August 8

Morning

They hatch the eggs of vipers and weave a spider’s web. Whoever eats their eggs will die; crack one open, and a viper is hatched. — Isa 59:5 BSB

Look at the spider’s web and see in it a striking image of the hypocrite’s religion.

The web is made to catch prey—the spider fattens itself on flies, and the Pharisee has his reward. Foolish souls are easily ensnared by the loud professions of pretenders, and even the more discerning can sometimes be deceived. Philip baptized Simon Magus, whose false profession was exposed by Peter’s stern rebuke. Praise, reputation, and advancement—these are the small prey that hypocrites catch in their web.

A spider’s web is a marvel of skill. Admire its intricate design. The deceiver’s religion is equally crafty. How does he make such a bold lie appear true? How does he make his cheap imitation seem like gold?

The spider spins her web from her own body. The bee gathers wax from flowers, but the spider creates everything from within herself. Likewise, hypocrites find their trust and hope within themselves. Their anchor is made on their own anvil, their foundation laid by their own hands. They rely on their own efforts, disdaining the grace of God.

But a spider’s web is fragile. It is intricately woven but easily destroyed. The slightest force—a servant’s broom or a traveler’s staff—will tear it apart. The hypocrite’s hope is no stronger; a mere puff of wind will shatter it. Hypocritical schemes will soon be swept away when the broom of judgment comes.

This reminds us of one final truth: such cobwebs will not be tolerated in the Lord’s house. He will ensure that both the webs and those who spun them are destroyed forever. O my soul, rest on something more secure than a spider’s web. The Lord Jesus is your eternal refuge!

Evening

“If You can?” echoed Jesus. “All things are possible to him who believes!” — Mark 9:23 BSB

Many professing Christians are always filled with doubt and fear, believing that this is the normal state of a believer. But this is not true, for “all things are possible to him who believes.” It is possible to rise to a place where doubt and fear are fleeting, like a bird passing through but never settling.

When you read about the high and sweet communion enjoyed by favored saints, you sigh and think, “Alas! That’s not for me!” But if you have faith, you too can stand on the heights, for “all things are possible to him who believes.” You hear of the mighty works done by holy men for Christ—how they experienced His presence, how they became like Him, how they endured great persecution for His sake—and you say, “As for me, I’m just a worm. I could never reach such heights!” But there is nothing one saint has been that you cannot become.

No level of grace, no depth of spirituality, no certainty of assurance, no position of service is beyond you if you have the faith to believe. Stop mourning and rise to your rightful place. If you are small in Israel, it’s only because you choose to be, not because you have to be. It’s not fitting for the child of a King to grovel in the dust. Rise up! The throne of assurance is waiting for you! The crown of communion with Jesus is ready to adorn your head. Wrap yourself in the royal robes of grace and feast at the King’s table. If you believe, you may feast on the finest spiritual food. Your soul will be satisfied with rich fare, and you will gather abundant blessings from the fields of faith. “All things are possible to him who believes.”