Morning “If thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.” / Exodus 20:25

 God’s altar was to be built of unhewn stones, that no trace of human skill or

labour might be seen upon it. Human wisdom delights to trim and arrange the

doctrines of the cross into a system more artificial and more congenial with

the depraved tastes of fallen nature; instead, however, of improving the

gospel carnal wisdom pollutes it, until it becomes another gospel, and not the

truth of God at all. All alterations and amendments of the Lord’s own Word are

defilements and pollutions. The proud heart of man is very anxious to have a

hand in the justification of the soul before God; preparations for Christ are

dreamed of, humblings and repentings are trusted in, good works are cried up,

natural ability is much vaunted, and by all means the attempt is made to lift

up human tools upon the divine altar. It were well if sinners would remember

that so far from perfecting the Saviour’s work, their carnal confidences only

pollute and dishonour it. The Lord alone must be exalted in the work of

atonement, and not a single mark of man’s chisel or hammer will be endured.

There is an inherent blasphemy in seeking to add to what Christ Jesus in His

dying moments declared to be finished, or to improve that in which the Lord

Jehovah finds perfect satisfaction. Trembling sinner, away with thy tools, and

fall upon thy knees in humble supplication; and accept the Lord Jesus to be

the altar of thine atonement, and rest in him alone.

 

Many professors may take warning from this morning’s text as to the doctrines

which they believe. There is among Christians far too much inclination to

square and reconcile the truths of revelation; this is a form of irreverence

and unbelief, let us strive against it, and receive truth as we find it;

rejoicing that the doctrines of the Word are unhewn stones, and so are all the

more fit to build an altar for the Lord.

 

Evening “As it began to dawn, came Magdalene, to see the sepulchre.” / Matthew 28:1

 Let us learn from Mary Magdalene how to obtain fellowship with the Lord Jesus.

Notice how she sought. She sought the Saviour very early in the morning. If

thou canst wait for Christ, and be patient in the hope of having fellowship

with him at some distant season, thou wilt never have fellowship at all; for

the heart that is fitted for communion is a hungering and a thirsting heart.

She sought him also with very great boldness. Other disciples fled from the

sepulchre, for they trembled and were amazed; but Mary, it is said, “stood” at

the sepulchre. If you would have Christ with you, seek him boldly. Let nothing

hold you back. Defy the world. Press on where others flee. She sought Christ

faithfully–she stood at the sepulchre. Some find it hard to stand by a living

Saviour, but she stood by a dead one. Let us seek Christ after this mode,

cleaving to the very least thing that has to do with him, remaining faithful

though all others should forsake him. Note further, she sought Jesus

earnestly–she stood “weeping”. Those tear-droppings were as spells that led

the Saviour captive, and made him come forth and show himself to her. If you

desire Jesus’ presence, weep after it! If you cannot be happy unless he come

and say to you, “Thou art my beloved,” you will soon hear his voice. Lastly,

she sought the Saviour only. What cared she for angels, she turned herself

back from them; her search was only for her Lord. If Christ be your one and

only love, if your heart has cast out all rivals, you will not long lack the

comfort of his presence. Mary Magdalene sought thus because she loved much.

Let us arouse ourselves to the same intensity of affection; let our heart,

like Mary’s, be full of Christ, and our love, like hers, will be satisfied

with nothing short of himself. O Lord, reveal thyself to us this evening!