J.C. Ryle: Splendid Example of Spiritual Diligence (Advent 2011)

A Splendid Example of Spiritual Diligence

The conduct of the wise men is a splendid example of spiritual diligence. What trouble it must have cost them to travel from their homes to the place where Jesus was born! How many weary miles they must have journeyed! The fatigues of an Eastern traveler are far greater than we today can at all understand. The time that such a journey would occupy must necessarily have been very great. The dangers to be encountered were neither few nor small. But none of these things moved them. They had set their hearts on seeing Him ‘who was born King of the Jews’ and they never rested until they saw Him. They prove to us the truth of the old saying, ‘Where there is a will there is a way.’

It would be well for all professing Christians if they were more ready to follow the wise men’s example. Where is our self-denial? What pains do we take about our souls? What diligence do we show about following Christ? What does our religion cost us? These are serious questions. They deserve serious consideration.

~ J.C. Ryle