November 18
Heart of a Believer
A spring locked, a fountain sealed. - Song of Songs 4:12
In this metaphor, which has reference to the inner life of a believer, we have very plainly the idea of secrecy. It is "a spring locked." Just as there were springs in the East over which an edifice was built, so that no one could reach them except those who knew the secret entrance, so is the heart of a believer when it is renewed by grace: There is a mysterious life within that no human skill can touch.
It is a secret that no one else knows, which the individual who is the possessor of it cannot tell his neighbor. The text includes not only secrecy but separation. It is not the common spring, of which every passer-by may drink; it is one kept and preserved from all others; it is a fountain bearing a particular mark--a king's royal seal, so that all can perceive that it is not a common fountain, but a fountain owned by a proprietor and placed specially by itself alone.
So is it with the spiritual life. The chosen of God were separated in the eternal decree; they were separated by God in the day of redemption; and they are separated by the possession of a life that others do not have.
And it is impossible for them to feel at home with the world or to delight in its pleasures. There is also the idea of sacredness.
The locked spring is preserved for the use of some special person: And such is the Christian's heart. It is a spring kept for Jesus.
Every Christian should feel that he has God's seal upon him--and he should be able to say with Paul, "From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus."1
Another idea is prominent--it is that of security. How sure and safe is the inner life of the believer! If all the powers of earth and hell could combine against it, that immortal principle must still exist, for He who gave it pledged His life for its preservation. And who or what can harm you when God is your protector?
Family Bible reading plan
verse 1 1 Chronicles 11, 12
verse 2 Hebrews 13
Everyone a Child Should Know
Written By Clare Heath- Whyte Illustrated By: Jenny Brake
It’s never too early to introduce the next generation to some of the heroes of faith. In this book, children will meet 52 Christian men and women (one for each week of the year) from all walks of life who wanted to live for their friend Jesus. There are missionaries, martyrs and writers such as Brother Andrew, William Tyndale and C.S. Lewis. There are reformers, politicians and artists such as Martin Luther, William Wilberforce and Rembrandt. The stories or these men and women are exciting and inspiring and will show children that any of Jesus’ friends can do remarkable things for Him - even them!
Click here to learn more about Truth For Life
From Morning & Evening revised and edited by Alistair Begg copyright © 2003. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.org.
