Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

May 6– Evening

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

“All the days of my life, until my appointed time, I will serve.” 

—Job 14:14

Our time here on here earth will make heaven even more heavenly. Nothing makes rest so sweet as hard work. Nothing renders security so pleasant as exposure to danger. The bitter cups of medicine here on earth will help us to savor the new wine which sparkles in the golden goblets of glory. Our battered armor and scarred faces will make our victory above even more distinguished when we are welcomed to sit in the seats of those who have overcome the world.

Why should we have full fellowship with Christ if we did not travel awhile here below? He was baptized with a baptism of suffering when he lived among us, and we must be baptized with the same, if we share his kingdom. Fellowship with Christ is so honorable that the worst sorrow is a small price to pay to secure it.

Another reason for our lingering here on earth is for the good of others. We would not want to enter heaven until our work here is done. God may yet ordain us to bring light to souls living in the nighttime of sin. We remain here to bring greater glory to God. A tried saint, like a well-cut diamond, glitters much in the King’s crown. Nothing brings a workman more honor than engaging a long-term project which severely tests his abilities, triumphantly enduring to the end.

We are God’s workmanship, and he is glorified by our afflictions. Let each man surrender his own wishes to the glory of Jesus and testify, “If my lying in the dust will elevate my Lord by one more inch, then let me lie among the piles dirt. If living on the dusty earth forever would make my Lord more glorious, then being shut out of heaven will be my heaven.”

Our time is fixed and settled by eternal decree. So, let’s not be anxious about it but wait with patience until the gates of pearl are opened wide. [M&E]