Spurgeon Daily Devotional Bible: April 30

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Spurgeon Daily Devotional Bible: April 30

Today is: Sunday, January 12th, 2025 (Show Today's Devotion)

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Morning

“This man receiveth sinners.”

1Sa_22:1-2

Finding himself in great danger among the Philistines, David returned to his own land, which he ought never to have left.

1Sa_22:1

where he found huge caverns capable of affording shelter and concealment for large numbers of persons. There David was in his right position, and might look for prosperity. He was in the place of separation, where believers should be found:

1Sa_22:2

In this he became a type of our Lord Jesus, of whom it was said, “This man receiveth sinners and eateth with them.” David’s followers had been rendered desperate by the oppressions of Saul, but though they were bold and warlike men, they do not appear to have been evil in character; rather from their sympathy with David, and their general conduct, we may believe them to have been the best men in the kingdom, who, from that very cause, had been impoverished by Saul’s spiteful treatment. Those who side with Jesus must expect to be treated as he was, and if this drives us into closer fellowship with our despised and rejected Lord, so much the belter.

It was at this time that some of his boldest followers joined him.

1Ch_11:15-19

1Ch_11:15-19

This brave act showed the enthusiastic devotion of David’s warriors. They were willing to gratify his smallest wish at the risk of their lives. In such a spirit ought the Lord Jesus to be served by us. David’s refusal to drink showed his tenderness for human life, and revealed one of the sources of his influence over his men. Our great Captain is yet more considerate and compassionate. O to love him more!

1Ch_11:10-14

There came to David during the days of his wanderings several other brave men, some of whose exploits are recorded.

1Ch_11:10-14

The honours of Christ’s kingdom are for those who can fight and suffer, not for idle professors and pretenders. The wonders wrought by these men were due to divine power, and that same might is ready to aid us in all holy conflicts and labours. At the last it will be thought the highest of all honours to have been associated with the Lord Jesus in his humiliations and reproaches. Who among us will take part with Christ in this evil generation, and go without the camp to him, bearing his reproach? Whose name shall the recording angel place upon the roll this day? Will not this house yield a man for Jesus?

Evening

“Thou art my refuge.”

Psalms 142

We will now read two of David’s cave psalms. He has left behind him the footprints of his wanderings, in his sacred songs. Many record their lives by successive murmurings and rebellions, David by hymns and prayers.

Psa_142:2

In his lonely wanderings he made the woods and caverns echo with his prayers.

“

The calm retreat, the silent shade

With prayer and praise agree

And seem by thy kind bounty made

For those who worship thee.”

Psa_142:3

But since God knew his path, he was not taken in their snares. We owe eternal praises to the Lord for keeping us out of the hands of our enemies.

Psa_142:6

In the worst times all is well if we do not lose our faith in the Lord. No matter how powerful our enemies, we shall overcome if we cling to the divine arm.

Psa_142:7

Very soon, good men and true mustered in great numbers under David’s command, and he was no more left in utter loneliness, but became a powerful leader. The Lord can find us friends when we are friendless.

Let us now read:—

Psalms 141

Psa_141:2

As David could not go to the tabernacle to offer sacrifice and incense, he felt that his prayers would be accepted instead thereof. If we are forced to stay at home on the Lord’s day we should none the less worship the Lord in our hearts. The acceptance of prayer and praise does not depend upon place. True spiritual worship even in a cave, is far better than the finest formal service, though offered in a cathedral.

Psa_141:3-4

Even in his lowest case he did not wish to be as the wicked are when at their best.

Psa_141:5

It needs great grace to give reproofs aright, but it needs more to take them aright. Wise men are thankful when their errors are pointed out to them; but, alas! wise men are few.

Psa_141:6

When the world is bitter the word is sweet. Those who care not for us now may be glad of our comfort in their distress.

Psa_141:7

He was like wood broken and split up for the fire; he felt that he and his followers were devoted to death, yet he turned to God with hope.

Psa_141:10

His prayer was heard. He was preserved, and even so shall all believers be, if they will but repose their souls upon the faithfulness of God. All is well if faith be firm.

Fierce burning coals of juniper,

And arrows of the strong,

Await those false and cruel tongues

Which do the righteous wrong.

But as for me my song shall rise

Before Jehovah’s throne,

For he has seen my deep distress,

And hearken’d to my groan.

In vain the powers of darkness try

To work the church’s ill,

The Friend of sinners reigns on high,

And checks them at his will.

Though mischief in their hearts may dwell,

And on their tongues deceit,

A word of his their pride can quell,

And all their aims defeat.

My trust is in his grace alone;

His house shall be my home,

How sweet his mercies past to own,

And hope for more to come.

Oh! taste and see that God is good,

And that his saints are blest;

Grace never can be understood

Till in the heart it rest.

Oh! trust the Lord, desponding saint;

Of all that to him flee,

There’s none hath ever been in want,

And none shall ever be.

Captain of our soul’s salvation,

Perfect made thyself in woe,

Thou didst seek no reputation

When thou wast with man below:

‘

Mid the lowest,

‘

Mid the vilest thou didst go.

They whose ills were most distressing,

They who were of sinners chief,

Gladly sought thy gracious blessing,

Ran to thee for sure relief:

Thou didst bless them—

Thou didst carry all their grief.

All with heavy debts embarrassed,

Who no hope of pardon see,

All with fears of judgment harass’d,

Look for help, O Lord, to thee:

Thou dost freely

Welcome all who come to thee.

I bow towards thy mercy-seat:

Haste, Lord, thy servant haste to meet,

To thee, addressed, my sorrows rise;

Lord, bend thine ear, accept my cries.

O let my prayer before thee come,

Sweet as the censer’s fragrant fume;

And may the hands, which thus I rear,

An evening sacrifice appear!

O glorious hour! O blest abode!

I shall be near and like my God;

And flesh and sin no more control

The sacred pleasures of my soul.

My flesh shall slumber in the ground,

‘Till the last trumpet’s joyful sound;

Then burst the chains with sweet surprise,

And in my Saviour’s image rise.