"Please do not leave us," Moses said, "since you know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you can serve as our eyes. Sermons I. THE SERVICES WHICH THE WORLD CAN RENDER TO THE CHURCH. We may fairly assume, considering Judges 1:16, that Hobab went with Moses after all (Matthew 21:29). He will help Moses the man, when he cares nothing for Moses the prophet of God. There may be a certain sense of duty even when there is none of sin and spiritual need, a certain power to help, even though the highest power be utterly lacking. The peculiar strength of the Church is in God; when it does spiritual work with spiritual instruments; but the world may also be tributary in its own way. The wealth of the world is not a spiritual thing, but it has been helpful to the Church. Men of the world have neither the Christ-like love nor the self-denial to initiate enterprises, which, nevertheless, they will generously support. In person they will do nothing; in purse they will do much. The printer who cares nothing for Christ, who to-day prints the scoffs and quibbles of an atheist, or some frivolous fiction, may to-morrow print a Bible, or a precious biography of some departed saint. Places of worship have been built by men who had no religion in them. Fishers' boats ferried Jesus across the lake of Galilee; trading ships took Paul on his missionary journey; and soldiers of Caesar conveyed him to Rome, where for so long a time he had panted to preach the gospel. II. THE HOLD WHICH THE CHURCH KEEPS ON THIS WORLD. Hobab said very bluntly he would not go with Moses; but he had not thought of all the considerations that might be brought to bear upon him. The grasp of Moses was firmer than he thought. Let no worldly man despise what he deems the dreams and delusions of the Christian. They may have a greater power on him in the end than at present he has any conception of. Human friendships and old associations are part of the bait with which Christ furnishes his fishers of men. Those who will not read the Scriptures for salvation, and who laugh at the schemes of doctrine draw,, from them yet find in the same Scriptures too much of poetry and interest to be slightingly passed by. What a strange thing, too, to hear men, even in all their vehement denials of the supernatural, extolling Jesus of Nazareth, admiring his spirit, and recommending his ethics. However they try, they cannot get away from him. "I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto me." We must not despair of unbelievers, even after many refusals (Luke 13:6-9). In connection with Moses and Hobab, a reference-to Tennyson's 'In Memoriam,' 63, "Dost thou look back on what hath been?" etc., may be found homiletically helpful. - Y.
Moses said unto Hobab... Come thou with us. I. First, then, WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A TRUE CHURCH AS IT IS PICTURED BY ISRAEL IN THE WILDERNESS? We might prolong the answer to this question with many minute features, but it will be unnecessary to do more than give you a simple broad outline.1. The people in the wilderness were a redeemed people. They had been redeemed by blood and redeemed by power. So, all the true members of God's Church understand what the blood of sprinkling means. They have enjoyed a passover through it. And the Holy Spirit has entered into their hearts, and made them hate their former sins, has delivered them from the dominant power of their inward corruptions, has set them free and brought them out of the bondage of sin. Thus they have also been redeemed by power, and no one has any right to think himself a member of Christ's Church unless by faith he has seen himself redeemed by blood, and in his experience has also been redeemed by the power of the Holy Spirit. 2. The Israelites were a people who were passing through a land wherein they found no rest, neither did they desire any, for they were journeying to another country, the promised land, the Canaan. Now, here is another description of the true Church of God. They are not of the world, even as Christ is not of the world. This is not their rest. Here they have no continuing city. 3. Israel in the wilderness was a people walking by faith as to the future, for if you remember, the words are, "They were going to the place of which the Lord said, I will give it to you." And such are God's people now. As for joys to come, they have not tasted them, but they are looking for them, because God has promised them. 4. These people, also, as to their present circumstances were walking by faith. It was not merely faith which sang to them of Canaan, but it was faith that told them of the manna which fell day by day, and the water which flowed from the rock, which stream followed them in their journeyings. So also in this world the Christian man has to live by faith upon God as to present things. As to temporal necessities he must cast all his care on Him who careth for us, but especially as to all spiritual supplies the Christian has no stock of grace. 5. These people found, wherever they went, that they were surrounded by foes. So will you find it if you are a child of God. All places are full of snares. Events, prosperous or adverse, expose you to temptation. All things that happen to you, though God makes them work for good, in themselves would work for evil. While here on this earth the world is no friend to grace to help you on to God. II. IT IS THE DUTY OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH TO INVITE SUITABLE PERSONS TO JOIN WITH IT. 1. As you read — "Come thou with us, and we will do thee good" — say if these are not the terms in which any Church should invite a suitable pastor to unite with it? 2. Take the words as significant of the manner in which Churches should invite suitable persons to come among them as private members. Are there not those who go in and out merely as visitors worshipping with you, who have never joined hands with you in covenant? They meet with you as mere hearers, under the same ministry, but they have not identified themselves with the brotherhood to sit down and feast with you at the table of the Lord. To such as these the proposal may be made, and the welcome proffered. 3. Let me call your attention to a certain sense in which Christian men may address this invitation to all that they meet with, "Come thou with us, and we will do thee good." Not "come and join our Church," not "come and be members," not "come and put on a profession of faith." You cannot say that to any but to those in whom you see the fruits of the Spirit, but you may say, and you ought to say, to all persons of all classes on all sides," Come away from the seed of evil doers, cast in your lot with the people of God; leave the world, come on pilgrimage to the better country; forsake the pursuit of vanities, lay hold on eternal life; waste not all your thoughts upon the bootless cares of time, think about the momentous matters of eternity. Why will you be companions of those who are upon the wrong side, and whose cause is the cause of evil? Why will you remain an enemy to God? We, by God's grace, have cast in our lot with Christ and with His cause; we desire to live to His glory. Come and cast in your lot with us — that is, believe; that is, trust a Saviour slain; that is, put your soul into the custody of Christ the Intercessor; that is, press forward through a life of holiness on earth to a home of happiness in heaven. "Come thou with us, and we will do thee good." III. THE MAIN ARGUMENT — THE MOST POWERFUL INCENTIVE WE CAN EVER USE IS — THAT ASSOCIATION WITH THE CHURCH OF CHRIST WILL DO THOSE WHO ENTER IT GOOD. I am sure it will, for I speak from experience; and if I were to call upon many hundreds in this house they would all bear the same testimony, that union with the people of God has done them good. 1. The Church of God may say this, first, because she can offer to those who join with her good company. 2. "Come with us," the Church of God may say, "and you shall have good instruction," for it is in the true Church of God that the doctrines of grace are preached, the Person of Christ is extolled, the work of the Spirit is magnified, &c. 3. "Come thou with us, and we will do thee good," in the best sense, for thou shalt feel in our midst the good presence of God. 4. "Come with us" again, for you shall participate in all the good offices of the Church. That is to say, if thou wilt cast in thy lot with us, if there be prayer thou shalt have thy share in it. We will pray for thee in thy trouble, and trial, and anguish. 