October 10—Morning—Exodus 11:7
"That you may know that the Lord puts a difference between the Egyptians and Israel." —Exodus 11:7

Who can fully understand the properties of distinguishing grace? What a vast difference grace makes in this life between those who serve God and those who do not! And what an eternal difference will be made in the life to come. My soul, let this thought be the subject of your constant meditation. You cannot walk down the street, attend public worship, or observe the Lord's dealings in the countless events of life—whether in providence or grace—without seeing everything testify to the truth of this passage: the difference God makes between the Egyptians and Israel. Every circumstance proclaims it, and every event confirms it.

But do not overlook the most important point of all: it is the Lord who does this. "Who makes you to differ from another?" Oh, for grace to always be watchful and acknowledge this! Precious Jesus, You are the Source, the Fountain, the Author, and the Finisher of all. "Oh, the depth of the riches of both the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are Your judgments, and Your ways past finding out."
 

October 10—Evening—1 Peter 1:14
"As obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, in your ignorance." —1 Peter 1:14

There is something very striking in these words of the apostle, and they certainly mean more than simply avoiding sin. The very fashion of a newborn child of God is expected to reflect his obedience, and his entire demeanor, as well as his conduct, should show that the former lusts of his unregenerated, ignorant state are done away with. Though a believer is not called to a singularity in dress or outward appearance, there should be a distinct difference in customs and habits that avoids anything leading to sin or that is incompatible with walking closely with Jesus.

It was said of God's people, as one of their distinguishing characteristics, "they shall dwell alone, and shall not be counted among the nations" (Numbers 23:9). Surely, a total difference in character, pursuits, and conduct should set them apart from the world. Just as different nations have their unique customs and characteristics, so should the people of Christ be distinguished. If there is enmity between kingdoms, their ports and fortresses are closed to one another; they have nothing in common and do not mingle.

My soul, make sure your path and walk in life do not conform to the world. You have given your name to Jesus—you are His, a subject of His kingdom, led by another Spirit, following another rule, walking by another faith, and looking forward to another world. Let everything about you reflect this identity in Christ. Your dress should be the robe of Jesus’s righteousness, your armor the sword of the Spirit, and your conduct should always be "worthy of the gospel of Christ."

Long before His coming, through the spirit of prophecy, the Lord pointed to the distinctiveness of Himself and His followers, saying they would be "for signs and wonders in Israel" (Isaiah 8:18). Let this be your character, like Joshua and his companions, "men wondered at" (Zechariah 3:8). Precious Jesus, keep me always near to You, and help me exercise a holy vigilance over every part of my conduct. Lord, I pray that wherever I am, and whatever I do, all who see me will know that "I have been with Jesus!"

October 11—Morning—Isaiah 50:4
"He wakeneth morning by morning: he wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned." —Isaiah 50:4

Who is this but Jesus in His human nature, of whom the prophet speaks? It surely refers to Him, who was given the tongue of the learned, so that He might know how to speak a word to the weary. Precious Lord, it is indeed Your role, and Yours alone, to speak words of comfort to weary souls and to be the rest that makes the weary find peace and refreshment. You not only give rest but are our rest; You not only provide salvation but are our salvation.

But blessed Lord, may not a poor soul like mine say of You also that You waken me morning by morning? For who but Jesus, through the sweet influences of the Spirit, wakens His people day by day, opening their ears to hear, their eyes to see, and their hearts to feel the blessed signs of Your coming? Have I not found You, Lord, stirring my soul even before the dawn, calling me to rise in gracious meditation and attend to the soft whispers of Your love? Have I not heard You, as You called to the church of old, "Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away?" And have You not made my soul, before I even realized, like the chariots of Amminadib—swift and willing to move toward You?

Do Thou, Lord, waken me, I beseech Thee, morning by morning. And while You speak to my soul, let my response always be, "My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up. My soul waits for You, more than those who watch for the morning—yes, more than those who watch for the morning."
 

October 11—Evening—Esther 5:6
"And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is your petition? And it shall be granted to you. And what is your request? Even to the half of the kingdom, it shall be done." —Esther 5:6

My soul, you have recently partaken of the true "banquet of wine," the Lord’s Supper, where Jesus holds His table, and have you not witnessed the countless petitioners who were there with you? If the Persian king made such a generous offer to Esther—promising to grant her petition, even to half his kingdom—how much more gracious is your heavenly King, Jesus? He, in whom all the treasures and unsearchable riches of grace and glory reside, surely did not let a single humble petitioner go away empty.

