November 18

Morning

My sister, my bride, you are a garden locked up, a spring enclosed, a fountain sealed. — Song 4:12 BSB

In this metaphor of the inner life of a believer, we see the idea of secrecy. It is described as an enclosed spring. In the East, there were springs so carefully hidden that only those who knew the secret entrance could access them. Similarly, the heart of a believer, renewed by grace, contains a mysterious life that no human skill can reach. It’s a secret that no one else can fully understand, not even the person who possesses it.

This metaphor also includes the idea of separation. It’s not a common spring from which every passerby may drink, but one kept and preserved. It bears a royal seal, showing that it belongs to someone special and is reserved for them alone. So it is with the spiritual life. God’s chosen people were separated in His eternal decree, redeemed by Christ, and given a new life that others do not possess. Now, they can no longer feel at home in the world or delight in its pleasures.

There is also the idea of sacredness. The enclosed spring is reserved for a special person, and in the same way, the Christian’s heart is kept for Jesus. Every believer should feel that they bear God’s seal and be able to say, like Paul, “From now on, let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.”

Finally, there is the idea of security. How safe is the believer’s inner life! Even if all the powers of earth and hell were to unite against it, that immortal principle would still survive, for the One who gave it has pledged His life to preserve it. And who can harm you when God is your protector?

Evening

Your throne was established long ago; You are from all eternity. — Ps 93:2 BSB

Christ is eternal! With David, we can sing, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.” Rejoice, believer, in Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever!

Jesus has always existed. The baby born in Bethlehem was the Word who was with God in the beginning and through whom all things were made. When Christ revealed Himself to John on Patmos, He called Himself “the One who is, who was, and who is to come.” If He were not God from eternity past, we couldn’t love Him as deeply, nor could we share in the eternal love that is the source of all covenant blessings. But because He has always been with the Father, we can trace divine love back to Him, just as we do to the Father and the Holy Spirit.

As our Lord always was, so He always is. Jesus is not dead; “He ever lives to make intercession for us.” Turn to Him in your times of need—He is always ready to bless you.

Moreover, Jesus will always be. If God allows you to live your full life span of seventy years, you will find that His cleansing fountain is still open, and His blood is just as powerful. The same Priest who filled the healing fount with His own blood will still live to cleanse you from all sin. When you face your final battle, you will find that your conquering Captain’s hand is just as strong, and your living Savior will comfort you as you pass from this life. When you arrive in heaven, you will find Him there, fresh and full of life. And throughout eternity, the Lord Jesus will remain the ever-flowing source of joy, life, and glory for His people. You may draw living water from this sacred well! Jesus always was, always is, and always will be. He is eternal in every attribute, every role, every power, and in His constant readiness to bless, comfort, protect, and crown His chosen people!