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. We are to view the Christian leaving THE WORLD BEHIND HIM. We do not mean by this that he is to go out of the world. He may remain in it, and perform with diligence all the duties of his station, but he must give up the spirit, the tastes, the habits of the world; he must use the world without abusing it, and "count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus his Lord." II. We are to view the Christian with THE CROSS ON HIS BACK. It may appear unwise to lay a cross upon a man that is journeying, because it is apparently burthensome; but there is this difference between a temporal journey and the spiritual one: the cross does not enfeeble, it only makes us sensible of the weakness that exists. Indeed, in this journey it is generally found that he whose cross is the heaviest makes the greatest progress. With the cross on his back the Christian is less liable to wander. It keeps him steady in the right way. It is true that "no chastening for the present is joyous, but grievous; nevertheless, afterwards it yieldeth the peaceable fruits of righteousness to them which are exercised thereby." The cross which the Christian carries is not selected by himself, but it is appointed by God. Sometimes it is outward affliction; sometimes inward temptations, as is best suited to the character and circumstances of the individual. III. The Christian journeys with THE BIBLE IN HIS HAND. When a man sets out on a journey, he procures a book or map of the road, and directs his course accordingly. It is not enough that he intends or desires to go right, he must be regulated by his guide. If you were travelling through a strange country, and you knew not the various turnings and windings of the road, how anxiously would you look to your map, to see if you were right; particularly if there were certain marks by which you might know whether you were in the appointed track. The maxims of the world may deceive you; the reasonings of your own mind may perplex you; even the experience of professed Christians, being unscriptural or unsuitable, may mislead you; but "the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple." IV. In the spiritual journey the Christian has CHRIST AT HIS SIDE. Throughout the way, all the strength that is received is from His fulness. "For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fulness dwell." Christ continually sustains the believer's soul. There are times with the most eminent Christian when the brightness is dimmed and dangers are multiplied; "when the soul is much discouraged because of the way." In such seasons nothing but a view of Christ can cheer the soul. None ever travelled this road without feeling a humbling sense of his own weakness in the spiritual conflict. He has at times fallen, but a look at Christ, even if fallen, while it humbles, encourages. V. THE CHRISTIAN PILGRIM KEEPS HEAVEN IN HIS VIEW. Both the pains and the pleasures of the way stir up his heart to think of it, He hastens on, regardless of the accommodations by the way, so that he may but reach his home at last. With him the idea is not that of mere release from suffering, but of being brought to the permanent enjoyment of that Saviour with whom he has walked by faith. On this his mind is bent, nor will he be fully satisfied till that blessed time arrive. Application: 1. To you who are going quite another road. What do you expect at the end of it? You hope to be saved at last. On what are your expectations founded? 2. I would invite the young to commence this journey. It is true that the world has its pleasures, and they are placed before you in an alluring point of view; but they are deceitful. Religion has its pleasures, and they are solid and durable. 3. A word of encouragement to those who are on the road. Be grateful that while so many are travelling on in the broad road, you have, through grace, been brought to walk in this heavenly path. Gird up the loins of your mind — take up your cross cheerfully and follow Christ. (J. G. Breay, B. A.) 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. |
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