Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

June 20– Evening

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

“Immediately they left their nets and followed [Jesus].” 

—Mark 1:18

When they heard the call of Jesus, Simon and Andrew obeyed at once without protest. If we would always, punctually, and with resolute zeal, put into practice what we hear on the spot or at the earliest possible occasion, our attendance to the means of grace and our reading of good books would not fail to enrich us spiritually. The one who eats his bread immediately will not lose it. So, too, the one who acts upon the word of God will not be deprived of its benefit.

Most readers and hearers become moved to the point of planning to make changes, but, sadly, their plans are like unfertilized blossoms, and, therefore, no fruit comes of it. They wait, they waver, and then they forget. They are like frozen ponds which begin to thaw in the noonday sun only to be frozen again at night. Taking action “tomorrow” is a fatal practice. Tomorrow is blood-red with the murder of good intentions. It is the slaughterhouse of innocent children.

We are concerned that even these “Evening Readings” are not fruitless, and, therefore, we pray that readers may not be readers only but doers of the word. Practicing the truth is the most profitable reading of it. As one takes in these truths and becomes impressed with an action that ought to be taken, let him be quick to fulfill it before the holy glow has departed from his soul. Let him leave his nets and all that he has rather than be found rebellious to the Master’s call. Do not give place to the devil by delay! Hurry while opportunity and motivation are happily connected! Don’t be caught in your own nets, but break the meshes of worldliness, and follow where glory calls you.

Happy is the writer who later meets readers who have carried out his teachings! His harvest shall be a hundredfold, and his Master shall have great honor. May God so reward these brief meditations. [M&E]