April 7 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

APRIL 6 Bible Text: If I have rewarded evil unto him that was at peace with me; (yea, I have delivered him that without cause is mine enemy): —Psalm 7:4 Devotional: He states that he had been a friend, not only to the good, but also to the bad, and had not only restrained himself from all revenge, but had even succored his enemies, by whom he had been deeply and cruelly injured. It would certainly not be very illustrious virtue to love the good and peaceable, unless there were joined to this self-government and gentleness in patiently dealing with the bad. But when a man not only keeps himself from revenging the injuries which he has received, but endeavors to overcome evil by doing good, he manifests one of the graces of a renewed and sanctified nature, and in this way proves himself to be one of the children of God; for such meekness proceeds only from the Spirit of adoption. —Commentaries APRIL 7 Bible Text: We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. —Psalm 78:4 Devotional: Although your piety, noble lady, is much better known by certain proofs in the country which you inhabit, you have made it known to us also, by the pledges you have confided to us. For in not hesitating to send your children far from you and into an almost unknown country, that they might better imbibe the pure doctrine of Christ, you have clearly shown how precious a virtuous and pious education is in your eyes: Lively indeed must that zeal be, which forces you to forget and divest yourself for a season of that softness of tender affection which is naturally implanted in the heart of mothers, till you see your sons imbued with the uncorrupted faith of Christ, when you shall welcome their return with a more joyful mind than if they had never been separated from your embraces and your sight. For this holy desire is evangelical, and such as all good men should study to favor; and the pious discipline which Hourishes in your house is no less worthy of praise; and would that all had at heart to make it a rule for their families, to cherish as it were a domestic church in their houses. It were also to be desired, especially while among you the state of affairs is so unsettled, that there were found not only more ladies, but men who should spread the light of a similar example. But because, in the course of our lives, many obstacles occur which it would not be easy for us to surmount, I will pray the Lord that he may strengthen you to persevere, enrich you from day to day with the gifts of his Spirit, and in the meantime keep you in safety under his hand and protection. —Correspondence APRIL 8 Bible Text: Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. —Psalm 41:1 Devotional: Certainly it is an error which is by far too common among men, to look upon those who are oppressed with affiictions as condemned and reprobate. As, on the one hand, the most of men, judging of the favor of God from an uncertain and transitory state of prosperity, applaud the rich, and those upon whom as they say fortune smiles; so, on the other hand, they act contemptuously towards the wretched and miserable; and foolishly imagine that God hates them, because he does not exercise so much forbearance towards them as he does towards the repnr bate. The error of which we speak, namely that of judging wrongly and wickedly, is one which has prevailed in all ages of the world. The Scriptures in many places plainly and distinctly declare that God, for various reasons, tries the faithful by adversities, at one time to train them to patience, at another to subdue the sinful affections of the flesh, at another to cleanse and as it were purify them from the remaining desires of the flesh which still dwell within them; sometimes to humble them, sometimes to make them an example to others, and at other times to stir them up to the contemplation of the divine life. For the most part, indeed, we often speak rashly and indiscriminately concerning others, and, so to speak, plunge even into the lowest abyss those who labor under affiiction. To restrain such a rash and unbridled spirit, David says that they are blessed who do not suffer themselves, by speaking at random, to judge harshly of their neighbors; but, discerning aright the affiictions by which they are visited, mitigate, by the wisdom of the Spirit, the severe and unjust judgments to which we are naturally so prone. As to ourselves, being admonished by this testimony of the Holy Spirit, let us learn to guard against a too hasty judgment. We must therefore judge prudently of our brethren who are in affiiction; that is to say, we must hope well of their salvation, lest, if we condemn them unmercifully before the time, this unjust severity in the end shall fall upon our own heads. —Commentaries APRIL 9 Bible Text: Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy. —Leviticus 19:2 Devotional: This Scripture plan consists chiefly in these two things—the first, that a love of righteousness, to which we" have otherwise no natural inclination, be instilled and introduced into our hearts; the second, that a rule be prescribed to us, to prevent our taking any devious