Scripture
> They do not jostle one another; each marches in his path; they burst through the weapons and are not halted.
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> — Joel 2:8 (ESV)
Devotional
Locusts always keep their rank, and although their number is legion, they do not crowd upon each other, so as to throw their columns into confusion. This remarkable fact in natural history shows how thoroughly the Lord has infused the spirit of order into his universe, since the smallest animate creatures are as much controlled by it as are the rolling spheres or the seraphic messengers. It would be wise for believers to be ruled by the same influence in all their spiritual life. In their Christian graces no one virtue should usurp the sphere of another, or eat out the vitals of the rest for its own support. Affection must not smother honesty, courage must not elbow weakness out of the field, modesty must not jostle energy, and patience must not slaughter resolution. So also with our duties, one must not interfere with another; public usefulness must not injure private piety; church work must not push family worship into a corner. It is ill to offer God one duty stained with the blood of another. Each thing is beautiful in its season, but not otherwise. It was to the Pharisee that Jesus said, “This ought ye to have done, and not to have left the other undone.” The same rule applies to our personal position, we must take care to know our place, take it, and keep to it. We must minister as the Spirit has given us ability, and not intrude upon our fellow servant’s domain. Our Lord Jesus taught us not to covet the high places, but to be willing to be the least among the brethren. Far from us be an envious, ambitious spirit, let us feel the force of the Master’s command, and do as he bids us, keeping rank with the rest of the host. To-night let us see whether we are keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace, and let our prayer be that, in all the churches of the Lord Jesus, peace and order may prevail.
Reflection
Spurgeon draws a lesson from the ordered march of locusts: in the believer’s life, no virtue should usurp another, and no duty should interfere with another. We must keep our place and keep rank, ministering as the Spirit has given ability without intruding on others. Envy and ambition have no place among those who follow the Master who taught us to be willing to be the least.
What we might miss is that this ordered, peaceful living is a testimony in the churches.
Goad
Are you keeping rank with the rest of the host, or are envy, ambition, or disorder causing you to jostle others or neglect your place? What would it look like today to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace?
Tie-In
The morning encourages those who feel last or least, showing that the hindmost have an important and privileged place in the army of the Lord. The evening calls the whole host to keep rank and order, with no one thrusting another. Both point to a life of humble, ordered service in the body of Christ: whether front or rear, we all follow the same Lord, and we do so without jostling or envy, each in his place.
Closing
Spurgeon’s classic text with AI-assisted reflection and formatting to maintain daily consistency and reach.
If these words have stirred something in your heart today, we invite you to sit with it. Share how God met you in the comments or reach out to us.
As we build out the deeper tables of Milk, Solid Food, and Meat for every stage of the journey, know that you are welcome here.
NewGrapes Ministries
Making disciples, not pew-fillers.
Soli Deo Gloria.