5. But the good that Hobab was to get was not only on the road. The main good he got was this — he went into the promised land with God's people. So, the main blessing that you get from being united with the invisible Church of Christ, through being part and parcel of the body of Christ, is reserved for the hereafter. IV. Lest we should be found mere pretenders, LET ALL OF US WHO BELONG TO CHRIST'S CHURCH TAKE CARE TO MAKE THIS ARGUMENT TRUE. I speak to many who have long been joined to the visible Church of God, and I put this interrogatory to them — How have you carried out this silent compact which has been made with the friends of Christ? You have promised to do them good; have you fulfilled your pledges? I am afraid few of us have done good to our fellow Christians up to the measure that we might have done, or that we ought to have done. Some professors, I fear, have forgotten the compact altogether. ( C. H. Spurgeon.) Homilist. 1. The life of all is a pilgrimage.(1) Life as a journey is constant. There is no pausing a moment; whether asleep or awake we are moving on.(2) It is irretraceable. We cannot go back a step.(3) It is resistless.2. But whilst the life of all is a pilgrimage, all are not taking the same course, and moving to the same destination. Morally there is a true and a false pilgrimage. We take the text to illustrate the life of a true pilgrim. I. IT IS A LIFE TO A GLORIOUS DESTINY. The true Canaan of humanity is moral perfection. The true soul marches on through life not in quest of some outward good, as did the Israelites of old, but in quest of holiness. 1. It is the gift of God. 2. It is a motive for exertion. II. IT IS A LIFE OF SOCIAL BENEVOLENCE. 1. The language of a true life is that of invitation. "Come with us." 2. The spirit of a true life is that of kindness. "We will do thee good." III. IT IS A LIFE UNDER THE BENEDICTION OF HEAVEN. God has spoken good concerning all the holy and the true; all who are the genuine disciples of His Blessed Son. What has He said to them? 1. That they are His friends. 2. That He is always with them. 3. That He has mansions prepared for them in the future. (Homilist.) Preacher's Analyst. I. THE CHRISTIAN'S DESTINATION. He is not at home on earth, but is a stranger and a pilgrim. He desires something better, and this desire is not to be disappointed. Heaven is something promised. The prospect is delightful.II. THE CHRISTIAN'S JOURNEY. Heaven is not only a place we desire, but one to which we are rapidly advancing. Travelling does not mean a quiescent state of ease and rest; it means active exertion. The different stages of Christian life do not represent simply advancing age, but the attainment of higher degrees of Christian character and perfection. III. THE CHRISTIAN'S DESIRE — that others should accompany him. More especially is this the case as regards relations and friends. It is his duty to invite them. It is part of his Christian work. Well may he be eloquent when a matter of so grave importance is in the balance. Let us seek company as we journey to heaven. It will be better for us here and hereafter. (Preacher's Analyst.) I. THE PLACE OF EVERY TRUE BELIEVER'S DESTINATION.II. THE MEANS HE IS ADOPTING TO ARRIVE AT IT. III. THE CALL WHICH HE WOULD FAIN ADDRESS TO ALL HIS UNCONVERTED NEIGHBOURS. (A. Roberts, M. A.) The historian does not think it worth while to tell whether Moses' attempt to secure the help of a pair of sharp Bedouin eyes succeeded or failed, but passes on to describe at once how "the ark of the covenant of the Lord went before them to search out a resting-place for them," and how "the cloud was upon them when they went out of the camp." He would teach us that it mattered little whether Israel had Hobab or not, if they had the ark and the cloud.I. THERE ARE TIMES AND MOODS IN WHICH OUR FORWARD LOOK BRINGS WITH IT A PAINFUL SENSE OF THE UNKNOWN WILDERNESS BEFORE US. It is a libel on God's goodness to speak of the world as a wilderness. He has not made it so; and if anybody finds that "all is vanity and vexation of spirit," it is his own fault. But still one aspect of life is truly represented by that figure. There are dangers and barren places, and a great solitude in spite of love and companionship, and many marchings and lurking foes, and grim rocks, and fierce suns, and parched wells, and shadeless sand wastes enough in every life to make us quail often and look grave always when we think of what may be before us. Who knows what we shall see when we top the next hill, or round the shoulder of the cliff that bars our way? What shout of an enemy may crash in upon the sleeping camp; or what stifling gorge of barren granite — blazing in the sun and trackless to our feet — shall we have to march through to-day? II. We have here an illustration of THE WEAKNESS THAT CLINGS TO HUMAN GUIDES. There are a thousand ways in which our poor weak hearts cry out in their sense-bound unbelief for visible stays to lean upon, and guides to direct us. In so far as that is a legitimate longing, God, who never "sends mouths, but He sends meat to feed them," will not leave us to cry unheard. But let us guard against that ever-present weakness which clings tremblingly to creatures and men for help and guidance, and, in proportion as it is rich when it possesses them, trembles at the prospect of losing them, and is crushed and desolate when they go. Do not put them as barriers between you and God, nor yield your own clearness of vision to them, nor say to any, "Be to us instead of eyes," nor be over anxious to secure any Hobab to show you where to camp or how to march. III. The contrast which is brought into prominence by the juxtaposition of this section and that which follows it, MAKES EMPHATIC THE THOUGHT OF THE TRUE LEADER OF OUR MARCH. God always goes before His people. No doubt in all our lives there come times when we seem to have been brought into a blind alley, and cannot see where we are to get out; but it is very rare indeed that we do not see one step in advance, the duty which lies next us. And be sure of this, that if we are content to see but one step at a time, and take it, we shall find our way made plain. The river winds, and often we seem on a lake without an exit. Then is the time to go half-speed, and, doubtless, when we get a little farther, the overlapping hills on either bank will part, and the gorge will open out. We do not need to see it a mile off; enough if we see it when we are close upon it. It may be as narrow and grim, with slippery black cliffs towering on either side of the narrow ribbon of the stream, as the canons of American rivers, but it will float our boat into broader reaches and onward to the great sea. Do not seek to outrun God's guidance, to see what you are to do a year hence, or to act before you are sure of what is His will; do not let your wishes get in advance of the pillar and the ark, and you will be kept from many a mistake, and led into a region of deep peace. IV. OUR CRAVING FOR A HUMAN GUIDE HAS BEEN LOVINGLY MET IN THE GIFT OF CHRIST. His life is our pattern. Our marching orders ,re brief and simple: follow your Leader, and plant your feet in His footprints. That is the sum of all ethics, and the vade mecum for practical life. (A. Maclaren, D. D.) I. CHRISTIANITY IS AN ELEVATING FORCE, FILLING THE SOUL WITH PURITY AND LOVE. In this text it is exhibited in all the charms of its simplicity and power. "Come with us, and we will do thee good." On a cold day one autumn I happened to be speaking to a farmer where three roads met, and we saw sitting in the hedge side a half-starved melancholy man, to whom we said, "You look pale and ill, my friend." He replied, " My wife and children are in the workhouse. I have sought work up and down in Manchester and have failed to find it. One has told me to go there, another to go yonder; and I came out here to see if any farmer might perhaps find me work in his fields." The good man at my side clapped his hand on the poor fellow's shoulder and said, "Come with me; I will give you some breakfast and then I will find you work to do." That kindly invitation and promise is an inspiration of Christianity. It is not "Go here," or "go there"; but "come with us, and we will do you good." We need a human sympathy that shall prompt us to do to others as we would have them do to us. We should imagine the feelings of others, and treat them as we should like to be treated ourselves were we in their position.II. