March 2, Morning

C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling

"But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every man his share, and his coulter, and his ax, and his mattock." — 1 Samuel 13:20 · KJV

We are engaged in a great war with the Philistines of evil, and every weapon within our reach must be used. Preaching, teaching, praying, giving — all must be brought into action, and talents once thought too mean for service must now be employed. Coulter and axe and mattock may all be useful in slaying Philistines; rough tools may deal hard blows, and the killing need not be done elegantly, so long as it is done effectually. Every moment of time, in season or out of season; every fragment of ability, trained or untrained; every opportunity, favorable or unfavorable, must be used, for our foes are many and our force but slender. Most of our tools need sharpening; we need quickness of perception, tact, energy, promptness — in a word, complete fitness for the Lord's work. Practical common sense is a very scarce thing among the leaders of Christian enterprises. We might learn from our enemies if we would, and so make even our opponents sharpen our weapons. This morning let us note enough to sharpen our zeal for the day, by the aid of the Holy Spirit. See how zealously the propagators of error compass sea and land to make a single convert — are they to have a monopoly on earnestness? Mark the devotees of false religions, what tortures they endure in the service of their idols — are they alone to display patience and self-sacrifice? Observe the prince of darkness, how persevering in his efforts, how unabashed in his attempts, how daring in his plans, how thoughtful in his plots, how energetic in all! The evil powers are united as one man in their infamous rebellion, while we believers in Jesus are divided in our service of God, and scarcely ever work with one mind. Oh, that from Satan's tireless industry we might learn to go about like good Samaritans, seeking whom we may bless!