August 3, Evening

C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling

"But as He went." — Luke 8:42 · KJV

Jesus is passing through the crowd to the house of Jairus, to raise the ruler's dead daughter; yet He is so lavish in goodness that He works another miracle along the way. While this rod of Aaron still bears the blossom of one unaccomplished wonder, it already yields the ripe almonds of a finished work of mercy. For us it is enough, if we have one purpose, to go straight and accomplish it; it would be unwise to spend our energies by the way. Hurrying to rescue a drowning friend, we cannot afford to exhaust our strength on another in like danger; it is enough for a tree to yield one kind of fruit, and for a man to fulfill his own calling. But our Master knows no limit of power or boundary of mission. He is so full of grace that, like the sun which shines as it rolls along its orbit, His path is radiant with lovingkindness. He is a swift arrow of love, which not only reaches its appointed target but perfumes the air through which it flies. Virtue is always going out of Jesus, as sweet odors breathe from flowers, and as water flows from a sparkling fountain. What delightful encouragement this gives us! If our Lord is so ready to heal the sick and bless the needy, then, my soul, be not slow to put yourself in His way, that He may smile on you; be not slack in asking, if He is so abundant in giving. Give earnest heed to His word, now and always, that Jesus may speak through it to your heart; where He is to be found, there resort, that you may obtain His blessing. When He is present to heal, may He not heal you? Surely He is present even now, for He always comes to hearts that need Him — and do you not need Him? Ah, He knows how much! You Son of David, turn Your eye upon the distress now before You, and make Your suppliant whole.