Daily Devotionals

Spiritual Treasury For The Children of God

Devotional: June 11th

Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.- Daniel 6:5.

Happy Daniel, to have such a testimony of thy conduct from the mouth of thine implacable enemies. These men could allege nothing against this servant of God, in regard to his outward life and conversation; for he was a good subject, a quiet neighbour, just and honest in his dealings. Though in an eminent station, yet with what contempt and scorn do they seem to speak of him! This Daniel, this over-righteous fellow, who pretends to be more religious than all the rest of his neighbours. As it was in the beginning, so it is now, and ever will be, "He that is born after the flesh, will persecute him that is born after the Spirit."- Galatians 4:29. What then? our enemies no sooner assault us, with their tongues, but our God takes our part. "If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye. For the Spirit of glory, and of God resteth upon you."- 1 Peter 4:14.

But, let every disciple see to it, that he suffers as a Christian. Take heed, that thy life and conduct be, as becometh the gospel. It is a great blessing so to behave, that carnal men can find no just occasion, against our moral conduct. This they are judges of. Their eyes are upon us. They watch over us for evil. This ought to make us very circumspect. Our religion they abhor. For this every follower of the Lamb is sure to be hated, for his master’s sake. "Woe be unto us, when all men speak well of us," saith our master,- Luke 6:26. They seek enough against us; as to our faith, hope, and life. And some would as surely cast us into a den of lions, as they did Daniel, were it practicable, and permitted. Yet, they could not deprive him of the love, presence and protection of the Son of God. These make every place a heaven of delight and joy. And when hated of all men for his sake, he pronounces us blessed, bids us rejoice, and hath left us an example, patiently to follow his steps. Christ’s dying prayer, for his very murderers, was; "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." Ignorance of the truth, is the cause of hatred and malice against his servants. Hast not thou a heart to pity, and a tongue to pray for thy enemies? Here we may indulge sweet revenge. These weapons we may always use. And how knowest thou, but the most furious persecutor, like Paul, may be a chosen vessel, of God the Father, redeemed by the blood of Jesus-and ere to-morrow’s sun, the grace of the Holy Spirit may make him an humble penitent? "who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou, that thou didst not receive?"- 1 Corinthians 4:7.

O happy souls who love your God,

And whom the world despise,

Go on rejoicing ev’ry day,

Eternal life’s your prize.

Hear now, O Joshua, the high-priest, thou, and thy fellows who sit before thee: For they are men wondered at: For, behold, I will bring forth my servant, the BRANCH. Zechariah 3:8.

Say, Christian soldier, did the Captain of thy salvation ever deceive thee? Did he not tell thee, before thou listed under his banner, who were his enemies, and what treatment thou wast to expect from them. His word speaks full and express on this point. Almost every page furnishes accounts, how the men of this world look upon the children of God. Here is Joshua the high-priest, with the prophets and people of God, wondered at. Jehovah himself takes notice of it, and acquaints them with it. Sweet to observe, there cannot be a disdainful frown, a contemptuous sneer, nor a reproachful word cast upon God’s people, but he notices all. But why are we so much wondered at? Why truly, we are a set of visionaries. We see invisible objects; walk by faith; and have our conversation in heaven. But carnal men cannot see any of these things: how then can they wonder at us for this? Here lies the mystery. They see plain enough that you cannot live as they do, and enjoy yourself in their ways, (woe be to that Christian who does) and therefore they wonder what is come to you, and what you would be at. Soul, were you never wondered at? If not, you ought to question whether you have been faithful to your Lord, who is styled wonderful. (Isaiah 9:6.) And he says, “Behold I, and the children which the Lord hath given me, are for signs and wonders in Israel.” (Isaiah 8:18.) Better be a wonder of Satan’s children, than a slave to their master. For while the wicked wonder at, and despise us, see the reward God gives us. Here is a blessed promise for us, which infinitely overbalances all. Behold, I will bring forth my servant, the Branch. “Jesus, your Saviour: that Branch of the Lord, who shall be beautiful and glorious.” (Isaiah 4:2.) That “righteous Branch.” (Jeremiah 23:5.) I will bring forth to your view: so display his beauty, glory, and righteousness to the faith of your hearts, that you shall rejoice in him, with joy that is unspeakable and full of glory. Now Christian, you have two things to wonder at, (1st.) The astonishing rich grace of thy God. (2d.) At thyself. Art thou not a mere lump of sin, yet a miracle of mercy, and a monument of grace?

Dear Lord, my soul would thee confess

Before a wond’ring, throng:

Thou art my glorious righteousness,

My love, my joy, my song.

Lord, while I live and own thy grace,

Give me to prove its pow’r;

Lest I disgrace thy holy way,

In an unguarded hour.