Morning & Evening Devotional Reflection September 11 2023
Morning:
“And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto 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; but reader be it thine to rejoice that Jesus calleth 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 honours, or attain scholastic eminence, but they must like Moses go up into the mount of God and have familiar intercourse with the unseen God, or they will never be fitted to proclaim the gospel of peace. Jesus went apart to hold high fellowship with the Father, and we must enter into the same divine companionship if we would bless our fellowmen. No wonder that the apostles were clothed with power when they came down fresh from the mountain where Jesus was. This morning we must endeavour 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 to-day till 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 till we are armed with heavenly weapons. We must see Jesus, this is essential. At the mercy-seat we will linger till he shall manifest himself unto us as he doth not unto the world, and until we can truthfully say, “We were with him in the Holy Mount.”
Morning & Evening devotional reflection September 11 2023
Bible, Mark 3:13, is used as the basis for a devotional reflection. Here are some key points from the passage and the reflection:
- Sovereignty of Jesus: The passage emphasizes the sovereignty of Jesus in choosing his disciples. He calls whom He wills for various roles in ministry. This is a reminder that in serving God, we should be content with the roles and tasks assigned to us, knowing that it is Jesus who calls and equips us.
- The Call from Above: The reflection points out that the call of Christ’s servants comes from above. Just as Jesus stood on the mountain, symbolizing his holiness and authority, those who are called by Him must strive to be in close communion with Him. This communion is essential for ministry and for proclaiming the gospel effectively.
- Spending Time with Jesus: The passage stresses the importance of spending time with Jesus in prayer and communion. It likens this to Moses going up the mountain to have familiar interaction with God. Spending time in the presence of Jesus equips believers with divine energy and prepares them for their life’s work.
- Armed with Heavenly Weapons: The reflection emphasizes the need to be armed with heavenly weapons before engaging in the world’s battles. This spiritual preparation, gained through communion with Jesus, allows believers to cast out devils and work wonders in His name.
- Seeking His Manifestation: The reflection encourages believers to seek a personal encounter with Jesus, a manifestation that goes beyond what is visible to the world. This deep relationship with Jesus is likened to being with Him in the Holy Mount, where His divine presence is felt and experienced.
Overall, the reflection highlights the importance of being chosen and equipped by Jesus, seeking communion with Him, and being spiritually prepared for ministry and service in the world.
Evening:
Evening Devotional 11 September 2023 — 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 thy 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 thy sheep lie down in green pastures, undisturbed by insatiable unbelief. How like are the fiends of hell to evening wolves, 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 thou who hast laid down thy 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 false-hoods, 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 to-night. Morning & Evening devotional reflection September 11 2023
“Their horses also are swifter than the leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves: and their horsemen shall spread themselves, and their horsemen shall come from far; they shall fly as the eagle that hasteth to eat.” — Habakkuk 1:8
In this verse from the book of Habakkuk, we find a description of a people characterized by swiftness, fierceness, and determination. These qualities, though attributed here to a people with negative intentions, can also serve as valuable lessons for our own lives as we reflect upon them in our evening devotional.
- Swiftness: The mention of horses swifter than leopards reminds us of the importance of swift action in our daily lives. Often, we delay, procrastinate, or hesitate when faced with challenges or opportunities. Let this verse prompt you to approach life with a sense of purpose and urgency, tackling your tasks and responsibilities with diligence.
- Fierceness: While we should always seek to cultivate a gentle and kind spirit, there are times when we must stand firm in our convictions and defend what is right. The fierceness described here can be a reminder of the strength and courage required to uphold our values and principles, especially in the face of adversity. Morning & Evening devotional reflection September 11 2023
- Determination: The comparison to evening wolves and eagles that hasten to eat underscores the importance of determination and persistence. Just as these creatures are relentless in their pursuit, we should remain steadfast in pursuing our goals and in our commitment to living a life aligned with our faith.
- Distance and Effort: The mention of horsemen coming from far reminds us that worthwhile achievements often require effort and sacrifice. In your evening reflection, consider the journeys you are on, both in your personal life and in your faith. Reflect on the distance you are willing to travel and the effort you are willing to put forth to grow spiritually and achieve your goals.
As you close your day with this devotional, let these qualities from Habakkuk 1:8 inspire you. Seek to apply them to your life as you navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Pray for strength, determination, and swiftness of spirit as you continue your journey of faith.
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“Morning and Evening” was written by Charles Spurgeon.
