"Jehoiachin changed his prison clothes--and he dined regularly in the presence of the king of Babylon for the rest of his life. As for his allowance, a regular allowance was given to him by the king, a portion for each day, for the rest of his life." 2 Kings 25:29-30
Jehoiachin was not sent away from the king's palace with a 'supply' to last him for months, but his provision was given him as a daily pension. Herein he well pictures the happy position of all the Lord's people. A daily portion is all that a man really needs. We do not need tomorrow's portion; for that day has not yet dawned, and its needs are as yet unborn. The thirst which we may suffer in the month of June does not need to be quenched in February, for we do not feel it yet. If we have enough for each day as the days arrive, we shall never know want. Sufficient for the day is all that we can enjoy.
We cannot eat or wear more than the day's supply of food and clothing. Any surplus gives us the care of storing it, and the anxiety of watching against a thief. One staff aids a traveler, but a bundle of staffs is a heavy burden. Enough is not only as good as a feast, but is all that the greatest glutton can truly enjoy. Enough is all that we should expect; a craving for more than this is ungrateful. When our Father does not give us more, we should be content with His daily allowance.
Jehoiachin's case is ours--we have . . .
a sure portion;
a portion given to us by the King;
a gracious portion;
and a perpetual portion.
Here is sure ground for thankfulness.
Beloved Christian, in matters of grace, you need a daily supply. You have no store of grace. Day by day must you seek help from above. It is a very sweet assurance that a daily portion is provided for you. In the Word, by meditation, in prayer, and waiting upon God, you shall receive renewed grace and strength. In Jesus, all needful things are laid up for you. Never go hungry while the daily bread of grace is on the table of mercy! Enjoy your continual allowance!
"Give us each day our daily bread." Luke 11:3
"As your days, so shall your strength be." Deuteronomy 33:25
- C. H. Spurgeon
1 comment:
Amen. We have a gracious God that provides all of our needs to us. Jesus told us that Himself in Matthew:
That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Matthew 6:25-34
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