer, "When you pass through the rivers—I will be with you." You are free to that. Here is another, "The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed—but my kindness shall not depart from you." You are a welcome guest at the table of the promises. Scripture is a never-failing treasury filled with boundless stores of grace. It is the bank of heaven; you may draw from it as much as you please, without price or hindrance. Come in faith and you are welcome to all covenant blessings. There is not a promise in the Word which shall be withheld. In the depths of tribulations—let this freedom comfort you; amidst waves of distress—let it cheer you; when sorrows surround you—let it be your solace. This is your Father's love-token; you are free to it at all times.

You are also free to the throne of grace. It is the believer's privilege to have access at all times to His heavenly Father. Whatever our desires, our difficulties, our needs—we are at liberty to spread all before Him. It matters not how much we may have sinned—we may ask and expect pardon. It signifies nothing how poor we are—we may plead His promise that He will provide all things needful. We have permission to approach His throne at all times—in midnight's darkest hour, or in noontide's most burning heat. Exercise your right, O believer, and live up to your privilege.

You are free to all that is treasured up in Christ—wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. It matters not what your need is, for there is fullness of supply in Christ—and it is there for you! O what a "freedom" is yours! Freedom from condemnation, freedom to the promises, freedom to the throne of grace, and at last freedom to enter heaven!

 

September 19 — Evening

"For this child I prayed." 1 Samuel 1:27

Devout souls delight to look upon those mercies which they have obtained in answer to supplication, for they can see God's especial love in them. When we can name our blessings Samuel, that is, "asked of God," they will be as dear to us as her child was to Hannah. Peninnah had many children—but they came as common blessings unsought in prayer—Hannah's one heaven-given child was dearer far, because he was the fruit of earnest pleadings.

How sweet was that water to Samson which he found at "the well of him who prayed!" Quassia cups turn all waters bitter—but the cup of prayer puts a sweetness into the draughts it brings. Did we pray for the conversion of our children? How doubly sweet, when they are saved, to see in them our own petitions fulfilled! Better to rejoice over them as the fruit of our pleadings—than as the fruit of our bodies. Have we sought of the Lord some choice spiritual gift? When it comes to us it will be wrapped up in the gold cloth of God's faithfulness and truth, and so be doubly precious. Have we petitioned for success in the Lord's work? How joyful is the prosperity which comes flying upon the wings of prayer! It is always best to get blessings into our house in the legitimate way—by the door of prayer; then they are blessings indeed, and not temptations.

Even when prayer speeds not, the blessings grow all the richer for the delay; the child Jesus was all the more lovely in the eyes of Mary when she found Him after having sought Him sorrowing. That which we win by prayer—we should dedicate to God, as Hannah dedicated Samuel. The gift came from heaven, let it go to heaven. Prayer brought it, gratitude sang over it, let devotion consecrate it. Here will be a special occasion for saying, "Of Your own—have I given unto You." Reader, is prayer your element or your weariness? Which?

 

September 20 — Morning

"The sword of the Lord—and of Gideon." Judges 7:20

Gideon ordered his men to do two things—covering up a torch in an earthen pitcher, he bade them, at an appointed signal, to break the pitcher and let the light shine, and then sound with the trumpet, crying, "The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon! The sword of the Lord—and of Gideon!"

This is precisely what all Christians must do. First, you must shine; break the pitcher which conceals your light; throw aside the bushel which has been hiding your candle, and shine. Let your light shine before men; let your good works be such, that when men look upon you, they shall know that you have been with Jesus. Then there must be the sound, the blowing of the trumpet. There must be active exertions for the ingathering of sinners, by proclaiming Christ crucified. Take the gospel to them; carry it to their door; put it in their way; do not allow them to escape it; blow the trumpet right against their ears!

Remember that the true war-cry of the Church, is Gideon's watchword, "The sword of the Lord—and of Gideon!" God must do it, it is His own work. But we are not to be idle; instrumentality is to be used, "The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon!" If we only cry, "The sword of the Lord!" we shall be guilty of an idle presumption; and if we shout, "The sword of Gideon!" alone, we shall manifest idolatrous reliance on an arm of flesh—we must blend the two in practical harmony, "The sword of the Lord—and of Gideon!" We can do nothing of ourselves—but we can do everything by the help of our God; let us, therefore, in His name determine to go out personally and serve with our flaming torch of holy example, and with our trumpet tones of earnest declaration and testimony, and God shall be with us, and Midian shall be put to confusion, and the Lord Almighty shall reign forever and ever!