steps in the race of righteousness. Now in the recommendation of righteousness, it uses a great number of very excellent arguments. With what better foundation can it begin than when it admonishes us that we ought to be holy because our God is holy? For when we were dispersed like scattered sheep, and lost in the labyrinth of the world, he gathered us together again, that he might associate us to himself. When we hear any mention of our union with God, we should remember that holiness must be the bond of it; not that we attain communion with him by the merit of holiness (since it is rather necessary for us, in the first place, to adhere to him in order that, being endued with his holiness, we may follow whither he calls), but because it is a peculiar property of his glory not to have any intercourse with iniquity and uncleanness. Wherefore also it teaches, that this is the end of our vocation, which it is requisite for us always to keep in view, if we desire to correspond to the design of God in calling us. For to what purpose was it that we were delivered from the iniquity and pollution of the world, in which we had been immersed, if we permit ourselves to wallow in them as long as we live? &mdah;Institutes, III, vi, ii APRIL 10 Bible Text: Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. —Isaiah 53:10 Devotional: But now we are spared. Consider Jesus Christ the only Son of God: he was imprisoned and we are released; he was condemned and we are acquitted; he was exposed to utter disgrace and we are set up in honour; he descended into the depths of hell and to us the kingdom of Heaven is opened. When we hear all these things, should we still stay asleep, pleasing and Battering ourselves in our vices? So let us carefully notice the purpose of the Holy Spirit and always ponder this word—that it was God who wished to afflict him. It is as if he said that we should not think that our Lord Jesus was put by chance into a position where the wicked could torture him as they liked; for they could do nothing outside the counsel of God; just as St. Peter says in the Acts: "God has done what his hand and his counsel had determined." So, then, not without cause does the Prophet always lead us back to this, that we must raise our senses to God, and know that, inasmuch as he is the Judge of the world, he wished to take satisfaction of our sins and offences in the person of his only Son that we might be acquitted of them; and that not'in vain was Jesus Christ thus harshly smitten that we might walk with uplifted heads. And we must understand that God did not wish to remember all our crimes, which makes us detestable before him. When we have learnt that, we shall have profited greatly, not only for one day, but for the whole of our lives. For, in truth, this is a doctrine to which we must so apply ourselves that, although it seems as if we know it well, we never cease to take pains to conform ourselves to it more and more. —Sermons APRIL 11 Bible Text: Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. —Zechariah 4:6 Devotional: When we now see things in a despairing condition, let this vision come to our minds—that God is sufficiently able by his own power to help us, when there is no aid from any other; for his Spirit will be to us for lamps, for pourers, and for olive trees, so that experience will at length show that we have been preserved in a wonderful manner by his hand alone. Thus we remember that all our confidence ought to be placed on the favor of God alone; for were it to depend on human aids, there would be nothing certain or sure. For God, as I have said, withdraws from us whatever may add courage according to the judgment of the flesh, in order that he may invite or rather draw us to himself. Whenever, then, earthly aids fail us, let us learn to recline on God alone, for it is not by a host or by might that God raises up his Church, and preserves it in its proper state; but this he does by his Spirit, that is, by his own intrinsic and wonderful power, which he does not blend with human aids; and his object is to draw us away from the world and to hold us wholly dependent on himself. —Commentaries APRIL 12 Bible Text: Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall he heirs of salvation? —Hebrews 1:14 Devotional: We shall happily avoid error if we consider why God is accustomed to provide for the safety of the faithful, and to communicate the gifts of his generosity by means of angels, rather than by himself to manifest his own power without their intervention. He certainly does this not from necessity, as though he were unable to do without them; for whenever he pleases, he passes them by, and performs his work. with a mere nod of his power; so far is he from being indebted to their assistance for relieving him in any difficulty. This, therefore, conduces to the consolation of our feebleness, that we may want nothing that can either raise our minds to a good hope, or confirm them in security. This one thing, indeed, ought to be more than sufficient for us, that the Lord declares himself to be our Protector. But while we see ourselves encompassed by so many dangers, so many annoyances, such various kinds of