Evening, March 9
Charles Spurgeon · Morning and Evening: Daily Readings
John 15:4
"Abide in me."
John 15:4
Communion with Christ is a certain cure for every ill. Whether it be
the wormwood of woe, or the cloying surfeit of earthly delight, close
fellowship with the Lord Jesus will take bitterness from the one, and
satiety from the other. Live near to Jesus, Christian, and it is a
matter of secondary importance whether thou livest on the mountain of
honour or in the valley of humiliation. Living near to Jesus, thou art
covered with the wings of God, and underneath thee are the everlasting
arms. Let nothing keep thee from that hallowed intercourse, which is
the choice privilege of a soul wedded to the well-beloved. Be not
content with an interview now and then, but seek always to retain his
company, for only in his presence hast thou either comfort or safety.
Jesus should not be unto us a friend who calls upon us now and then,
but one with whom we walk evermore. Thou hast a difficult road before
thee: see, O traveller to heaven, that thou go not without thy guide.
Thou hast to pass through the fiery furnace; enter it not unless, like
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, thou hast the Son of God to be thy
companion. Thou hast to storm the Jericho of thine own corruptions:
attempt not the warfare until, like Joshua, thou hast seen the Captain
of the Lord's host, with his sword drawn in his hand. Thou art to meet
the Esau of thy many temptations: meet him not until at Jabbok's brook
thou hast laid hold upon the angel, and prevailed. In every case, in
every condition, thou wilt need Jesus; but most of all, when the iron
gates of death shall open to thee. Keep thou close to thy soul's
Husband, lean thy head upon his bosom, ask to be refreshed with the
spiced wine of his pomegranate, and thou shalt be found of him at the
last, without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. Seeing thou hast
lived with him, and lived in him here, thou shalt abide with him
forever.