October 20

Morning

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head. — Eph 4:15 BSB

Too many Christians remain spiritually stunted and fail to grow, presenting the same appearance year after year. There’s no evidence of advanced or refined spirituality. They exist but do not “grow up into Him in all things.” But should we be content with being mere seedlings when we could mature into the full grain in the ear? Should we be satisfied with simply believing in Christ and knowing we are saved, without seeking to know more of the fullness that is found in Him? Certainly not! We should, like wise traders in the heavenly marketplace, seek to be enriched in the knowledge of Jesus.

It’s fine to work in other people’s vineyards, but we must not neglect our own spiritual growth. Why should it always feel like winter in our hearts? While we must go through the seedtime, we should also experience spring and summer in our souls, with signs of a fruitful harvest to come. If we want to grow in grace, we must live near Jesus, in the sunshine of His love. We must spend time in close communion with Him. We need to leave the distant view of His face and come near, as John did, and lean on His chest. When we do, we will grow in holiness, love, faith, and hope—indeed, in every grace.

As the sun rises first on the mountain tops and gilds them with its light, so too is it a delight to see the glow of the Spirit’s light shining on the life of a saint who has grown tall in spiritual stature. Like a majestic mountain, they reflect the beams of the Sun of Righteousness, bearing witness to God’s glory for all to see. Seeing such a sight inspires others to glorify the Father in heaven.

Evening

I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back!’ Bring My sons from afar, and My daughters from the ends of the earth— — Isa 43:6 BSB

This message, though originally directed to the Israelites, can be applied to us as well. By nature, we are slow to embrace all that is good, and it takes God’s grace to teach us to move forward in His ways.

Are you unconverted but feel a desire to trust in the Lord Jesus? Then don’t hold back! God’s love invites you, His promises assure you, and the precious blood of Christ has paved the way. Don’t let your sins or fears stop you—come to Jesus just as you are.

Do you long to pray and pour out your heart to the Lord? Don’t hold back! The mercy seat is ready for those who need mercy, and God promises to hear the cries of a repentant sinner. You are not only invited to pray, but you are also commanded to come boldly to the throne of grace.

Are you already saved? Then don’t hold back from joining with the Lord’s people. Don’t neglect baptism or the Lord’s Supper. You may be shy, but you must fight against that fear, lest it leads you into disobedience. There is a sweet promise made to those who openly confess Christ—don’t miss it, lest you fall under the judgment of those who deny Him.

If God has given you talents, don’t hold back from using them. Don’t hoard your wealth, waste your time, or let your gifts go unused. Jesus didn’t hold anything back—follow His example in self-denial and self-sacrifice.

Don’t hold back from close communion with God, from receiving His covenant blessings, or from growing in the divine life. Press forward in your understanding of Christ’s love.

And don’t, by your coldness or suspicion, hold others back from following Jesus. For the sake of Christ, go forward yourself and encourage others to do the same. Hell, superstition, and unbelief are pressing forward in their cause—O soldiers of the cross, let us not hold back!