October 8—Morning—Luke 24:24
"But him they saw not." —Luke 24:24

Reflect, my soul, on what is said here. Though Jesus sought out His disciples on the morning of His resurrection and revealed Himself to those who were not even looking for Him, many still did not see Him, despite His grace being extended to others. The same holds true today. Many, like those women, have witnessed the "sepulchre" of Jesus—they have heard His Word, and some even saw His physical body while He was on earth—yet they did not recognize God in Christ. The apostle says, "The grace of God has appeared to all men" (Titus 2:11). This means that the grace of the gospel is preached openly to both believers and unbelievers. But only believers truly see Jesus as the wisdom and power of God for salvation. For others, it is as if they see Him not, as described in this passage.

Oh, precious Jesus, grant me the grace to see You as the One sent and sealed by the Father. May my soul have a saving sight and knowledge of You, like the apostle Paul, which flesh and blood cannot reveal, but only the Father in heaven. Heavenly Father, give me the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Your dear Son. Just as You revealed Your Son to Paul, reveal Him in me.
 

October 8—Evening—Jeremiah 35:2
"The house of the Rechabites." —Jeremiah 35:2

My soul, as the prophet Jeremiah was sent by the Lord to visit the house of the Rechabites, and as the Holy Spirit recorded the events of that visit, you too should go down to this house and see what lessons can be learned there, under the Spirit's guidance, for your evening reflection. The Rechabites abstained from drinking wine, which could be seen as a reflection of the Nazarite vow. Surely, this prohibition points to the One true Nazarite, Jesus Christ! The Rechabites lived in tents, having no permanent dwelling place. Similarly, believers in Jesus, like their Lord, have no enduring city here on earth, but look forward to one that is to come (Hebrews 13:14).

When the King of Babylon invaded the land, the Rechabites had no deep attachment to the place, which made it easier for them to depart. This, my soul, is how you should live in this world—detached from its trappings and desires. As a stranger and pilgrim, you should "abstain from fleshly lusts that war against the soul" and set your affections on things above, not on earthly things (1 Peter 2:11, Colossians 3:2). How blessed it is to have no earthly attachments weighing down the soul, so that when trials come, like the Assyrian invasion, you can find peace in Jesus, the "Glory-Man," your peace and protector (Micah 5:5).

Consider the Lord's commendation of the Rechabites: they obeyed Jonadab, their father, in all things related to their abstinence and their nomadic life. His command was given once, and there was no promise of reward, either for this life or the next. Yet, my soul, how much greater is the instruction you have received from God! Your Heavenly Father has repeatedly given you His Word concerning His Son, sending prophets and messengers early and often, urging you toward what leads to peace and eternal happiness.

Oh, how blessed it is to remain unattached to the things of this world, to trace and find Jesus in everything, and to enjoy Him in all things. My soul, return often to the house of the Rechabites, that the Lord may cause you to hear His Word and live accordingly!

- Robert Hawker