 

September 20 — Evening

"In the evening withhold not your hand." Ecclesiastes 11:6

In the evening of the day opportunities are plentiful—men return from their labor, and the zealous soul-winner finds time to tell abroad the love of Jesus. Have I no evening work for Jesus? If I have not, let me no longer withhold my hand from a service which requires abundant labor. Sinners are perishing for lack of knowledge; he who loiters may find his skirts crimson with the blood of souls. Jesus gave both His hands to the nails—how can I keep back one of mine from His blessed work? Night and day He toiled and prayed for me, how can I give a single hour to the pampering of my flesh with luxurious ease? Up, idle heart; stretch out your hand to work, or uplift it to pray. Heaven and hell are in earnest, let me be so, and this evening sow good seed for the Lord my God.

The evening of life has also its calls. Life is so short that a morning of manhood's vigor, and an evening of decay, make the whole of it. Life is so brief—that no man can afford to lose a day. It has been well said that if a great king should bring us a great heap of gold, and bid us take as much as we could count in a day, we would make a long day of it; we should begin early in the morning, and in the evening we would not withhold our hand; but to win souls is far nobler work, how is it that we so soon withdraw from it? Some are spared to a long evening of green old age; if such be my case, let me use such talents as I still retain, and to the last hour serve my blessed and faithful Lord. By His grace I will die in harness, and lay down my charge—only when I lay down my body. Age may instruct the young, cheer the faint, and encourage the desponding; if eventide has less of vigorous heat, it should have more of calm wisdom, therefore in the evening I will not withhold my hand.

 

September 21 — Morning

"I will rejoice over them to do them good." Jeremiah 32:41

How heart-cheering to the believer, is the delight which God has in His saints! We cannot see any reason in ourselves why the Lord should take pleasure in us; we cannot take delight in ourselves, for we often have to groan, being burdened; conscious of our sinfulness, and deploring our unfaithfulness. And we fear that God's people cannot take much delight in us, for they must perceive so much of our imperfections and our follies, that they may rather lament our infirmities, than admire our graces.

But we love to dwell upon this transcendent truth, this glorious mystery—that as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride—so does the Lord rejoice over us. We do not read anywhere that God delights in the cloud-capped mountains, or the sparkling stars—but we do read that He delights in the habitable parts of the earth, and that His delights are with the sons of men. We do not find it written that even angels give His soul delight; nor does He say, concerning cherubim and seraphim, "You shall be called Hephzibah, for the Lord delights in you"; but He does say all that to poor fallen creatures like ourselves, debased and depraved by sin—but saved, exalted, and glorified by His grace.

In what strong language He expresses His delight in His people! Who could have conceived of the eternal One as bursting forth into a song? Yet it is written, "He will rejoice over you with joy—He will rejoice over you with singing." As He looked upon the world He had made, He said, "It is very good"; but when He beheld those who are the purchase of Jesus' blood, His own chosen ones, it seemed as if the great heart of the Infinite could restrain itself no longer—but overflowed in divine exclamations of joy. Should not we utter our grateful response to such a marvelous declaration of His love, and sing, "I will rejoice in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!"

 

September 21 — Evening

"Gather not my soul with sinners." Psalm 26:9

Fear made David pray thus, for something whispered, "Perhaps, after all, you may be gathered with the wicked." That fear, although marred by unbelief, springs, in the main, from holy concern, arising from the recollection of past sin. Even the pardoned man will enquire, "What if at the end, my sins should be remembered, and I should be left out of the catalogue of the saved?" He recollects his present unfruitfulness: so little grace, so little love, so little holiness; and looking forward to the future, he considers his weakness and the many temptations which beset him, and he fears that he may fall, and become a prey to the enemy. A sense of sin and present evil, and his prevailing corruptions, compel him to pray, in fear and trembling, "Gather not my soul with sinners!"

Reader, if you have prayed this prayer, and if your character is rightly described in the Psalm from which it is taken, you need not be afraid that you shall be gathered with sinners. Have you the two virtues which David had—the outward walking in integrity, and the inward trusting in the Lord? Are you resting upon Christ's sacrifice, and can you compass the altar of God with humble hope? If so, rest assured, with the wicked you never shall be gathered, for that calamity is impossible. The gathering at the judgment is like to like. "Gather together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them—but gather the wheat into my barn." If, then, you are like God's people, you shall be with God's people. You cannot be gathered with the wicked, for you are too dearly bought. Redeemed by the blood of Christ, you are His forever, and where He is, there must His people be. You are loved too much to be cast away with reprobates. Shall one dear to Christ perish? Impossible! Hell cannot hold you! Heaven claims you! Trust in your Surety and fear not!

 

September 22 — Morning

"Let Israel rejoice in Him!" Psalm 149:2

Be glad of heart, O believer—but take care that your gladness has its spring in the Lord. You have much cause for gladness in your God, for you can sing with David, "God, my exceeding joy!" Be glad that the Lord reigns—that Jehovah is King! Rejoice that He sits upon the throne—and rules all things!