enemies—such is our weakness and frailty, that we may sometimes be filled with terror, or fall into despair, unless the Lord enables us, according to our capacity, to discover the presence of his grace. For this reason he promises not only that he will take care of us himself, but also that we shall have innumerable lifeguards, to whom he has committed the charge of our safety; and that, as long as we are surrounded by their superintendence and protection, whatever danger may threaten, we are placed beyond the utmost reach of evil. I confess, indeed, that it is wrong for us, after that simple promise of the protection of God alone, still to be looking around to see from what quarter our aid may come. But since the Lord, in his infinite clemency and goodness, is pleased to assist this our weakness, there is no reason why we should neglect this great favor which he shows us. —Institutes, I, xiv, xi APRIL 13 Bible Text: And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. —Acts 1:7 Devotional: It was too curious of them to desire to know that whereof their Master would have them ignorant; but this is the true means to become wise, namely, to go as far forward in learning as our Master Christ goes in teaching, and willingly to be ignorant of those things which he conceals from us. But forasmuch as there is naturally aroused in us a certain foolish and vain curiosity, and also a certain rash kind of boldness, we must diligently observe this admonition of Christ, by which he corrects both these vices. But to the end we may know what his meaning is hereby, we must notice the two things which he joins together. "It is not for you," he says, "to know those things which the Father has placed in his own power." He speaks, indeed, of the times and seasons; but seeing there is the like reason in other things, we must think this to be a universal precept, that being contented with the revelation of God, we think it an heinous crime to inquire any further. This is the true mean between the two extremes. —Commentaries APRIL 14 Bible Text: Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, —Philippians 3:13 Devotional: ... Depravity never ceases in us, but is perpetually producing new fruits^mdash;those works of the Hesh which we have already described, like the emission of Harne and sparks from a heated furnace, or like the streams of water from an unfailing spring. For lust never dies, nor is altogether extinguished in men, till by death they are delivered from the body of death, and entirely divested of themselves. Baptism, indeed promises us the submersion of our Pharaoh, and the mortification of sin; yet not so that it no longer exists, or gives us no further trouble; but only that it may never overcome us. For as long as we live immured in this prison of the body, the relics of sin will dwell in us; but if we hold fast by faith the promise which God has given us in baptism, they shall not domineer or reign over us. But let no man deceive himself, let no one flatter himself in his guilt, when he hears that sin always dwells in us. These things are not said in order that those who are already too prone to do evil may securely sleep in their sins, but only that those who are tempted by their corrupt inclinations may not faint and sink into despondency; but that they may rather reflect that they are yet in the way, and may consider themselves as having made some progress, when they experience their corruptions diminishing from day to day, till they shall attain the mark at which they are aiming, even the final destruction of their depravity, which will be accomplished at the close of this mortal life. In the meantime, let them not cease to fight manfully, to animate themselves to constant advances, and to press forward to complete victory. For it ought to give additional impulse to their exertions, to see that, after they have been striving so long, so much still remains for them to do. We conclude, therefore, that we are baptized into the mortification of the flesh, which commences in us at baptism, which we pursue from day to day, and which will be perfected when we pass out of this life to the Lord. —Institutes, IV, xv, xi APRIL 15 Bible Text: By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to he called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. —Hebrews 11: 24–26 Devotional: You have already felt, as I think, that the sharpest and most difficult assault is that of those who under color of friendship, with insinuating arts, seek to make you swerve from the right way. Those persons are never unprovided with plausible pretexts and allurements; so much the more then you have need to put in practice the doctrine of the apostle, to take good heed and to steel yourself against Batteries as well as fears. It was the resolution of Moses, who, having it in his power to be great at the court of Egypt, preferred the reproach of Christ to all the pomps and perishing delights which would have cost him too dear, had he allowed himself to be detained. Now the apostle shows whence he derived this courage; it was in hardening himself by looking upon God. Thus, Monseigneur, elevating your thoughts, learn to stop your ears against all