Calling on Christ for His Gifts

8 APRIL

And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom, and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD. Isaiah 11:2

SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Proverbs 4:1-13

Christ did not come empty-handed but was well supplied with every gift so that He might enrich us with them, the prophet tells us. He shows that the gifts of the Spirit are laid up in Christ, first, generally; and second, particularly, that we may go to Him to obtain whatever we want.

The Messiah will enlighten us with the light of wisdom and understanding, impart counsel to us in difficulties, make us strong and courageous in battle, and bestow on us the true fear of God, which is godliness. In short, He will communicate to us all that is necessary for our life and salvation. The prophet includes all gifts here; it would be excessively foolish to attempt to conceal those that do not belong to this enumeration.

He shows that these gifts dwell in Christ so they may be communicated to us. We are called His fellows (Ps. 45:7) because strength proceeds from Him as the head to the individual members. In like manner Christ causes His heavenly anointing to flow over the entire body of His church.

Hence it follows that those who are altogether barren and dry have no interest in Christ and falsely glory in His name. So whenever we feel lack any of these gifts, let us blame our unbelief; for true faith makes us partakers of all Christ's benefits. We ought, therefore, to pray to the Lord to prevent the lust of the flesh from ruling in us, that Christ may wholly unite us to Himself. We should also observe that we ought to ask all blessings from Christ alone, for we are mistaken if we imagine that anything can be obtained from the Father any other way.

John Calvin 

FOR MEDITATION: How amazing to think that believers may take part in all of the benefits provided in Christ! And yet our expectations often fall far below what God is willing to give us. Let us storm the throne of grace to obtain these gifts through Christ and to better appreciate the fullness of His promises.

365 Days With Calvin 

Selected and Edited by Joel R. Beeke

The Wonder of His Benefits

23 MARCH

What shall I render unto the LORD for all His benefits toward me? Psalm 116:12

SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Psalm 136

The psalmist now exclaims that the multitude of God's benefits to him is so great that he cannot find adequate language to express His gratitude. His question is emphatic, What shall I render unto the LORD?, indicating that it was not his desire but the means that were inadequate to render thanks to God. Acknowledging this inability, the psalmist uses the only means in his power to extol the grace of God. He seems to say, "I am exceedingly wishful to discharge my duty, but when I look around me, I find nothing that will prove an adequate recompense."

He cannot offer to God sufficient compensation for His benefits, the psalmist says, adding that he felt obligated to do so not just for one series of benefits but for a variety of innumerable benefits. "There is no benefit on account of which God has not made me a debtor to Him; how should I have the means of repaying Him for them?" he seems to ask. Since the means of recompense fails him, the expression of thanksgiving is the only thing he can offer that will be acceptable to God.

David's example teaches us not to treat God's benefits lightly or carelessly, for if we estimate them according to their value, that very thought ought to fill us with admiration. Each one of us has had God's benefits heaped upon us. But our pride, which carries us away into extravagant theories, causes us to forget this very doctrine of God's generosity towards us. Nonetheless, that ought to engage our unremitting attention. Furthermore, God's bounty toward us merits more praise because He expects no recompense from us, nor can receive any, for He stands in need of nothing, and we are poor and destitute in all things.

John Calvin

FOR MEDITATION: It is so easy to think that certain blessings are owed to us, but this is not a proper way to cultivate thankfulness to God. David's perspective is much healthier; his praise flows out of recognizing the wonder of these blessings and their source in God. What impact could this perspective have on your day today?

365 Days With Calvin 

Selected and Edited by Joel R. Beeke