Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–
April 20– Evening
by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and edited by W. C. Neff
“Fight the Lord’s battles.”
—1 Samuel 18:17
The sacred army of God’s elect continues to be at war on this earth, and Jesus Christ is the Captain of their salvation. He has said, “Surely, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Listen to the shouts of war! Now is the time for the people of God to stand fast in their ranks. Let no man’s heart fail him.
As I write this in 19th century England, the spiritual battle is raging against us. Unless the Lord Jesus lifts up his sword, we don’t know what will become of God’s church in this land. But let us be of good courage and play the man. There never was a day when Protestantism seemed to tremble more in the scales than it does now that a fierce effort is being made to return to the error of Romanism from which it had broken free. We greatly want a bold voice and a strong hand to preach and publish the biblical gospel for which martyrs bled and confessors died.
The Savior is, by his Spirit, still on earth, and this should cheer us up. Since he leads the fight, the battle’s outcome is not doubtful. And as the conflict rages, what a sweet satisfaction it is to know that the Lord Jesus, our great Intercessor, is prevalently pleading for his people! O, anxious observer, don’t overly focus on the battle below, for here you will be surrounded by smoke and startled by bloody garments; instead, lift your eyes heavenward where the Savior lives and pleads, for, while he intercedes, God’s cause is safe.
Let us fight as if it all depended upon us, but let us look up and know that all truly depends upon him. We charge you who are lovers of Jesus to do valiantly in the Holy War for truth and righteousness, for the Gospel, and for the kingdom of your Master. Onward! The battle is not yours but God’s. [M&E]
