June 2

Morning

For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you want. — Gal 5:17 BSB

In every believer’s heart, there’s a constant struggle between the old nature and the new. The old nature is very active, always looking for chances to attack the new grace within us. But the new nature is always on guard, ready to resist and overcome its enemy. Grace within us uses prayer, faith, hope, and love to fight against evil. It takes on the "full armor of God" and fights earnestly.

These two opposing forces will never stop struggling as long as we are in this world. Christian’s battle with Apollyon may have lasted only three hours, but Christian’s battle with himself lasted all the way from the Wicket Gate to the river Jordan. The enemy is so deeply rooted within us that he can never be completely driven out while we’re in this body. But even though we face many tough battles, we have an Almighty Helper—Jesus, the Captain of our salvation. He is always with us and assures us that we will ultimately be more than conquerors through Him. With His help, the new nature is more than a match for its enemies.

Are you in battle with the adversary today? Are Satan, the world, and your flesh all against you? Don’t lose heart or be afraid. Keep fighting! God Himself is with you; Jehovah Nissi is your banner, and Jehovah Rophi is the healer of your wounds. Don’t fear—you will win, because no one can defeat Omnipotence. Fight on, “looking unto Jesus.” Even though the battle is long and difficult, the victory will be sweet, and the reward will be glorious.

“From strength to strength go on;
Wrestle, and fight, and pray,
Tread all the powers of darkness down,
And win the well-fought day.”

Evening

Just then a man came up to Jesus and inquired, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to obtain eternal life?” — Matt 19:16 BSB

If the young man in the Gospel called Jesus “Good Master,” how much more fitting is it for me to address Him that way! He is truly my Master in every sense—a ruling Master and a teaching Master. I love to run on His errands and sit at His feet. I am both His servant and His disciple, and it’s my greatest honor to be both. If He asked me why I call Him "good," I’d have a ready answer. It's true that “no one is good except God alone,” but He is God, and all of God’s goodness shines in Him. In my experience, He has been so good to me—so much so that every good thing I have has come through Him. He was good to me when I was dead in sin, raising me by the power of His Spirit. He has been good to me in all my needs, trials, struggles, and sorrows. There could never be a better Master, for His service is freedom, and His rule is love. I only wish I were a fraction as good a servant.

As my Rabbi, He is an unspeakably good teacher. His teachings are divine, His manner is kind, and His spirit is gentle. His instruction is pure truth, free from any error, and it always leads to goodness, sanctifying as well as edifying me. Angels know Him as a good Master and delight in serving Him. The saints of old found Him to be a good Master, and each of them was glad to say, “I am Your servant, O Lord!” My humble testimony is the same. I’ll tell my friends and neighbors, hoping that they, too, may seek Jesus as their Master. Oh, how I wish they would! They would never regret it. If they would only take on His easy yoke, they would find themselves in such a glorious service that they’d want to stay in it forever.