December 8

Morning

But you do have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their garments, and because they are worthy, they will walk with Me in white. — Rev 3:4 BSB

We can understand this promise to mean justification: “They shall walk with Me in white.” This means that they will enjoy a constant sense of being justified by faith. They will know that Christ’s righteousness has been credited to them, that they have been washed and made whiter than newly-fallen snow.

It also refers to joy and gladness, for white garments were worn during festivals and celebrations in Jewish culture. Those who have not defiled their garments will always have bright, joyful faces. They will understand what Solomon meant when he said, “Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a glad heart. Let your garments always be white, for God has already accepted your works.” Those who are accepted by God will wear white robes of joy and gladness, as they walk in sweet fellowship with the Lord Jesus.

Why then, do so many believers experience doubt, misery, and sorrow? It is because many of them stain their garments with sin and error. As a result, they lose the joy of their salvation and the comfort of walking closely with Jesus—they are not walking in white while here on earth.

This promise also points to walking in white in heaven, before the throne of God. Those who have not defiled their garments here on earth will most certainly walk in white robes in heaven, joining the white-robed multitudes in singing eternal hallelujahs to the Most High. They will experience unimaginable joy, happiness beyond all dreams, bliss beyond what words can express, and blessedness that even the most profound desires cannot reach.

The “undefiled” will receive all this, not by their merit or works, but by grace. They will walk with Christ in white because He has made them worthy. In His sweet company, they will drink from the fountains of living waters!

Evening

Your flock settled therein; O God, from Your bounty You provided for the poor. — Ps 68:10 BSB

All of God’s gifts are prepared in advance, stored up for our future needs. He anticipates every need we will have, and out of the abundance He has laid up in Christ Jesus, He provides generously for the poor. You can trust Him for every necessity, for He has foreseen them all. He can say of us, in every situation, “I knew you would face this or that.”

Imagine a man traveling across a desert. After a day’s journey, he sets up camp and realizes he lacks many things necessary for his comfort. “Ah!” he says, “I didn’t foresee this. If I could start the journey over again, I would bring what I need for this situation.” But God, in His omniscience, has already seen all the needs of His wandering children. And when those needs arise, the supplies are ready. He has stored up goodness for the poor in heart, goodness and only goodness. “My grace is sufficient for you,” He says, and “As your days, so shall your strength be.”

Reader, is your heart heavy this evening? God knew it would be. The comfort your heart needs has been stored up in the sweet assurance of His Word. You may be poor and needy, but He has thought of you, and He has exactly what you need in store for you. Claim His promise, believe it, and receive its fulfillment. Do you feel more sinful now than ever before? The crimson fountain is still open, with all its power to cleanse your sins. You will never find yourself in a position where Christ cannot help you. No crisis will arise in your spiritual life where Jesus Christ will not be sufficient. Your entire story has already been known and provided for in Him!