Numbers 10:29-32 And Moses said to Hobab, the son of Raguel the Midianite, Moses' father in law, We are journeying to the place of which the LORD said… I. Direct your meditations to THE REPRESENTATION GIVEN IN THE TEXT OF ALL THE TRUE ISRAEL OF GOD; they are journeying to the place of which God has spoken. 1. Consider their setting out in the journey, and how this is begun. 2. Journeying to the goodly land of promise implies perseverance and progress in the Divine life. 3. That our journeying to Zion implies difficulties encountered, resisted and overcome. These may be expected, and will be experienced. II. We proceed now to some illustration of THE ANIMATING MOTIVE WHICH ENCOURAGES HEAVENLY TRAVELLERS TO HOLD ON THEIR WAY, which motive is contained in the last part of the text, "For the Lord hath spoken good concerning Israel." The Father of mercies has made with us an everlasting covenant, well-ordered in all things, and sure. The Saviour of mankind has purchased for us a kingdom which fadeth not away. The Holy Spirit is our Sanctifier and our Comforter, and graciously undertakes to prepare us for the business and the bliss of heaven. Neither the legions, nor all the powers of hell, can prevent us from inheriting with the saints in light. The time, manner, and all the circumstances of our death, are arranged by unerring wisdom, and by infinite love. Again, all the promises recorded in the sacred volume, pertaining to the life which now is, and to immortal happiness beyond the grave, are yea and amen in Christ, and are ours through Him. All the threatenings recorded in the same Scriptures are transferred to our glorious Surety, and cancelled as to us. The God of glory is our perpetual defence; the Lamb in the midst of the throne our perpetual Friend; angels our kindred, and heaven our home. III. THE AFFECTIONATE AND SALUTARY COUNSEL WHICH TRAVELLERS TO ZION ADDRESS TO OTHERS: "Come with us, and we will do thee good." 1. This implies a sincere concern for the salvation of our kindred and companions. 2. This affectionate address implies also a full conviction, that it never can be well with those who have not their portion with God's children, who worship Him not in spirit, and who rejoice not in Christ Jesus. 3. Again, this language intimates the full persuasion that there is room for the most ignorant, estranged, and hopeless of their kindred, companions, and relatives. (A. Bonar.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Moses said unto Hobab, the son of Raguel the Midianite, Moses' father in law, We are journeying unto the place of which the LORD said, I will give it you: come thou with us, and we will do thee good: for the LORD hath spoken good concerning Israel. |