November 24

Morning

But there the Majestic One, our LORD, will be for us a place of rivers and wide canals, where no galley with oars will row, and no majestic vessel will pass. — Isa 33:21 BSB

Broad rivers and streams bring fertility and abundance to the land. Places near great rivers are known for their diverse plant life and bountiful harvests. God is like this to His Church. With God, the Church has everything she needs. What can she ask for that He will not provide? What need can she express that He will not meet? “On this mountain, the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples.” Do you need the bread of life? It falls from heaven like manna. Do you need refreshing streams? The rock follows you, and that Rock is Christ. If you experience any lack, it is your own doing; you are not limited by God but by your own affections.

Broad rivers and streams also suggest commerce. Our glorious Lord is our source of spiritual commerce. Through Christ, we have access to the past—the wealth of Calvary, the treasures of the covenant, the riches of God’s eternal choice, and the abundance of eternity all flow to us through Him. We also have access to the future. What rich cargoes arrive from the shores of heaven! Through our Lord, we commune with angels, the saints washed in the blood of the Lamb who sing before the throne; but more than that, we have fellowship with the living God Himself.

These rivers and streams also symbolize security. Rivers were ancient defenses. Oh, how secure is God’s Church with Him as her defense! The devil cannot cross this broad river of God. Though he may wish to disrupt its flow, fear not, for God remains immovable. Satan may trouble us, but he cannot destroy us. No enemy ship shall sail our river, nor will any hostile army cross its waters.

Evening

A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and need like a bandit. — Prov 24:33-34 BSB

Even the worst of sluggards only ask for “a little sleep.” They would be offended if accused of being entirely idle. All they want is “a little folding of the hands to rest,” and they can give a thousand reasons why this indulgence is justifiable. Yet, through these small delays, the day slips away, the time for work is gone, and the field becomes overgrown with thorns.

It is through small procrastinations that souls are ruined. People do not plan to delay for years—just for a few months, until a more convenient time. Tomorrow, they will deal with serious matters, but for now, the moment seems too busy, too unsuitable, and they ask to be excused.

As the sands of time slip through the hourglass, life is wasted bit by bit, and seasons of grace are lost through “a little slumber.” Oh, to be wise, to seize each fleeting hour, to make the most of the moments we have! May the Lord teach us this sacred wisdom, for without it, the worst kind of poverty awaits us—eternal poverty. In the life to come, there will not even be a drop of water to quench the thirst of those who delayed too long.

Just as a traveler steadily approaches his destination, so poverty will overtake the lazy, and destruction will claim the undecided. Each hour brings their pursuer closer; he does not delay, for he is on his master’s mission. As an armed man enters with authority and power, so will poverty overtake the sluggard, and death the unrepentant—there will be no escape!

Oh, that people would seek the Lord Jesus with diligence before that solemn day comes, when it will be too late to plow or sow, too late to repent or believe. In the harvest season, it is useless to mourn that the seed wasn’t sown. But now, faith and holy decision are still possible. May we obtain them this very night!