Morning, July 21, edited from Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening

“She has shaken her head behind you, the daughter of Jerusalem!”– Isaiah 37:22

Reassured by the Word of the Lord, the poor frightened citizens of Zion grew bold, and shook their heads at Sennacherib’s boastful threats. Strong faith enables the servants of God to look with calm contempt upon their most arrogant foes. We know that our enemies are attempting the impossible. They seek to destroy our eternal life, which cannot die while Jesus lives; they seek to overthrow the citadel, against which the gates of hell shall not prevail. Like mules they kick against the prods to their own injury, and rush upon the spikes of Jehovah’s shield to their own hurt.

We know their weakness. What are they but men? And what is man but a worm? They roar and swell like waves of the sea, but their shameful acts end up as foam. When the Lord arises, they shall fly as straw before the wind, and be consumed as dry branches aflame. Their utter powerlessness to do damage to the cause of God and his truth may make the weakest soldiers in Zion’s ranks ridicule and mock them.

Above all, we know that the Most High is with us, and when he prepares himself for battle, where are his enemies? If he comes forth from his place, the broken shards of clay will not contend long with their Maker. His rod of iron shall shatter them into pieces like a potter’s bowl, and their very memory shall perish from the earth. Cast away all fears then; the kingdom is safe in the King’s hands. Let us shout for joy, for the Lord reigns, and his foes shall be as straw for the manure pile.

“As true as God’s own word is true;

Nor earth, nor hell, with all their crew,

Against us shall prevail.

A jest, and by-word, are they grown;

God is with us, we are his own,

Our victory cannot fail.”