June 6

Morning

Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth. — Job 40:4 BSB

Here’s a comforting word for you, poor sinner! You think you can’t come to God because of your sinfulness. But there isn’t a Christian alive who hasn’t felt the weight of their own vileness. Job, Isaiah, and Paul all had to say, “I am vile,” so don’t be ashamed to join them in that confession. If God’s grace doesn’t remove all sin from His own people, how do you expect to remove it yourself? If God loves His people even while they’re still sinners, do you think your sinfulness will stop Him from loving you? Believe in Jesus, you outcast from society! Jesus calls people like you.

Even now, you can say, “You died for sinners; I am a sinner, Lord Jesus, cover me with Your blood.” If you confess your sin, you will find forgiveness. If you can honestly say from your heart, “I am vile, but wash me,” you will be washed right now. If the Holy Spirit leads you to cry out:

“Just as I am, without one plea
But that Your blood was shed for me,
And that You bid me come to Thee,
O Lamb of God, I come!”

then you will rise from this moment with all your sins forgiven. Though you woke this morning with the weight of every sin you’ve ever committed on your soul, you can rest tonight accepted in the Beloved. Though you were once clothed in the rags of sin, you will be robed in righteousness and stand as pure as the angels. For “now,” mark it, “Now is the accepted time.” If you “believe on Him who justifies the ungodly,” you are saved. Oh, may the Holy Spirit give you saving faith in the One who receives even the vilest!

Evening

Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. — 2 Cor 11:22 BSB

Here we have a personal claim that requires proof. The apostle was certain of his own standing, but many people claim to belong to the Israel of God without any right to do so. If we declare confidently, “So am I also an Israelite,” we must do so after carefully searching our hearts before God. But if we can truly say, “I trust Jesus fully, simply, and forever,” then we share in the position of God’s saints. All their blessings belong to us, even if we are the least among them. Though we might be “less than the least of all saints,” the mercies of God belong to all saints as saints, not just to the advanced or well-taught. Therefore, we can rightfully claim, “Are they Israelites? So am I! The promises are mine, grace is mine, and glory will be mine.”

When made in sincerity, this claim brings immense comfort. When God’s people rejoice in their identity as His children, how joyful it is to say, “So am I!” When they speak of being pardoned, justified, and accepted in the Beloved, how sweet it is to respond, “Through the grace of God, so am I.”

But this claim also comes with responsibilities. We must share in the sufferings of God’s people, as well as their joys. When they are mocked and ridiculed for their faith, we must boldly stand with them and say, “So am I!” When we see them working tirelessly for Christ, giving their time, talents, and hearts to Him, we should be able to say, “So do I!” Let us prove our gratitude by our dedication and live as those who, having claimed a privilege, are also willing to accept the responsibilities that come with it!