Evening, September 26
Charles Spurgeon · Morning and Evening: Daily Readings
Zechariah 11:2
"Howl, fir tree, for the cedar is fallen."
Zechariah 11:2
When in the forest there is heard the crash of a falling oak, it is a
sign that the woodman is abroad, and every tree in the whole company
may tremble lest to-morrow the sharp edge of the axe should find it
out. We are all like trees marked for the axe, and the fall of one
should remind us that for every one, whether great as the cedar, or
humble as the fir, the appointed hour is stealing on apace. I trust we
do not, by often hearing of death, become callous to it. May we never
be like the birds in the steeple, which build their nests when the
bells are tolling, and sleep quietly when the solemn funeral peals are
startling the air. May we regard death as the most weighty of all
events, and be sobered by its approach. It ill behoves us to sport
while our eternal destiny hangs on a thread. The sword is out of its
scabbard--let us not trifle; it is furbished, and the edge is
sharp--let us not play with it. He who does not prepare for death is
more than an ordinary fool, he is a madman. When the voice of God is
heard among the trees of the garden, let fig tree and sycamore, and elm
and cedar, alike hear the sound thereof.
Be ready, servant of Christ, for thy Master comes on a sudden, when an
ungodly world least expects him. See to it that thou be faithful in his
work, for the grave shall soon be digged for thee. 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 correct, and that you serve God with all your hearts, for the days
of your terrestrial service will soon be ended, and you will be called
to give account for the deeds done in the body, whether they be good or
whether they be evil. May we all prepare for the tribunal of the great
King with a care which shall be rewarded with the gracious
commendation, "Well done, good and faithful servant"