the blasts of Satan, which strive only to overthrow your salvation, by shaking the constancy of your faith. Learn to shut your eyes to all distractions that would tend to turn you aside, aware that they are but so many deceits of our mortal enemy. And by whatever wiles they engage you to purchase your own safety in breaking the faith pledged to the Son of God, let this saying be deeply stamped on your memory, that he will be confessed by you on pain of your being disavowed and renounced by him. Many, indeed, nowadays, think they have but to wipe their mouth, after it has denied the truth; but for all that the confession thereof is too precious to God to be so lightly esteemed. And though it seems lost pains to bear witness to the gospel among those who are rebels . '"'" to it, or even that such witnessing gives rise but to derision and reproach; yet, since it is a sacrifice well pleasing to God, let us content ourselves with being approved by him. One thing is certain; he will cause our simplicity to bring forth more fruits than we imagine, provided only we observe what he commands. —Correspondence APRIL 16 Bible Text: And said, Naked came 1 out of my mother's womb, and naked shall 1 return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. —Job 1:21 Devotional: The necessary consequences of this knowledge are, gratitude in prosperity, patience in adversity, and a wonderful security respecting the future. Every prosperous and pleasing event, therefore, the pious man will ascribe entirely to God, whether his generosity be received through the ministry of men, or by the assistance of inanimate creatures. For this will be the reflection of his mind, "It is certainly the Lord that has inclined their hearts to favor me, that has united them to me to be the instruments of his kindness towards me." In an abundance of the fruits of the earth, he will consider, that it is the Lord who regards the heaven, that the heaven may regard the earth, that the earth, also, may regard its own productions; in other things he will not doubt that it is the divine benediction alone which is the cause of all prosperity; nor will he bear to be ungrateful after so many admonitions. If any adversity befall him, in this case also he will immediately lift up his heart to God, whose hand is most capable of impressing us with patience and placid moderation of mind. —Institutes, I, xvii, vii APRIL 17 Bible Text: Thy mercy, 0 Lord, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds. —Psalm 36:5 Devotional: After having spoken of the very great depravity of men, the prophet, afraid lest he should become infected by it, or be carried away by the example of the wicked, as by a flood, quits the subject, and recovers himself by reflecting on a different theme. It usually happens, that in condemning the wicked, the contagion of their malice insinuates itself into our minds when we are not conscious of it; and there is scarcely one in a hundred who, after having complained of the malice of others, keeps himself in true godliness, pure and unpolluted. The meaning therefore is: Although we may see among men a sad and frightful confusion, which, like a great gulf, would swallow up the minds of the godly, David, nevertheless, maintains that the world is full of the goodness and righteousness of God, and that he governs heaven and earth on the strictest principles of equity. And certainly, whenever the corruption of the world affects our minds, and fills us with amazement, we must take care not to limit our views to the wickedness of men, who overturn and confound all things; but in the midst of this strange confusion it becomes us to elevate our thoughts in admiration and wonder, to the contemplation of the secret providence of God. —Commentaries APRIL 18 Bible Text: Arise, a Lord, in thine anger, lift up thyself because of the rage of mine enemies: and awake for me to the judgment that thou hast commanded. My defence is of God, which saveth the upright in heart. —Psalm 7:6, 10 Devotional: And, indeed, we can never pray in faith unless we attend, in the first place, to what God commands, that our minds may not rashly and at random start aside in desiring more than we are permitted to desire and pray for. David, therefore, in order to pray aright, reposes himself on the word and promise of God; and the import of his exercise is this: Lord, I am not led by ambition, or foolish headstrong passion, or depraved desire, inconsiderately to ask from thee whatever is pleasing to my flesh; but it is the clear light of thy word which directs me, and upon it I securely depend. Is it not wonderful that David often mingles meditations with his prayers, thereby to inspire himself with true confidence? We may go to God in prayer with great alacrity; but our fervor, if it does not gather new strength, either immediately fails or begins to languish. David, therefore, in order to continue in prayer with the same ardor of devotion and affection with which he commenced, brings to his recollection some of the most common truths of religion, and by this means fosters and invigorates his faith. He declares that as God saves the upright in heart, he is perfectly safe under his protection. Whence