Exodus 5:22-23 And Moses returned to the LORD, and said, LORD, why have you so evil entreated this people? why is it that you have sent me?… I. THAT CHRISTIAN WORKERS HAVE FREQUENTLY TO CONTEND WITH THE OBSTINACY AND RIDICULE OF MEN IN HIGH POSITIONS. We imagine that ridicule is almost the severest trial the Christian worker has to endure. Thus we see that it is not the Divine plan to shield men from the ridicule and insult incurred by their effort of moral service, but rather to give grace that they may endure as serving Him who is invisible. II. THAT CHRISTIAN WORKERS HAVE FREQUENTLY TO CONTEND WITH THE DISCOURAGEMENT OF A FIRST DEFEAT, AND APPARENT FAILURE. Never be disheartened by apparent failure, it may be but the shutting of a door, which will open wide upon your next approach. III. THAT CHRISTIAN WORKERS HAVE FREQUENTLY TO CONTEND WITH THE MISAPPREHENSION OF THOSE WHOM THEY SEEK TO BENEFIT. IV. THAT CHRISTIAN WORKERS HAVE FREQUENTLY TO CONTEND WITH THEIR OWN MISCONCEPTION OF THE DIVINE METHOD OF WORKING, AND THEIR INABILITY TO RIGHTLY INTERPRET THE MEANING OF EVENTS IN RELATION THERETO. Lessons: 1. Not to be discouraged by apparent failures in Christian service. 2. Not to yield to the scorn of the mighty in our attempt to improve the moral condition of men. 3. To interpret the reproach of the slave in the light of his augmented slavery, and not to be dismayed by it. 4. To prayerfully study daily events so as to find God's purposes of freedom developing themselves therein. (J. S. Exell, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me? |
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