Numbers 14:24 But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and has followed me fully… I. THAT THE HONEST SERVANTS OF JESUS CHRIST MUST DISTINGUISH THEMSELVES FROM OTHERS BY FOLLOWING THE LORD FULLY. 1. What it is to follow the Lord fully. (1) It is to follow the Lord only as our great Guide and Leader (Hebrews 12:2). (2) To follow the Lord fully is to follow Him universally (Psalm 119:6). (3) To follow the Lord fully is to follow Him uprightly. A hypocrite does but walk in a vain show. His feet only, not his heart, do follow the Lord. (4) Finally, it is to follow the Lord resolutely, as Ruth did Naomi, in opposition to all discouragements and impediments in the way. There is the river of evil example of the world, but they must strive against the stream; there are corrupt strong lusts of the heart, but they must cut off right hands and pluck out right eyes; and there is the cross that will be laid on their backs, which they must go through with. They must not be as those who go to sea for pleasure, but like hardy mariners who ride out the storm. 2. We now proceed to give the reasons of the point. (1) Because the change made in regeneration is a real change though not perfect. Believers are God's "workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works." The new creature, from the time of its birth, is perfect in its parts though not in degrees. (2) In closing with Christ there is an universal resignation. They give themselves up wholly to the Lord. (3) The fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, and righteousness, and truth (Ephesians 5:9). When there is not something of all goodness, there the Spirit dwelleth not. II. THAT THEY WHO WOULD FOLLOW THE LORD FULLY MUST HAVE ANOTHER SPIRIT, ANOTHER THAN THE SPIRIT OF THE WORLD, ANOTHER THAN THEIR OWN SPIRIT NATURALLY IS. 1. A noble elevated spirit, aiming at high things, and is not satisfied with these with which the common herd of mankind are satisfied. Thus Caleb aimed at Canaan (Numbers 13:30), while the rest were for Egypt again (Numbers 14:4). Such another spirit have the saints (Philippians 3:14). 2. A spirit of faith (2 Corinthians 4:13). 3. A spirit of holy courage and resolution (Numbers 14:9). III. THAT THOSE WHO, BY FOLLOWING THE LORD FULLY IN THE TIME OF GENERAL DECLINING, DISTINGUISH THEMSELVES, GOD WILL DISTINGUISH THEM FROM OTHERS BY SPECIAL MARKS OF FAVOUR IN THE TIME OF GENERAL CALAMITY. We are then — 1. To show how those must distinguish themselves from others in the time of general declining, who would have the Lord to distinguish them from others in time of general calamity. Here we observe — (1) That they must be best when others are worst (Genesis 6:9). (2) That they must cleave to God, especially in that article in which others are leaving Him, as in Caleb's case: they must be careful that they be not led away with the sins of the time, that they do not enter into the general conspiracy of the generation against the Lord and His way, whether it be against truth or holiness. (3) That they must witness against every declining, according to their stations, and as they have access, for the exoneration of their own consciences and the honour of God. (4) That they must be mourners over the sins of others, lamenting them before the Lord; sighing for all the abominations which are done in the midst of the land (Ezekiel 9:4). Let us now — 2. Point out the marks of favour by which, in times of general calamity, God useth to distinguish such. There is — (1) Liberal furniture for duty, in a large communication of the Spirit, when the Spirit is withdrawn from others (Matthew 10:19). (2) Intimation of His special love to their souls. Thus had Caleb in the text, the saints of God have often golden days in the dregs of time upon this account. (T. Boston, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: But my servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him, and hath followed me fully, him will I bring into the land whereinto he went; and his seed shall possess it. |
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