December 16 Evening Devotional | A Hearing Ear & Understanding Heart | Morning and Evening, Spurgeon

Evening, December 16 | “Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time that thine ear was not opened.” —Isaiah 48:8

This Evening's Scripture Reading: Isaiah 48:8-11

“Yea, thou heardest not; yea, thou knewest not; yea, from that time that thine ear was not opened: for I knew that thou wouldest deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb. For my name's sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off. Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another.”

Devotional Video Transcript:

It is painful to remember that, in a certain degree, this accusation may be laid at the door of believers, who too often are in a measure spiritually insensible. We may well bewail ourselves that we do not hear the voice of God as we ought, “Yea, thou heardest not.” There are gentle motions of the Holy Spirit in the soul which are unheeded by us: there are whisperings of divine command and of heavenly love which are alike unobserved by our leaden intellects. Alas! we have been carelessly ignorant—“Yea, thou knewest not.”

There are matters within which we ought to have seen, corruptions which have made headway unnoticed; sweet affections which are being blighted like flowers in the frost, untended by us; glimpses of the divine face which might be perceived if we did not wall up the windows of our soul. But we “have not known.” As we think of it we are humbled in the deepest self-abasement.

How must we adore the grace of God as we learn from the context that all this folly and ignorance, on our part, was foreknown by God, and, notwithstanding that foreknowledge, he yet has been pleased to deal with us in a way of mercy! Admire the marvellous sovereign grace which could have chosen us in the sight of all this! Wonder at the price that was paid for us when Christ knew what we should be! He who hung upon the cross foresaw us as unbelieving, backsliding, cold of heart, indifferent, careless, lax in prayer, and yet he said, “I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour … Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life!” O redemption, how wondrously resplendent dost thou shine when we think how black we are! O Holy Spirit, give us henceforth the hearing ear, the understanding heart!
.
-----
Charles Spurgeon's Morning and Evening is a classic daily devotional that has been inspiring Christians for over 150 years. It is a collection of 732 meditations on Scripture, one for each morning and evening of the year. Spurgeon's writing is known for its clarity, insight, and wit, and his devotionals are full of practical wisdom and encouragement.

Spurgeon's Morning and Evening has been a blessing to millions of Christians over the years. It is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to grow in their faith and knowledge of the Bible.

Here are some of the benefits of reading and watching Morning and Evening Daily Devotionals:

-It will help you to grow in your knowledge of the Bible and your understanding of God's Word.
-It will provide you with practical wisdom and encouragement for your daily life.
-It will help you to develop a closer relationship with God.
-It will challenge you to grow in your faith and to live a life that is pleasing to God.

Originally published in 1865, Morning and Evening by Charles H. Spurgeon is in the Public Domain.

All Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (Public Domain)
#charlesspurgeon #sovereign #grace #isaiah