Tell me, all you who attended: did you not find the King most gracious? How did He deal with you? Did the poor man find Jesus rich? Did the trembling sinner, fearful of judgment, find deliverance from the wrath to come? Surely Jesus had a mercy suited for every case. I am confident that whatever heart was moved by His grace to seek Him, the eye and heart of Jesus were already looking with mercy upon that soul.

Oh, what gifts, graces, and pardons flow from every renewed banquet of Jesus! At His table, the doors are always open, and all that is needed to be welcomed is a sense of need and a hunger to partake. How often, my soul, have you witnessed the people leaving the Lord’s house of prayer joyful and glad in heart, just as they did after the feast at Solomon’s temple? And how often have you yourself returned, having left behind your sorrows, sins, and burdens, after the King extended His scepter of grace to you, giving you faith to touch it?

Come, you who are polluted, poor, distressed, and weary. You who have wandered, backslid, or are burdened. Come to Jesus—He holds a feast, and He is able and willing to supply every need. If the Spirit has worked a sense of need in your heart, then hear Jesus say to you: "What is your petition, and what is your request? It shall be granted to you."
 

October 12—Morning—Micah 5:5
"And this man shall be the peace when the Assyrian shall come into our land." —Micah 5:5

Who is this man but the glorious Messiah, the Mediator between God and humanity, the man Christ Jesus? And what peace is there in times of trouble if not the peace found in the blood of His cross? Yes, my soul, Jesus is the wonderful man who alone could make your peace. "For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous." And none but one in our own nature could redeem that nature, for the right of redemption belonged only to Him (Leviticus 25:25).

No one else in our nature could atone, bleed, die, and rise again to be the Judge of both the living and the dead. Oh, precious Jesus, how perfectly suited were You, in the union of Your two natures—God and man—to be our glorious Mediator and our righteousness! Yes, precious Lord, God has declared it, and my soul rejoices in the blessed truth: this man, Christ Jesus, shall be my peace, my glory, my salvation, my refuge, even when the enemies of my soul rise against me.
 

October 12—Evening—2 Peter 1:19
"The day-dawn and the day-star." —2 Peter 1:19

What is "the day-dawn and the day-star" rising in the hearts of God’s people but Jesus, "the Dayspring from on high, visiting us?" Is He not "the bright and morning star, the light and life of men?" Indeed, He is "the Sun of righteousness, arising with healing in His wings." And when He rises in our darkened hearts, is He not rightly called "the day-dawn and the day-star?"

Pause, my soul, over this sweet thought. All was darkness in the world until Jesus arose. His coming was like the breaking forth of morning, the sure sign that day is near. Indeed, Jesus was "the day-dawn and the day-star" even before the world was made, for in the council of peace He arose from all eternity as the light and salvation of His people.

And in time, throughout His earthly ministry, was He not "a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of His people Israel?" And what is He now but the "day-dawn and day-star" of all the promises of God? Until we see Christ in the promises, they are but shadows. It is Jesus who makes them all "yes and amen;" He is the one who brings them to light. His presence illuminates His word, His providences, His grace, and His ordinances.

When He shines upon them, they are clear and blessed. When He withdraws His light, they remain unread and darkened. And what is "the day-dawn and day-star" in the hearts of His people, but Jesus, by His Holy Spirit, converting them from darkness to light and from the power of sin and Satan to the living God?

My soul, remember that blessed day when God, who commanded light to shine out of darkness, shined into your heart, and Jesus, "the day-dawn and the day-star," arose to give you "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."

Hail, glorious light and life of my soul! Oh, continue to shine upon me, morning by morning, as the day-dawn and the day-star of Your grace. After all the dark seasons and trials of this life, carry me into the fullness of the day where I shall see You clearly and be made like You, in Your kingdom of light, life, and everlasting joy.

October 13—Morning—Hebrews 7:22
"Jesus made a surety." —Hebrews 7:22

My soul, consider Jesus as your Surety this morning, and reflect on what it means for Him to be made a Surety! This is a blessed truth, especially if the Holy Spirit opens your eyes to see Christ in all His roles. First, think of a Surety. We were all ruined by a debt—one we could never hope to repay, neither individually nor collectively as fallen humanity. But Jesus steps in, takes on our debt, and pays it in full through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death.

Yet, it isn't just our debt that He covers; we also owe a duty of obedience. Here again, Jesus is our Surety. He gives us His Spirit, so we may live and fulfill our duty to God. Furthermore, He is a Surety for all the promises of God, ensuring that every promise God made for His sake will be fulfilled in Him and through us.

But Jesus is not just a Surety—He is made a Surety, appointed by the authority of the Father. As the Father declares, "I have given Him for a covenant." What a precious thought for your faith to cling to!

