Psalm of the Day: Psalm 149:1-9
Wisdom of the Day: Proverbs 16:12-22
Scripture Reading: Luke 11:27-32
We should observe the desperate unbelief of the Jews in our Lord's time. We are told that though they "gathered thick together" to hear Christ preach, they still professed to be waiting for a sign. They pretended to need more evidence before they believed.
Our Lord declares that the Queen of Sheba and the men of Nineveh would put the Jews to shame at the last day. The Queen of Sheba had such faith that she traveled a vast distance in order to hear the wisdom of Solomon. Yet Solomon, with all his wisdom, was an erring and imperfect king. The Ninevites had such faith that they believed the message which Jonah brought from God, and repented.
The Jews of our Lord's time had far higher light and infinitely clearer teachings than either Solomon or Jonah could supply. They had among them the King of kings, the Prophet greater than Moses. Yet the Jews neither repented nor believed!
Let it never surprise us to see unbelief abounding, both in the church and in the world. The enormous amount of unbelief and hardness on every side, may well grieve and pain us. But it ought never to cause surprise. Let us thank God if we have received the gift of faith. It is a great thing to believe all the Bible. We do not sufficiently realize the corruption of human nature. Let us praise God for the privilege. Blessed are those who believe!
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, thank you for my salvation.
Action Plan: Do you know someone who refuses to believe? Pray for their salvation five times today and be willing to share the gospel.
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.
