Category: Devotion of the Day

AND TODAY

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.
Hebrews 13:8.

It is said that George Muller kept on his desk a motto bearing the central words of our text, “AND TODAY.” Well might he do so and surely few men have demonstrated better the truth of it. It is not difficult to believe in Jesus Christ the same yesterday. And He will prove one day that He is the same forever. But “Jesus Christ the same today” – what a time we have with that middle span! Amid the dull monotony of things as they are, when the skies seem leaden and nothing breaks on the uninteresting scene, it is easier to visualize the Christ of the Galilean Past or the Christ of the Glorious Future than to expect great things from the Christ of the Glamourless Now.

But our text stoutly insists and today. We may not see Him in the flesh as they saw Hi yesterday, and we see not yet all things put under Him as one day we shall, but He said He would be with us “all the days,” and that includes today.

Is not many a Christian experience like this verse with “and today” in very fine type—strong in faith in the Christ of yesterday and forever, but very weak in faith in His presence and power today?

FAITH OR “IT”?

According to your faith be it unto you.
Matthew 9:29.

“According to your faith be it…” Be what? How much does “it” include? Here is one of the smallest and one of the biggest words—small in the dictionary but large in our text! For “it” includes all our need which God will supply according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. And the measure of that supply is “according to your faith.” You may have all you need and all that faith will take. Whether that need be trivial or tremendous makes no difference to God—everything is His, anyway. You need not mind bringing to Him the simplest matter. The sparrow’s fall does not escape His notice. Nor will you strain the heavenly resources with a stupendous request. The ocean will hold up a boat or a battleship, and God’s grace will stand any weight you put on it.

So, whatever “it” may be that you are facing, no matter how hard or hopeless “it” may seem, do not let “it” dominate your faith, make “it” submit to your faith. “According to your faith be it” is God’s yardstick, not “According to it be your faith.”

Are you living by the tyranny of “it” or by the Triumph of Faith?