Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

November 5– Evening

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

“Be thankful unto [God] and bless His name.”

—Psalm 100:4

Our Lord wants all His people to abound in high and happy thoughts whenever they think of Him. Jesus is not content when his brothers think poorly of him. It brings him pleasure when his bride is delighted with his beauty. We are not to regard him as a bare necessity, like bread and water, but as a luxurious delicacy– as a rare and ravishing delight. For this purpose, he has revealed himself as the “pearl of great price,” having unmatched beauty. He is refreshing like a “bundle of myrrh”; he is fragrant like the “rose of Sharon;” he is pure like the “garden lily.”

Learn to think high thoughts of Christ by considering those who estimate his value beyond the skies, where things are measured by the right standard. Think of how God esteems the Only Begotten Son, his unspeakable gift to us. Consider what the angels think of him as they count it their highest honor to veil their faces at his feet. Consider what those redeemed by his blood think of him as day and night they sing his well-deserved praises.

High thoughts of Christ will enable us to relate to him as we should. The more loftily we see Christ enthroned, and the lowlier we will bow before his throne. When we think highly of him, we will submit cheerfully to his authority and be more ready to do what he commands. High thoughts of him increase our love. Love and esteem go together; therefore, dear believer, think much of your master’s excellencies. Study him in his ancient glory, before he took upon himself your nature! Think of the mighty love which drew him from his throne to die upon the cross! Admire him as he conquers all the powers of hell! See him risen, crowned, and glorified! Bow before him as the Wonderful Counsellor, the mighty God; this is the only way your love will be to him what it should. [M&E]