Psalm of the Day: Psalm 124:1-8
Wisdom of the Day: Proverbs 4:1-14
Scripture Reading: Luke 10:17-20
We learn the superiority of saving grace. It is written that our Lord said to the seventy disciples, "Do not rejoice that the demons submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in Heaven!" It was doubtless an honor and a privilege, to be allowed to cast out demons. The disciples were right to be thankful. But it was a far higher privilege to be converted and pardoned men, and to have their names written in the register of saved souls!
The distinction here drawn between grace and gifts is one of deep importance, and often and sadly overlooked in the present day. Spiritual gifts and talents are often unduly over-valued by those who possess them, and unduly admired by those who do not possess them. These things ought not so to be. Men forget that gifts without grace save no one's soul, and are the characteristic of Satan himself.
Grace, on the contrary, is an everlasting inheritance! As lowly and despised as its possessor may be, grace will land him safely in glory. He who has gifts without grace is dead in sins, however splendid his gifts may be. But he who has grace is alive to God, however unlearned and ignorant he may appear to man.
Let the religion which we aim to possess, be a religion in which grace is the main thing. Let it not satisfy us to know the whole system of Christian doctrines and to have texts and words at our command. These things are all well in their way. They are not to be undervalued, but these things are not the grace of God and they will not deliver us from eternal Hell.
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, help me to never get over the beauty of your grace.
Action Plan: Identify what religions, churches, or movements that put more emphasis on gifts rather than grace or the authority of God's Word. How do they differ from the Bible?
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.
