Daily Devotionals

Spiritual Treasury For The Children of God

Devotional: June 23rd

And the counsel of peace shall be between them both.- Zechariah 6:13.

With what rapture and ecstasy of soul the good old patriarch Israel heard of his son Joseph? Not only alive, but also governor of the land of Egypt. "IT IS ENOUGH," said he. As though he could enjoy no more. How then ought the hearts of poor sinners to be filled with joy, and fired with transport to hear that their friend and brother, Jesus, lives for evermore; that "the government is upon his shoulders:" that he is their King and their Priest upon his throne: that the counsel of peace is established, fixed and unalterably established, between the Father and him on their account! Surely if we believe this, as verily as Jacob believed the report concerning his son, we shall also cry out with him, IT IS ENOUGH, perfectly sufficient. More joyful news cannot be heard. More comfortable truth cannot be believed. Fuller evidence cannot be desired. Stronger proofs cannot be given than is revealed of the covenant-transactions of the adorable trinity, in behalf of sinners of mankind.

Here is the LORD OF HOSTS, and the MAN, the blessed man, who is called the BRANCH. And see we not the third person in the divine essence? For the establishing of faith, be it ever remembered, though the Father and the Son only are often mentioned in scripture; yet the Lord the Spirit in his office is evidently to be seen and clearly to be known. For whatever is covenanted and agreed between God the Father and Son, is manifested and revealed and enjoyed in the heart by the Holy Spirit. We had never heard of this blessed peace, had it not been by the Holy Ghost through the word of truth. Therefore it is "the Spirit that bears witness, because the Spirit is truth."- 1 John 5:6. Ever bear this in thy mind, disciple. As thou hadst not known sin, but by the LAW: so thou couldst not have any knowledge of peace and pardon, but by the gospel through the Spirit. He is the revealer, sealer and applier of all grace, peace, love and holiness. "The love of the Father is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost given unto us." "He shall testify of me," saith Jesus: all my members shall be taught of him: "He shall glorify me."- John 16:14.

Here is a peace established between heaven and earth: between the righteous Lord and sinful man, firm as a rock, durable as the ages of eternity.

God the Father is the author of this peace. Jesus hath obtained this peace by the blood of his cross. Rebels and traitors against God, are made the subjects of this peace. The Spirit begets faith in the heart. He applies the peace of God which passeth all understanding to the soul through the faith of Jesus. And though all in nature, sin, Satan, and the world are at war with us; still this is our glory, "Jesus is our peace."- Ephesians 2:14.

Lacked ye any thing? And they said, nothing. Luke 22:35.

Precious words to me! One is unwilling to speak of oneself. There is danger of pride and self-seeking in it. Yet, with a view to our Lord’s glory, a sincere desire to exalt his grace and goodness, and to encourage fellow Christians’ confidence therein, a poor sinner may speak of his experience. With tears of thankfulness, I record the goodness of my Lord to the chief of sinners. Upwards of twenty years ago, when it pleased him to call me by his grace, and make me happy in his love, my name was cast out-friends became foes-their hands were against me-they withdrew their favours from me, and derided me. Under narrow circumstances, tender feelings for a large family, carnal reasonings of my corrupt nature, and strong temptations from the enemy, I was often sore distressed. But my Lord was gracious. Many, and many a time, did he bring this text to my mind; and, as it were, with all love and tenderness, asked me, Lackedst thou any thing? I was constrained with gratitude to reply, nothing, Lord. Christ is a most precious master to serve! I have proved it. O! trust the Lord, ye his saints: for they who trust him lack nothing. So these disciples found it, though sent out in want of every thing. The hearts of all men are in the Lord’s hands. He will open them, to administer to the wants of his people. O for stronger faith in him, greater love to him, and more ardent desires to please him. We have here a reproof; against all that care and anxiety about the things of this life, which so often distress our minds. What shall we say to the spirit and conduct of many professors? They have all the same anxious cares and solicitous concerns about the world, which the men of it have. But Christ charges us, “Take no thought for your life, neither be doubtful of mind,” etc. (Luke 12:22; Luke 12:29.) Do they act as if they ever heard, or give the least credit to Christ? O! say they, we must do our duty, and provide for our families. God forbid any Christian should neglect this! But must we therefore act like those who know not God? Plainly, such will be rich. They are anxious to get a fortune: they want to be independent. Of whom? Of God. Start not! This spirit works in us all. Over some it prevails. They do not like to live so dependent on God, as every day to come to him with, “Give us this day our daily bread.” O! there is more atheism and infidelity in the pursuit of such than they are aware of. How many have forsaken Christ for the love of the world! They who will be rich, fall into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in perdition. (1 Timothy 6:9.) “The Lord is my portion, saith my soul. Lamentations 3:24.