What do you use for Devotionals?
365 days with Calvin—A unique collection of 365 readings from the writings of John Calvin, selected and edited by Joel R Beeke
John Calvin exercised a profound ministry in Europe, and is probably one of the most seminal thinkers ever to have lived. A godly pastor, theologian and preacher, he led his flock by example and worked hard to establish consistent godliness in his city. A prolific writer, his sermons, letters, and, of course, his ‘Christian Institutes’ have been published again and again. His writings—once described as ‘flowing prose’—are characterized by clarity, simplicity, and yet profoundness, too. In these heart-warming pieces, drawn from his commentaries and sermons, Calvin brings us to Christ, the glorious Savior of all his people.
Endorsements
Daily devotionals—spiritual aids to help us be accountable for a life of disciplined reading of Scripture and prayer—have been around for centuries and need a certain caliber of excellence and insight if they are to prove of lasting value through 365 days! Of those I’d like to spend a year with as my spiritual guide and mentor, John Calvin is most certainly one of them. Joel Beeke guides us through the Reformer’s writings to help us discover the help and insight that every Christian needs to live a God-honoring life for Jesus Christ.
—Derek W. H. Thomas, John E. Richards Professor of Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Minister of Teaching, First Presbyterian Church, Jackson, MS, Editorial Director, Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals
Sample:
The Covenant Divide
And the Lord said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger. Genesis 25:23
Suggested further reading: Deuteronomy 2:1–8
God says that the contention between the twin brothers in Rebekah’s womb implies something far greater than itself; it means that there will be discord between the brothers and their posterity. The expression “there are two nations” is emphatic. Since Jacob and Esau were twins, and therefore of one blood, their mother did not suppose that they would become so separated that they would become heads of two, distinct nations. Yet God declares that dissension will take place between these brothers who were by nature joined together.
Second, he describes what will happen to their progeny. One nation will have victory over the other because they cannot be equal. The cause of the contest between them is because one is chosen by God and the other rejected. The reprobate gives way reluctantly to the godly, so it necessarily follows that the children of God must undergo many troubles and contests because of their adoption.
Third, the Lord affirms that the order of nature will be inverted. The younger son will be victor over the elder. This victory does not simply refer to earthly riches and wealth. Rather, this oracle teaches Isaac and Rebekah that the covenant of salvation will not be made with both brothers and their people but will be reserved only for the posterity of Jacob. In the beginning, the covenant promise is general and refers to all the seed of Abraham. Now it is restricted to one part of that seed.
For Meditation: The gospel of Jesus Christ still divides brothers. Sadly, this division often perpetuates itself through the generations, creating separate nations—holy and unholy. What a responsibility this gives us to present the gospel to succeeding generations of both nations! How can we fulfill this responsibility more?
