Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–
October 20– Evening
by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and edited by W. C. Neff
[God said to Israel], “Don’t hold back.'”
—Isaiah 43:6
This message that God spoke through Isaiah to Israel may profitably serve as a summons to ourselves. Our natural bent in difficult times is to turn back or to turn within to find our comfort, but we must learn the lesson of grace to go forward in the ways of God.
Dear reader, are you unconverted yet sense a desire to trust in the Lord Jesus? Then don’t hold back! Love invites you; the promises secure your success; the precious blood of Jesus prepares the way. Don’t let sins or fears hinder you, but come to Jesus just as you are. Do you feel compelled to pray? Then pour out your heart right now to the Lord. Don’t hold back! The mercy seat is prepared for those who need mercy; a sinner’s cry will succeed with God. You are invited— indeed, you are commanded– to pray; so, come with boldness to the throne of grace.
Dear friend, are you already saved? Then don’t hold back from uniting with the Lord’s people. Don’t neglect the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. You may like to be by yourself, away from people, but you must guard against it, for, in excess, it can lead you into disobedience. Confess Christ openly in the congregation; don’t join those who deny him through silence. If you have talents, don’t hold back from using them. Don’t hoard your wealth, waste your time, or let your abilities rust and your influence be unused.
Jesus didn’t hold back. Imitate him! Be marked by self-denial and self-sacrifice. Don’t hold back from communing with God, from boldly applying covenant blessings, from advancing in the divine life, from prying into the precious mysteries of Christ. And don’t be guilty of keeping others back by your coldness, harshness, or suspicions. For Jesus’ sake go forward yourself, and then encourage others to do the same. The armies of hell are marching forward in their fight, O soldier of the cross; so, don’t hold back! [M&E]
