September 10

Morning

Then Jesus went up on the mountain and called for those He wanted, and they came to Him. — Mark 3:13 BSB

Here we see sovereignty at work. Impatient souls may complain when they are not called to the highest positions in ministry, but we should rejoice that Jesus calls whom He wills. If He leaves me to serve as a doorkeeper in His house, I will gladly bless Him for the grace that allows me to do anything in His service. The call to serve Christ comes from above. Jesus stands on the mountain, high above the world in holiness, zeal, love, and power. Those He calls must climb the mountain to meet Him; they must strive to rise to His level by living in constant communion with Him. They may not achieve academic or worldly honors, but like Moses, they must go up to meet with God and experience intimate fellowship with Him, or they will never be fit to proclaim the gospel of peace.

Jesus often went alone to commune with the Father, and we must do the same if we want to bless others. It’s no surprise that the apostles were clothed with power when they returned from the mountain where they had been with Jesus. This morning, we too must seek to ascend the mountain of communion so that we may be commissioned for the work set before us. Let us not meet with anyone else today until we have met with Jesus. Time spent with Him yields the richest rewards. We, too, will cast out demons and perform wonders if we go into the world armed with the power that only Christ can give. There’s no point in going to battle for the Lord without being equipped with heavenly weapons. We must see Jesus—it’s essential. We will linger at the mercy seat until He reveals Himself to us, as He does not reveal Himself to the world, until we can say with confidence, “We were with Him in the Holy Mount!”

Evening

Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves of the night. Their horsemen charge ahead, and their cavalry comes from afar. They fly like a vulture, swooping down to devour. — Hab 1:8 BSB

While working on this volume, a particular phrase kept coming to mind, so persistently that I decided to dedicate a page to it. The "evening wolf," driven to madness by a day of hunger, is far fiercer and more ravenous than it would be in the morning. Could this fierce creature represent our doubts and fears after a day of mental strain, business losses, or unkind words from others? How our doubts howl in our minds, asking, “Where is your God now?” They devour every source of comfort but remain as hungry as before.

Great Shepherd, slay these evening wolves, and let Your sheep lie down in green pastures, free from the torment of relentless unbelief. How similar to evening wolves are the demons of hell! When the flock of Christ finds itself in dark and stormy times, and their spiritual sun is setting, these fiends rush to tear and devour. They seldom attack a Christian in the daylight of faith, but in the gloom of soul conflict, they strike. O Shepherd, You who laid down Your life for the sheep, protect us from the fangs of the wolf.

False teachers, who cunningly hunt for souls with their lies, are as dangerous and vile as evening wolves. Darkness is their home, deceit is their nature, and destruction is their goal. We are most vulnerable to them when they disguise themselves in sheep’s clothing. Blessed is the one whom God preserves from them, for many fall prey to these grievous wolves that infiltrate the church. What a wonder of grace it is when fierce persecutors are converted! Then, the wolf lies down with the lamb, and cruel, ungovernable people become gentle and teachable. O Lord, convert many such souls—we pray for them tonight.