October 23

Morning

So Jesus asked the Twelve, “Do you want to leave too?” — John 6:67 BSB

Many have turned their backs on Christ and stopped walking with Him, but what reason do you have to change your course?

Has anything in the past given you cause to abandon Him? Hasn’t Jesus proven to be all-sufficient? He asks you this morning, “Have I been a wilderness to you?” When your soul simply trusted in Him, were you ever disappointed? Hasn’t the Lord been a compassionate and generous friend to you? And hasn’t simple faith in Him brought you all the peace your spirit could desire? Can you even imagine a friend more faithful than He has been? If not, why trade the tried and true for something false?

What about the present? Does anything now compel you to leave Him? When life is hard—whether because of external challenges or struggles within your own household—haven’t you found it to be a blessed relief to rest your weary head on the bosom of your Savior? Isn’t it your joy today to know that you are saved in Him? If this joy satisfies your soul, why would you consider leaving? Who trades gold for dross? We will not abandon the sun for a lesser light, nor will we leave our Lord unless a better lover appears. But since that will never happen, we will hold fast to Him with an immortal grip, binding His name like a seal upon our arm.

And what about the future? Can you imagine anything that could happen that would make you abandon Him? We don’t think so. If life is long, He remains the same. If we are poor, who better than Christ to make us rich? If we are sick, who else can comfort us in our weakness? And when we die, doesn’t His Word assure us that “neither death nor life, nor things present nor things to come, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord”? We echo Peter’s words: “Lord, to whom shall we go?”

Evening

“Why are you sleeping?” He asked. “Get up and pray so that you will not enter into temptation.” — Luke 22:46 BSB

When is a Christian most likely to fall asleep spiritually?

It is often when life is going well, and everything seems smooth. Haven’t you found this to be true? When daily struggles brought you to your knees, you were more awake in prayer than you are now. Easy roads make for drowsy travelers!

Another danger is when things are going smoothly in your spiritual life. In John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian didn’t sleep when he faced lions, waded through the river, or fought Apollyon! But when he had climbed halfway up the Hill Difficulty and came to a pleasant arbor, he sat down and soon fell asleep, much to his regret and loss.

The enchanted ground is filled with sweet fragrances and gentle breezes—all designed to lull pilgrims into sleep. Bunyan’s description captures it well: “They came to a warm arbor, promising much refreshment to weary pilgrims; it was adorned with flowers and furnished with a soft couch, where the tired could rest.” But this arbor was called the Slothful’s Friend, built to entice pilgrims to rest and grow careless.

The wise Erskine once said, “I prefer a roaring devil to a sleeping one.” There is no temptation more dangerous than having no temptation at all. Even the disciples fell asleep after witnessing the glory of Christ’s transfiguration on the mount. Be careful, joyful Christian! Great spiritual experiences often lie close to temptation. Be as happy as you like—just be watchful!