Every attribute of God should become a fresh ray in the sunlight of our gladness. That He is wise—should make us glad, knowing as we do our own foolishness. That He is mighty—should cause us to rejoice who tremble at our weakness. That he is everlasting—should always be a theme of joy when we know that we wither as the grass. That He is unchanging—should perpetually yield us a song, since we change every hour. That He is full of grace, that He is overflowing with it, and that this grace in covenant He has given to us; that it is ours to cleanse us, ours to keep us, ours to sanctify us, ours to perfect us, ours to bring us to glory—all this should tend to make us glad in Him.

This gladness in God is as a deep river—we have only as yet touched its brink, we know a little of its clear sweet, heavenly streams—but onward the depth is greater, and the current more impetuous in its joy.

The Christian feels that he may delight himself, not only in what God is—but also in all that God has done in the past. The Psalms show us that God's people in olden times were accustomed to think much of God's past mercies—and to have a song concerning each of them. So let God's people now rehearse the deeds of the Lord! Let them tell of His mighty acts, and "sing unto the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously!"

Nor let them ever cease to sing, for as new mercies flow to them day by day, so should their gladness in the Lord's loving acts in providence and in grace—show itself in continued thanksgiving. Be glad O children of Zion and rejoice in the Lord your God!

 

September 22 — Evening

"When my heart is overwhelmed—lead me to the Rock that is higher than I!" Psalm 61:2

Most of us know what it is to be overwhelmed in heart—emptied as when a man wipes a dish and turns it upside down; submerged and sinking like a vessel mastered by the storm.

Discoveries of inward corruption will do this—if the Lord permits the great deep of our depravity to become troubled and cast up mire and dirt.

Disappointments and heartbreaks will do this—when billow after billow rolls over us, and we are like a broken shell hurled to and fro by the raging surf! Blessed be God, at such seasons we are not without an all-sufficient solace—our God is the harbor of weather-beaten sails, the hospice of forlorn pilgrims. Higher than we are—He is! His mercy higher than our sins! His love is higher than we could imagine!

It is pitiful to see unsaved men putting their trust in something lower than themselves; but our confidence is fixed upon an exceeding high and glorious Lord.

A Rock He is—since He changes not; and a high Rock, because the tempests which overwhelm us—roll far beneath at His feet! He is not disturbed by them—but rules them at His will. If we get under the shelter of this lofty Rock—we may defy the hurricane; all is calm under the lee of that towering cliff!

Alas! such is the confusion in which the troubled mind is often cast, that we need piloting to this divine shelter. Hence the prayer of the text, "When my heart is overwhelmed—lead me to the Rock that is higher than I! O Lord, our God, by Your Holy Spirit—teach us the way of faith, lead us into Your rest. The wind blows us out to sea—our puny hand cannot steer the helm! You, You alone can steer us over the wide ocean between yon sunken rocks—and safe into the fair haven. How dependent we are upon You! We need You to bring us to You! To be wisely directed and steered into safety and peace is Your gift, and Yours alone. This night be pleased to deal well with Your servants.

 

September 23 — Morning

"Accepted in the Beloved." Ephesians 1:6

What a wonderful state of privilege! It includes our justification before God—but the term "acceptance" in the Greek means more than that. It signifies that we are the objects of divine delight, nay, even of divine joy! How marvelous that we worms, we mortals, we sinners—should be the objects of divine love! But it is only "in the beloved."

Some Christians seem to think that they are accepted in their own experience. When their heart is lively, and their hopes bright—they think God accepts them, for they feel so high, so heavenly-minded, so drawn above the earth! But when their souls cleave to the dust—they fear that they are no longer accepted. If they could but see that all their high joys do not exalt them, and all their low despondencies do not really depress them in their Father's sight—but that they stand accepted in One who never alters, in One who is always the beloved of God, always perfect, always without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing—how much happier they would be—and how much more they would honor the Savior! Rejoice then, believer, in this—you are accepted "in the beloved."

You look within, and you say, "There is nothing acceptable here!" But look at Christ, and see if there is not everything acceptable there. Your sins trouble you—but God has cast your sins behind His back, and you are accepted in the Righteous One. You have to fight with corruption, and to wrestle with temptation—but you are already accepted in Him who has overcome the powers of evil. The devil tempts you—but be of good cheer, he cannot destroy you, for you are accepted in Him who has broken the red dragon's head! Even glorified souls in heaven—are not more accepted than you are! They are only accepted in heaven "in the beloved," and you are even now accepted in Christ, after the same manner!