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS AN INVITATION. IS not the Christian like the sun that shines away the darkness? The petals of the flowers are closed up during the night, but when the sun shines upon them they open themselves to receive from his rays beauty and fragrance. So the Christian is a clear shining light in the night of the fog of sin. Even as Christ was the light of the world, so is every Christian a brilliancy. 1. Come first with us to the bar of conviction. 2. Come with us to the door of repentance. 3. Come with us to the seat of mercy. 4. Come with us, and we will lead you to the fountain for uncleanness. 5. Come with us to the Cross. 6. Come with us to the marriage of the Lamb with your soul. III. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS A TRACKWAY OF BENEFICENCE, "We will do thee good." The Christian shall be doing good all the days of his life. Let Christians join themselves in a huge co-operative society for beneficence. And, sinners, come with us, and we will do you good. Come and help us to help each other. (W. Birch.) I. THE GREAT OBJECT WHICH IS SOUGHT BY THE CHURCH OF GOD. "We are seeking heaven, and its perfect felicity we hope ultimately to realise.II. THE INVITATION PRESENTED BY THE CHURCH OF GOD TO THEM THAT ARE WITHOUT. "Come with us and we will do thee good." III. Let me show WHAT WILL BE THE ISSUE OF THE ACCEPTANCE OF THIS INVITATION, Most cheering is the assurance that is given unto those who go with God's people of a positive blessing. "We will do thee good," said Moses to Hobab, "for the Lord hath spoken good concerning Israel." Now I am very anxious just to set before you this truth, that no person can be found who loves God, and who has accepted the invitation to associate with His people, without being a gainer thereby. (T. W. Aveling.) I. THY PLACE SPOKEN OF IN THE TEXT IS CANAAN, a type of heaven, that far-distant but better country which all the Israel of God have ever regarded as the scene of their blessedness and their home.1. A much-wished-forplace. 2. A promised place. 3. The free gift of God. II. THE CONDUCT OF THE CHRISTIAN WITH REGARD TO THIS PLACE. It is evident that this heavenly country has little or no influence on mankind in general. We profess to believe that there is such a land somewhere in the universe, but we think and act just as though it could nowhere be found. If heaven were to be blotted out from the creation, or if an impassable gulf were to be fixed between it and the earth, our dispositions, our affections, and our conduct, would, in too many instances, remain the same as they are now. But this promised land has a real and abiding influence on the people of God. They seek it; they travel towards it. 1. To be journeying to heaven implies an actual entrance into the path which leads to it. 2. To be journeying to heaven implies also perseverance in seeking it. 3. We are warranted to infer that if we are journeying to heaven, we have not only kept in the road which leads to heaven, but have actually made a progress in it; that, instead of declining we are growing in grace; that we are gradually becoming more and more meet to be partakers of heaven, the nearer we draw to it. 4. There is implied also in journeying to the heavenly Canaan, a fixed determination to arrive there. The expression intimates decision of character; a willingness to sacrifice everything, so that the soul may be saved and heaven won. III. In thus prosecuting his journey to heaven, it is evident that THE CHRISTIAN MUST NECESSARILY SEPARATE HIMSELF FROM MANY OF HIS BRETHREN, with whom he would otherwise have contentedly associated. But although he is constrained by the command of his God and the very nature of the work in which he is engaged, to come out from among the ungodly, he does not consider himself as unconnected with them, nor does he cease to regard them as brethren. 1. If we regard this invitation as the advice of the Christian traveller to his fellow-sinners around him, it implies that be has a sincere and earnest desire to bring them into the path of heaven, which he has himself entered. 2. The invitation of Moses intimates also that the Christian is tenderly concerned for the spiritual welfare of his fellow-travellers, as well as for the repentance and salvation of the wandering sinner. 3. We may infer, lastly, from this invitation, that if we would ever reach the kingdom of God, we must join ourselves now to the people of God. (C. Bradley, M. A.) I. GOD'S PEOPLE ARE TRAVELLING TO THE CELESTIAL CANAAN.1. The journey — (1) (2) (3) 2. The place to which they are journeying. This is the celestial Canaan; which is — (1) (2) (3) II. GOD'S PEOPLE FEEL IT THEIR DUTY TO INVITE OTHERS TO JOURNEY WITH THEM TO THE PROMISED LAND. Hence they say, "Come thou with us," &c. 1. That there are many who are not in the way to this goodly land. 2. That there is room and freedom for more in the way to heaven. 3. That God's people are anxious that others should join them in their way to heaven. 4. God's people use their influence to prevail with those around them to accompany them to heaven. They practically invite them, by amiableness of disposition, sweetness of temper, righteousness of life; and thus allure them by the excellencies they manifest, and constrain them to glorify our Father who is in heaven. III. GOD'S PEOPLE HAVE GOOD REASONS TO ASSIGN WHY THOSE AROUND SHOULD GO WITH THEM TO THE GOODLY LAND. The reasons in the text are two: "We will do you good"; and, "The Lord hath spoken good concerning Israel." The first is a human reason, and therefore limited. The second is a Divine reason, and unlimited. 1. There is the promise of benevolent help. 2. There is the good declaration of God concerning Israel. "The Lord hath spoken good." What has He not said? Has He not given the most precious promises and the most gracious assurances?Learn: 1. The present state of God's people. It is a journeying state. This is the time of their toil and suffering. 2. The happiness of God's people. Children of God, heirs of eternal life, expectants of the glory that shall be revealed. 3. The true wisdom of those who are without. To accompany God's people on their heavenly pilgrimage. (J. Burns, D. D.) I. GOD'S ISRAEL HAVE A DIRECT OBJECT IN VIEW, thus described, "The place of which the Lord said, I will give it you." By God's Israel I mean literally the posterity of Jacob, and spiritually all genuine Christians, who are "Israelites indeed in whom there is no guile." The object which God's ancient Israel had in view was Canaan; this is described as a place, and on several accounts it was highly desirable. Heaven is the glorious object on which God's spiritual Israel have fixed their attention. Canaan was highly prized by the Jews — 1. As it was the end of their journey. Heaven is the termination of the Christian's journey. The dangers of: that terrible wilderness, through which Israel passed, were but faintly typical of the spiritual dangers to which believers are exposed; and if Israel rejoiced at the possession of Canaan, with what exultation will Christians enter their heavenly inheritance, when their toils will be finished and their conflicts closed! 2. It was a country amply stored with provisions. But with all the enconiums bestowed upon Canaan, how low it sinks in comparison with that "better country," to which we are journeying! This is indeed a land without scarceness. Here will be no lack of anything. Here every wish shall be gratified, and every desire be crowned with enjoyment. 3. It was long and repeatedly promised. 4. It was to be gratuitously bestowed. All God's blessings are gifts. II. GOD'S ISRAEL ARE TENDING TOWARDS THAT OBJECT. 1. Commenced by the command of God. 2. Continued under His immediate guidance. 