Exodus 23:20-22<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to
bring you to the place I have prepared. Pay attention to him and listen to
what he says. Do not rebel against him; he will not forgive your rebellion,
since my Name is in him. If you listen carefully to what he says and do all
that I say, I will be an enemy to your enemies and will oppose those who
oppose you.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is but too common for men to cast the blame of their own negligence on
God. But they who labor so much to exculpate themselves now, will one day
be silent; and God will finally be justified in every sentence that he
shall pass. His kindness to the church of old may show us what his conduct
is towards us. And they who are thus guided, warned, and encouraged, must,
if they perish, ascribe their condemnation to themselves alone. The words
before us contain,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I. The work and office of Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Christ is here called an angel or messenger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He is often called by this name in the Holy Scriptures. He is the angel
that was in the pillar and the cloud, Exodus 14:19. That angel was Jehovah,
Exodus 13:21. That Jehovah was Christ, 1 Corinthians 10:9. See also Malachi
3:1. Nor does he disdain to assume it himself John 12:49. In his essential
nature indeed Jesus is equal with the Father. But in his mediatorial
capacity he sustains the office of a servant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the angel of the covenant, Jesus leads and keeps his people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He is represented as a leader and commander, like Joshua, his type, Isaiah
55:4. He went before them in the wilderness in the pillar and the cloud.
And still, though invisible, Jesus guides them in their way to Heaven,
Psalm 25:9; Psalm 32:8.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nor does he leave them until he brings them safely to glory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He did not forsake the Israelites, until he had accomplished all his
promises, Joshua 23:14. Having “prepared the land for them,” he preserved
them for it. Thus has he “prepared mansions for us” also, John 14:2; and
will surely bring us to the full possession of them! 1 Peter 1:4-5.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But as this office of Christ implies a correspondent duty in us, God
suggests,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
II. A caution against neglecting him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We are much in danger of displeasing him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As our guide, he expects implicit obedience. Nor can we rebel against him
without “provoking” his indignation, Isaiah 63:10. Hence we need continual
circumspection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The consequence of displeasing him will be terrible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Doubtless to penitents he is full of mercy and compassion. But to
impenitent offenders he will manifest his wrath, Psalm 7:11-13. Nor will he
allow any to continue in their sins with impunity, Ezekiel 24:13-14.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His power and dignity are a certain pledge to us that he will avenge the
insults that are offered him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By “the name of God” we understand not his authority only, but his very
nature, John 14:10-11; John 10:30. And this union with the Father is a
pledge to us, that he will act as befits the divine character. Nor will any
consideration of mercy ever tempt him again to sacrifice the honor of the
Deity to the interests of man.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is not however by terror only that God would persuade us; for he adds,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
III. An encouragement to obey him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Obedience is in one sense, the condition of God’s favor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We know that there is nothing meritorious in man’s obedience. Yet is there
an inseparable connection between that and the divine favor. Nor is it a
partial obedience only that he requires at our hands. Obedience must be
earnest, unwearied, uniform, and unreserved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And to those who yield him this obedience he will show himself an active
friend, and an almighty protector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
His favor consists not in a mere inactive delight. It will manifest itself
in a constant and powerful interposition on their behalf, 2 Chronicles
32:8; Isaiah 49:25. He will not fail to secure them the victory over all
their enemies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Address,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Those who disregard the voice of this divine Messenger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From what is spoken of his mercy you are ready to think him destitute of
justice. And from the depth of his condescension you conclude he will not
vindicate his own honor. But where God most fully proclaims his mercy, he
declares his justice also, Exodus 34:7. Do not make him your enemy, who
came from Heaven to save you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consider what means he has used to guide you to the promised land.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consider what great things he would do for you, if you would obey his voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consider what certain and terrible destruction your rejection of his mercy
will bring upon you, Hebrews 12:25. And instantly surrender up yourselves
to his direction and government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Those who, though they submit to his government, are doubtful of success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Israelites, notwithstanding all the miracles they had seen, were afraid
they should not finally attain the object of their desires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thus among ourselves, many tremble lest their expectations should never be
realized. But is not God able to beat down your enemies before you? Or will
he forget the promise he has so often renewed? If he is incensed against
you, it is not owing to unfaithfulness in him, but to instability in you!
Jeremiah 2:17. Only be vigilant to obey his will, and to follow him fully;
and you need not doubt that he will preserve you unto his heavenly kingdom
2 Timothy 4:18.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Those who are following him with cheerfulness to the heavenly land.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blessed be God, there are some of you like-minded with Joshua and Caleb,
Numbers 14:24; Numbers 32:12. And are not you living monuments of the power
and grace of God? Have you not on many occasions proved his readiness to
pardon sin? And do you not daily experience his paternal care and
protection? Go on then with increasing vigilance and an assured hope. Know
that all the power and perfections of God are engaged for you; and that
“having guided you by his counsel, he will finally bring you to glory.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Charles Simeon (1759-1836)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Exodus 23:20-22 “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and tobring you to the place I have prepared. Pay attention to him and listen towhat he says. Do not rebel against him; … Continue reading