August 24

Morning

One who breaks open the way will go up before them; they will break through the gate, and go out by it. Their King will pass through before them, the LORD as their leader. — Mic 2:13 BSB

Because Jesus has gone before us, the road is not what it would have been had He never traveled it. He has conquered every enemy that stood in the way. Take heart, O faint-hearted soldier! Not only has Christ walked this road, but He has defeated your enemies!

Do you fear sin? He has nailed it to His cross!

Do you dread death? He has defeated the very death that threatens you!

Are you afraid of hell? He has sealed its gates against His children; they will never see the pit of destruction!

Whatever enemies you face, they have already been vanquished. There may be lions, but their teeth are broken. There may be serpents, but their fangs have been removed. There may be rivers, but they are bridged or shallow enough to cross. There may be flames, but you wear the matchless garment that makes you immune to the fire.

The sword that was made to strike you is already dull. The enemy's weapons have lost their power.

The "Breaker" has gone before, breaking down every barrier, removing the sting from every threat. So, soldier, march on! Your enemies are already defeated. All that’s left for you is to claim the victory and divide the spoil. You will face battles, yes, but you are fighting a conquered foe! His strength is gone, his head is crushed. He may try to harm you, but he cannot succeed. Your victory is certain, and your reward is beyond measure.

"Proclaim aloud the Savior’s fame,
Who bears the Breaker’s wondrous name;
Sweet name; and it befits Him well,
Who breaks down earth, sin, death, and hell!"

Evening

If a fire breaks out and spreads to thornbushes so that it consumes stacked or standing grain, or the whole field, the one who started the fire must make full restitution. — Exod 22:6 BSB

But what restitution can be made by someone who has spread the fire of error or ignited the flames of lust, setting souls ablaze with the fires of hell? The guilt is immeasurable, and the consequences cannot be undone. Even if such an offender finds forgiveness, how much grief will remain when they look back, knowing they cannot reverse the damage they have caused!

A bad example can ignite a sinful flame that years of regret cannot extinguish. Burning down a man's house is terrible, but how much worse is it to destroy his soul? It is worth reflecting on whether we have been guilty of this in the past and examining ourselves now to ensure that no evil in us is harming the souls of our family, friends, or neighbors.

The fire of strife is particularly destructive when it breaks out in a church. Where God’s work once flourished, jealousy and envy can quickly do the devil’s work. Where spiritual growth was abundant, the fire of division can reduce everything to ash, leaving behind only smoke and ruins—a tragic reward for all the labor of faithful workers!

Woe to those who cause offense. May none come through us! Even though we cannot undo the damage, we will be the chief sufferers if we are the ones who caused it. Those who feed the flames deserve judgment, but the ones who first kindle them bear the greatest guilt. Division often starts with the hypocrites and false professors in the church but quickly spreads to the righteous, fanned by the winds of hell. No one knows where it will end.

O Lord, giver of peace, make us peacemakers! Let us never support the cause of strife or unintentionally contribute to any division among Your people!