October 24

Morning

The trees of the LORD have their fill, the cedars of Lebanon that He planted, — Ps 104:16 BSB

Without sap, a tree cannot thrive—or even live. Vitality is essential for the Christian life. There must be life—a vital principle infused by the Holy Spirit—or we cannot truly be children of God. Merely being called a Christian is not enough; we must be filled with the divine life of Christ.

This life is a mystery. We don’t fully understand how the sap rises and descends within the tree, and in the same way, the spiritual life within us is a sacred mystery. Regeneration is the work of the Holy Spirit, who enters into us and becomes the source of our life. This divine life feeds on Christ and is sustained by heavenly food, though its workings are beyond our understanding.

Like the sap hidden in the roots of a tree, the work of grace within us is hidden from view. The roots reach deep into the soil, drawing up nutrients unseen. Likewise, our root is Christ, and our life is hidden in Him. The foundation of the Christian life is as secret as the life itself.

Yet this divine sap, like that in the cedar, is always at work. Though it may not always produce visible fruit, the inner workings of grace are constant in the believer. Our faith may not always be outwardly active, but the life of the Spirit is always moving within us. A healthy Christian cannot help but show the effects of this inward life through their walk and conversation. If you talk with such a person, you’ll hear them speak of Jesus. Their actions will reveal that they have been with Him. The sap of grace fills them so fully that it must overflow into their words and deeds.

Evening

After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel that was around Him. — John 13:5 BSB

The Lord Jesus loves His people so deeply that He continues to serve them in ways that are much like His washing of the disciples’ feet. He accepts their humble actions, feels their deepest sorrows, hears their faintest desires, and forgives their every sin. In one sense, He remains their servant, even as He is their Friend and Master.

He patiently and tenderly ministers to His people daily, cleansing them from their sins and weaknesses. Just last night, as you confessed your failings in prayer, Jesus heard your cries. Even tonight, as you come before Him again with sorrow for the same sins, He will meet you with great patience. He will not tire of your confessions but will say once more, “Be clean.” He will apply the cleansing power of His blood, speak peace to your troubled conscience, and remove every stain.

What remarkable patience the Savior shows! He endures our repeated failings and washes away our constant sins—day by day and hour by hour. His divine love bears with our weaknesses and our wandering hearts, yet He never turns away from us. To bear with the daily sins and shortcomings of His beloved people is truly divine.

As we find comfort in His constant cleansing, let this drive us to be more watchful and to grow in holiness. Does His patient love stir in you a desire for greater purity?