Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

December 4– Morning

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

“I have many people in this city.” 

—Acts 18:10

This should be a great encouragement to those who desire to bring others to Christ; namely, that God has among the vilest of the vile, the most reprobate, the most debauched and drunken an elect people who must be saved. When you take the Word of God to them you do so because God has ordained you to be the messenger of life to their souls, and they must receive it; God has already decided which ones will come to him. They are already destined to stand before God’s throne. They are Christ’s property, and yet, at that moment, they may be lovers of the alehouse and haters of holiness. But if Jesus Christ purchased them, he will have them. God won’t forget the price his Son has paid for them. This is our assurance when we take the Word of God to them.

In addition, we know that Christ himself prays for these ungodly ones. Just before the cross, Christ prayed, “[Father], I don’t pray for these alone” (that is, the disciples with him at the time) “but for those also who will believe on me through their word.” Poor, ignorant souls– they know nothing about prayer for themselves, but Jesus is already praying for them. Their names are written on his heart, and before long they must bow their stubborn knee, sighing with repentance before the throne of grace. The predestined moment of their salvation may not have struck, but, when it comes, they will obey– for God will have those who belong to him. No one can stand against the Spirit’s power, but they will become servants of the living God. [M&E]