Morning, January 23, edited from Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening

“I have exalted one chosen from the people.” — Psalm 89:19

Why was Christ chosen out of the people? Speak, my heart, for thoughts from the heart are best. Was it not so he might be able to be our brother, in the blessed tie of related blood? Oh, what bond there is between Christ and the believer! The believer can say, “I have a Brother in heaven; I may be poor, but I have a Brother who is rich, and is a King, and will he allow me to suffer want while he is on his throne? Oh, no! He loves me; he is my Brother.” Believer, wear this blessed thought, like a necklace of diamonds, around the neck of your memory; put it, as a golden ring, on the finger of recollection, and use it as the King’s own seal, stamping the requests of your faith with confidence of success. He is a brother born for adversity, treat him as such.

Christ was also chosen out of the people that he might know our wants and sympathize with us. “He was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin.” In all our sorrows we have his sympathy. Temptation, pain, disappointment, weakness, weariness, poverty–he knows them all, for he has felt all. Remember this, Christian, and let it comfort you. However difficult and painful your road, it is marked by the footsteps of your Savior; and even when you reach the dark valley of the shadow of death, and the deep waters of the swelling Jordan, you will find his footprints there. In all places whereever we go, he has been our forerunner; each burden we have to carry, has once been laid on the shoulders of Immanuel.

“His way was much rougher and darker than mine

Did Christ, my Lord, suffer, and shall I repine? [express discontent]”

Take courage! Royal feet have left a blood-red track upon the road, and consecrated the thorny path forever.