it follows, that he had the testimony of an approving conscience. And as he does not simply say the righteous, but the upright in heart, he appears to have an eye to that inward searching of the heart and reins mentioned in the preceding verse. —Commentaries APRIL 19 Bible Text: Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. —II Corinthians 7:9, 10 Devotional: Since conversion commences with a dread and hatred of sin, therefore the apostle makes godly sorrow the cause of repentance. He calls it godly sorrow when we not only dread punishment, but hate and abhor sin itself; from a knowledge that it is displeasing to God. Nor ought this to be thought strange; for, unless we felt sharp compunction, our carnal sluggishness could never be corrected, and even these distresses of mind would not be sufficient to arouse it from its stupidity and indolence, if God, by the infliction of his chastisements, did not make a deeper impression. Besides this, there is a rebellious obstinacy, which requires violent blows, as it were, to overcome it. The severity, therefore, which God uses in his threatenings, is extorted from him by the depravity of our minds; since it would be in vain for him to address kind and alluring invitations to those who are asleep. The fear of God is called the beginning of repentance also for another reason; because though a man's life were perfect in every virtue, if it be not devoted to the worship of God, it may indeed be commended by the world, but in heaven it will be only an abomination; since the principal branch of righteousness consists in rendering to God the honor due to him, of which he is impiously defrauded, when it is not our end and aim to submit ourselves to his government. —Institutes, III, iii, vii APRIL 20 Bible Text: Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. —John 4:10 Devotional: "Jesus answered." Christ, now, availing himself of the opportunity, begins to preach about the grace and power of his Spirit, and that to a woman who did not at all deserve that he should speak a word to her. This is certainly an astonishing instance of his goodness. For what was there in this wretched woman, that, from being a prostitute, she suddenly became a disciple of the Son of God? Though in all of us he has displayed a similar instance of his compassion. All the women, indeed, are not prostitutes, nor are all the men stained by some heinous crime; but what excellence can any of us plead as a reason why he deigned to bestow on us the heavenly doctrine, and the honor of being admitted into his family? Nor was it by accident that the conversation with such a person occurred; for the Lord showed us, as in a model, that those to whom he imparts the doctrine of salvation are not selected on the ground of merit. And it appears at first sight a wonderful arrangement, that he passed by so many great men in Judea, and yet held familiar discourse with this woman. But it was necessary that, in his person, it should be explained how true is that saying of the Prophet, "I was found by them that sought me not; I was made manifest to them that asked not after me. I said to those who sought me not, Behold,llere I am" (Isaiah 65: 1). —Commentaries APRIL 21 Bible Text: Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with my God. —Isaiah 49:4 Devotional: "But my judgment is before Jehovah." Although we do not clearly see the fruit of our labors, yet we are enjoined to be content on this ground, that we serve God, to whom our obedience is acceptable. Christ exhorts and encourages godly teachers to strive earnestly till they rise victorious over this temptation, and, laying aside the malice of the world, to advance cheerfully in the discharge of duty, and not to allow their hearts to languish through weariness. "If therefore the Lord be pleased to make trial of our faith and patience to such an extent that it shall seem as if we wearied ourselves to no purpose, yet we ought to rely on this testimony of our conscience. And if we do not enjoy this consolation, at least we are not moved by pure affection, and do not serve God, but the world and our own ambition. Yet it ought to be observed that here Christ and the Church accuse the whole world of ingratitude. For the Church complains to God in such a manner as to remonstrate with the world, because no good effect is produced in it by the doctrine of the gospel, which in itself is efficacious and powerful. Yet the whole blame rests on the obstinacy and ingratitude of men, who reject the grace of God offered to them, and of their own accor~ choose to perish. Let those persons now go and accuse Christ, who say that the gospel yields little fruit, and who defame the doctrine of the word by wicked slanders, and who throw ridicule on our labors as vain and unprofitable, and who allege that, on the contrary, they excite men to sedition, and lead them to sin with less control. Let them consider, I say, with whom they have to do, and what advantage they gain by their impudence, since men alone ought to bear the blame, who, as far as lies in their power, render the preaching of the Word unprofitable. —Commentaries APRIL 22 Bible Text: Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. —Psalm 