Daily Devotionals
Charles Spurgeon's "Morning & Evening"
Devotional: March 12th

Morning

“There shall be a resurrection of the dead.”

Job 19:21-27

Having seen the great lawgiver resign his breath, it may be fitting to note those passages of the Old Testament which declare a belief in the resurrection. The first is the memorable passage from the ancient book of Job

Job 19:21

The patriarch was in a very sad condition, and he implored his cruel friends to spare him, seeing he was already sufficiently pressed down by the hand of God. Let us be very gentle with those upon whom God has laid his afflicting hand, and even should they seem to be a little petulant and fretful, let us bear with them, knowing that pain is very hard to suffer.

Job 19:22

His poor flesh was all a mass of anguish, and yet they annoyed his mind with upbraidings. This mention of his flesh led him to speak of the better lot which he expected for his body, and caused him to utter the following famous confession of faith.

Job 19:23-25

Job knew it, and was certain of it that he had “a kinsman” who still lived, who would redeem his body from its captivity, whatever might come of it

He foresaw the victorious second advent of Christ as standing in his own proper person upon the earth: his hope of resurrection was based upon that advent.

Job 19:26

He expected the worms to pierce his skin and devour his flesh, but he believed that it would rise again, that in his flesh he might behold the Lord.

Job 19:27

He, himself in his own personality, would look upon the Lord, out of his own eyes, although the most vital parts of his frame and all his flesh would long before have rotted in the tomb. Job is clear as the sun in his testimony. Let us now look to Isaiah

Isaiah 26:19-21

Isaiah 26:19

together with my dead body shall they arise. With Jesus shall we rise.

Isaiah 26:20

The grave shall only be a withdrawing-room for the saints’ bodies during the tribulations to come.

Isaiah 26:21

Great troubles have been and yet must be among men. God will punish oppressors, and at the last the dead shall rise from the dust, and convict all tyrants of their murderous crimes. Till then the saints sleep in Jesus, so far as their bodies are concerned. Let us now hear Daniel

Daniel 12:2 , Daniel 12:3 , Daniel 12:13

Daniel 12:2

This does not refer to the soul which is in heaven, but to the body which alone is in the dust of the earth,

Daniel 12:2

So that both the righteous and the wicked will rise from the grave.

Daniel 12:3

May every one of us labour to be of that brilliant company.

Daniel 12:13

Cheerfully we will go to our tombs and rest, for our portion is secured till Jesus comes in his Father’s glory.

Soon, too, my slumbering dust shall hear,

The trumpet’s quickening sound;

And, by my Saviour’s power rebuilt,

At his right hand be found.

These eyes shall see him in that day,

The God that died for me;

And all my rising bones shall say,

Lord, who is like to thee?

Evening

“Behold the Lamb of God.”

Mark 15:16-38

Having followed the Bible history to the death of Moses, we will make a break, and consider for a day or two a number of passages from various parts of the Holy Scriptures, that our reading may be varied. First, let us solemnly read the narrative of our Lord’s crucifixion, the best comment upon it will be our repentance, faith, and love.

Mark 15:16

That he might suffer the full chorus of their ridicule. Men were unanimous and hearty in mocking their Redeemer; when will his people be as zealous in his praises? Should not the “whole band” of believers adore him.

Mark 15:17-19

Here was Majesty in misery! Our Lord who is the angels king, was spit upon by rude fellows! How we ought to love him for enduring this shame.

Mark 15:20 , Mark 15:21

How honoured was this Simon: but let us not envy him; we shall have a cross to carry too.

Mark 15:22 , Mark 15:23

He did not wish to be stupefied. He came to suffer in our stead, and he intended to go through with it, enduring to the uttermost.

Mark 15:25

Or nine o’clock of our time.

26 And the superscription of his accusation was written over, the king of the jews.

“A king my title is, prefix’d on high

Yet by my subjects I’m condemned to die

A servile death, in servile company.

Was ever grief like mine!”

Mark 15:27 , Mark 15:28

He died a felons death with felons, and men wrote his guiltless name on the roll of transgressors.

Mark 15:29-32

O the patience, the omnipotent patience which bore all this!

Mark 15:33

From noon till three in the afternoon night brooded over all.

Mark 15:34

And at the ninth hour or three o’clock

Mark 15:37

He died in full strength, laying down his life voluntarily for our sakes.

Mark 15:38

Thus were the inner mysteries laid bare, and the ceremonials of the law brought to an end. Glory to Thee, thou Dear Redeemer of the souls of men.

To him who suffer’d on the tree,

Our souls at his soul’s price to gain;

Blessing and praise and glory be:

Worthy the Lamb for he was slain.

To him enthroned by filial right,

All power in heaven and earth proclaim,

Honour, and majesty, and might:

Worthy the Lamb, for he was slain.