March 2

Morning

Instead, all the Israelites would go down to the Philistines to sharpen their plowshares, mattocks, axes, and sickles. — 1 Sam 13:20 BSB

We are engaged in a great battle against the Philistines of evil, and we must use every weapon at our disposal. Preaching, teaching, praying, giving—every effort must be made. Even talents we once thought too small for service must now be put to use. Plowshares, picks, axes, or sickles—any tool can be used to strike down the enemy. Rough tools can deal hard blows, and the killing does not need to be elegant, as long as it’s effective. Every moment, in season or out of season, every scrap of ability, whether refined or rough, every opportunity, no matter how favorable or unfavorable, must be seized. Our enemies are many, and our resources are limited.

Many of our tools need sharpening. We need sharper perception, more energy, and greater adaptability to the work of the Lord. Practical wisdom is a rare quality among those leading Christian efforts. We might even learn from our enemies and let the Philistines sharpen our weapons.

This morning, let us sharpen our zeal through the Holy Spirit. Look at the zeal of the Papists—they travel across the world to win one convert. Should they be the only ones with such fervor? Look at the sacrifices made by heathen devotees in service to their idols—should they alone display such patience and devotion? Notice the persistence of the prince of darkness—how daring in his plans, how united in his rebellion! And yet we, the followers of Jesus, are divided and sluggish in our work for God. May we, from Satan’s infernal industry, learn to go about like good Samaritans, seeking those we may bless.

Evening

Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, — Eph 3:8 BSB

The apostle Paul saw it as a great privilege to preach the gospel. He didn’t see it as a burden but as a joy. Yet, though he rejoiced in his calling, his success humbled him. Just as a vessel sinks deeper into the water as it becomes fuller, so Paul, filled with the fruit of his ministry, became more aware of his own weakness. Idle people may have grand ideas about their abilities, but those who work earnestly soon discover their own limitations. If you want to be humble, engage in hard work. If you want to know how little you are, attempt something great for Jesus. If you want to understand your utter dependence on God, try preaching Christ’s unsearchable riches, and you will soon realize how weak and unworthy you are.

Even as Paul recognized his weakness, he was never confused about his message. From his first sermon to his last, Paul preached Christ and only Christ. He lifted up the cross and magnified the Son of God who died upon it. Follow his example in all your efforts to spread the gospel. Let “Christ and Him crucified” be your constant theme.

A Christian should be like a flower that opens its petals to the sun, saying, “Fill me with your light!” But when the sun is hidden by a cloud, the flower closes up and droops. So, too, the Christian should feel the influence of Christ, his sun. Jesus must be the light that fills our hearts. Oh, to speak of Christ alone—this is the subject that provides both seed for the sower and bread for the eater. It is the live coal that touches the lips of the speaker and the key that opens the heart of the hearer!