3. Marked by His miraculous and gracious care. III. THAT GOD'S ISRAEL ARE SOLICITOUS TO SECURE COMPANIONS FOR THEIR JOURNEY. "Come thou with us," &c. 1. Piety prompts them to say this. They long to bring back to God His immortal offspring, and to recover to "the great Shepherd of the sheep," the souls for whom He died; and they say, "Come thou with us," &c. 2. Benevolence excites them to say this. Religion inspires the most ardent attachment to God, and breathes the purest benevolence to men. 3. Self-interest induces them to say this. God's Israel are not only capable of doing good to, but of receiving good from their fellow-travellers. IV. GOD'S ISRAEL ENJOY THE DIVINE COMMENDATION. "The Lord hath spoken good concerning Israel." 1. Concerning the country to which Israel are tending (Psalm 87:3; Revelation 21:23-26). 2. Concerning the way in which Israel are journeying. It is called a right way (1 Samuel 12:23); a good way (Jeremiah 6:16); a perfect way (Psalm 101:2); a way of holiness (Isaiah 35:8); a way of peace (Luke 1:79); a new and living way (Hebrews 10:20); and a way in which there is no death (Proverbs 12:28). 3. Concerning the succours afforded them in the way. Many things are necessary for travellers. Light to see the way (Proverbs 4:18); a consciousness of being in the right way (Isaiah 30:21); a guide to instruct us in the way (Psalm 32:8); provision for the way (Psalm 132:15); strength to walk in the way (Isaiah 40:29-31); and a never-failing Friend to lead us forward in the way (Isaiah 42:16). 4. "The Lord hath spoken good concerning Israel" — In the titles by which they are designated, such as children of God, sons of God, heirs of God, kings and priests unto God. — In the figures by which they are compared: God's husbandry, God's building, God's heritage, sheep of God's pasture, a royal priesthood, a spiritual house, a crown of glory, and a royal diadem, &c. — In the promises to which they are entitled; these include all things (1 Corinthians 3:21-23).Infer: 1. The happiness of God's people. 2. The work of God's people. 3. The honour of God's people. 4. The security of God's people. (Sketches of Four Hundred Sermons.) II. WHAT MOSES SAID TO HOBAB. 1. An invitation. 2. A promise. "Good." 3. An argument. Lord has spoken, not man. 4. An entreaty. Leave us not. 5. An appeal. "Thou knowest," &c. 6. An inducement. Equal share promised. III. WHAT HOBAB SAID TO MOSES. "I will not go." Six deterring things. 1. His own land. 2. Kindred. 3. Possessions. 4. With strangers. Alien race; other habits. 5. Poor prospects. 6. Uncertainty.What would become of him should Moses die, or if invasion should fail? All find emphatic expression — "I will not go." But Moses pleads long, earnestly, willingly. Hobab yields. House of Raguel. A lot in Canaan — Jael. Rechab. Saved from doom of Midian. IV. WHAT I HAVE TO SAY TO YOU. Same message from God. Six things — 1. "Israel." Politically disbanded; exists spiritually; the seed of Abraham; the children of the promise; the Church of Christ. 2. "Good." Freedom from moral Egypt. Divine layout. Life; guidance; aid from God. Inheritance in the Canaan of holiness and heaven. 3. "Come." Cast in your lot with us. Turn back on Midian. It is doomed. Follow our Moses, Jesus, Captain of our salvation. 4. "Leave us not." I too would entreat, beseech, persuade. We want you; your company; your help. The love of Christ constraineth us. 5. "We will do," &c. We can. By prayer, brotherhood, mutual aid, and cheer. Going home. 6. "I pray thee." This with my heart upon my lips, and longing for your soul. Come! Come! Come! V. WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY TO ME. You may say — 1. "I will not go." If Midian is your home Midian's doom is yours. 2. "I will follow by and by." By and by leads to house of Never. 3. "I will think about it" — which means, "I will forget it." 4. "Are you Israel?" Go tell John the things, &c. 5. "I will go with somebody else." Be quick, and God go with you. 6. "I will go with you for," &c. Preacher's prize; your peace; Jesus' glory. VI. WHAT GOD WILL SAY TO US BOTH. I cannot answer. THE DAY WILL DECLARE IT! (J. Jackson Wray.) I. SETTLED CONVICTIONS. "We are journeying," &c. How pleasant this assurance. Do you possess it? 1. Remember the time when you had not this assurance. It was a time of uncertainty — fearfulness. 2. Remember the way in which you obtained this assurance. It was after strong convictions, earnest cries, transporting joys, then came this sweet assurance. 3. Notice the great advantages of this assurance. In a rough road, dark night, &c. II. PROBABLE INCONVENIENCES. Persons on a journey do not expect the comforts of home. They may have — 1. Unpleasant weather. The hail and sleet of persecution. The cold snow of poverty. The fog of doubt. 2. Unpleasant conveyance. The means of grace are like vehicles to help us on. Some have to trudge on nearly all the way, others get a lift now and then. Some in comfortable carriages-good doctrine; others in tumble-down — broken springs, So. 3. Unpleasant companions. The world an inn. In the house. Shop. Church. 4. Unpleasant accommodation. The body is the tabernacle or house in which the soul dwells. Many have sickly, weak bodies, and dwell in much poverty. Never mind. We are journeying. III. CONSTANT PROGRESS. We cannot settle down either — 1. In the joys of home and kindred. 2. In the joys of Christian society. 3. In the joys of gospel ordinances. This should teach us —(1) To look upon everything with the eye of travellers.(2) To make everything subservient to our journey. The place of our abode. Our business. Our friendships.(3) To rejoice over those who have finished their journey. They have simply got home before us. IV. PLEASANT PROSPECTS. We have in view — 1. A land of freedom. 2. A land of friendship. 3. A land of holiness. 4. A land of happiness. (The Study.) II. BELIEVERS ARE NOW ON THEIR JOURNEY TO TAKE POSSESSION OF THIS HEAVENLY COUNTRY; "We are journeying," said Moses to Hobab, "to the promised place." III. TRAVELLERS TO ZION SHOULD INVITE AND ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO ACCOMPANY THEM; as Moses said to Hobab, "Come thou with us, and we will do thee good." Moses was related to Hobab; and certainly our relations have the first claim to our pious regards (Romans 9:1-3; Romans 10:1). And there are several methods in which we may try to do this. 1. By inviting them to hear the gospel faithfully preached. 2. We may promote the salvation of others by serious and affectionate conversation. We readily converse with our neighbours on the news of the day, whether it be good or evil. Why should we be backward to tell them the best news that ever reached our ears — the good tidings of the gospel, " that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners"? 3. The heads of families must endeavour to do good to their households by maintaining family-worship. 4. We may promote the salvation of the rising generation by giving encouragement to Sunday-schools, and other plans for the religious education of children. Some may assist them by subscribing towards their support; and others by their personal help. 5. The distribution of religious tracts is another method in which we may easily invite many around us to come and unite with us, that we may do them good. 6. But all these means must be accompanied with prayer. 7. Above all, and together with all, let our holy, blameless, and useful lives recommend the ways of religion to men. Improvement: What influence have all the good things which God has promised in His gospel had upon us? He has set before us His well-beloved Son; and in Him, pardon and peace, holiness and heaven: all we can want to make us happy in time, happy in death, happy to all eternity. Are we drawn by these cords of love? Are we induced to forsake the sins and vanities of the world? Have we set out on our journey towards heaven, determined to be fellow-travellers with the people of God? or do we hesitate? (G. Burder.) 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.) 