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GOD’S INTERPOSITIONS FOR US ARE OBLIGATIONS TO LOVE AND SERVE HIM
MUCH as patriotism and valour are admired, and deservedly as, in many instances, they have been rewarded by men, they are of no value in the sight of God, if they be not accompanied with true piety. Their utility to the state of which we are members is undoubted; but their moral excellence depends on their union with religion. Abstracted from a regard to God, they are a mere compound of pride and selfishness; but, regulated by religion, they are in a high degree amiable and praiseworthy. Many bright examples of patriotism, united with piety, are set before us in the Scriptures; but none shines with greater lustre than that of Joshua: when his whole nation was sinking under desponding fears, he encouraged them by his unshaken fortitude and confidence in God [Note: Num_14:6-9.]; and when he had vanquished all their enemies, and put them into the quiet possession of the promised land, he still improved his influence to confirm their faith, and to establish them in the paths of righteousness. The words before us are part of his dying address to all the elders of Israel. In applying them to the present occasion, we shall shew,
I. To whom our successes have been owing—
God has promised to interpose on behalf of those who wait upon him—
[His promises to hear the prayers of individuals are numberless [Note: Mat_7:7.]. And the same are made also to repenting nations [Note: 2Ch_7:14.].]
His interpositions on behalf of our nation have been signally manifest—
[We may be led to ascribe them to the valour of our forces, or the skill of our commanders. But it is God who endues them both with skill and courage, and gives the victory to whomsoever he will. Besides, there have been many peculiar circumstances which owed their origin to him alone. And, while these mark his providential care, they compel us to acknowledge that “it is he who fighteth for us [Note: Here the particular circumstances may be mentioned, and be illustrated by Psa_44:3.].”]
Nor are we without a hope, that his mercies to us have been sent in accomplishment of his promise—
[Many have mourned over the troubles of the land, and have made earnest intercession with God on our behalf. And though there is nothing meritorious in their petitions, yet when God sends the mercies for which we have prayed, we have reason to hope that he has sent them in answer to our prayers.]
Whatever may be our opinion respecting this, it becomes us to consider,
II. The improvement we should make of them—
Every mercy from God is an additional obligation to love and serve him—
[God has commanded us to love him with all our heart: and he is worthy of our supreme regard on account of the perfections of his nature, and the dispensations of his grace. But he is also to be loved in a peculiar manner for hearing and answering our prayers [Note: Psa_116:1.]. The effect produced on the mind of David, should result from every expression of the divine goodness towards us [Note: Psa_18:1 with the title of the Psalm.].]
But we are very prone to forget all his benefits—
[However earnest we may be in a season of affliction, we become remiss and careless when the affliction is removed. We are like metal, which is melted in the furnace, but returns speedily to its original hardness as soon as it is taken from the fire. Like the Jews we “forget the Rock that bought us.” Even good “Hezekiah requited not the Lord according to all that he had done for him [Note: 2Ch_32:25.].” And too many amongst ourselves forget to pay the vows which we have offered in a time of trouble.]
On this account we should take good heed to remember them—
[Nothing is more displeasing to God than ingratitude. Nor will he overlook it even in his most highly favoured servants [Note: 2Ch_32:25.]. But “shall we thus requite the Lord?” Let us rather survey with gratitude the mercies we have received. Let us habitually behold the hand of God in them. And let us anxiously inquire, “What shall I render unto the Lord for all the benefits that he hath done unto me?”]
This subject may teach us,
1. Where to look for future successes—
[If we look to our fleets and armies we may expect nothing but defeat. We are indeed to use all possible means of defence, but not to trust in any of them [Note: Isa_22:11.]. Our eyes must be directed unto God alone. “The battle is not ours but his.” “He can save by many or by few.” Were we ever so superior to our enemies he could bring us down like Sennacherib [Note: Isa_10:8-19.]; or if we were reduced to ever so low an ebb, he could render us victorious [Note: Isa_10:4.]. And it is certain that if we “walk in pride, he will abase” us; but if we humbly seek his aid, he will support and deliver us.]
2. Where to look for success in our spiritual warfare—
[Whatever external peace we might enjoy, we yet should have a warfare to maintain. There never will be one moment’s truce with our spiritual enemies. The world, the flesh, and the devil, will incessantly fight against us; and we must conflict with them even to the end. But God fighteth for those who put their trust in him. Let us call upon him, and he will clothe us with armour from the arsenal of heaven [Note: Eph_6:13.]. The Captain of our salvation will go forth with us to the battle. He will shield our head, and strengthen our arm, and make us “more than conquerors” over all. Let us then “love him” for the victories we have already gained. Let us take good heed to ourselves that we never rob him of his glory. Let us thankfully ascribe our every success to him [Note: Psa_115:1.]: and begin the song which we shall shortly sing in heaven, “Thanks be to God who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ [Note: 1Co_15:57.].”]