Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

 February 15– Evening

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

“[The scented palaces of Ivory] have made you glad.” 

—Psalm 45:8

What makes our Savior glad? Nothing makes him more joyful than his church– his people over whom he rules as king. But is it possible for us to make him glad? He makes us glad, but how can we make him glad? First, we make him glad by our love for him. I know— our love so cold and so faint, but it is sweet to Christ. He says to us, “How fair is your love, my sister, my spouse! How much better is your love than wine!” Oh, loving heart, how he delights in you. When you lean your head on his chest you not only receive, but you also give him joy; when you gaze with love upon his glorious face, you not only obtain comfort but impart delight.

It is also true that our praise gives him joy— not merely the song of the lips but the melody of the heart. Our gifts are pleasant to him; he loves to see us lay our time, talents, and substance upon the altar– not for the value of what we give in itself but because of the motive from which the gift springs. To him the lowly offerings of his saints are more acceptable than tons of gold. Holiness is like frankincense and myrrh to him. Forgive your enemy, and you make Christ glad; give to the poor, and he rejoices; be the means of saving souls, and he takes joy in seeing the effect of his own suffering; proclaim his gospel, and you are a sweet savor; go among the unknowing and lift up the cross, and you give him honor.

It is in your power right now to break open the alabaster box and pour the precious oil of joy upon his head. Will you not perfume your beloved Lord with the myrrh and aloes, and cassia, of your heart’s praise? The ivory palaces will hear the scented songs of the saints and give him joy! [M&E]