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MOSES’ PRAYER AT THE REMOVAL AND RESTING OF THE ARK
PATRIOTISM, according to the general acceptation of the term, consists in such a partial regard for our native land, as would advance the interests of one’s own country at the expense of all others, and trample upon the most sacred rights of justice for the attainment of its ends. In this view, it is no better than a specious cloak for cruelty and oppression: but, when freed from selfishness and injustice, it is a good principle, and nearly allied to religion itself. Such was the patriotism of Moses: he wished well to his own country, and sought to promote its best interests. That he sought to occupy the territory of others, is true: but his right to their land was founded on the grant of Jehovah himself, the great Proprietor of heaven and earth: and his desire to possess it originated, not in a thirst for dominion, but in a persuasion that the possession of it was combined with spiritual blessings, and would tend as much to the advancement of God’s honour as of Israel’s good. He wished ill to none, any further than as they were enemies of Almighty God: it was their opposition to HIM which he prayed to be rendered ineffectual. All his desire was, that Israel might be happy in their God, and in the ultimate possession of those privileges which God, in his sovereign mercy, had destined them to enjoy. This was the one object for which he prayed, whenever the ark removed, and whenever it became stationary. And from this prayer of his we may learn, what we also should do,
I. In times of trial—
It is not to be expected that we should pass through this wilderness without meeting with manifold trials in our way. The Church of old had much to contend with; and so must every individual that advances towards the heavenly Canaan — — — But our help is in God: and to Him we must look,
1. In earnest prayer—
[Prayer is the appointed means of obtaining succour from above: and it shall prevail when urged with fervent importunity — — — The uplifted hands of Moses prevailed against Amalek more than Joshua’s sword: nor can we doubt but that, in all their journeys, the Israelites owed much of their safety to his continual intercession. Without prayer the whole Christian armour would leave him open to the assaults of his enemies: but, with it, he is altogether invincible — — —]
2. In humble trust—
[However numerous or powerful our enemies may be, we must remember, that “He who dwelleth on high is mightier.” “If He be for us, none can with any effect be against us.” With His help “a worm shall thresh the mountains” — — — It is manifest that Moses never doubted for a moment the all-sufficiency of Jehovah: nor should we: but, like David in the most perilous circumstances, we should banish all unbelieving fears with this thought, “The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven” — — —]
3. In confident expectation—
[Moses did not pray as to an unknown God, but as to a God whom by experience he knew to be “abundant in goodness and truth.” Thus we should have our expectations raised: we should ask in faith, persuaded and assured that “God will do more for us than we can either ask or think” — — — If we were “not straitened in ourselves,” we should not find ourselves straitened in our God.]
Similar to this should be our conduct,
II. In seasons of rest—
There were even in the apostolic age some seasons when “the Churches had rest:” and there are times of comparative rest which the saints experience in every age. But these are pregnant with danger to the soul no less than times of trial. At those seasons we are apt to relax our vigilance, and to be “settled on our lees.” It becomes us therefore, then more especially, to seek the presence of our God; to seek it,
1. As our only safeguard—
[Moses never deemed himself secure but under the divine protection. Hence he was as anxious to have God present with his people in their resting-places, as in their removals. We too, though apparently in peace, must remember, that “the roaring lion which seeketh to devour us”never rests; he is ever going about, and ready to “take advantage of us” to our ruin. In God, and in him alone, is our safety. If He guide us, we shall not err: if He uphold us, we shall not fall: if He be a wall of fire round about us, we may bid defiance to all the assaults of earth and hell — — —]
2. As our supreme happiness—
[At no time should we suffer ourselves to rest in created enjoyments: they are then only conducive to real happiness, when we can enjoy God in them. All, without him, is but “as the crackling of thorns under a pot” — — — To have his presence in the ordinances, and in the closet, and in our own hearts, this is life, this is peace, this is “joy that is unspeakable and glorified.” This therefore we should covet beyond all created good; and every moment that we are bereft of this, we should consider as lost to all the great ends and purposes of life — — —]
Address—
1. Those who are ignorant of God—
[Do not despise the idea of communion with God: there is a time coming, when you yourselves will wish for it. A dying man is a pitiable object indeed without the divine presence. But if we seek it not now, what reason have we to expect it in a dying hour? — — —]
2. Those who indulge unbelieving fears respecting him—
[How greatly do you dishonour the God of Israel! See how he attended his people of old, going before them in their journeys, and abiding with them in their resting-places: and is he not the same God still? O blush and be ashamed, that ever ye have limited his power and grace. Only live nigh to him in the exercise of faith and prayer, and you cannot but be happy in time and in eternity.]
3. Those who enjoy his presence—
[Be, like Moses, true patriots. Consider “the many thousands of Israel,” and let them ever have a remembrance in your prayers. Seek for them, as well as for yourselves, God’s blessing and protection. To be intercessors for the Church is an employment worthy the attention of the highest potentates: at the same time “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man,” however low he be in the scale of society, “availeth much.” And they who bring clown blessings on the Church by prayer, shall be sure to have no small portion of them resting on their own souls.]