4:4 Devotional: To commune upon one's bed is a form of expression taken from the common practice and experience of men. We know that, during our intercourse with men in the daytime, our thoughts are distracted, and we often judge rashly, being deceived by the external appearance; whereas in solitude, we can give to any subject a closer attention; and, farther, the sense of shame does not then hinder a man from thinking without disguise about his own faults. David, therefore, exhorts his enemies to withdraw from those who witnessed and judged of their actions on the public stage of life, and to be alone, that they may examine themselves more truthfully and honestly. And this exhortation has a respect to us all; for there is nothing to which men are more prone than to deceive one another with empty applause, until each man enter into himself, and commune alone with his own heart. Paul, when quoting this passage in Ephesians 4:26, or, at least, when alluding to the sentiment of David, follows the Septuagint, "Be ye angry and sin not." And yet he has skillfully and beautifully applied it to his purpose. He there teaches us that men, instead of wickedly pouring forth their anger against their neighbors, have rather just cause to be angry with themselves, in order that, by this means, they may abstain from sin. And therefore he commands them rather to fret inwardly and be angry with themselves; and then to be angry not so much at the persons, as at the vices of others. —Commentaries APRIL 23 Bible Text: Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he. —Job 32:4 Devotional: So then let God's children be on their guard and see that they remain modest; this is a beautiful, though unspectacular, virtue. And although they who seek to advance themselves despise them because they are not constantly putting themselves forward, let them assure themselves that they are much rather noticed by God, and that he will bless their honest behavior and make them to profit more in two years than those who are too hasty will do in four. We see what happens to fruit. If fruit is too soon ripe it also fades away quickly. But the fruit that is slower in maturing also lasts longer. So it is with those who wish to advance themselves before their time. Truly they may have some beauty and some taste; but it will not last. On the other hand, those who are modest and honest, and not so presumptuous as to put themselves forward hastily, will surely be slow; but in the meantime the Lord gives them a more abiding fruit. It is true that modesty is a virtue proper for all men. Nevertheless young people ought to note what is said here, namely that they must yield honor to their elders, acknowledging that they may have excessive passions which need to be restrained by other men. For they are not sufficiently established in their own nature, and they lack experience in self-control. Furthermore, when a young man has behaved himself thus modestly, he must at the proper time utter the thing that God has given him, even though it be among older people. For the order of nature does not prevent a young man, when older men do not discharge their duty, to supply what they lack—yes, even to the shame of those who have lived long, and misspent the time that God has given them, or rather utterly lost it. You see, then, the middle position which we have to hold. The reverence which young folks bear to their elders must not hinder the maintenance of the truth, that God should be honored and vices suppressed. For it may happen that the older men are destitute of God's Spirit, or else lewd persons shall have in them nothing but craft and unfaithfulness; or perhaps they will be opinionated or headstrong. Now in such cases, should young people be so held under the yoke that they shall by the authority of their elders be turned away from God and his Word and from that which is good and holy? Certainly not. —Sermons APRIL 24 Bible Text: Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. —John 15:13 Devotional: "Greater love hath no man than this." Christ sometimes proclaims the greatness of his love to us, that he may more fully confirm our confidence in our salvation; but now he proceeds further, in order to inflame us by his example, to love the brethren. Yet he joins both together; for he means that we should taste by faith how inestimably delightful his goodness is, and next he allures us in this way to cultivate brotherly love. Thus Paul writes, "Walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and sacrifice to God of a sweet-smelling savor" (Eph. 5:2). God might have redeemed us by a single word, or by a mere act of his will, if he had not thought it better to do otherwise for our own benefit, that, by not sparing his own well-beloved Son, he might testify in his person how much he cares for our salvation. But now our hearts, if they are not softened by the inestimable sweetness of Divine love, must be harder than stone or iron. —Commentaries APRIL 25 Bible Text: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. —John 3:16 Devotional: "For God so loved the world." Christ opens up the first cause, and, as it were, the source of our