Israel had “come” to the land, but the way had not been discovered and cleared by their own guides. They had been “brought unto the place,” almost carried like helpless children by Divine goodness. It was fit that they should know, confess this and learn lessons of wisdom. “The private life of man,” says Napoleon I., “is a mirror in which we may see many useful lessons reflected.”
I. Divine help in timely circumstances. Life is full of change, a journey “through many a scene of joy and woe.” But God helps “in time of need.”
1. In periods of risk, “A Syrian ready to perish” was Jacob. The cruelty of Laban, the wrath of Esau and the perilous journey to Egypt endangered life. “There is but a step between me and death,” said David.
2. In periods of adversity. “Evil entreated, afflicted and under hard bondage” (Deu_26:6). This prepares us for advancement, as it did Joseph, David, and Israel. The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor can we be perfected without suffering.
3. In periods of prosperity. “The day of adversity” is not our entire lot. “The day of prosperity” is equally a divine appointment. “God also hath set (made) the one over against (like parallel with) the other” (Ecc_7:14.) We need divine instruction especially in prosperity, to humble and show us our unworthiness (Gen_32:10). To keep us dependant and grateful, and remind us of our origin and history. “Look unto the rock whence ye are known, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.”
II. Divine help secured through prayer. “We cried unto the Lord our God” (Deu_26:7). Prayer teaches dependence upon God. In trouble we have an incentive to pray. Men who have ridiculed have then been compelled to acknowledge God. In affliction and danger prayer is earnest and prolonged. “We cried unto the Lord.” Confidence in God has given courage and gained success in battle. Moses and Elijah were the real defence of Israel; Hezekiah and Isaiah brought down blessings upon Jerusalem (2Ch_32:20-23). “The good man’s prayer moves Omnipotence in the administration of the universe.” It is a mighty, moral force in the history of men; it has achieved what numbers and valour never could achieve. “Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.”
III. Divine help acknowledged in grateful remembrance. Several forms of memorial are given. Sensible signs are often needful to quicken memory and prompt gratitude in reviewing past life.
1. In self consecration to God. There can be no worship without this. Attendance and reverent attitude are outward acts. The heart must be touched and drawn out before we can offer spiritual service. Nothing can rise above its limits. A beast cannot act as a man, and a man perform the work of an angel. Neither can the impenitent, ungrateful sinner render true worship. Only when love fills the heart and mercy is duly appreciated do we present ourselves “as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God.”
2. In acts of practical piety. The Israelite was not merely to “profess” (Deu_26:3), but perform, “take the first of all the fruit.” Words are cheap but deeds are scarce. God requires sincerity as well as sacrifice. The first fruits of time and mental vigour. The produce of our land and the share of our gains belong to Him. The best of everything should be offered to God. “The first fruit of thy corn, of thy vine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give Him.”
3. In works of perpetual charity. Love to God must show itself in benevolence to men—the divinity we preach be seen in the humanity we practise. Charity must never fail. Relief must not merely be given in “deserving cases,” to persons “worthy of help,” but to the undeserving. “The world is the hospital of Christianity,” and the duty of the Church is to seek out the destitute and aged, those in great suffering and unable to work. This is the mark of “pure religion” says Jas_1:27. This gained Job a character which his friends could not assail, and a reputation which they could not tarnish (Deu_31:16-22). “Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that those bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him, and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” (Isa_58:6-7; Isa_50:11).
I. Divine help in timely circumstances. Life is full of change, a journey “through many a scene of joy and woe.” But God helps “in time of need.”
1. In periods of risk, “A Syrian ready to perish” was Jacob. The cruelty of Laban, the wrath of Esau and the perilous journey to Egypt endangered life. “There is but a step between me and death,” said David.
2. In periods of adversity. “Evil entreated, afflicted and under hard bondage” (Deu_26:6). This prepares us for advancement, as it did Joseph, David, and Israel. The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor can we be perfected without suffering.
3. In periods of prosperity. “The day of adversity” is not our entire lot. “The day of prosperity” is equally a divine appointment. “God also hath set (made) the one over against (like parallel with) the other” (Ecc_7:14.) We need divine instruction especially in prosperity, to humble and show us our unworthiness (Gen_32:10). To keep us dependant and grateful, and remind us of our origin and history. “Look unto the rock whence ye are known, and to the hole of the pit whence ye are digged.”
II. Divine help secured through prayer. “We cried unto the Lord our God” (Deu_26:7). Prayer teaches dependence upon God. In trouble we have an incentive to pray. Men who have ridiculed have then been compelled to acknowledge God. In affliction and danger prayer is earnest and prolonged. “We cried unto the Lord.” Confidence in God has given courage and gained success in battle. Moses and Elijah were the real defence of Israel; Hezekiah and Isaiah brought down blessings upon Jerusalem (2Ch_32:20-23). “The good man’s prayer moves Omnipotence in the administration of the universe.” It is a mighty, moral force in the history of men; it has achieved what numbers and valour never could achieve. “Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.”
III. Divine help acknowledged in grateful remembrance. Several forms of memorial are given. Sensible signs are often needful to quicken memory and prompt gratitude in reviewing past life.
1. In self consecration to God. There can be no worship without this. Attendance and reverent attitude are outward acts. The heart must be touched and drawn out before we can offer spiritual service. Nothing can rise above its limits. A beast cannot act as a man, and a man perform the work of an angel. Neither can the impenitent, ungrateful sinner render true worship. Only when love fills the heart and mercy is duly appreciated do we present ourselves “as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God.”
2. In acts of practical piety. The Israelite was not merely to “profess” (Deu_26:3), but perform, “take the first of all the fruit.” Words are cheap but deeds are scarce. God requires sincerity as well as sacrifice. The first fruits of time and mental vigour. The produce of our land and the share of our gains belong to Him. The best of everything should be offered to God. “The first fruit of thy corn, of thy vine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give Him.”
3. In works of perpetual charity. Love to God must show itself in benevolence to men—the divinity we preach be seen in the humanity we practise. Charity must never fail. Relief must not merely be given in “deserving cases,” to persons “worthy of help,” but to the undeserving. “The world is the hospital of Christianity,” and the duty of the Church is to seek out the destitute and aged, those in great suffering and unable to work. This is the mark of “pure religion” says Jas_1:27. This gained Job a character which his friends could not assail, and a reputation which they could not tarnish (Deu_31:16-22). “Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that those bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him, and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?” (Isa_58:6-7; Isa_50:11).
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