The Past Reviewed

The Past Reviewed

"You shall remember all the way which the Lord your God led you these forty years in the wilderness" (Deuteronomy 8:2).

It is well sometimes to look forward - and anticipate "the blessed hope, even the glorious appearing of our Lord and Saviour."

It is good sometimes to look within - and examine whether we are in the faith. It is right sometimes to look around - and see the posture of our foes, and what temptations are laid for us. It is necessary also to look back - and see the way the Lord our God has led us.

1. In a wilderness. For sin has changed the character of the present world; it was once the garden of the Lord - it is now a desolate wilderness. Its leading characteristic is barrenness. There is no food for the soul, nothing to satisfy the immortal spirits in it. King Solomon, who knew most, possessed most, and enjoyed most of this world, has said, "Vanity of vanities - all is vanity!"

2. It is a dangerous place, full of robbers, wild beasts, and terrible pits! It is full of troubles, and all who dwell in it are exposed to many, great, and painful privations.

Who has been our GUIDE? The Lord your God has led you. He well knows the place - with all its turnings, windings, and dangers! He tenderly loves our persons; His love has in it more than a mother's tenderness, and more than a faither's steadfastness and strength. He does not always aim to please or gratify us - but He always guides us into safety, peace, and honor. He leads us according to our nature and circumstances: He leads us by His sacred word, His Holy Spirit, and the events of His providence.

By what way have we been led? Not by the nearest, or the smoothest, or the easiest - but the best way. The right way. The only way. It has been rough, difficult, and round about - but it has been right. God chose it for us, and He has led us in it. It was the way in which He could teach us the most important lessons; try and exercise all our graces; prove the sincerity of our professions; prepare us for His service below, and His glory above; and make us really useful, that He might make us honorable - for only the useful are honorable in the kingdom of our God.

How long has He been leading us? Israel had been led forty years - so has the writer - so, perhaps, has the reader; this is a long period. It is the most interesting period; for in these years, we have been called by grace, separated from the world, consecrated to God, sent into His vineyard, and formed into families.

What now does the Lord require? "You shall remember all the way the Lord your God has led you." This implies we should notice, record, and preserve an account of the Lord's dealings and leadings. Remember that the Lord's leading has preserved you - and but that - you would never have arrived so far in safety.

Remember you faults. Remember His favors. Remember you foes. Remember the friendship of your God - how necessary, how constant, how condescending! Friendship unparalleled, on which your supply, your safety, your all depended (Deuteronomy 32:7-14)

Remember the way, the Guide, and your own conduct - or you cannot be just; you will not be either grateful or humble. Remember, for God remembers. (Jeremiah 2:2).

~James Smith~

(The End)