salvation; and he does so, that no doubt may remain; for our minds cannot find calm repose until we arrive at the unmerited grace of God. As the whole matter of our salvation must not be sought anywhere else than in Christ, so we must see whence Christ came to us, and why he was offered to be our Savior. Both points are distinctly stated to us; namely, that faith in Christ brings life to all, and that Christ brought life, because the Heavenly Father loves the human race, and wishes that they should not perish. And this order ought to be carefully observed; for such is the wicked ambition which belongs to our nature, that when the question relates to the origin of our salvation, we quickly form diabolical imaginations about our own merit. Accordingly, we imagine that God is reconciled to us, because he has reckoned us worthy that he should look upon us. But Scripture everywhere extols his pure and un mingled mercy, which sets aside all merits. —Commentaries APRIL 26 Bible Text: When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? —Psalm 8:3, 4 Devotional: My readers, however, must be careful to note the design of the Psalmist, which is to enhance by this comparison the infinite goodness of God; for it is, indeed, a wonderful thing that the Creator of heaven, whose glory is so surpassingly great as to ravish us with the highest admiration, condescends so far as graciously to take upon him the care of the human race. That the Psalmist makes this contrast may be inferred from the Hebrew word, which expresses the frailty of man rather than any strength or power which he possesses. We see that miserable men, in moving upon the earth, are mingled with the vilest creatures; and, therefore, God, with very good reason, might despise them and reckon them of no account if he were to stand upon the consideration of his own greatness or dignity. The Psalmist, therefore, speaking interrogatively, abases their condition, intimating that God's wonderful goodness is displayed the more brightly in that so glorious a Creator, whose majesty shines resplendently in the heavens, graciously condescends to adorn a creature so miserable and vile as man is with the greatest glory, and to enrich him with numberless blessings. If he had a mind to exercise his liberality towards any, he was under no necessity of choosing men who are but dust and clay, in order to prefer them above all other creatures, seeing he had a sufficient number in heaven towards whom to show himself liberal. Whoever, therefore, is not astonished and deeply affected at this miracle, is more than ungrateful and stupid. —Commentaries APRIL 27 Bible Text: I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; —Isaiah 42:6 Devotional: "For a light of the Gentiles." We have here another clear proof of the calling of the Gentiles, since he expressly states that Christ was appointed to be "a light" to them. He calls him a light, because the Gentiles were plunged in the deepest and thickest of darkness, at the time when the Lord illuminated none but the Jews. Now, then, the blame lies solely with ourselves, if we do not become partakers of this salvation; for he calls all men to himself, without a single exception, and gives Christ to all, that we may be illuminated by him. Let us only open our eyes, he alone will dispel the darkness, and illuminate our minds by the "light" of truth. —Commentaries APRIL 28 Bible Text: My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue, —Psalm 39:3 Devotional: "My heart became hot within me." He now illustrates the greatness of his grief by the introduction of a simile, telling us that his sorrow, being internally suppressed, became so much the more inflamed, until the ardent passion of his soul continued to increase in strength. From this we may learn the very profitable lesson that the more strenuously anyone sets himself to obey God, and employs all his endeavors to attain the exercise of patience, the more vigorously he is assailed by temptation; for Satan, while he is not so troublesome to the indifferent and careless, and seldom looks near them, displays all his forces in hostile array against that individual. If, therefore, at any time we feel ardent emotions struggling and raising a commotion in our breasts, we should call to remembrance this conflict of David, that our courage may not fail us, or at least that our infirmity may not drive us headlong to despair. If the godly who desire to lift up their hearts to God would resign themselves to the vain imaginations which arise in their minds, they might enjoy a sort of unrestrained liberty to indulge in every fancy; but because they endeavor to resist their influence, and seek to devote themselves to God, obstructions which arise from the opposition of the flesh begin to trouble them. Whenever, therefore, the flesh shall put forth its efforts, and shall kindle a fire in our hearts, let us know that we are exercised with the same kind of temptation which occasioned so much pain and trouble to David.