2. This invitation shows that faith is aggressive. "Come thou with us." Each heaven-set plant strives for expanse. True grace has one sure sign: it longs and labours to communicate its wealth. A saving view of Christ slays self — relaxes every icy band — widely extends embracing arms, and yearns to multiply delights. When the heart burns the life must labour. (Dean Law.) 1. The place itself. (1) (2) (3) (4) 2. The journey. II. IT IS THE DUTY OF CHRISTIANS TO INVITE OTHERS TO JOURNEY WITH THEM. So Moses acted. III. THE REASONS ASSIGNED FOR A COMPLIANCE WITH THIS REQUEST. 1. The promise of mutual good. 2. The Divine regard for the Church. IV. THE MANNER IN WHICH THIS INVITATION MAY BE RECEIVED. 1. Some give a direct negative, as Hobab did at first; "I will not go." The wicked through the pride of his countenance will not seek after God. Some, like Ephraim, are joined to idols, and cannot give them up. Is this your answer? "I will not go." Then you must perish in the wilderness. 2. Some are deterred by pride and shame. They think the people of God beneath them; or what will the world, their present companions, say, if they profess Christ? 3. Some are deterred by the trials of the way. God will be your guide, and He will support you in the severest trials. 4. Some are convinced of the necessity and importance of this journey to heaven, but they procrastinate, like Felix; "Go thy way," &c. 5. Some are willing to go, but have not counted the cost. This was the case with many of Christ's followers, who set out, but turned back, and walked no more with Him (John 6:66). 6. A few have resolved to go. Like Ruth, nothing shall hinder them. The good work has commenced in their souls. The people are willing in the day of Christ's power. They will go, and like Paul, they count all things but loss, &e. (Ruth 1:16; Hebrews 11:25, 26). (Helps for the Pulpit.) . 1. He has called them to sustain gracious relations towards Him. 2. He secures to them special privileges. 3. He unfolds before them glorious prospects. 4. He enables them in the faith of all this to achieve noble exploits. II. SOME OF THE GOOD THINGS WHICH GOD HAS ACTUALLY DONE FOR THEM. Not words but deeds, might without presumption be. said to be the Divine motto. 1. He has emancipated them from a most bitter dominion of sin and death. 2. He has enlightened them with saving wisdom. 3. He has watched over them. The pillar of cloud, only an emblem. "The hairs of thy head." "Fear not, ye are of more value than many sparrows." 4. He accounted their enemies His own. Egyptians, Philistines, Syrians, Babylonians.Lessons: 1. Let this subject endear the Saviour. 2. Let it stamp vanity upon all the world deems great. 3. Let it encourage prayer and high expectation. 4. Let it prompt to holiness of heart and life. (Homiletic Magazine.) II. AN INVITATION IS PRESENTED. Moses offered the invitation to his relative that he would go with them, and thus be the companion of their course; as in the preceding verse he says, "Come thou with us, and we will do thee good"; "Leave us not, I pray thee." The invitation, we repeat, is presented, in a sense answering to the spirit of their vocation, by Christians to men who hitherto have been living apart, as votaries of sin and of the world. 1. In the name of Christians we say, we invite you to believe their principles. Those principles relate not merely to the elementary truths concerning the being, the government and the attributes of God — they relate to the Divine character and mission of Him whose name we bear, Christ Jesus, the Son of God; they relate to the expiatory sacrifice He has offered for human sin, by expiring upon the Cross; they relate to the imputation of the merit and righteousness embodied in that sacrifice, through faith, as the only efficacious cause of justification and acceptance before the Father; they relate to the agency of the Holy Spirit, in His renewing grace, as requisite to apply the work of mediation to the human soul; and they relate to the duty of obedience and holiness, as the only satisfactory proof of an interest in the work of redemption and of the hope which that redemption is intended to inspire and to secure. Now these various principles are to be sincerely and cordially believed; their presence or absence decides the character and the prospects of men for ever. 2. While we invite you, on behalf of Christians, that you will embrace their principles, we invite you also that you will associate with their communities. 3. We also invite you in the name of Christians, that you will engage in their employments. III. AN ASSURANCE IS PLEDGED. The emphasis of the expressions before us will be found singularly powerful and interesting. "It shall be, if thou go with us, yea, it shall be, that what goodness the Lord shall do unto us, the same will we do unto thee." And this assurance may be taken in two departments. There is an assurance from Christians, and there is an assurance by Christians, for their God. 1. Christians pledge the assurance for themselves, that to those who go with them they will render all the assistance in their power. "What goodness the Lord shall do unto us, the same will we do unto thee." "We will endeavour to render you participators of all our supports and enjoyments; so that you shall be found entirely as we are, both in the possessions of the present and in the prospects of the future." 2. Christians pledge the assurance for God. We believe that the moment when your decision occurs will be the moment of your ample and unreserved introduction to all the immunities of the Christian life. There is no process of discipline or preparatory trial, there is no hesitation and there is no delay; the moment when your faith is placed on the great Messiah, and when the resolution of your heart under Divine grace is taken, to devote yourselves to His honour, at that moment all that Christianity can vouchsafe to you is, from the Source of Christianity, your own. (J. Parsons.) (A. Raleigh, D. D.) (A. Raileigh, D. D.) (John McNeill.) (G. Wagner.) (W. R. Huntington, D. D.) 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.) 1. The first lesson lying on the surface is that which relates to bearing testimony for Christ. There should be no hesitation about a Christian, as if he were afraid to say he was on the way to heaven. His speech or silence; his activity or quiet submission to the Divine will; his work and his worship, should boldly declare "whose he is, and whom he serves." 2. A second lesson taught us here is one of mutual forbearance. Though all Christians are journeying to the one place, there is a wide diversity of experience, of capacity, of attainment. No two human faces are alike; and it may be safely affirmed that no two conversions are in all respects the same, and no two Christians, however close their affections and sympathies, "grow in grace" at the same rate, or in dependence on the same supplies. II. A POWERFUL PLEADING WITH OTHERS TO JOIN THE PILGRIM IN HIS PROGRESS. There is a true ring in these words. Moses knew whom he had believed, and trusted his heavenly Father implicitly. 1. His invitation is founded on the Divine precept: "The Lord hath said I will give it you." It was a poor nomadic life after all — the tribes were living in the desert — if there had been no goal to which their aspirations and their movements tended. But the word of the Lord was a sure word on which to hope. With Divine leadership, pioneering and providing, defending and protecting, and a glorious inheritance at the end of the pilgrimage, there was everything to quicken, stimulate, and strengthen. Our condition is very like theirs, for we have not yet come "to the rest and the inheritance which God is to give to us," but we are on the way. 2. It is founded on a rich promise: "The Lord said I will give it you," and "the Lord hath spoken good concerning Israel." As God promised Canaan to the tribes, so has "He opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers" by Jesus Christ. What though a wearisome pilgrimage lie between us and the heavenly rest, though dangers, enemies, fears manifold, are in the way, in nothing shall we be ashamed. All good is promised and not evil, what is good for body and soul, solid, enduring good, "the good part that shall not be taken away," even when life departs. Canaan was the ultimate embodiment of that good to ancient Israel, as heaven and eternal felicity with Christ are to us. But those of them that were true saints and pilgrims would have a foretaste of Canaan beforehand, as we too have of heaven upon earth. What was good for Hobab in the wilderness cannot be bad for us here, with heaven in reversion. 