June 20, Evening
C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling
"Straightway they forsook their nets, and followed Him." — Mark 1:18 · KJV
When they heard the call of Jesus, Simon and Andrew obeyed at once, without hesitation. If we would always, promptly and with resolute zeal, put into practice what we hear, on the spot or at the first fit occasion, our attendance on the means of grace and our reading of good books could not fail to enrich us spiritually. He will not lose his loaf who has taken care to eat it at once, and no one can be robbed of the benefit of a doctrine he has already acted upon. Most readers and hearers are moved as far as resolving to improve; but alas, the resolve is a blossom that never sets, and so no fruit comes of it. They wait, they waver, and then they forget, until, like ponds on frosty nights when the sun shines by day, they are only thawed in time to freeze again. That fatal tomorrow is blood-red with the murder of fair resolutions; it is the slaughterhouse of the innocents. We are deeply concerned that this little book of evening readings should not be fruitless, and therefore we pray that readers may be not readers only, but doers, of the word. The practice of truth is the most profitable reading of it. Should the reader be impressed with any duty while going through these pages, let him hurry to fulfill it before the holy glow has departed from his soul, and let him leave his nets and all that he has rather than be found rebellious to the Master's call. Do not give place to the devil by delay! Make haste while opportunity and quickening are in happy conjunction. Do not be caught in your own nets, but break the meshes of worldliness and away, where glory calls you. Happy is the writer who meets with readers resolved to carry out his teachings; his harvest shall be a hundredfold, and his Master shall have great honor. Would to God that such might be our reward from these brief meditations and hurried hints. Grant it, O Lord, to Your servant!