Category: Devotion of the Day

Report or Reality?

But him they saw not.
Luke 24:24

The Emmaus disciples had the testimony of the women, the angels and other disciples, but, like these other disciples, they had not seen the risen Lord Himself to know Him. Something had happened. Jesus was not in the grave. But they had not seen Him.

There is a lot of talk about the resurrection that gets no farther than that. Something happened. The grave is empty. But there is lacking the vibrant witness, “We have seen the Lord!”

Much is said about the return of Christ that lacks the warmth of His person. We discuss the program of events, what is going to happen, “but him we see not.”

That goes for all the great truths about Him. We tell what others have said. We discuss the matter. But Him we see not. Our eyes are holden. A few minutes later these Emmaus disciples were not like the same persons. They had a glowing testimony, and as they related it He appeared again! His resurrection was no longer a Report but a Reality!

The daily devotions are from Day by Day by Vance Havner. Fleming H. Revell Company, 1953.

Come for Yourself

Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out.
John 6:37

Various “rules” and “steps” have been proposed for seekers after salvation, the filling of the Spirit, guidance and other experiences of the Christian life. Sometimes they confuse more than they clarify. No two experiences are alike. We tend to make a norm of our own and force it upon others. Coming to Jesus is a personal matter, not a dry business procedure. Nobody ever fell in love by reading books on how to fall in love. We meet someone, associate with someone, and either fall in love or not fall in love. There are, indeed, certain conditions that must be met in a personal knowledge of Christ, but it is more like falling in love than a cold business deal. There is a sense of need, a drawing near, a fellowship that ripens with the years. The expressions and manifestations vary with different types and temperaments. Do not try to imitate a made-to-order experience handed down from someone else. He invites you to come as you are and know Him for yourself.

The daily devotions are from Day by Day by Vance Havner. Fleming H. Revell Company, 1953.