3. The invitation contains an earnest persuasive — "Come with us." True religion seeks to propagate itself by communicating its goodness to others. Persuasion and compulsion are the natural opposites of each other. The one entices, allures, woes, with sweet attention and magnetic influence: the other drives with mechanical force. Persuasion is that spirit of the gospel such as came from the living lips of Jesus when He said, "Come unto Me and I will give you rest" — that love which many waters could not quench, nor many floods drown. Who has not heard the fable of the sun and wind striving which of the two would compel a traveller to put off his cloak, the sun being the victor? Men will be led when they refuse to be driven. It is the love that plies persuasions, strengthened by incentives, and beautified by promises of the summum bonum, the supreme good to be got by coming over the line and coming out from the world, that conquers. (J. Blair.) II. THE FAILURE OF HOBAB AND THE DIVINE SUBSTITUTE. The desert chieftain was by no means enamoured of the proposal of his great relative. Several considerations may have weighed with him. It was only a month before that Aaron and his sons had been set apart for their sacred work, and the fire of God had fallen on their dedicatory sacrifices. For some violation of the sacred ritual, for personal misconduct whilst engaged in their ministry, the two young priests had been stricken dead, and Aaron forbiddin to weep. This must have struck an awful fear through the camp. Shortly after this another incident occurred. The son of an Israelitish woman, whose father was an Egyptian, had blasphemed the holy name of God, and cursed in the midst of conflict with a man of Israel. The blasphemer had been stoned. The result of it all was that in reply to Moses' request, he said bluntly, "I will not go, but I will depart unto mine own land and to my kindred." Moses still further entreated him, but whether he succeeded or not is doubtful, though there are some reasons for thinking that the second request prevailed, because the descendants of the Kenite are numbered amidst the chosen people. But it would seem as if his aid was rendered needless by the provision of guidance immediately promised. Up to this moment the position of the Ark had been in the midst of the host in front of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, but hence-forth it went three days' journey in front of the people, "to seek out a resting-place for them." The Lord Himself had become Director and Guide, and all that Israel had to do was to keep at a distance sufficiently wide to enable them to reap the fullest benefit of its advance guard. Thus God Himself superseded the proposal of Moses by an expedient which more than met their needs. What consolation there is to each of us, in realising the spiritual truth underlying this historical fact! We have to pass into the untried and unknow, and know not the way we should take. Some have to go alone. Some with the memory of companions that once went at their side, but whom they will see no more in this life. But amid all Jesus is with them, and goes before them, whether for war or rest. He never will forsake nor leave them. The Lord Jesus is the true Ark of the Covenant, who has gone before us through the world and death, through the grave and the last rally of the hosts of darkness to the glory. We have but to follow Him. (F. B. Meyer, B. A.) (H. J. Wilmot-Buxton, M. A.) (J. Parker, D. D.) 1. That it is our duty fully to unite with Christians is evident from the Scriptural representations of the followers of Christ. Among the instructive representations which clearly imply their union is that of a house or building (1 Corinthians 3:9, 11). In a building, the foundation and the other various necessary parts are united, in order to form a useful edifice: and Christians are built upon Christ, and united to each other, "as lively stones, built up a spiritual house" (1 Peter 2:5). Christ's followers are next set forth as a household, a united family. They are designated "the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10), "the household of God" (Ephesians 2:19), and "the house of God," in which Paul taught Timothy "how to behave" (1 Timothy 3:15). Christians are also represented as "one body in Christ, and every one members one of another" (Romans 12:5). They "'are the body of Christ, and members in particular" (1 Corinthians 12:27). 2. The certain duty of full union with Christians is clearly taught by the Scriptural history of Christ's followers. It is evident from this record that when persons received Christ as their Saviour they embraced His people as their people. They gave themselves first to Him, and then to His followers according to His will (2 Corinthians 8:5). When Saul of Tarsus was converted, he appears to have thought joining the united Christians as certainly his duty, as trusting in Christ their Saviour. "He not only preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus," but on coming to Jerusalem, where there was a Christian Society, he at once "essayed to join himself to the disciples," who were afraid to receive him, until Barnabas testified that he had become a Christian. This narrated conduct of inspired men clearly teaches that Christian fellowship ought to be sought and manifested by all professing Christians. 3. The Scriptural obligations of Christ's followers certainly imply the public union of those who bear His name.(1) Our solemn obligation to confess Christ before men cannot be fully discharged unless we are publicly identified with His disciples, and thus share His reproach and His honour, His pain and His pleasure.(2) The obligations which we owe to ourselves cannot be fulfilled without union with Christ's followers. The blessings of salvation are freely offered in the gospel; but experience and observation assure us that they can neither be fully obtained, nor long retained, without fellowship with those who would assist us to secure their enjoyment. And even where a most promising state of grace has been manifested, if persons have "forsaken the assembling of themselves together" in Christian communion, the blooming work has been blasted, the heavenly offspring has been destroyed, and the hopes of the Church have been painfully disappointed. Numerous facts, doubtless, caused Mr. Whitefield to remark: — "My brother Wesley acted wisely. The souls that were awakened under his ministry he joined in class, and thus preserved the fruits of his labour. This I neglected, and my people are a rope of sand."(3) The obligations which Christians owe to each other cannot be observed without" the fellowship of which we speak. Christ's disciples are required to have the same care one for another (1 Corinthians 12:25); to rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15, 16); to bear each other's burdens (Galatians 6:2); to walk in love as Christ has loved them (Ephesians 5:2); to be like-minded (Philippians 2:2); to teach and admonish one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs (Colossians 3:16). How is it possible, without public, intimate, and frequent fellowship, to discharge these enjoined, mutual duties?(4) The obligations which Christians owe to the world cannot be performed without our public union. How can true Christian ministers be raised, and called, and sent forth by means of Christian Churches, unless such Churches are formed? If Christians really stand forth as Christ's chosen witnesses, and go forth as His servants to claim and save the world, they must unite for the accomplishment of these objects. II. HIGHLY ADVANTAGEOUS. 1. This union raises us to fellowship with the best of society. 