Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

April 30– Morning

 by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and edited by W. C. Neff

“All the children of Israel murmured.” 

—Numbers 14:2

 

There are murmurers among Christians now just as there were in the camp of Israel back then. There are those who, when difficulties arise, begin to complain and ask, “Why am I afflicted like this? What have I done to be disciplined in this manner?”

O murmuring Christian, allow me to have a brief word with you! Why should you murmur against the timely dealings of your heavenly Father? Can he treat you more harshly than you deserve? Consider what a rebel you used to be, but he has pardoned you! Surely, if he in his wisdom sees fit to discipline you now, it shouldn’t cause you to complain.

Take a moment to consider the corruption that is in your heart, and then will you still wonder that correction is needed to remove it from your life? Weigh yourself, and discover how many impurities are mingled with your gold. Do you really think the fire is needlessly too hot? Do you have a proud, rebellious spirit that shows your need of more holiness? Aren’t those murmuring words contrary to the holy submissive nature of God’s children? Isn’t the correction needed?

But if you insist on murmuring, beware! For the life of a murmurer is always hard. God always disciplines his children twice, if it does not sink in the first time. But know this: “He does not afflict and grieve you for nothing.” All his corrections are sent in love to purify you and to draw you nearer to himself. Surely it must help you to know that “whom the Lord loves he disciplines, and scourges every son whom he receives.”

Do not murmur like those who murmured in the past and were destroyed by it.” [M&E]