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Morning and Evening

October 26, Evening

C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling

"All the rivers run into the sea; yet the sea is not full; unto the place from whence the rivers come, thither they return again." — Ecclesiastes 1:7 · KJV

Everything under the moon is on the move; time knows nothing of rest. The solid earth is a rolling ball, and the great sun himself a star obediently keeping his course around some greater light. Tides move the sea, winds stir the airy ocean, friction wears the rock: change and death rule everywhere. The sea is no miser's storehouse for a wealth of waters, for as one force brings the waters into it, another lifts them out again. Men are born but to die; everything is hurry, worry, and vexation of spirit. Friend of the unchanging Jesus, what a joy to reflect on your changeless heritage — your sea of bliss, which will be for ever full, since God Himself shall pour eternal rivers of pleasure into it! We seek an abiding city beyond the skies, and we shall not be disappointed. The passage before us may well teach us gratitude. Father Ocean is a great receiver, but a generous distributor; what the rivers bring him, he returns to the earth in the form of clouds and rain. That man is out of joint with the universe who takes all but makes no return. To give to others is but sowing seed for ourselves. He who is so good a steward as to be willing to use his substance for his Lord shall be entrusted with more. Friend of Jesus, are you rendering to Him according to the benefit received? Much has been given you; what is your fruit? Have you done all? Can you not do more? To be selfish is to be wicked. Suppose the ocean gave up none of its watery treasure — it would bring ruin on our race. God forbid that any of us should follow the ungenerous and destructive policy of living unto ourselves. Jesus pleased not Himself; all fullness dwells in Him, yet of His fullness have we all received. Oh, for the spirit of Jesus, that from now on we may live not unto ourselves!