 

September 23 — Evening

"Jesus said unto him—If you can believe." Mark 9:23

A certain man had a demoniac son, who was afflicted with a dumb spirit. The father, having seen the futility of the endeavors of the disciples to heal his child, had little or no faith in Christ, and therefore, when he was bidden to bring his son to Him, he said to Jesus, "If You can do anything—have compassion on us, and help us." Now there was an "if" in the question—but the poor trembling father had put the "if" in the wrong place. Jesus Christ, therefore, without commanding him to retract the "if," kindly puts it in its legitimate position. "Nay, truly," He seemed to say, "there should be no 'if' about My power, nor concerning My willingness, the 'if' lies somewhere else." "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." The man's trust was strengthened, he offered a humble prayer for an increase of faith, and instantly Jesus spoke the word, and the devil was cast out, with an injunction never to return.

There is a lesson here which we need to learn. We, like this man, often see that there is an "if" somewhere—but we are perpetually blundering by putting it in the wrong place. "If" Jesus can help me, "if" He can give me grace to overcome temptation, "if" He can give me pardon, "if" He can make me successful?

Nay, "if" you can believe—He both can and will. You have misplaced your "if."

If you can confidently trust, even as all things are possible to Christ, so shall all things be possible to you. FAITH stands in God's power, and is robed in God's majesty; it wears the royal apparel, and rides on the King's horse, for it is the grace which the King delights to honor. Girding itself with the glorious might of the all-working Spirit, it becomes, in the omnipotence of God, mighty to do, to dare, and to suffer. All things, without limit, are possible to him who believes. My soul, can you believe your Lord tonight?

 

September 24 — Morning

"For I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to accompany us and protect us from enemies along the way. After all, we had told the king—Our God protects all those who worship Him, but His fierce anger rages against those who abandon Him." Ezra 8:22

On many accounts, a convoy from the king would have been desirable for the pilgrim band—but a holy shame would not allow Ezra to seek one. He feared lest the heathen king should think his professions of faith in God—to be mere hypocrisy, or imagine that the God of Israel was not able to preserve His own worshipers. He could not bring his mind to lean on an arm of flesh in a matter so evidently of the Lord; and therefore the caravan set out with no visible protection, guarded by Him who is the sword and shield of His people.

It is to be feared that few believers feel this holy jealousy for God. Even those who in a measure walk by faith, occasionally mar the luster of their life by craving aid from man. It is a most blessed thing to have no props and no buttresses—but to stand upright on the Rock of Ages, upheld by the Lord alone!

Would any true believers seek state endowments for their Church—if they remembered that the Lord is dishonored by their asking Caesar's aid? as if the Lord could not supply the needs of His own cause! Should we run so hastily to friends and relations for help—if we remembered that the Lord is magnified by our implicit reliance upon His solitary arm? My soul, wait only upon God!

"But," says one, "are not means to be used?" Assuredly they are—but our fault seldom lies in their neglect—far more frequently it springs out of foolishly believing in them—instead of believing in God. Few run too far in neglecting the creature's arm—but very many sin greatly in making too much of it. Learn, dear reader, to glorify the Lord by leaving means untried—if by using them you would dishonor the name of the Lord.

 

September 24 — Evening

"I sleep—but my heart wakes." Song of Solomon 5:2

Paradoxes abound in Christian experience, and here is one—the spouse was asleep, and yet she was awake. He alone can read the believer's riddle—who has ploughed with the heifer of his experience.

The two points in this evening's text are—a mournful sleepiness and a hopeful wakefulness.

A mournful sleepiness: "I sleep". Through sin that dwells in us—we may become lax in holy duties, slothful in pious exercises, dull in spiritual joys, and spiritually supine and careless. This is a shameful state for one in whom the quickening Spirit dwells; and it is dangerous to the highest degree. Even wise virgins sometimes slumber—but it is high time for all to shake off the bands of sloth.

It is to be feared that many believers lose their strength, as Samson lost his locks, while sleeping on the lap of carnal security. With a perishing world around us—to sleep is cruel. With eternity so near at hand—it is madness. Yet we are none of us so much awake, as we should be; a few thunder-claps would do us all good, and it may be, unless we soon bestir ourselves, we shall have them in the form of war, or pestilence, or personal bereavements and losses! O that we may leave the couch of fleshly ease forever—and go forth with flaming torches to meet the coming Bridegroom!

A hopeful wakefulness: "My heart wakes." This is a happy sign. Life is not extinct, though sadly smothered. When our renewed heart struggles against our natural heaviness, we should be grateful to sovereign grace for keeping a little vitality within us. Jesus will hear our hearts, will help our hearts, will visit our hearts; for the voice of the wakeful heart is really the voice of our Beloved, saying, "Open to Me!" Holy zeal will surely unbar the door.

