February 19

Morning

This is what the Lord GOD says: Once again I will hear the plea of the house of Israel and do for them this: I will multiply their people like a flock. — Ezek 36:37 BSB

Prayer is the forerunner of mercy. Look at sacred history, and you’ll find that almost every great mercy was preceded by supplication. You’ve likely experienced this yourself. God has given you many blessings, but the greatest mercies in your life often came after you had been in prayer. When you first found peace through the blood of the cross, it followed many prayers, as you cried out to God to remove your doubts and relieve your distresses. Your assurance came as a result of prayer. And at times when you’ve experienced great joy, it has also been the answer to your prayers. When you were delivered from deep troubles or helped through dangerous situations, you could say, "I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." Prayer always precedes blessings; it is like the shadow of the blessing that is to come.

When the sunlight of God's mercy shines on our needs, it casts the shadow of prayer far across the plain. Or think of it this way: when God piles up a mountain of blessings, His light behind those blessings casts the shadow of prayer over our spirits. So when you are deep in prayer, you can be sure that mercy is on its way.

God connects prayer with blessings to show us the value of both. If we received blessings without asking, we might not cherish them. But prayer makes our mercies precious—more valuable than diamonds. The things we ask for are valuable, but we only realize their worth after we’ve prayed earnestly for them.

"Prayer makes the darkened cloud withdraw;
Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw;
Gives exercise to faith and love;
Brings every blessing from above."

Evening

He first found his brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated as Christ). — John 1:41 BSB

This passage provides a wonderful example of how spiritual life thrives. As soon as someone finds Christ, they are compelled to help others find Him too. I cannot believe that someone who has tasted the sweetness of the gospel would keep it to themselves. True grace ends all spiritual selfishness. Andrew, for example, first found his brother Simon and then sought out others. Family ties often place the strongest claim on our initial efforts, and Andrew was wise to begin with Simon.

I sometimes wonder if there aren’t Christians who are eager to share tracts with strangers but neglect to share the good news with their own family. Some may be doing good work far away but overlook their most important mission field at home. Even if you aren’t called to evangelize a particular group, you are certainly called to share the gospel with your own family and friends. Your faith should start at home. While a merchant might export their best products, a Christian should share their best spiritual fruits at home. Let your daily conversation be seasoned with grace everywhere you go, but make sure the most fragrant testimony is found in your own family.

When Andrew went to find Simon, he had no idea how important Simon would become. Simon Peter would eventually become much more well-known than Andrew, but it was Andrew who brought him to Jesus. Even if you feel you have few talents, you might bring someone to Christ who will do great things for the Kingdom. Friend, you don’t know the possibilities that lie within you. You may simply share a word with a child, and that child could grow to stir the Church of Christ in the years to come. Though Andrew had fewer talents, he found Peter. Go and do likewise.