Daily Devotionals

Spiritual Treasury For The Children of God

Devotional: April 8th

Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him, and he shall bring it to pass.- Psalms 37:5.

We are too apt to forget where we are, what we are called to, and whither we are going. When we take a survey of the present state of men and things; judge according to appearances in nature and sense, and see one event happen alike to all, we are ready to ask, What advantage then hath the Christian? or what profit is there to new-born, believing souls? Much every way. For unto them, chiefly, are committed the lively oracles of God. The bible is an epistle of love. The tender affections of our loving Father, the living and dying compassions of our elder brother Jesus, breathe in every page. Here we see the various conflicts and trials our former brethren in the flesh were exercised with; how they were supported under, and carried through all, safe to glory; and this, by the very same grace and power which is still our happy portion. They being dead, yet speak to us; to animate and encourage our hearts to be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. We see in them the inexplicable mysteries of providence unveiled, how out of the weakness of nature they were made strong in grace.

It is the glory and excellency of believers to take their views, and form their judgment from God’s truths; to oppose nature, sense, and feeling; to stand still and wait to see the salvation of God; to omit no appointed means, but to be diligent in the ways of God’s institutions; quietly and patiently submitting every issue to his wisdom and goodness. This is the obedience of faith, and is attended with the patience of hope, and the issue is always determined in love: it is impossible it should be otherwise, for it is the immutable decree of heaven: "all things work together for good to them who love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."- Romans 8:28. Committing our way to God unburdens the mind; trusting our all to him, makes the heart quite easy; relying on him, to bring our concerns to pass, makes the spirit joyful.

But when carnal reason is suffered to make its report, then with Jacob we cry, "All these things are against us." Hence fainting and drooping come from fear, fear from doubting, doubting from unbelief, and unbelief chiefly prevails through ignorance and inattention to God’s word of grace, his covenant love, precious promises, and solemn oath in Christ Jesus. Ever needful is this prayer of faith, "Lord, increase our faith."- Luke 17:5.

How easy I live,

How joyful I sing,

When I to my Lord

My ways do commit!

I’m safe like a bird,

Soar’d high, on the wing:

My Lord brings to pass

All things he sees fit.

Woe unto them which justify the wicked for a reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him. Isaiah 5:23.

Persons are said in the Scripture to do a thing, when they aim to do it, and, if it were in their power, would do it: so apostates are said “to crucify the Son of God afresh.” (Hebrews 6:6.) But that is impossible. Yet, by denying Christ to be the Son of God, they justify the act, and, were it in their power, would do it again. So here, a woe is denounced against persons for teaching cursed, corrupt doctrine. (1st.) “They justify the wicked for a reward.” This is the common and prevailing doctrine of our day. The wicked is the character of every natural man. Let the lives of such be ever so wicked, yet, instead of being told the necessity of being born again of the Spirit and justified by the Son of God, they are taught to believe they can bribe God’s justice, obtain his favour, and justify their souls in his sight, by their duties and good works. If the Lord had not interposed by his special grace, such teachers would have sent my wicked soul to hell, with a lie in my right hand. Glory to thee, O Spirit! for teaching me the justification and salvation of precious Jesus. His blood is my plea for pardon; his righteousness my plea for justification unto life. Then, (2d.) we are beset, on the other side, with those who would take away our righteousness from us. What is the righteousness of the righteous? His own works and obedience? do these constitute us righteous in the sight of God? No. Why not? because they fall short of the rule of righteousness-the law of God. As they do not fulfil the righteous law, we cannot be made righteous thereby. Were our justification put upon this, the holiest saint must be damned for want of righteousness. Hear this and tremble, ye self-righteous; hear this and be humble, ye sin-convinced souls. “Yet rejoice in Jesus; for he is the Lord our righteousness.” (Jeremiah 23:6.) “He is of God made unto us righteousness.” (1 Corinthians 1:30.) “We are made the righteousness of God in him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21.)

This ONE, everlasting righteousness we receive by faith, and glory in alone. But there be those who would rob us of it, and spoil our glorying in it. They tell us, this faith leads to licentiousness: we reply, there is a woe against you from the Lord: you are linked with those “who call evil good, and good evil,” etc. “who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight; yea, with drunkards also.” (ver. 20-22.) See what sad company you are in. Your heads are intoxicated with pride, and your hearts blinded to the truth, by your own fancied righteousness. You decry this truth, which you have not experienced, “In the Lord shall sinners be justified, and shall glory.” Isaiah 45:25.