October 28

Morning

If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. — John 15:19 BSB

Here we have distinguishing grace and God’s special affection for some. Don’t shy away from contemplating this biblical doctrine of election. When your mind is burdened and weighed down, it will be a source of rich comfort. Those who doubt the doctrines of grace, or who neglect them, are missing out on the richest treasures, like the choicest fruit from the land of Eshcol. This is food and drink for the soul, finer than any other consolation you can find. If just a taste of Jonathan’s honey enlightened his eyes, then how much more will meditating on this truth enlighten your heart with love for the mysteries of God’s kingdom? Take comfort in it and indulge freely, for you cannot have too much of this heavenly fare. The King’s food will never harm His servants.

Seek to have your mind enlarged, to comprehend more of God’s eternal, sovereign love. When you’ve grasped election, dwell upon its companion doctrine—the covenant of grace. The promises of the covenant are a sure defense, providing a place of rest for trembling hearts. These promises are based on Christ, the surety, and they provide peace to the soul.

“His oath, His covenant, His blood,
Support me in the whelming flood;
When every earthly prop gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay.”

If Jesus has undertaken to bring you to glory, and if God the Father has promised that you will be part of Christ’s reward for His suffering, then you are safe. Until God proves unfaithful or Jesus ceases to be true, your soul is secure! As David danced before the ark, knowing he was chosen, so too should we rejoice in the grace of God. Leap for joy, O my soul, before the God of grace!

Evening

His head is purest gold; his hair is wavy and black as a raven. — Song 5:11 BSB

No comparison can truly capture the beauty of Jesus, but the bride uses the best she can find.

When she speaks of His head as “the finest gold,” she means His deity. Pure gold is the best comparison she can offer, but even this fails to capture His worth. Jesus is not just a small piece of gold but a vast treasure—more precious and glorious than anything in heaven or on earth. Created things are but clay in comparison, perishing like dust, while the living Head of all creation shines on forever. In Him, there is no flaw or impurity. He is eternally holy, altogether divine.

His “bushy locks” speak of His strength and vigor. There is nothing weak or frail about our Lord. He is bold, strong, and active—like a lion, an ox, or an eagle. Every aspect of beauty and power is found in Him, even though He was once despised and rejected. His locks are full and rich, and He is crowned with eternal glory.

His hair being “black” speaks of His unchanging youth. While others grow weary and age, Jesus remains forever young, with the freshness of eternity upon Him. He is a priest like Melchizedek, who remains forever. Others may fade, but Jesus abides forever.

Tonight, let us gaze upon Him and worship. Angels behold Him; let His redeemed do the same. Where else will we find such a Beloved? O for just an hour of fellowship with Him! Let all distractions fade away as we draw near to Jesus, who alone satisfies our souls!