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Morning and Evening

June 6, Evening

C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling

"Are they Israelites? so am I." — 2 Corinthians 11:22 · KJV

Here is a personal claim, and one that needs proof. The apostle knew his claim was beyond dispute, but many people who have no right to the title still claim to belong to the Israel of God. If we confidently declare, "So am I also an Israelite," let us say it only after searching our heart as in the presence of God. But if we can give proof that we are following Jesus—if we can say from the heart that we trust Him wholly, trust Him only, trust Him simply, trust Him now, and trust Him forever—then the position God's saints hold belongs to us, and all their enjoyments are our possessions. We may be the very least in Israel, "less than the least of all saints," yet since the mercies of God belong to saints as saints, not as advanced saints or well-taught saints, we may enter our plea and say, "Are they Israelites? So am I; therefore the promises are mine, grace is mine, glory will be mine." The claim, rightly made, yields untold comfort. When God's people rejoice that they are His, what happiness to be able to say, "So am I!" When they speak of being pardoned, justified, and accepted in the Beloved, how joyful to respond, "Through the grace of God, so am I." But this claim carries not only enjoyments and privileges; it also has its conditions and duties. We must share with God's people in cloud as well as in sunshine. When we hear them treated with contempt and ridicule for being Christians, we must step boldly forward and say, "So am I." When we see them working for Christ, giving their time, their talent, their whole heart to Jesus, we must be able to say, "So do I." Let us prove our gratitude by our devotion, and live as those who, having claimed a privilege, are willing to shoulder the responsibility that comes with it.