January 22

Morning

Son of man, how does the wood of the vine surpass any other branch among the trees in the forest? — Ezek 15:2 BSB

“Son of man, what is a grapevine compared to a tree? Is the wood of a vine as useful as that of a tree?” Ezekiel 15:2

These words are meant to humble God’s people. We are called His grapevine, but what are we by nature that makes us any better than others? It’s only by God’s grace that we’ve become fruitful. He planted us in good soil, trained us up in His sanctuary, and now we bear fruit to His glory. But without God, what would we be? What are we without the constant influence of the Spirit producing fruit in us?

Believer, let this keep you humble, knowing you have no reason for pride. Whatever good is in you comes from God. The more you have, the more you owe Him, and that debt is no reason for boasting. Think of where you came from—remember what you would have been without God’s grace. Even now, does your conscience not remind you of your many failings? Don’t the countless ways you’ve strayed make you feel unworthy to be called His child? If He has made you anything, doesn’t that prove it’s grace that has made all the difference? You, who are strong in faith now, would have been just as strong in sin—if not for God’s grace!

So, don’t let pride take root in your heart, even if you possess great spiritual blessings. Once, you had nothing to call your own except your sin and misery! Isn’t it foolish to exalt yourself when everything good you have is borrowed from God? You, who rely on your Savior’s mercy, whose spiritual life depends on fresh grace from Jesus, should you be proud? How silly! As Scripture says, “What makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you didn’t receive? And if you received it, why do you boast as if you earned it?” (1 Corinthians 4:7).

Evening

Satan answered the LORD, “Does Job fear God for nothing? — Job 1:9 BSB

Satan once asked the wicked question, “Does Job fear God for nothing?” But in truth, many today follow God only because He blesses them. If things go well for them, they claim to love God, but the moment hardship strikes, they rebel. Their love is shallow, tied to God’s gifts rather than to God Himself. They love the food on the table, not the One who sets it before them. They love the blessings in the cupboard, not the Master of the house.

The true Christian, however, expects hardship in this life and looks forward to their reward in the next. Under the old covenant, the promise was prosperity; under the new covenant, it is adversity. Jesus said, “Every branch that bears fruit will be pruned, so that it may produce even more fruit.” If you are bearing fruit for Christ, expect the pruning knife to come your way.

“Alas!” you might think, “That sounds difficult.” But take heart! The trials you face will produce such precious results that, in time, you will learn to rejoice even in your hardships. As your sufferings increase, so too will your comfort through Christ. If you are a child of God, the pruning will come sooner or later. Every gold bar must pass through the fire to be purified. Don’t fear it—rejoice! The pruning means that fruitful times are ahead for you. Through this, God is preparing you for heaven, weaning you from earthly things, and helping you long for what is eternal. When you realize that your faith isn’t tied to earthly prosperity, but to your future inheritance, you’ll find joy even in the midst of trials.