Morning and Evening Devotional With C.H. Spurgeon 05/08

Morning Devotional for May 8, 2026

Scripture

“He that was healed wist not who it was.” — John 5:13

Spurgeon’s Morning Reading

Years are short to the happy and healthy; but thirty-eight years of disease must have dragged a very weary length along the life of the poor impotent man. When Jesus, therefore, healed him by a word, while he lay at the pool of Bethesda, he was delightfully sensible of a change. Even so the sinner who has for weeks and months been paralyzed with despair, and has wearily sighed for salvation, is very conscious of the change when the Lord Jesus speaks the word of power, and gives joy and peace in believing. The evil removed is too great to be removed without our discerning it; the life imparted is too remarkable to be possessed and remain inoperative; and the change wrought is too marvellous not to be perceived. Yet the poor man was ignorant of the author of his cure; he knew not the sacredness of His person, the offices which he sustained, or the errand which brought Him among men. Much ignorance of Jesus may remain in hearts which yet feel the power of His blood. We must not hastily condemn men for lack of knowledge; but where we can see the faith which saves the soul, we must believe that salvation has been bestowed. The Holy Spirit makes men penitents long before He makes them divines; and he who believes what he knows, shall soon know more clearly what he believes. Ignorance is, however, an evil; for this poor man was much tantalized by the Pharisees, and was quite unable to cope with them. It is good to be able to answer gainsayers; but we cannot do so if we know not the Lord Jesus clearly and with understanding. The cure of his ignorance, however, soon followed the cure of his infirmity, for he was visited by the Lord in the temple; and after that gracious manifestation, he was found testifying that “it was Jesus who had made him whole.” Lord, if Thou hast saved me, show me Thyself, that I may declare Thee to the sons of men.

Morning Reflection

Spurgeon’s account of the healed man at Bethesda reminds us that the Lord Jesus not only restores bodies but opens eyes to see Himself. In the Reformed tradition we rejoice that the same sovereign Savior who spoke life into the impotent man still speaks today through His Word and by His Spirit. The Holy Spirit continues to apply the finished work of Christ, turning ignorance into testimony and despair into joyful confession: “It was Jesus who made me whole.”

Morning Nectared Goad

Beloved, do not remain content with partial sight. The Spirit who healed you will also reveal the Healer. Press on to know the Lord Jesus clearly, that your testimony may be full and your joy complete. He who began the good work will bring it to completion. Soli Deo Gloria! 🛡️

Evening Devotional for May 8, 2026

Scripture

“If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.” — Acts 8:37

Spurgeon’s Evening Reading

These words may answer your scruples, devout reader, concerning the ordinances. Perhaps you say, “I should be afraid to be baptized; it is such a solemn thing to avow myself to be dead with Christ, and buried with him. I should not feel at liberty to come to the Master’s table; I should be afraid of eating and drinking damnation unto myself, not discerning the Lord’s body.” Ah! poor trembler, Jesus has given you liberty, be not afraid. If a stranger came to your house, he would stand at the door, or wait in the hall; he would not dream of intruding unbidden into your parlour—he is not at home: but your child makes himself very free about the house; and so is it with the child of God. A stranger may not intrude where a child may venture. When the Holy Ghost has given you to feel the spirit of adoption, you may come to Christian ordinances without fear. The same rule holds good of the Christian’s inward privileges. You think, poor seeker, that you are not allowed to rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory; if you are permitted to get inside Christ’s door, or sit at the bottom of his table, you will be well content. Ah! but you shall not have less privileges than the very greatest. God makes no difference in his love to his children. A child is a child to him; he will not make him a hired servant; but he shall feast upon the fatted calf, and shall have the music and the dancing as much as if he had never gone astray. When Jesus comes into the heart, he issues a general licence to be glad in the Lord. No chains are worn in the court of King Jesus. Our admission into full privileges may be gradual, but it is sure. Perhaps our reader is saying, “I wish I could enjoy the promises, and walk at liberty in my Lord’s commands.” “If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.” Loose the chains of thy neck, O captive daughter, for Jesus makes thee free.

Evening Reflection

Spurgeon’s tender words to the trembling believer echo the heart of the gospel: the Spirit of adoption removes fear and grants full access to the Father’s house. In our Continuationist conviction, we rejoice that the same Spirit who sealed us at conversion continues to assure us of our standing in Christ. We do not approach the ordinances or the promises as strangers, but as beloved children—free, welcomed, and filled with joy unspeakable.

Evening Nectared Goad

Stop standing at the door. The Father’s house is open. If you believe with all your heart, you may enter in. The Spirit of adoption cries “Abba, Father!” and bids you feast, rejoice, and walk in liberty. Jesus has made you free. 🛡️

Tie-In: From Ignorance Healed to Liberty Enjoyed

From the morning’s testimony—“It was Jesus who made me whole”—to the evening’s invitation—“If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest”—Spurgeon traces the beautiful arc of grace. The same Lord who opens blind eyes to see the Healer also opens the door of the Father’s house to every believing child. Calvin reminds us that true knowledge of God is not cold doctrine but living fellowship. Edwards would add that the affections stirred by the Spirit lead us from healing to holy liberty and joyful obedience.

Today, whether you need the touch that makes you whole or the courage to sit at the King’s table, look to Jesus. The Spirit who applied the gospel to your heart at the beginning continues to apply it every morning and every evening. He is the Great Physician and the gracious Host.

Soli Deo Gloria. The old truths are stirring. The shield is up. 🛡️