—Commentaries APRIL 29 Bible Text: These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might harve peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: hut he of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John —16:33 Devotional: "I have overcome the world." As there is always in us much reason for trembling, he shows that we ought to be confident for this reason, that he has obtained a victory over the world, not for himself individually, but for our sake. Thus, though in ourselves almost overwhelmed, if we contemplate that magnificent glory to which our Head has been exalted, we may boldly despise all the evils which hang over us. If, therefore, we desire to be Christians, we must not seek exemption from the cross, but must be satisfied with this single consideration, that, fighting under the banner of Christ, we are beyond all dangers, even in the midst of the combat. mdash;Commentaries APRIL 30 Bible Text: Fire, and hail; snow and vapours; stormy wind fulfilling his word: —Psalm 148:8 Devotional: He then ascends to hail, snows, and storms, which he says fulfill the word of God; for it is not by an effect of chance that the heavens are clouded, or that a single drop of rain falls from the clouds, or that the thunders rage, but one and all of these changes depend upon the secret will of God, whether he will show his goodness to the children of men in irrigating the earth, or punish their sins by tempest, hail, or other calamities. The passage contains instruction of various kinds, as, for example, that when dearth impends, however parched the earth may be by long continued heat, God can promptly send rain which will remove the drought at his pleasure. If from incessant rains, on the other hand, the seed rot in the ground, or the crops do not come to maturity, we should pray for fair weather. If we are alarmed by thunder, we are taught to pray to God, for as it is he who sends it in his anger, so he can still all the troubled elements. And we are not to take up the narrow view of this truth which irreligious men advocate, that things in nature merely move according to the laws impressed upon them from the beginning, while God stands by idle, but are to hold firmly that God watches over his creatures, and that nothing can take place without his present disposal, as we have seen (Psalm 104:4) that "he maketh the winds his messengers, and his ministers a flaming fire." —Commentaries

Devotional

Bible Text:

We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. —Psalm 78:4

Devotional:

Although your piety, noble lady, is much better known by certain proofs in the country which you inhabit, you have made it known to us also, by the pledges you have confided to us. For in not hesitating to send your children far from you and into an almost unknown country, that they might better imbibe the pure doctrine of Christ, you have clearly shown how precious a virtuous and pious education is in your eyes: Lively indeed must that zeal be, which forces you to forget and divest yourself for a season of that softness of tender affection which is naturally implanted in the heart of mothers, till you see your sons imbued with the uncorrupted faith of Christ, when you shall welcome their return with a more joyful mind than if they had never been separated from your embraces and your sight.

For this holy desire is evangelical, and such as all good men should study to favor; and the pious discipline which flourishes in your house is no less worthy of praise; and would that all had at heart to make it a rule for their families, to cherish as it were a domestic church in their houses. It were also to be desired, especially while among you the state of affairs is so unsettled, that there were found not only more ladies, but men who should spread the light of a similar example.

But because, in the course of our lives, many obstacles occur which it would not be easy for us to surmount, I will pray the Lord that he may strengthen you to persevere, enrich you from day to day with the gifts of his Spirit, and in the meantime keep you in safety under his hand and protection. —Correspondence

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John Calvin was the premier theologian of the Reformation, but also a pious and godly Christian pastor who endeavored throughout his life to point men and women to Christ. We are grateful to Reformation Heritage Books for permission to use John Calvin's Thine Is My Heart as our daily devotional for 2013 on the OPC Web site. You can currently obtain a printed copy of that book from Reformation Heritage Books.

Dr. Joel Beeke, who is editorial director of Reformation Heritage Books, has this to say:

"Calvin shows us the piety of a Reformed theologian who speaks from the heart. Having tasted the goodness and grace of God in Jesus Christ, he pursued piety by seeking to know and do God’s will every day. He communed with Christ, practicing repentance, self-denial, and cross-bearing. Moreover, his theology worked itself out in heart-felt, Christ-honoring piety. The selections of this devotional bear this out, and hopefully will be used by God to direct pious hearts in our own day."

These devotional readings from John Calvin were compiled by John H. Kromminga. Be sure to read his "Introduction" to John Calvin's Thine Is My Heart.

 

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