2. Public union with Christ's followers would prove a powerful preservative from sin. 3. The union of which we speak would furnish you with a most desirable sphere of usefulness. This powerful motive was presented to Hobab when Moses showed the individual assistance which he might afford for the general good (ver. 31). Every rightly-disposed person will not live to please or serve himself merely; but, seeking God's honour, and using his influence for the benefit of his generation, will hail with gladness the facilities for increased usefulness which may be presented in connection with Christ's active followers. 4. Christian union would entitle you to an interest in the special prayers of Christ and His followers. 5. Communion with Christians will be attended with a share in Christ's most gracious regard. We do not say that this Christian union will ensure heaven; but we do affirm that if you truly trust in Christ, and are united in His name, you will have such an interest in His regard as no individual who neglects thus to profess Him can Scripturally claim. Christ is not only round about His united Churches, but the glory in the midst of them (Zechariah 2:6; Psalm 46:5; Isaiah 12:6). They are, and ever will be, favoured with His most gracious presence. III. EARNESTLY INVITE YOU TO FULL FELLOWSHIP WITH CHRIST'S FOLLOWERS. "Come thou with us, and we will do thee good." 1. Abandon forbidden fellowship with sinners. These will soon perish in their sins. Separate yourself, therefore, from them, that you perish not in their company (Numbers 16:26). 2. Let all sin, as well as the company of sinners, be forsaken. Be not an Achan in the camp, nor a Simon in a Christian society; but let your hands be clean, and your heart right in the sight of God. Thus guard against substituting a religious profession for inward and outward holiness. 3. As God's unworthy servants, and relying upon His promised grace, we engage to do you good. How many in that glorious multitude have received good in our connection? 4. This invitation is given, and this promise is made, personally. "Come thou with us, and we will do thee good." We invite yea who are more learned than most persons, having enjoyed superior advantages. Be to others what Hobab was to Israel, "instead of eyes." You who are not so learned as others, but whose attainments are painfully limited, we do not despise, Be not proudly ashamed because you are not so well informed, and so able to speak, as many with whom you are invited to unite. To you who are rich, and increased in earthly goods, we say, Come with us, and we will do you good. Perhaps you are tempted to look upon the poor in our societies, and then around you in the circle of respectable worldly persons who are your equals, and your natural heart may suggest, "I cannot associate and be one with those poor persons, and thus sink in public estimation, and sacrifice opportunities of still rising in society." Before you yield to such suggestions, remember Him who was surrounded by heaven's highest inhabitants, and receiving their loudest praises; yet He stooped, and for your sake became poor, that you through His poverty might be rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). From the poor in this world we turn not away, but offer you the right hand of fellowship. You have no place among the children of rich men, but you may have a place among God's children. To the aged, pained by the past, and dreading the future, we respectfully say, "Come thou with us, and we will do thee good." Oh, that you had come sooner, that you might have done good as well as received good! But come now. End your days in the Christian fold. Finish life with Christians and as a Christian. With one accord our language is, "We are journeying unto the place of which the Lord hath said, I will give it you." The inheritance is sufficient for all. It is offered to all. Part of our company have entered that better country, and are now before the throne. With this fixed purpose to "travel to the mount of God" ourselves, and with the prospect of there joining the general assembly and Church of the first-born, whom shall we pass and leave behind to perish? (Wright Shovelton.) (H. W. Beecher.) (H. W. Beecher.) (Christian Miscellany.) (J. Munro.) 1. This camp composed of Israel, is distinguished from the enemies around it. Though we are in the world, we are not to be of the world; though we are surrounded with Anakims and Canaanites, we are still to maintain the purity of the visible Israel of God, our being upon the march is a circumstance calculated to hinder the ungodly from joining us to a great degree. 2. It is marching through a wilderness of woe to a land of promise. Is their way long? Is their journey weary? Are their trials great? Are their enemies numerous? Do they often halt, and think they are upon the verge of Canaan, and that the next mandate of their Sovereign will be to enter in; and are they disappointed by finding that there are many other halting places, and many a weary journey lying between them and the Canaan of their rest? Yet are they moving toward it — at last the command will be heard by this individual, and the other tribe, to cease their wanderings, and to enter into glorious and eternal rest. 3. It is under the guidance of the Mediator. It is certainly not worse off now than it was then. Christ is our Guide. 4. When His Church moves forward, God rises up on its behalf. Every progressive movement of the Church of Christ, as well as of the individuals who compose it, is, in fact, directed and dictated by the Spirit of God. 5. The movement of the Church ought to be always, and upon the whole, progressive. 6. This progress will and must be attended with the defeat of the Church's enemies. We can win no ground except we win it from the foe; we cannot advance a single footstep in our onward journey except as we beat our enemies back. 7. The Church's triumphant march shall end in the complete destruction of all the enemies of God. II. THE CHURCH AT REST. We have seen it moving forward to that rest, and we have noticed that it sometimes enjoys temporary seasons of refreshment by the way, in different halting-places as it passes through the wilderness; and experiences the Divine protection and direction. But this rest is only tasted here below, and the foretaste of it is but designed to quicken the appetite of the people of God for their rest in glory. 1. As one feature of that rest, we observe, that there the true Israel shall be recognised, and the words shall be heard circulating through the happy host, "Return, O Lord, unto the many thousands of Israel." There, notwithstanding their multitudes, not one intruder shall be found to have entered in; there nothing shall enter that will destroy or that will even disturb in all God's holy mountain. However the mixed multitude may accompany us by the way, there must be a separation at the Jordan of death. 2. At that glorious period the Israel of God shall consist of thousands and thousands. 3. They shall then have triumphed gloriously. Enemies no more shall trouble them; the sound of war shall be a sound unheard; there shall be no more conflict with temptation, no more struggles with indwelling sin. Oh, to think of Canaan's rest only in this point of view! Believer, what a happy, what a heavenly rest it will be! (W. H. Cooper.) 1. Here is his prayer when the ark set forward: "Rise up, Lord, and let Thine enemies be scattered" (ver. 35). They were now in a desolate country, but they were marching towards an enemy's country; and their dependence was upon God for success and victory in their wars, as well as for directions and supply in the wilderness. David used this prayer long after (Psalm 68:1); for he also fought the Lord's battles. Note —(1) There are those in the world that are enemies to God, and haters of Him. Secret and open enemies; enemies to His truths, His laws, His ordinances, His people.(2) The scattering and defeating of God's enemies is a thing to be earnestly desired and believingly expected by all the Lord's people. This prayer is a prophecy. Those that persist in rebellion against God are hastening towards their own ruin.(3) For the scattering and defeating of God's enemies, there needs no more but God's arising. When God arose to judgment, the work was soon done (Psalm 76:8, 9). "Rise, Lord, as the sun riseth to scatter the shadows of the night." Christ rising from the dead scattereth His enemies (Psalm 68:18). 2. His prayer when the ark rested (ver. 36).