Psalm of the Day: Psalm 111:1-10
Wisdom of the Day: Job 31:1-13
Scripture Reading: Luke 9:1-6
Let us observe that our Lord prepares His disciples to meet with unbelief and impenitence in those to whom they preached. He speaks of those "who will not receive them" as a class which they must expect to see. He tells them how to behave, when not received as if it was a state of things to which they must make up their mind.
All Christians would do well to read carefully this portion of our Lord's instructions. All missionaries, and district visitors, and Sunday-school teachers would do well to lay it to heart. Let them not be cast down if their work seems in vain, and their labor without profit. Let them remember that the very first preachers and teachers whom Jesus employed, were sent forth with a distinct warning that not all would believe. Let them work on patiently, and sow the good seed without fainting.
Duties are theirs, but results are God's. Apostles may plant and water but the Holy Spirit alone can give spiritual life. The Lord Jesus knows what is in the heart of man. He does not despise his laborers because little of the seed they sow bears fruit. The harvest may be small. But every laborer shall be rewarded according to his labors, not the results.
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, please help me do the work you have called me to do, but leave the results up to you.
Action Plan: Examine some ways you fall short in giving glory to God. How can you do a better job?
This devotional was taken from The Gospel of Luke by J.C. Ryle published in 1858
and adapted by Pastor Tim Lewis of New England Shores Baptist Church.
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