Numbers 15:41 I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the LORD your God. Can anything be more blessed to God's people than the assurance of the everlasting relationship existing between Himself and them? This everlasting relationship is a hiding-place, refuge, and defence in this desert land; a safe retreat, where the soul may obtain repose, satisfaction, in trying moments. I. TO SAY THAT ETERNAL RELATIONSHIP LEADS TO LICENTIOUSNESS, AND INDUCES A DISREGARD TO ALL MORAL AND SOCIAL DUTIES, IS THE SAME AS TO SAY, THAT TO BRING ANY INDIVIDUAL INTO THE CLEAR, BRIGHT LIGHT OF THE SUN WILL CAUSE A PEBBLE TO BECOME A STUMBLING-BLOCK UNTO HIM. Here is a threefold assertion of relationship in my text, which relationship now is but rarely understood, still less enjoyed, and often reviled. But, now, notice the nature of this relationship. It is a relationship of a father, a Brother, a Comforter, a Guide, a Preceptor. It is a relationship of King and subject, Parent and child, Husband and wife, Friend and friend. II. THE DELIVERANCE EFFECTED AS A PROOF OF THIS RELATIONSHIP. The proof is that He brought His people out of Egypt. "Oh!" says one timid soul, "but I do not belong to Him. I do not think the Lord speaks to me." Well, I do not desire you to make the assertion, unless God has brought you from Egypt. But mock not His love, deny not His grace, insult not His Spirit by questioning the relationship if He has rescued you from the bondage of sin, Satan, and self, the world, and the devil. He has delivered you on purpose to be your God, openly and avowedly. III. THE CLAIM OF GOD IS UPON US, FOR DEVOTEDNESS TO HIS GLORY AND ACTIVITY IN HIS CAUSE. He has brought you out for His own use; and He has a right to all the ardour of your spirit, all the activity of your life, all the affections of your soul. Remember, you are not your own, but bought with a price; therefore glorify God with your body and spirit, which are His. Oh! what ties bind us to devotedness to His name — ties of blood, ties of love, ties of grace. As a King, He created me His subject; as a Deliverer, He brought me to liberty; as my God, He allied me to Himself in everlasting relationship. And if all these ties fail to produce the effect of consecration of heart, and soul, and life to Him, I have one more tie left — namely, the constraint of love. (J. Irons.). Parallel Verses KJV: I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the LORD your God. |
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