 

September 25 — Morning

"Just—and the justifier of him which believes." Romans 3:26

"Being justified by faith, we have peace with God." Conscience accuses no longer. Judgment now decides for the sinner instead of against him. Memory looks back upon past sins, with deep sorrow for the sin—but yet with no dread of any penalty to come; for Christ has paid the debt of His people to the last jot and tittle, and received the divine receipt; and unless God can be so unjust as to demand double payment for one debt, no soul for whom Jesus died as a substitute can ever be cast into hell.

It seems to be one of the very principles of our enlightened nature—to believe that God is just. We feel that it must be so—and this gives us terror at first. But it is marvelous, that this very same belief that God is just, becomes afterwards the pillar of our confidence and peace!

If God is just, I, a sinner, alone and without a substitute, must be punished. But Jesus stands in my stead—and is punished for me; and now, if God be just—I, a sinner, standing in Christ, can never be punished! God must change His nature before one soul, for whom Jesus was a substitute, can ever by any possibility suffer the lash of the law. Therefore, Jesus having taken the place of the believer—having rendered a full equivalent to divine wrath for all that His people ought to have suffered as the result of sin—the believer can shout with glorious triumph, "Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect?" Not God, for He has justified! Not Christ, for He has died, "yes rather has risen again."

My hope is sure and steadfast—because I am a sinner for whom Christ died! My trust is not that I am holy—but that being unholy, Jesus is my righteousness! My faith does not rest upon what I am, or shall be, or feel, or know—but in what Christ is, in what He has done, and in what He is now doing for me. On the lion of justice—the fair maid of hope rides like a queen!

 

September 25 — Evening

"It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God." 1 Corinthians 1:30

Man's intellect seeks after rest, and by nature seeks it apart from the Lord Jesus Christ. Men of education are apt, even when converted, to look upon the simplicities of the cross of Christ with an eye too little reverent and loving. They are snared in the old net in which the Grecians were taken, and have a hankering to mix philosophy with Scriptural revelation. The temptation with a man of refined thought and high education, is to depart from the simple truth of Christ crucified, and to invent, as the term is, a more intellectual doctrine. This led the early Christian churches into Gnosticism, and bewitched them with all sorts of heresies. This is the root of Neology, and the other fine things which in days gone by were so fashionable in Germany, and are now so ensnaring to certain classes of divines.

Whoever you are, good reader, and whatever your education may be, if you are the Lord's, be assured you will find no rest in philosophizing divinity. You may receive this dogma from one great thinker, or that dream from another profound reasoner—but what the chaff is to the wheat—that will these be to the pure Word of God. All that human reason, when best guided, can find out—are but the A B C's of truth; and even that lacks certainty, while in Christ Jesus there is treasured up all the fullness of wisdom and knowledge.

All attempts on the part of Christians to be content with systems such as Unitarian and Broad-church thinkers would approve of, must fail. True heirs of heaven must come back to the grandly simple reality, which makes the ploughboy's eye flash with joy, and gladdens the pious pauper's heart, "Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners!" Jesus satisfies the most elevated intellect when He is believingly received—but apart from Him the mind of the regenerate discovers no rest. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." "A good understanding have all those who do His commandments."

 

September 26 — Morning

"The myrtle trees that were in the valley." Zechariah 1:8

The vision in this chapter describes the condition of Israel in Zechariah's day; but being interpreted in its aspect towards us, it describes the Church of God as we find it now in the world.

The Church is compared to a myrtle grove flourishing in a valley. It is hidden, unobserved, secreted; courting no honor and attracting no observation from the careless gazer. The Church, like her head, has a glory—but it is concealed from carnal eyes, for the time of her breaking forth in all her splendor has not yet come.

The idea of tranquil security is also suggested to us—for the myrtle grove in the valley is still and calm, while the storm sweeps over the mountain summits. Tempests spend their force upon the craggy peaks of the Alps—but down yonder where the stream flows which makes glad the city of our God—the myrtle trees flourish by the still waters, all unshaken by the impetuous wind. How great is the inward tranquility of God's Church! Even when opposed and persecuted, she has a peace which the world gives not, and which, therefore, it cannot take away! The peace of God which passes all understanding, keeps the hearts and minds of God's people.

Does not the metaphor forcibly picture the peaceful, perpetual growth of the saints? The myrtle tree does not shed her leaves—she is always green. Just so, the Church in her worst time—still has a blessed verdure of grace about her; nay, she has sometimes exhibited most verdure when her winter has been sharpest. She has prospered most, when her adversities have been most severe.

