Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

September 10– Morning

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

“[Jesus] went up into the mountain and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him.” 

—Mark 3:13

Here is a demonstration of sovereignty. Impatient spirits may fret and fume because they’re not called to the highest places in the ministry; but it is our place to rejoice that Jesus calls whom he wills. If he shall leave me to be a doorkeeper in his house, I will cheerfully bless him for his grace in permitting me to do anything in his service.

The call of Christ’s servants comes from above. Jesus stands on the mountain, evermore above the world in holiness, earnestness, love and power. Those whom he calls must go up the mountain to him, they must seek to rise to his level by living in constant communion with him. They may not be able to mount to classic honors, or attain scholastic eminence, but they must, like Moses, go up into the mountain of God. There they must have personal communication with him, or they will never be fitted to proclaim the gospel of peace. Jesus went apart to hold high fellowship with the Father, and we must enter into the same divine companionship if we would bless our fellowmen.

No wonder that the apostles were clothed with power when they came down fresh from the mountain where Jesus was. This morning we must endeavor to ascend the mount of communion, that there we may be ordained to the lifework for which we are set apart. Let us not see the face of man today until we have seen Jesus. We too shall cast out devils and work wonders if we go down into the world girded with that divine energy which Christ alone can give. It is of no use going to the Lord’s battle until we are armed with heavenly weapons. We must see Jesus; this is essential. [M&E]