Exodus 14:15 And the LORD said to Moses, Why cry you to me? speak to the children of Israel, that they go forward: I. THE SITUATION OF THE ISRAELITES. It is no uncommon thing for many past mercies to be lost in one present perplexity. II. THE CONDUCT OF MOSES. We see here — 1. Piety. 2. Meekness. 3. Faith. III. THE INTERPOSITION OF JEHOVAH. It was most seasonable and beneficial. Conclusion: It is plain that such an admonition as this in the text, must not be indiscriminately urged. It belongs to Christians. To as many as are of this character, we affectionately say, Go forward. More particularly. 1. You are engaged in a high spiritual pursuit. Your object now is, the acquisition of scriptural knowledge; not the knowledge of froth and folly; the cherishing and improving of religious impressions; not to stifle and strive against them. Your object is to vanquish sin in all its various forms, to make progress in the way of holiness; not to sit down at the entrance of the way. Your object is to increase in spiritual consolation. Much of this is yet to be enjoyed. 2. In this pursuit you must expect difficulties. And be not surprised if you meet with them at the very entrance of your religious course. 3. Notwithstanding difficulties, you must "go forward." Backward you cannot go, but at the hazard of life, at the cost of utter destruction. " If any man draw back, My soul," saith the Lord, "shall have no pleasure in him"; and to lie under the displeasure of the Almighty is to be wretched and undone for ever. 4. In your progress there is much to encourage you. What is there? (1) The command of God is evident. (2) The example of others is encouraging. (3) The guidance which God gives is greatly encouraging. (4) The refreshments of the way must encourage you.The gospel is food, affording the best support; the promises are a cordial, administering the richest consolation. Divine ordinances are wisely adapted to the same end. The Lord's Supper is a feast, a feast for refreshment. And what shall we say of heaven at the end of your course? The Israelites had the prospect of Canaan, and it encouraged them: the hope of the promised land helped them through many trials. But yours is a much better hope, a much more animating prospect! (T. Kidd.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the LORD said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:WEB: Yahweh said to Moses, "Why do you cry to me? Speak to the children of Israel, that they go forward. |
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