(1) That God would cause His people to rest. So some read it, "Return, O Lord, the many thousands of Israel; return them to their rest again after this fatigue." Thus it is said, "The Spirit of the Lord caused him to rest " (Isaiah 63:14). Thus he prays that God would give Israel success and victory abroad, and peace and tranquility at home.(2) That God Himself would take up His rest among them. So we read it, "Return to the thousands of Israel"; the ten thousand thousand, so the word is. Note — 1. The Church of God is a great body; there are many thousands belonging to God's Israel. 2. We ought in our prayers to concern ourselves for this body. 3. The welfare and happiness of the Israel of God consists in the remaining presence of God among them. ( Matthew Henry, D. D..) I. WE HAVE GOD FIGHTING OUR BATTLES. His enemies are ours, and He will identify our struggles with His: 1. So far as we are going in the way of His commands. 2. So far as our actions are identified with His will. If we are fighting for our own will, our own ambition, our own ideas, we cannot say, "Scatter Thy enemies." II. WE HAVE GOD PROTECTING OUR PERIODS OF REST. 1. "He slumbereth not nor sleepeth," and "to Him the darkness is as the day." 2. He never wearies nor is tired; hence there is nothing to hinder or prevent His constant care. (Homilist.) 1. The favours they received. God has set His heart upon His people. This creates envy, which soon grows into opposition and mischief. 2. The principles they professed. 3. The expectations they cherished. II. THE ENEMIES OF THE CHURCH ARE CONSIDERED THE ENEMIES OF GOD. III. WHEN GOD RISES UP TO JUDGMENT, THE DESTRUCTION OF HIS ENEMIES IS EASY, TERRIBLE, AND COMPLETE. IV. THE CONSTANT ABODE OF GOD WITH HIS CHURCH IS AN OBJECT OF THEIR SUPREME DESIRE, 1. Let us learn from this passage the condescension and grace of God, in that He will dwell with us. 2. Let each of us inquire whether we are amongst the many thousands of Israel. 3. What comfort should this give to the Church amidst her many trials. 4. This subject affords to the enemies of the Church a motive for seeking reconciliation with God. (G. Clayton, M. A.) II. AS GOD HATH ENEMIES, SO SOMETIMES HE SLEEPETH TO ALL THEIR ENMITY. III. THOUGH GOD SLEEPETH AND THEY WORK, YET THERE IS A TIME WHEN THEY SHALL BE SCATTERED; AND WHEN GOD ARISETH THEY ARE SCATTERED. IV. OUR PRAYERS AWAKEN GOD. V. WHEN THE PEOPLE OF THE LAND GO FORTH TO WAR, GOD'S PEOPLE SHOULD GO FORTH TO PRAYER. (W. Budge, M. A.) II. THE RESTING PRAYER. The going forts would have been ruin except the Lord moved in the front. The rest will be no rest unless the Lord return Prayer called Him to precede their steps. Prayer calls Him to abide around their resting teats. Vast was the multitude. But what are numbers without God? His presence is their power, their peace, their joy, their glory, their strength, their fortress, their shield, and their repose. They know it, and they cry, "Return, O Lord." (Dean Law.) II. We are led to penetrate into that which forms the meaning, and essence, AND SPIRIT OF THE EXERCISES OF PRAISE AND PRAYER, at eventide, and at all times. We are brought immediately by prayer into the presence of God; we come into immediate contact and communion with His gracious Spirit! "Rise up, O Lord; let Thine enemies be scattered." There is significancy in that expression, "Rise up, O Lord!" And so there is in this other expression, equally figurative — "Return, O Lord." "Rise up, O Lord!" "Return, O Lord." Now, such expressions are properly explained as indicating, not an absolute fact in God's dealings, but in the perception and apprehension of God by man: not a Divine dispensation, but a human consciousness. God did not leave Israel in the day's march, no, not for an instant. We speak sometimes of the returning sunrise, and we speak sometimes of the returning sunset: but the fact is, that we return to them, and not they to us. The fact is, that it is the earth that is turning, and it is the sun that remains the same. And as it is with the sun, so it is with regard to God. Absolute change in us produces relative change in Him. As we cease to think of Him, apparently He leaves us; as we return to Him in thought, desire, and purpose, He seems to return to us in actual presence. The process is ever taking place in the history of spiritual consciousness. God and man meet when man prays to God as the day is over. God and His people hold communion as the shades of evening close in upon us at our evening devotions. III. THE TEXT SUGGESTS TO US THE THOUGHT OF THE PEACEFULNESS, AND THE SECURITY, AND THE JOY OF THOSE TO WHOM GOD THUS RETURNS. IV. We turn to this evening hymn again, and we observe THAT IT IS VERY LARGE-HEARTED — IT IS THOROUGHLY CATHOLIC. Here Moses takes up into that great heart of his the interests of all Israel — "the many thousands of Israel." Earnestly should we pray for ourselves, and with equal earnestness should we identify ourselves with the interests of others, and pray for them. An individual consciousness of moral individuality will be as a growing tree; it will be rooted in the heart, but up will it grow, and out will the branches shoot in this direction, and in that. The heart will be as a fountain, and there will come ever forth the bubbling waters, but they will flow, flow, flow, on and on, in irrigating streams, that will reach a thousand hearts. So let us throw thorough catholicity into our devotion. V. Last of all, we think of this hymn as what may be called THE EVENING HYMN OF LIFE. The last night will come, and we shall lie down to sleep in the grave! and oh! how beautiful then to be able, by faith, to lift up our hearts to heaven and say, "Return, O Lord, return unto me! I will return unto Thee! At the end of my life-long journey, my weary spirit would find rest in Thee! Receive me to Thyself." And while this prayer is offered by us on our own behalf, we are to take heed of the whole Israel of God, and pray, as we are passing out of time into eternity, that the love and care which we have so richly enjoyed, may be vouchsafed to those who follow us. (J. Stoughton.) 1. Who were they? They were the nation chosen from all the families of the earth, set apart (like the one day in seven) for the peculiar manifestation of the Divine attributes and glories. 2. Looking at their present condition, what are they? After struggling through persecutions, the fiercest and most appalling, after being the one common curse and hissing of nations, divided amongst themselves by deadly antipathies, after their long and many trackings of tears and of blood, through all countries and lands, what are they now? Still shorn of their glories; still a by-word and a mockery; still the dispersed, the wandering, and the outcast. 3. But in our castings into the future, what shall they be? II. THE NATURE OF THIS PRAYER. Moses beheld the awful state of the people, as described in the first verse of the next chapter; and therefore he prayed to the Lord. And now the cloud of the Lord is before the Israelites; and now in the midst of them is the ark of the new covenant: and yet, as described in that verse, they are filled with sinful complaining, and the fire of the Lord is burning amongst them and consuming them; the just judgments of God are upon their heads because of their unbelief, and pride, and obduracy; and they are sinking beneath the fierceness of His anger. In this their condition it is the great business of Christ's Church to pray over them, that the Lord "return to the many thousands of Israel" — that by the manifestation of His Holy Spirit He show them the darkness of their natural minds — that by the strength of His Spirit He bring down their arrogancy to the dust — that by the penetrating influence of His Spirit He open a way into their hearts, that they may receive Christ as the power of God and the wisdom of God unto salvation. (T. J. Judkin.). 7925 fellowship, among believers Hobab The Hallowing of Work and of Rest The Publication of the Gospel Letter Lv. Replies to Questions of Januarius. How the Humble and the Haughty are to be Admonished. The Second Coming of Christ. The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City. And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah Numbers |
    |