Charles Spurgeon's "Morning & Evening" Devotional: July 25th

 Charles Spurgeon's "Morning & Evening" Devotional: July 25th

Morning

“His heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.”

Jeremiah 32:1-15

The judgment of God hung over Jerusalem for a long time, as though the Lord were loath to strike the final blow. During that period Jeremiah prophesied that after the city had been destroyed the people would yet return, and in token of his faith he purchased a piece of ground.

Jeremiah 32:6 , Jeremiah 32:7

This was a forlorn request indeed, for a piece of land in a country devastated by war and occupied by the enemy, is hardly worth accepting as a gift.

Jeremiah 32:8

Therefore, he proceeded at once to the purchase, and thus made the people see that he believed that which he preached. We are bound, not only to have faith in God’s promises, but also to act accordingly. It is not every man who would give up good money for land which he could not reach, in the midst of a destructive war; no one indeed would do so, unless he believed that better days would come when the reversion would be valuable.

Jeremiah 32:9-12

The business was honestly and thoroughly done. It was no sham purchase, and Jeremiah’s faith was no mere pretence. It is related in Roman history, that when Hannibal’s army was near to Rome, a field upon which the enemy lay was purchased in the full belief that Roman valour would raise the siege. Surely we have far more reason to venture our all upon the word of God, and prove our faith by our actions.

Jeremiah 32:13-15

Jeremiah’s purchase would be talked of in all directions, and would be more convincing than any sermon. If we act in firm reliance upon our faithful God, our conduct will go far to arouse and to convert those among whom we dwell.

O for the living faith,

The real, active trust,

Which looks to what Jehovah saith,

Though trampled in the dust.

It plays not with the word,

Nor hesitates to act;

Pleading, it reckons to be heard,

And finds the promise fact

Evening

“He delighteth in mercy.”

Jeremiah 32:16 , Jeremiah 32:17 , Jeremiah 32:24-30 , Jeremiah 32:36-44

Although Jeremiah had without hesitation obeyed the word of the Lord, and declared his faith, yet he was in great mental perplexity, and therefore he resorted to the consoling exercise of prayer.

Jeremiah 32:17

Then he went on to recount the Lord’s mighty acts in Egypt and in Canaan, and at last came to that which so much tried his faith, namely, the presence of the Chaldeans, and their earthworks, whereby the city was threatened. He pleaded with the Lord and said,

Jeremiah 32:25

This is the way to pray. State the trouble ”behold the mounts,” and plead the promise. The Lord will make the mystery clear, and turn darkness into light.

Jeremiah 32:26-29

Thus judgment was threatened, but after a while mercy would come to the front again, and that in a manner most marvellous.

Jeremiah 32:36-40

These are charming words, and belong as much to every child of God as to restored Israel, for there can be but one everlasting covenant, and in that all believers have an interest. The people of God are favoured with new natures, which incline towards God and holiness, and must do so for ever: this is an unspeakable blessing. If we might fall away and perish even after conversion, we should have no security; but if the Lord declares “they shall not depart from me,” our final perseverance is secured.

Jeremiah 32:41-44

So Jeremiah’s prayer brought him a cheering answer, and, man of sorrows as he was, he had abounding reasons for thankfulness.
Study FurtherRelated passages, insights, and questions for personal reflection.

Take today’s devotional further. Explore related Scriptures and open any verse in the Study Desk for deeper study.

    Hebrews 11:1: Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen.
    Faith as substance of things hoped for, unseen.
    ↳ What hoped-for promise are you trusting God for right now?
    Romans 4:20: yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God,
    Abraham staggered not, strong faith acting on promise.
    ↳ Where do you need to stop wavering and grow strong instead?
    Micah 7:18: Who is a God like You, who pardons wrongdoing And passes over a rebellious act of the remnant of His possession? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in mercy.
    God delights in mercy, pardoning transgression.
    ↳ How does God's delight in mercy change how you view your failures?
    John 10:28: and I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.
    Believers never perish, securing final perseverance promised here.
    ↳ How does this security shape your response to doubt or fear?
    James 2:18: But someone may well say, "You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
    Faith proven by works, like Jeremiah's purchase.
    ↳ What action could prove the faith you claim to have?

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This resource was produced before 1923 and therefore is considered in the "Public Domain".