September 10, Morning

C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling

"And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him." — Mark 3:13 · KJV

Here was sovereignty. Impatient spirits may fret and fume that they are not called to the highest places in the ministry; but, reader, be it yours to rejoice that Jesus calls whom He will. If He should leave me to be a doorkeeper in His house, I will cheerfully bless Him for the grace that lets me do anything in His service. The call of Christ's servants comes from above. Jesus stands on the mountain, evermore above the world in holiness, earnestness, love, and power; and those whom He calls must go up the mountain to Him, seeking to rise to His level by living in constant communion with Him. They may not attain classical honors or scholarly eminence, but, like Moses, they must go up into the mount of God and have familiar dealings with the unseen God, or they will never be fit to proclaim the gospel of peace. Jesus went apart to hold high fellowship with the Father, and we must enter the same divine companionship if we would bless our fellow men. No wonder the apostles were clothed with power when they came down fresh from the mountain where Jesus was. This morning we too must try to climb the mount of communion, that there we may be ordained to the life's work for which we are set apart. Let us not see the face of man today until we have seen Jesus; time spent with Him is invested at blessed interest. We too shall cast out devils and work wonders if we go down into the world girded with the divine energy that Christ alone can give. It is no use going to the Lord's battle until we are armed with heavenly weapons. We must see Jesus — this is essential. At the mercy seat we will linger until He manifests Himself to us as He does not to the world, and until we can truthfully say, "We were with Him in the holy mount."