Your walking through this vast wilderness!
(James Smith, "Gleams of Grace" 1860)
in all the work of your hands. HE has
watched over your walking through this
vast wilderness. These forty years the LORD
your GOD has been with you, and you have
not lacked anything!" Deuteronomy 2:7
Israel's journey from Egypt to Canaan, very
well represents and illustrates the believer's
journey through the present world unto
the promised rest. We have . . .
to cross a desert,
to walk through a wilderness,
to live in entire dependence on GOD, and
to be led by HIS wise and gracious hand.
We may not encroach on the property
of the men of this world, nor should
we desire it. The reason given Israel
for not touching, or taking, any of
the land of the children of Esau,
is the reason that may be given us,
for the LORD your GOD
through this vast wilderness!"
The LORD knows where we are,
what we need, and is able to
supply us. HE is with us, has
promised to provide for us--
and therefore should be
obeyed and honored by us.
THE PLACE.
What that vast wilderness was to Israel--
the world is, or should be, to us.
It was a barren spot--
and such is the world; it yields
no food for the soul; it gives
no satisfaction to the mind.
It was generally hot and sultry--
and here we are tried by fierce
temptations, or fiery afflictions.
It is an exhausting and debilitating
climate, and often weakens
the pilgrim along his way.
It is wearying, as well as exhausting,
so that the Christian tires of everything
below, and often longs to flee away
to a happier climate.
It is dangerous too; here the old
serpent the devil, the roaring lion,
and a thousand dangerous pitfalls
have to be avoided or overcome!
It is as perplexing as it is dangerous,
so that unless led by a divine hand,
we would never find the path,
or reach the promised land.
Its difficulties are great and numerous,
and seem to increase the farther
we advance. It lies between
the plentiful and pleasant land
of Egypt, which is left behind--
and the more plentiful and pleasant
land of Canaan, which is before us.
It is often a long, tiresome, trying journey.
THE EXERCISE.
Walking, not riding. All had to walk.
There was no royal road, or comfortable
transportation. So we must walk, and
walk by faith. We must . . .
walk every day,
walk after the LORD'S example,
walk with GOD,
walk towards the promised rest,
walk all weathers, whether sunshine
or storm, the wet season or the dry.
All had something to carry--
the luggage went with them.
Just so, we are all more or less
burdened. There is a cross
for every one's shoulder, and
a burden for every back.
We have to travel too in a mixed
company. As it was with Israel,
so it is with us. A mixed multitude
from of the land of Egypt went
along with them--
and there is a mixed multitude
with us. If all were true pilgrims,
then it would help and encourage us;
but the false-hearted ones we have to
deal with, often hinder and cast us down.
Amidst snares, temptations, and
discouragements, we have to press
on our way, not knowing what a day
may bring forth.
Yet we are not without comfort, nor have
we any real reason to be discouraged,
for the LORD knows our walking through
this vast wilderness.
THE FACT.
The LORD knew where they were,
and what they were. HE knew that
they were in the wilderness, for HE
appointed it; HE led them into it,
HE had conducted them through it.
Just so, we are where we are by
divine appointment. It was all arranged
and settled in the everlasting covenant.
We are not here by chance--
but by GOD'S divine decree.
The LORD by HIS unerring providence
led us here, and by the same providence
HE will lead us home.
Our great comfort is, that JESUS
has traveled the road before us.
HE knows by experience what
we are now passing through.
HE suffered, being tempted.
HE was tried in all points like
as we are. HIS eye rests upon us.
HE watches us every moment.
HE observes the difficulties of the road,
and the supplies that we need. HE sends
us all we need, and as we need it. HE
is engaged to see us safely through
the wilderness. HE has taken charge
of us. HE has undertaken for us.
HE has made ample and suitable
provision. HE has helped us hitherto,
and will help us through the entire journey!
The Christian's journey then is across a desert.
He must walk every step of the road.
The LORD knows all . . .
his weaknesses and his woes,
his wants and his foes,
his fears and his cares,
his faults and his follies--
and provides for all.
What is the world to us?
A pleasant spot--or a vast wilderness?
A desirable residence--or a dreary desert?
What are we doing in the world?
Are we settling down in it--
or walking through it?
What is our great comfort here?
Is it that the LORD our GOD knows
where we are, what we need, and will
supply us? Beloved, our GOD has
so provided for us, that we may not
envy the children of Esau, or any
of the inhabitants of the land.
As Israel was forbidden to beg or
steal from their neighbors, because
GOD had blessed them--
so we should,
of money and be content with what
we have, because GOD has said:
Never will I leave you; never will
I forsake you!" Hebrews 13:5
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