September 13

Morning

As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; even the autumn rain covers it with pools. — Ps 84:6 BSB

This passage teaches us that the comfort one person finds can often be a blessing to others as well, just like wells of water that can be used by travelers who come later. When we read a book full of consolation, it’s as if our brother or sister has been there before us, digging that well of comfort for themselves and for us. Books like Night of Weeping, Midnight Harmonies, The Crook in the Lot, and Comfort for Mourners are examples of wells that have been dug by pilgrims for their own relief but have also proven to be just as helpful for others.

We especially see this in the Psalms, such as the one that begins, "Why are you cast down, O my soul?" It is like seeing the footprints of someone who has walked this path before us, bringing us hope as we pass through the valley of tears.

While pilgrims dig the wells, it’s remarkable that they are filled from above, not from below. We may use all the means at our disposal, but the blessing doesn’t come from those means alone. We dig the well, but heaven sends the rain to fill it. The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory comes from the Lord. Though our efforts are connected to the outcome, they don’t produce it. The rain falls, filling the pools, and the wells we dig become reservoirs of blessing. Our labor is not in vain, yet it never replaces divine help.

Grace can be compared to rain in its purity, its refreshing and life-giving qualities, and its coming from above, given or withheld by God’s sovereignty. May we experience showers of blessing, and may the wells we have dug be filled with water! What are our efforts and religious practices without the blessing of heaven? They are like clouds without rain or wells without water. O God of love, open the windows of heaven and pour out Your blessing upon us!

Evening

So the Pharisees and scribes began to grumble: “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” — Luke 15:2 BSB

Consider the humility of this truth: this Man, who stands above all other men—holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners—this Man receives sinners. This Man, who is none other than the eternal God, before whom angels cover their faces, receives sinners. It would take an angel’s tongue to fully describe the depth of such love. That we should be willing to seek out the lost is understandable; they are, after all, like us. But that He, the God we have offended, should take the form of a servant, bear the sins of many, and then willingly receive the vilest of sinners—this is astonishing!

Yet, He receives sinners not so that they remain sinners, but so that He may forgive their sins, justify them, cleanse their hearts by His Word, keep their souls by the power of His Spirit, and empower them to serve Him, glorify Him, and have fellowship with Him. He takes sinners into the love of His heart. He lifts them from the dirt and wears them like jewels in His crown! He rescues them from destruction and preserves them as precious monuments of His mercy. None are more valuable to Jesus than the sinners for whom He died!

When Jesus receives sinners, He doesn’t welcome them into some casual reception hall, as we might with passing beggars. No, He opens the gates of His royal heart and receives sinners right into Himself. He admits the repentant sinner into a personal union with Him, making them members of His body, flesh, and bones. There has never been a welcome like this! And this truth remains as certain tonight as ever—Jesus is still receiving sinners. Oh, that sinners would receive Him in return!