Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

September 26– Evening

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

“Weep and wail, fir trees, for the cedars of Lebanon have fallen.”

—Zechariah 11:2

When you are in the forest and you hear the crashing of a fallen oak, it is a sign that the woodsman is at work. If this is so, then every tree in the whole forest may tremble, since today or tomorrow the sharp edge of the ax may find it out.

We are all like trees marked for the ax, and the fall of one should remind us that for everyone, whether great as the cedar or humble as the fir, the appointed hour is coming soon. Hearing of death must never cause us to become callous to it. May we never be like the birds in the steeple which build their nests when the bells are tolling or sleep quietly when the funerals are announced. We should regard death as the weightiest of all events, and we should be sobered by its approach. When the sword is taken out of its sheath, it is ready for action, and the edge is sharp; therefore, we shouldn’t play with it like a toy. The one who does not prepare for death is more than an ordinary fool; he is a madman.

Be ready, servant of Christ, for your Master is known to come suddenly while an ungodly world least expects him. See to it that you are faithful in his work, for the grave will soon be dug for you. Be ready, parents; see that your children are brought up in the fear of God, for they must soon be orphans. Be ready, men of business; take care that your affairs are in order and that you serve God with all your hearts; the days of your earthly service will soon be ended, and you will be called to give account for the deeds done in the body, whether they are good or evil.

May we all prepare for the tribunal of the Great King, looking to be rewarded by the King’s gracious commendation, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” [M&E]