August 9

Morning

The city hath no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it. — Rev 21:23

Yonder in the better world, the inhabitants are independent of all creature comforts. They have no need of clothing; their white robes never wear out, neither shall they ever be defiled. They need no medicine to heal diseases, “for the inhabitant shall never say—I am sick.” They need no sleep to revive their bodies—they rest not day nor night but unweariedly praise Him in His temple. They need no social relationships to minister comfort, and whatever happiness they may derive from association with their fellows—is not essential to their bliss, for their Lord’s society is enough for their largest desires. They need no teachers there; they doubtless commune with one another concerning the things of God but they do not require this by way of instruction; they shall all be taught of the Lord.

Ours are the alms at the king’s gate but they feast at the table itself. Here we lean upon the friendly arm but there they lean upon their Beloved and upon Him alone. Here we must have the help of our companions but there they find all they want in Christ Jesus. Here we look to the food which perishes, and to the clothing which decays before the moth but there they find everything in God. We use the bucket to fetch water from the well but there they drink from the fountain head, and put their lips down to the living water. Here the angels bring us blessings but we shall need no messengers from heaven then. They shall need no Gabriels there to bring their love-notes from God, for there they shall see Him face to face. Oh! what a blessed time shall that be—when we shall have mounted above every second cause and shall rest upon the bare arm of God! What a glorious hour when God, and not His creatures; the Lord, and not His works—shall be our daily joy! Our souls shall then have attained the perfection of bliss!

Evening

He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. — Mark 16:9

Mary of Magdala was the victim of a fearful evil. She was possessed by not one devil only but seven. These dreadful inhabitants caused much pain and pollution to the poor frame in which they had found a lodging. Hers was a hopeless, horrible case. She could not help herself, neither could any human support avail. But Jesus passed that way, and unsought, and probably even resisted by the poor demoniac, He uttered the word of power and Mary of Magdala became a trophy of the healing power of Jesus.

All the seven demons left her, left her never to return, forcibly ejected by the Lord of all. What a blessed deliverance! What a happy change! From delirium to delight, from despair to peace, from hell to heaven! At once, she became a constant follower of Jesus, catching His every word, following His winding steps, sharing His toilsome life; and withal she became His generous helper, first among that band of healed and grateful women—who ministered unto Him of their substance.

When Jesus was lifted up in crucifixion, Mary remained the sharer of His shame—we find her first beholding from afar, and then drawing near to the foot of the cross. She could not die on the cross with Jesus but she stood as near to it as she could; and when His blessed body was taken down, she watched to see how and where it was laid. She was the faithful and watchful believer, last at the sepulcher where Jesus slept—first at the grave whence He arose. Her holy fidelity made her a favored beholder of her beloved Rabboni, who deigned to call her by her name, and to make her His messenger of good news to the trembling disciples and Peter. Thus grace found her a maniac and made her a minister! Grace delivered her from Satan and united her forever to the Lord Jesus! May I also be such a miracle of grace!