Now, my soul, ask yourself: is Jesus truly your Surety? If the Father gives so freely, are you receiving fully? Are you depending on no one but Him? Can you confidently say that Jesus is your all in all, your Surety, Sponsor, and Redeemer? Then declare with faith, "Thou shalt answer for me, O Lord my God!" What a profound and comprehensive truth—Jesus made a Surety.
 

October 13—Evening—Nehemiah 6:3
"I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease, while I leave it and come down to you?" —Nehemiah 6:3

My soul, there is a deeply valuable lesson in these words. Nehemiah faced constant opposition while building the Lord’s house. The enemies of God and His cause made many attempts to distract and draw him away from his task. Yet, Nehemiah had a steadfast response: he would not be diverted from the great work he was doing for God.

You, too, my soul, have many enemies—both internal and external. The world, the powers of darkness, and your own sinful nature all conspire to interrupt your pursuit of divine things. When the “Sanballats” and “Geshems” of this world call you to distractions and diversions, here is your answer: "Why should the work of the Lord cease, when the King's business requires haste?" Why should the desires of the flesh hinder the pursuits of the spirit? Is it reasonable or right to focus on temporary things, while ignoring matters of eternal significance?

Will you remain like children, drawn away by the toys and trivial pursuits of this world, when Jesus is calling you to Himself, offering eternal and lasting joy? Oh, for grace and strength from the Lord to resist these distractions! Like Abraham, who drove away the birds of prey from the sacrifice, may you also drive away the distractions that threaten your devotion.

Pray that the Lord will cleanse His temple—your heart—of all that hinders your focus on Him. Ask Him to take hold of your heart, soul, and affections, and anchor them in Himself. Without His grace, like Barabbas of old, your heart will prefer any distraction over Jesus. Unless His grace restrains you, the body of sin you carry will constantly pull you away from Him.

Oh, may His grace pierce through the distractions and draw your soul toward Him with the strength of "the chariots of Amminadab!" Let not these “dead flies” spoil the “precious ointment” made fragrant by the Spirit of God. And when even the most innocent of distractions calls for your attention—like the time when Jesus’s mother and brothers sought Him—may His grace enable you to prioritize the higher claim of your God and Savior, never allowing the work of the Lord to cease for lesser things.

October 14—Morning—Luke 10:19
"Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy." —Luke 10:19

What astonishing mercy and wonderful privilege is granted to the followers of the Lamb! Though poor, weak, and helpless in themselves, they are made strong through the grace that is in Christ Jesus. My soul, never lose sight of these blessings. In Jesus, you are not merely a conqueror, but more than a conqueror. Just as the armies in heaven overcame by the blood of the Lamb, so here on earth, it is all in Him and through Him that victory is secured. God will soon crush Satan under our feet, but remember, it is God who must bruise him, and it is He who must place him beneath our feet. Oh, for grace to see where our true strength lies and to cheerfully ascribe all glory to Him. Let the One who gives you the strength to tread on serpents and scorpions receive the praise due to His name.
 

October 14—Evening—Luke 12:29
"Neither be ye of doubtful mind." —Luke 12:29

My soul, it is a blessed thing to reach a point of certainty regarding "the one thing needful." As long as there remains any doubt or uncertainty about whether Christ is truly your portion, there will be a corresponding degree of uncertainty in the comfort of your soul. The words spoken by the dying patriarch to his son can be applied to anyone in this state: "Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel" (Gen. 49:4). As long as the soul’s confidence is based on its own views of Jesus rather than on who Jesus is, there will always be instability and insecurity.

How many souls are in this doubtful condition! They question whether they truly believe to the saving of their souls, yet they have no doubt about being sinners in need of salvation. They acknowledge Jesus as more precious than the finest gold, yet they hesitate to claim any personal interest in His blood and righteousness. They recognize His loveliness and how perfectly He meets their needs, yet they dare not hope that they are welcome to enjoy Him. Like David thirsting for the waters of Bethlehem, they long for Jesus but do not make use of the blessings He offers, even though He has secured them.

My soul, it is a blessed state to live above doubts and fears by living upon Jesus. The assurance of faith is not rooted in our feelings, but in who Jesus is. It rests on how God the Father sees Christ as the sinner's surety, not on how we feel at the moment. Faith is strongest when our senses are weakest, and we give greater glory to Jesus when, like Abraham, we believe in hope against hope. Blessed Lord Jesus, let my faith be unwavering, fixed in You alone, without doubt or change. With full purpose of heart, may I cleave to You. And while I behold, through the Spirit’s teaching, the Father’s approval of all You have accomplished in salvation, let me live and die in the full assurance of faith. May I be well-pleased with what pleases my God and Father, always "rejoicing in hope of the glory of God!"

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Robert Hawker