2 Samuel 5:23-25 And when David inquired of the LORD, he said, You shall not go up; but fetch a compass behind them… I. THAT THE CAUSE OF GOD HATH NOT MADE UNOPPOSED PROGRESS IN THE WORLD. Here we have a pattern and parable of the conflict. The powers of darkness may change their name and front, but their antipathy remains undiminished to this hour. The Christian, like the Hebrew Church, is militant in its character, needs ever to be on the alert, and fully equipped to repulse attacks made upon the city of God, and make aggressions upon the city of Satan. The Philistines are upon us. II. THAT GOD ALWAYS HAS MORE FORCES ON HIS SIDE AND AT HIS COMMAND THAN APPEAR VISIBLE TO HUMAN SIGHT. The flowing tide of Divine energy is with the Church of God, and "if God be for us who can be against?" III. THAT GOD EXPECTS THE CO-OPERATION OF HUMAN AGENCY WITH HIS UNSEEN FORCES IN THE VICTORIES AND PROGRESS OF HIS KINGDOM. Those who are in close and conscious touch with God will hear sounds unheard by the ears of the world, and will feel that more is with them than all who can be against them. Conclusion: 1. Enlist under the banner of the cross. 2. Equip for the battle of the Lord. 3. Look for the signal to advance. 4. March in the strength of God. 5. Continue to the end. then the palm of victory and the fadeless crown. (F. W. Brown.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when David inquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees. |
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