Israel's Need and God's Mercy # 2

Israel's Need and God's Mercy # 2

Overcoming faith is impossible without the constant renewings of the Holy Spirit. We doubt the promise - and distrust the promiser. Sometimes we question whether we have ever left Egypt - and at other times we are ready to conclude, that for our sin, He has brought us out to slay us in the wilderness. This distrusting God is the sin that does so easily beset us.

With so long a journey, so strange a path, such numerous foes, so many dangers, and such unbelieving hearts - can we ever reach the promised land? Can we? Not if left to ourselves. Not if led only by Moses. Not if we have merely an angel for our guide. We must have a guide who well knows the road; who can conquer our many foes; who can lead us safely through all our dangers; who can bear with our stubborn hearts and lives!

We need a guide whose wisdom is perfect, whose power is almighty, whose care is constant, whose patience is immutable, and whose mercy endures forever! And we have such a guide, for the Most High God, who rules over the kingdoms of men has said to us, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go! I will guide you with My eye!" (Psalm 32:8). And so sweetly has He assured us of His love, won our confidence, and revealed His character and qualifications, that we have right heartily said, "You shall guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory!" Israel's God was Israel's guide; and this God is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even unto death, through death, and beyond it. "By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night." This leads us to notice -

Secondly - The Lord's Mercy. God provided just what the Israelites needed in the wilderness - a guide to lead them by day and night. He went ahead of them; thus pointing out the road, clearing it of insurmountable difficulties, and conducting them in it.

This is what our good and gracious God does for us! He is really present with us - though unseen by us. He is never far from any one of us. He marks out our road, He removes every real impediment out of our way, and conducts us step by step in the path to the promised land!

Naturally we do not know the path; and when we do, our nature always dislikes it. Left to ourselves, we would choose the short-cut, the smooth path, and well-frequented road. But He leads us in a zigzag way, by a rough and uneven road - where there are but few fellow-travelers. His choice is best. The way He points out is the only right one. It is to humble us, and test us, and show what is in our hearts. It is that we may walk by faith - and not by sight. It is to teach us our need of Himself - and to lead us to cleave to Him.

He came behind them. When the Egyptians drew near, the pillar of fire moved, and fell down as a fiery partition, as an impassable barrier between the two companies.

The Lord went before them, and the God of Israel was their reward.

Just so, our wise and watchful guide becomes our SHIELD - He interposes between us and danger. Often, very often, would the Egyptians have come upon us from behind, and injured, if not destroyed us - but our God was there, He protected and preserved us. We shall never know until we get to glory - how often and in how many ways, the Lord has interposed for us and preserved us!

He adapted Himself to all their circumstances.

By day, when the sun was pouring down its streams of glaring light and scorching heat - it was a warming cheerful fire. it was shade or light; shadow or warmth - just as they needed. And, oh, beloved, how has our God adapted Himself to all our circumstances these many years in the wilderness! He has warmed us with His love - and cooled us with His mercy. He has sheltered us with His broad hand - and cheered us with His loving Word.

In looking back, we can see that we have had the cloud by day - and the fire by night. He has fully provided for them that they might journey by day and night. If they had to strike their tents and pack up for a march at noon - the cloud shadowed them; and if they had to prepare for a removal at night - the fire gave them light to work by. If they traveled on scorching sands, and under a burning sky - they were sheltered; and if they journeyed under the gloom of midnight - they were illumined and cheered.

~James Smith~

(continued with # 3)