Category: Devotion of the Day

THE DIVINE DIAGNOSIS

These things saith he…
Revelation 2:1

Nothing could be clearer than our Lord’s dealing with the church at Ephesus, and it is just as fit in our case today. He first commended them for what they had. “But this thou hast…” He knew their works and labor and patience and their hatred of false doctrine. Our Lord Himself hates the deeds of the Nicolaitanes. Don’t forget that. He said so.

Then He pointed out what they did not have. They had left their first love. You will notice how commendable a church may be and yet be without love. And without that we are but sounding brass and clanging cymbal.

Then Jesus tells them what to do. Remember, Repent, Repeat. It is very hard for Ephesus to remember from whence she has fallen. Usually, Ephesus does not think she has had a fall. The books may show a “rise” in membership and financial intake. It is tough going trying to show such churches that they have fallen. And of course repentance and a return to first works are out of the question until Ephesus remembers.

Finally, there is the alternative, what Christ will do if they obey not. “Or else…” It is revival or removal.

When will we submit to the Divine Diagnosis?

BE REASONABLE!

And he thought within himself…
Luke 12:17

Why reason ye among yourselves?
Matthew 16:8

Come now, and let us reason together.
Isaiah 1:18

Contrary to the ideas of some, God does not discourage reason. He wants us to reason with Him. Reasoning within ourselves we arrive at conclusions as wrong as did the rich fool who planned for “many years,” when God said, “This night…”

Reasoning among ourselves we do no better. The scribes and Pharisees were always reasoning (Mk. 11:31; Lk. 5:21) but their conclusions led to the crucifying of our Saviour. The disciples reasoned (Mk. 8:17; Lk. 9:46; 24:15), but they reasoned amiss until the Lord cleared things up.

God wants us to reason together with Him on the basis of revelation, not on our poor logic. “The heart has its reasons of which the reason knows nothing,” said Pascal. There is a higher logic, which the natural man cannot receive; it is foolishness to him. But if we will let God reason with us, He will reveal His wisdom from above by the Spirit.

“While they…reasoned, Jesus himself drew near” (Lk. 24:15). Let Him clear up your problems!