August 25

Morning

Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my beloved among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste. — Song 2:3 BSB

In Scripture, faith is described through all the senses.

It is sight: “Look unto me and be saved.”

It is hearing: “Hear, and your soul shall live.”

Faith is smelling: “All your garments smell of myrrh, aloes, and cassia.” “Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes; your name is like perfume poured out.”

Faith is touch. By faith, the woman reached out and touched the hem of Christ’s garment. By faith, we handle the things of the Word of life.

Faith is also taste. “How sweet are your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my lips!” Jesus said, “Unless a man eats my flesh and drinks my blood, he has no life in him.” This spiritual “taste” is faith in one of its highest expressions.

Faith first acts as hearing. We hear God’s voice, not just with our outer ear but with our inward ear. We hear it as God’s Word and believe it to be true—that is the hearing of faith.

Then, faith looks upon the truth, understanding and perceiving its meaning. This is faith as sight.

Next, faith discovers the preciousness of the truth, admiring its beauty. This is faith’s sense of smell.

Then, faith appropriates the mercies prepared for us in Christ. This is faith as touch.

Finally, faith enjoys spiritual peace and communion—this is faith’s taste.

Any of these actions of faith can save. To hear Christ’s voice as God’s voice is enough to save us. But the most delightful aspect of faith is when Christ is received into us, tasted and enjoyed as the sweetness and satisfaction of our souls. That is when we “sit under His shadow with great delight, and His fruit is sweet to our taste!”

Evening

And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may be baptized.” The eunuch replied, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” — Acts 8:37 BSB

These words may answer your concerns, dear reader, about participating in the ordinances. Perhaps you say, “I’m afraid to be baptized—it’s such a solemn thing to declare that I am dead with Christ and buried with Him. I’m hesitant to come to the Lord’s Table—what if I eat and drink judgment on myself, not discerning the Lord’s body?”

Ah, dear one, Jesus has given you liberty—don’t be afraid. If a stranger came to your house, he would wait at the door or in the hall. He wouldn’t think of barging into your living room—he’s not at home there. But your child moves freely through the house because he belongs there. It’s the same for the child of God. A stranger might not enter but a child is welcome. When the Holy Spirit gives you the spirit of adoption, you can come to the ordinances without fear.

The same is true of the Christian’s inner privileges. You may think, dear seeker, that you are not allowed to rejoice with great joy. You might be content just to sit at Christ’s feet. But know this—you will not have less than the greatest privileges. God doesn’t love His children any less. A child is still a child to Him, and He won’t make you a servant—you will feast on the fatted calf and join in the music and dancing, just like the child who never strayed. When Jesus comes into your heart, He gives you full permission to rejoice. There are no chains in the court of King Jesus.

Perhaps you’re thinking, “I wish I could enjoy the promises and live in the freedom of my Lord’s commands.” Well, “if you believe with all your heart—you may.” Loosen the chains from your neck, O captive, for Jesus makes you free!