December 3

Morning

There is no spot in thee. — Song 4:7

Having pronounced His Church positively full of beauty—our Lord confirms His praise by a precious negative, “There is no spot in you!” As if the thought occurred to the Bridegroom that the carping world would insinuate that He had only mentioned her lovely parts and had purposely omitted those features which were deformed or defiled—He sums up all by declaring her universally and entirely lovely, and utterly devoid of stain.

A spot may soon be removed, and is the very least thing that can disfigure beauty but even from this little blemish, the believer is delivered in his Lord’s sight. If He had said there is no hideous scar, no horrible deformity, no repulsive ulcer—we might even then have marveled. But when He testifies that she is free from the slightest spot—all these other forms of defilement are included, and the height of wonder is increased.

If He had but promised to remove all spots in heaven, we would have had eternal reason for joy. But when He speaks of it as already done—who can restrain the most intense emotions of satisfaction and delight! O my soul, here is marrow and fatness for you; eat your full, and be satisfied with royal dainties!

Christ Jesus has no quarrel with His spouse. She often wanders from Him, and grieves Him but He does not allow her faults to affect His love. He sometimes chides but it is always in the tenderest manner, with the kindest intentions—it is “My love” even then. There is no remembrance of our follies. He does not cherish ill thoughts of us but He pardons and loves as well after the offence—as before it! It is well for us that it is so, for if Jesus were as mindful of injuries as we are—how could He commune with us? Our precious Husband knows our silly hearts too well to take any offence at our follies and faults.

Evening

The Lord mighty in battle. — Ps 24:8

Well may our God be glorious in the eyes of His people, seeing that He has wrought such wonders for them, in them, and by them.

For them—the Lord Jesus upon Calvary routed every foe, breaking all the weapons of the enemy in pieces by His finished work of satisfactory obedience. By His triumphant resurrection and ascension, He completely overturned the hopes of hell, leading captivity captive, making a show of our enemies openly, triumphing over them by His cross. Every arrow of guilt which Satan might have shot at us, is broken, for who can lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? Vain are the sharp swords of infernal malice, and the perpetual battles of the serpent’s seed, for in the midst of the church, the lame take the prey, and the feeblest warriors are crowned!

The saved may well adore their Lord for His conquests in them, since the arrows of their natural hatred towards Him are snapped, and the weapons of their rebellion are broken. What victories has grace won in our evil hearts! How glorious is Jesus when the will is subdued, and sin dethroned! As for our remaining corruptions, they shall sustain an equally sure defeat, and every temptation, and doubt, and fear—shall be utterly destroyed. In the Salem of our peaceful hearts, the name of Jesus is great beyond compare—He has won our love!

Even thus securely, may we look for victories by us. We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. We shall cast down the powers of darkness which are in the world, by our faith, and zeal, and holiness! We shall win sinners to Jesus, we shall overturn false systems, we shall convert nations, for God is with us, and none shall stand before us.

This evening let the Christian warrior chant the war song, and prepare for tomorrow’s fight. Greater is He who is in us—than he that is in the world!