Hence the text hints at victory. The myrtle is the emblem of peace, and a significant token of triumph. The wreaths of conquerors were bound with myrtle and with laurel; and is not the Church ever victorious? Is not every Christian more than a conqueror through Him who loved him? Living in peace—all the saints fall asleep in the arms of victory!

 

September 26 — Evening

"Wail, O fir tree, for the cedar has fallen!" Zechariah 11:2

When the crash of a falling cedar is heard in the forest—it is a sign that the woodsman is abroad, and every tree may tremble, lest tomorrow the sharp edge of the axe should find it out. We are all like trees marked for the axe, and the fall of one—should remind us that for every one, whether great as the cedar, or humble as the fir, the appointed hour is stealing on apace!

I trust we do not, by often hearing of death, become callous to it. May we never be like the birds in the steeple, which build their nests when the bells are tolling, and sleep quietly when the solemn funeral peals are startling the air. May we regard death—as the most weighty of all events—and be sobered by its approach. It ill behooves us to sport—while our eternal destiny hangs on a thread. The sword is out of its scabbard—let us not trifle; it is furbished, and the edge is sharp—let us not play with it!

He who does not prepare for death—is more than a common fool—he is a madman. When the voice of God is heard among the trees of the forest—let fig tree and sycamore, and elm and cedar, alike hear the sound thereof. Be ready, servant of Christ—for your Master comes suddenly, when an ungodly world least expects Him. See to it that you be faithful in His work—for the grave shall soon be dug for you! Be ready, parents—see that your children are brought up in the fear of God, for they must soon be orphans! Be ready, men of business—take care that your affairs are correct, and that you serve God with all your hearts, for the days of your earthly service will soon be ended, and you will be called to give account for the deeds done in the body, whether they be good or whether they be evil. May we all prepare for the tribunal of the great King—with a care which shall be rewarded with the gracious commendation, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"

 

September 27 — Morning

"Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like unto you, O people saved by the Lord!" Deuteronomy 33:29

He who affirms that Christianity makes men miserable, is himself an utter stranger to it. It were strange indeed, if it made us wretched, for see to what a position it exalts us! It makes us sons of God! Do you suppose that God will give all the happiness to His enemies, and reserve all the mourning for His own family? Shall His foes have mirth and joy, and shall His children inherit sorrow and wretchedness? Shall the sinner, who has no part in Christ, call himself rich in happiness; and shall we go mourning as if we were penniless beggars? No, we will rejoice in the Lord always, and glory in our inheritance, for we "have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but we have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father!"

The rod of chastisement must rest upon us in our measure—but it works for us the comfortable fruits of righteousness; and therefore by the aid of the divine Comforter, we, the "people saved of the Lord," will rejoice in the God of our salvation. We are married unto Christ; and shall our great Bridegroom permit His spouse to linger in constant grief? Our hearts are knit unto Him—we are His members, and though for a while we may suffer as our Head once suffered—yet we are even now blessed with heavenly blessings in Him. We have the pledge of our inheritance in the comforts of the Spirit, which are neither few nor small. Inheritors of joy forever, we have foretastes of our portion. There are streaks of the light of joy to herald our eternal sun-rising. Our riches are beyond the sea! Our city with firm foundations lies on the other side the river! Gleams of glory from the eternal world cheer our hearts, and urge us onward. Truly is it said of us, "Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like unto you, O people saved by the Lord!"

 

September 27 — Evening

"My Beloved thrust His hand through the latch-opening; my heart began to pound for Him." Song of Solomon 5:4

Knocking was not enough, for my heart was too full of sleep, too cold and ungrateful to arise and open the door—but the touch of His effectual grace has made my soul bestir itself. Oh, the long-suffering of my Beloved, to tarry when He found Himself shut out—and me asleep upon the bed of sloth! Oh, the greatness of His patience, to knock and knock again, and to add His voice to His knockings, beseeching me to open to Him! How could I have refused Him! O my base heart—blush and be confounded! But what greatest kindness of all is this, that He becomes His own porter—and unbars the door Himself. Thrice blessed is the hand which condescends to lift the latch and turn the key.

Now I see that nothing but my Lord's own power can save such a naughty mass of wickedness as I am; ordinances fail, even the gospel has no effect upon me, until His hand is stretched out.

Now, also, I perceive that His hand is good where all else is unsuccessful, He can open when nothing else can. Blessed be His name, I feel His gracious presence even now. Well may my affections move for Him, when I think of all that He has suffered for me, and of my ungenerous return. I have allowed my affections to wander. I have set up rivals. I have grieved Him.

