Spurgeon Morning and Evening January 27 PM

Biblical Context

Luke, the esteemed author of the Gospel bearing his name, was a Gentile physician, likely a trusted companion of the Apostle Paul. His Gospel stands out for its meticulous research and orderly account, written primarily for a distinguished reader named Theophilus (Luke 1:3-4).

Luke’s narrative is rich in historical detail and often highlights themes of inclusivity, featuring detailed accounts of Jesus’ birth and early life, and emphasizing the roles of women, the poor, and Gentiles.

His compassion and eye for human emotion are profoundly evident in passages such as Luke 2:19, where he offers a tender glimpse into Mary’s inner life, portraying her as a thoughtful and reflective woman.

Key Word Study

The word “pondered” in Luke 2:19 comes from the Greek word *symballō* (συμβάλλω). It literally means “to throw together,” “to bring together,” or “to compare.”

In this context, it signifies an active, deep mental process of considering, comparing, and assessing the significance of events and words. It suggests that Mary was not merely receiving information passively but was actively processing, deliberating, and seeking to understand the profound implications of all that had transpired and been spoken concerning her Son.

This act of weighing and comparing aligns perfectly with Spurgeon’s interpretation of “ponder” meaning “to weigh,” indicating a profound intellectual and spiritual engagement.

Mary’s Threefold Engagement

Spurgeon highlights Mary’s profound spiritual exercise.

This blessed woman engaged three vital powers of her being.

First, her memory: “she kept all these things.”

Second, her affections: “she kept them in her heart.”

Third, her intellect: “she pondered them.”

Thus, memory, affection, and understanding were all exercised.

All these faculties were engaged about the precious things which she had heard concerning her Lord.

A Call to Remember Christ

Beloved, we are called to emulate Mary’s devotion.

Remember what you have heard of your Lord Jesus.

Recall what He has done for you personally.

Make your heart the golden pot of manna.

Preserve the memorial of the heavenly bread.

This is the bread whereon you have fed in days gone by.

Let your memory treasure up everything about Christ.

This includes everything you have either felt, or known, or believed.

Loving the Person of Your Lord

Then, let your fond affections hold Him fast for evermore.

Love the person of your Lord!

Bring forth the alabaster box of your heart.

Even though it may be broken, do not hesitate.

Let all the precious ointment of your affection come streaming.

Let it pour lavishly on His pierced feet.

Engaging Your Intellect with Jesus

Let your intellect be exercised concerning the Lord Jesus.

Meditate deeply upon what you read in His Word.

Stop not at the surface-level understanding.

Dive into the spiritual depths of truth.

Be not as the swallow which merely toucheth the brook with her wing.

Instead, be as the fish which penetrates the lowest wave.

Seek profound understanding.

Constrain Him to Abide

Abide with your Lord, letting Him dwell within you.

Let Him not be to you as a wayfaring man.

A wayfarer only tarrieth for a night, then departs.

But constrain Him, earnestly pleading, “Abide with us, for the day is far spent” (Luke 24:29).

Hold Him fast.

Do not let Him go from your heart or your life.

Pondering: The Impossibility of Weighing God

The word “ponder” truly means to weigh.

Make ready the balances of judgment in your mind.

Oh, but where are the scales that can possibly weigh the Lord Christ?

“He taketh up the isles as a very little thing:” (Isaiah 40:15).

Who then shall take Him up to weigh Him?

“He weigheth the mountains in scales” (Isaiah 40:12).

In what scales then shall we attempt to weigh Him, the Creator of all?

Embracing Christ Beyond Comprehension

Be it so, if your understanding cannot fully comprehend His immensity.

Then, let your affections apprehend Him fully.

If your spirit cannot encompass the Lord Jesus in the grasp of mere understanding.

Let it lovingly embrace Him in the powerful arms of affection.