Morning, April 6

Charles Spurgeon · Morning and Evening: Daily Readings

"Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp."

  Hebrews 13:13

   Jesus, bearing his cross, went forth to suffer without the gate. The
   Christian's reason for leaving the camp of the world's sin and religion
   is not because he loves to be singular, but because Jesus did so; and
   the disciple must follow his Master. Christ was "not of the world:" his
   life and his testimony were a constant protest against conformity with
   the world. Never was such overflowing affection for men as you find in
   him; but still he was separate from sinners. In like manner Christ's
   people must "go forth unto him." They must take their position "without
   the camp," as witness-bearers for the truth. They must be prepared to
   tread the straight and narrow path. They must have bold, unflinching,
   lion-like hearts, loving Christ first, and his truth next, and Christ
   and his truth beyond all the world. Jesus would have his people "go
   forth without the camp" for their own sanctification. You cannot grow
   in grace to any high degree while you are conformed to the world. The
   life of separation may be a path of sorrow, but it is the highway of
   safety; and though the separated life may cost you many pangs, and make
   every day a battle, yet it is a happy life after all. No joy can excel
   that of the soldier of Christ: Jesus reveals himself so graciously, and
   gives such sweet refreshment, that the warrior feels more calm and
   peace in his daily strife than others in their hours of rest. The
   highway of holiness is the highway of communion. It is thus we shall
   hope to win the crown if we are enabled by divine grace faithfully to
   follow Christ "without the camp." The crown of glory will follow the
   cross of separation. A moment's shame will be well recompensed by
   eternal honour; a little while of witness-bearing will seem nothing
   when we are "forever with the Lord."