Sweetest and dearest of all beloveds, I have treated You as an unfaithful wife treats her husband. Oh, my cruel sins, my cruel self. What can I do? Tears are a poor show of my repentance, my whole heart boils with indignation at myself. Wretch that I am, to treat my Lord, my All in All, my exceeding great joy—as though He were a stranger. Jesus, you forgive freely—but this is not enough, prevent my unfaithfulness in the future. Kiss away these tears, and then purge my heart and bind it with sevenfold cords to Yourself, never more to wander!

 

September 28 — Morning

"The Lord looks down from heaven; He observes all mankind." Psalm 33:13

Perhaps no figure of speech represents God in a more gracious light—than when He is spoken of as stooping from His throne, and coming down from heaven to behold the woes—and to attend to the wants of mankind. We love Him, who, when Sodom and Gomorrah were full of iniquity, would not destroy those cities until He had made a personal visitation of them. We cannot help pouring out our heart in affection for our Lord—who inclines His ear from the highest glory, and puts it to the lip of the dying sinner, whose failing heart longs after reconciliation. How can we but love Him—when we know that He numbers the very hairs of our heads, marks our path, and orders our ways!

Especially is this great truth brought near to our heart, when we recollect how attentive He is, not merely to the temporal interests of His creatures—but to their spiritual concerns. Though leagues of distance lie between the finite creature and the infinite Creator—yet there are links uniting both. When a tear is wept by you—God beholds it! "Like as a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him." Your sigh is able to move the heart of Jehovah; your whisper can incline His ear unto you; your prayer can stay His hand; your faith can move His arm. Do not think that God sits on high taking no account of you. However poor and needy you are—yet the Lord thinks upon you. For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect towards Him.

 

September 28 — Evening

"Seven times Elijah told him to go and look—and seven times he went." 1 Kings 18:43

Success is certain when the Lord has promised it. Although you may have pleaded month after month without evidence of answer, it is not possible that the Lord should be deaf when His people are earnest in a matter which concerns His glory. The prophet on the top of Carmel continued to wrestle with God, and never for a moment gave way to a fear that he should not be received in Jehovah's courts. Six times the servant returned—but on each occasion no word was spoken but "Go again." We must not dream of unbelief—but hold to our faith even to seventy times seven. Faith sends expectant hope to look from Carmel's brow, and if nothing is beheld, she sends again and again.

So far from being crushed by repeated disappointment, faith is animated to plead more fervently with her God. She is humbled—but not abashed—her groans are deeper, and her sighings more vehement—but she never relaxes her hold or stays her hand. It would be more agreeable to flesh and blood to have a speedy answer—but believing souls have learned to be submissive, and to find it good to wait for as well as upon the Lord.

Delayed answers often set the heart searching itself, and so lead to contrition and spiritual reformation—deadly blows are thus struck at our corruption, and the chambers of imagery are cleansed. The great danger is lest men should faint—and miss the blessing. Reader, do not fall into that sin—but continue in prayer and watching.

At last the little cloud was seen—the sure forerunner of torrents of rain, and even so with you, the token for good shall surely be given, and you shall rise as a prevailing prince to enjoy the mercy you have sought. Elijah was a man of like passions with us—his power with God did not lie in his own merits. If his believing prayer availed so much, why not yours? Plead the precious blood with unceasing importunity, and it shall be with you according to your desire!

 

September 29 — Morning

"The priest is to examine him, and if the leprosy has covered his whole body—he shall pronounce that person clean." Leviticus 13:13

This morning it may be well for us to see the typical teaching of so singular a rule. We, too, are lepers, and may read the law of the leper as applicable to ourselves. When a man sees himself to be altogether lost and ruined, covered all over with the defilement of sin, and no part free from pollution; when he disclaims all righteousness of his own, and pleads guilty before the Lord—then is he clean through the blood of Jesus, and the grace of God. Hidden, unfelt, unconfessed iniquity is the true leprosy—but when sin is seen and felt—it has received its death blow, and the Lord looks with eyes of mercy upon the soul afflicted with it.

Nothing is more deadly than self-righteousness, or more hopeful than contrition. We must confess that we are "nothing else but sin," for no confession short of this will be the whole truth. If the Holy Spirit is at work with us, convincing us of sin, there will be no difficulty about making such an acknowledgment—it will spring spontaneously from our lips.

What comfort does the text afford to those under a deep sense of sin! Sin mourned and confessed, however black and foul, shall never shut a man out from the Lord Jesus. Whoever comes unto Him, He will never cast out. Though dishonest as the thief, though unchaste as the harlot, though fierce as Saul of Tarsus, though cruel as Manasseh, though rebellious as the prodigal son—the great heart of love will look upon the man who feels himself to have no soundness in him, and will pronounce him clean, when he trusts in Jesus crucified. Come to Him, then, poor heavy-laden sinner! Come needy, come guilty, come loathsome and bare! You can't come too filthy—come just as you are!

