daily-devotionalsReading: “If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe if I tell you of heavenly things?”—John 3:12

Was there ever condescension like that of Jesus, to accommodate himself to the dull and senseless capacities of his people? We have a kind, compassionate, and indulgent teacher in Jesus. Now, mark from these words of Jesus to that master in Israel, Nicodemus. So sublime are the wonders of redemption, even in that part of it which is connected with earthly things that our capacities, until opened by grace, cannot enter into the enjoyment or belief of them.

And how then shall the glories of eternity, which are reserved for unfolding on the other side of Jordan be brought within the grasp of our intellect? And yet there are some, yea, many, who with the incredulity of Thomas, refuse conviction, unless they receive what, in the present state of things, cannot be granted.

Lord, grant me increasing proportions of faith and grace, that I may both believe the earthly things of salvation, and the heavenly things to be revealed. I would pray for grace and faith in lively exercise, to connect and bring into the same view, both worlds, as they concern our salvation. Yea, Lord, I would pray for increasing knowledge of, and delight in all the great things of salvation, among the transactions of earth here below; such as the momentous truths of regeneration, justification by your blood and righteousness. And I would pray also for the most enlarged and enlarging views of faith, concerning the glories which shall be revealed.      

Taken from The Poor Man’s Evening and Morning Portions by Rev. Robert Hawker, Works, Vol. 8; 1830. Edited by Aaron Dunlop for thinkgospel.com ©2013.