A Portion for Each Day
The sermon emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's daily provision and being content with what He gives us, rather than craving more.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the significance of receiving a daily portion from God, as illustrated by Jehoiachin's experience of dining regularly in the presence of the king of Babylon. He explains that just as Jehoiachin was provided with daily sustenance, believers are granted daily grace and strength, which is all they truly need. Spurgeon encourages Christians to trust in God's provision for each day, rather than worrying about future needs, and to find contentment in the sufficiency of God's daily allowance. He highlights that this daily provision is a gracious gift from the King, meant to foster gratitude and reliance on God. Ultimately, Spurgeon reassures believers that they can find renewed grace and strength through prayer, meditation, and waiting upon God.
Text
"Jehoiachin changed his prison clothes--and he dined regularly in the presence of the king of Babylon for the rest of his life. As for his allowance, a regular allowance was given to him by the king, a portion for each day, for the rest of his life." 2 Kings 25:29-30
Jehoiachin was not sent away from the king's palace with a 'supply' to last him for months--but his provision was given him as a daily pension. Herein he well pictures the happy position of all the Lord's people. A daily portion is all that a man really needs. We do not need tomorrow's portion; for that day has not yet dawned, and its needs are as yet unborn. The thirst which we may suffer in the month of June--does not need to be quenched in February, for we do not feel it yet. If we have enough for each day as the days arrive--we shall never know want. Sufficient for the day--is all that we can enjoy.
We cannot eat or wear more than the day's supply of food and clothing. Any surplus gives us the care of storing it, and the anxiety of watching against a thief. One staff aids a traveler--but a bundle of staffs is a heavy burden. Enough is not only as good as a feast--but is all that the greatest glutton can truly enjoy. Enough is all that we should expect--a craving for more than this, is ungrateful. When our Father does not give us more--we should be content with His daily allowance.
Jehoiachin's case is ours--we have . . .
a sure portion;
a portion given to us by the King;
a gracious portion;
and a perpetual portion.
Here is surely ground for thankfulness.
Beloved Christian reader, in matters of grace--you need a daily supply. You have no store of grace. Day by day must you seek help from above. It is a very sweet assurance--that a daily portion is provided for you. In the Word, by meditation, in prayer, and waiting upon God--you shall receive renewed grace and strength. In Jesus, all needful things are laid up for you. Never go hungry--while the daily bread of grace is on the table of mercy! Enjoy your continual allowance!
"Give us each day--our daily bread." Luke 11:3
"As your days--so shall your strength be." Deuteronomy 33:25
Sermon Outline
- I. Jehoiachin's Provision
- A. A daily allowance from the king
- B. A regular supply for each day
- II. The Sufficiency of Daily Provision
- A. We only need what we have for the day
- B. Surplus brings care and anxiety
- III. Contentment with God's Provision
- A. Enough is as good as a feast
- B. Craving for more is ungrateful
- IV. The Christian's Daily Supply
- A. A sure portion from God
- B. A portion given by the King
- C. A gracious portion
- D. A perpetual portion
Key Quotes
“A daily portion is all that a man really needs.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Sufficient for the day--is all that we can enjoy.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Enough is not only as good as a feast--but is all that the greatest glutton can truly enjoy.” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- We should be content with God's daily provision and not crave more.
- We need to seek God's daily supply of grace and strength through prayer, meditation, and waiting upon Him.
- Being grateful for what we have is essential to living a life of faith and contentment.