 

September 29 — Evening

"I found Him whom my soul loves—I held Him, and would not let Him go!" Song of Solomon 3:4

Does Christ receive us when we come to Him, notwithstanding all our past sinfulness? Does He never chide us for having tried all other refuges first? And is there none on earth like Him? Is He the best of all the good, the fairest of all the fair? Oh, then let us praise Him! Daughters of Jerusalem, extol Him with timbrel and harp! Down with your idols—up with the Lord Jesus! Now let the standards of pomp and pride be trampled under foot—but let the cross of Jesus, which the world frowns and scoffs at—be lifted on high! O for a throne of ivory for our King Solomon! Let Him be set on high forever, and let my soul sit at His footstool, and kiss His feet, and wash them with my tears.

Oh, how precious is Christ! How can it be that I have thought so little of Him? How is it I can go abroad for joy or comfort—when He is so full, so rich, so satisfying. Fellow believer, make a covenant with your heart that you will never depart from Him, and ask your Lord to ratify it. Bid Him set you as a signet upon His finger, and as a bracelet upon His arm. Ask Him to bind you about Him, as the bride decks herself with ornaments, and as the bridegroom puts on his jewels.

I would live in Christ's heart; in the clefts of that rock my soul would eternally abide. The sparrow has made a house, and the swallow a nest for herself where she may lay her young, even your altars, O Lord Almighty, my King and my God! And so too would I make my nest, my home, in You, and never from You may the soul of Your turtle-dove go forth again—but may I nestle close to You, O Jesus, my true and only rest!

 

September 30 — Morning

"Sing forth the honor of His name, make His praise glorious!" Psalm 66:2

It is not left to our own option—whether we shall praise God or not. Praise is God's most righteous due, and every Christian, as the recipient of His grace, is bound to praise God from day to day. It is true we have no authoritative rubric for daily praise; we have no commandment prescribing certain hours of song and thanksgiving—but the law written upon the heart teaches us that it is right to praise God; and the unwritten mandate comes to us with as much force as if it had been recorded on the tables of stone, or handed to us from the top of thundering Sinai.

Yes, it is the Christian's duty to praise God. It is not only a pleasurable exercise—but it is the absolute obligation of his life. Do not think you who are always mourning, that you are guiltless in this respect, or imagine that you can discharge your duty to your God without songs of praise. You are bound by the bonds of His love to bless His name so long as you live, and His praise should continually be in your mouth, for you are blessed, in order that you may bless Him. "This people have I formed for myself—they shall show forth my praise!" If you do not praise God, you are not bringing forth the fruit which He, as the Divine Gardener, has a right to expect at your hands.

Let not your harp then hang upon the willows—but take it down, and strive, with a grateful heart, to bring forth its loudest music. Arise and chant His praise. With every morning's dawn, lift up your notes of thanksgiving, and let every setting sun be followed with your song. Belt the earth with your praises; surround it with an atmosphere of melody, and God Himself will hearken from heaven and accept your music.

 

September 30 — Evening

"A living dog—is better than a dead lion." Ecclesiastes 9:4

Life is a precious thing—and in its humblest form it is superior to death. This truth is eminently certain in spiritual things. It is better to be the least in the kingdom of heaven—than the greatest out of it. The lowest degree of grace—is superior to the noblest development of unregenerate nature. Where the Holy Spirit implants divine life in the soul, there is a precious deposit which none of the refinements of education can equal. The thief on the cross—excels Caesar on his throne; Lazarus among the dogs—is better than Cicero among the senators; and the most unlettered Christian is in the sight of God—superior to Plato.

Life is the badge of nobility in the realm of spiritual things, and men without it are only coarser or finer specimens of the same lifeless material, needing to be quickened, for they are dead in trespasses and sins. A living, loving, gospel sermon, however unlearned in matter and uncouth in style, is better than the finest discourse devoid of unction and power. A living dog keeps better watch than a dead lion, and is of more service to his master; and so the poorest spiritual preacher is infinitely to be preferred to the exquisite orator who has no wisdom but that of words, no energy but that of sound.

The like holds good of our prayers and other pious exercises; if we are quickened in them by the Holy Spirit, they are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ, though we may think them to be worthless things; while our grand performances in which our hearts were absent, like dead lions, are mere carrion in the sight of the living God. O for living groans, living sighs, living despondencies, rather than lifeless songs and dead calms. Better anything—than death. The snarlings of the dog of hell will at least keep us awake—but dead faith and dead profession, what greater curses can a man have? Quicken us, quicken us, O Lord!