Daily Devotional
Sealed for the Lamb
The people in Nehemiah bind themselves with an oath, not in bare words, but in costly obedience: they will keep the commandments, support the worship of God, and not neglect His house. The bride in the Song is not content to admire from afar; she asks to be drawn, and when the king brings her near, she runs after him. In the Apocalypse, those who belong to the Lamb bear His name openly, refuse the defilements of the world, and follow Him wherever He goes. In all three readings, love is proved by consecration.
The church has never known a love for God that keeps back its goods, its body, or its tongue. To be drawn into the chambers of the King is not to drift into ease, but to be made chaste, obedient, and steadfast. As Methodius says, “The king has brought me into his chambers — that is, Christ the Word has brought the virgin soul into the innermost sanctuary of knowledge, the holy of holies of contemplation.” But this knowledge does not excuse us from plain duties. Nehemiah teaches that devotion reaches the storehouse and the table; Revelation teaches that worship stands under judgment. Cyprian therefore sets before us the angel’s cry: “Fear God rather, and give glory to Him: for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him that made heaven and earth, and…”
So let your forehead and your hands agree. Bear the Father’s name without shame. Keep yourself from the market of Babylon, where souls are sold by compromise. Bring to God what is His, keep faith with His people, and follow the Lamb now, so that you may learn the new song then.
“The king has brought me into his chambers — that is, Christ the Word has brought the virgin soul into the innermost sanctuary of knowledge, the holy of holies of contemplation.”
— Methodius
“And in the Apocalypse, moreover: And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach over the earth, and over all nations, and tribes, and tongues, and peoples, saying with a loud voice, Fear God rather, and give glory to Him: for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him that made heaven and earth, and…”
— Cyprian, Treatises
For Reflection & Discussion
What offering, debt, or practical support for the worship of God and the care of His people have you been withholding, and when will you set it in order this week?
What compromise with impurity, false gain, or careless speech must you renounce today if you are to follow the Lamb wherever He goes?
At what fixed times over the next seven days will you pray, and what act of repentance or mercy will you join to those prayers so that your confession is proved by obedience?
Start the One-Year Plan Today — Completely Free
Read or listen through the whole Bible in 365 days with audio that highlights every word, a progress calendar, streaks, friends — and a devotional like this one at the end of every day.