Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

November 24– Morning

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

“The glorious Lord will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams.” 

—Isaiah 33:21

Broad rivers and streams produce fertility and abundance in the land. Places near broad rivers are remarkable for the variety of the plants they produce and their plentiful harvests. God is all this to his Church.

Because the Church has God, she has great abundance. What can she ask for that he will not give her? What need can she mention that he will not supply? Do you want the bread of life? It drops like manna from the sky. If you suffer any lack, it’s your own fault. If you are anxious, it’s not because of him; you are anxious in your own mind.

Broad rivers and streams also point to commerce. Our glorious Lord is to us a place of heavenly merchandise. Through our Redeemer we have commerce with the past. The wealth of Calvary, the treasures of the covenant, the riches of the ancient days of election, the stores of eternity, all come to us down the broad stream of our gracious Lord.

But we also have commerce with the future. Ships from the millennium come to our shores laden with visions of the days of heaven on earth! Through our glorious Lord, we have commerce with angels, communion with the martyrs washed in blood who sing before the throne.  And even better yet, we have fellowship with the Infinite One himself.

Broad rivers and streams are especially implying the idea of security. Rivers used to be a means of defense, and, certainly, God is a defense to his Church! The devil can’t cross the broad river of God; how he wishes he could! But his ship cannot beat the current. God won’t allow him to come near with harm. We are safe in him. [M&E]