Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

 February 2– Evening

by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and edited by W. C. Neff

“And these were ancient things.” 

—1 Chronicles 4:22

These records of the descendants of Judah were ancient, but not as ancient as the precious things that delight our souls. Let us for a moment recount these precious things as misers count their gold.

First, there is the sovereign choice of the Father, by which he elected us unto eternal life before the earth was even formed. That’s a matter of great antiquity since no date can be conceived for it by the mind of man. We were chosen from before the foundations of the world. Everlasting love made that choice; it was not a bare act of divine will by which we were set apart, but God’s affections were at work. The Father loved us in and from the beginning. Here is a theme for daily contemplation. The eternal purpose to redeem us from our foreseen ruin, to cleanse and sanctify us, and, at last, to glorify us was a matter of infinite antiquity and runs side by side with immutable love and absolute sovereignty.

And then there is the covenant which is always described as everlasting. And Jesus, the second party involved, was active in the ancient past. He struck hands in sacred agreement with the Father long before the first stars began to shine, and it was in him that the elect were ordained unto eternal life. In this way, in the divine purpose, a most blessed covenant union was established between the Son of God and his elect people which will remain as the foundation of their safety when time shall be no more.

Isn’t it a good thing to be conversant with these ancient things? Is it not shameful that these ancient truths should be so neglected– even rejected by so many who profess to know Christ? If they knew more of their own sin, would they not be more ready to adore his distinguishing grace? At least let us both admire and adore him tonight; let us sing of his ancient grace! [M&E]