Exo_14:15. The Christian’s Watchword
"Go forward."’97Exo_14:15.
The text is connected with the wonderful deliverance of the Israelites from the land of Egypt. After a series of the most astounding miracles, the proud and impious monarch had given them permission to depart. But scarcely were they on their way before he again relapsed into his former state of infatuated hardness, and resolved to pursue, and either to destroy them, or again bring them beneath his cruel and despotical yoke. The spot where he overtook hem was near to the Red Sea. The hearts of the people melted with fear. Before them was a watery sepulchre; behind them a powerful army. Escape from both seemed impossible; but God said to Moses, "Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward:" and onwards they went; God opening a passage for them through the mighty waters; while Pharaoh and his host were all overwhelmed by them, so that not so much as one of them remained to carry back the tidings of their ruin.
Believers are on their way to their heavenly Canaan. Enemies will pursue them; difficulties oppose their course; fears often intimidate them. But the Captain of our salvation has one watchword for all his followers; and it is contained in the text: "Go forward."
Let us notice,
I. In what the Christian is to go forward.
Now this is evident; he must go forward in the path to eternal life. More particularly, he must go forward,
1. In the increase of Christian graces.
He must seek to have all the fruits of the Spirit, and all in an enlarged degree. Faith must grow mightily, that he may stand fast, and be shielded from the attacks of enemies. Hope must be increasingly bright, that his head may be lifted up. Love must be increasingly ardent, constraining him onwards in all that is associated with self-denial and suffering in Christ’s cause. Meekness must be the expression of the eye; patience of the countenance; kindness the language of the tongue; and the whole soul clothed with humility.
2. In the exhibition of Christian virtues.
Such as justice, temperance, brotherly kindness, and charity. There must be nonconformity to the world; hospitality to saints; and goodness and compassion to all men. There must be an imitating of him "who went about doing good," and who hath left us an example that we should follow his steps.
3. In the performance of Christian duties.
In reading the holy oracles, and in holy meditation, forward. In secret and public prayer, forward. In family worship and discipline, forward. In the services of the sanctuary, forward. In enterprises of usefulness and plans of benevolence, forward In all the personal and relative obligations of life, forward.
4. In the attainment of Christian privileges and blessings.
"Peace flowing as a river, and righteousness abounding as the waves of the sea." Title to heaven becoming more clear; experience more rich and fruitful; heart softening and becoming more completely moulded by divine love; joy increasing; confidence stronger; conscience more holy; soul more happy; body, soul, and spirit more hallowed and consecrated to the service and glory of God. "Changed into the image of God, from glory to glory by the Spirit, of the Lord."
Let us consider,
II. Why the Christian should go forward
1. God commands it, and his authority is imperative.
He made us, and has, therefore, a claim to our obedience. He is our Sovereign Legislator and Judge. To reject his commands, is rebellion; to deny his claims, is infidelity; to refuse his authority, is treason. But the Christian is an affectionate son, a loyal subject, an obedient servant, and therefore feels, in all its commanding force, the injunction, "Go forward."
2. Christ enforces it, and his claims are irresistible.
He enforces it by his discourses and by his example. And he claims it on the ground of his love to us, and our professed love to him. He claims it on the ground of our calling, for we are called to glory. On the ground of consistency, for we are his friends if we do whatsoever he commands us. His dying agonies seem to appeal to apostate professors, and say, "I suffer these for you; will ye also go away?" "Whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words," &c.
3. The Holy Spirit moves us to it, and his influences must not be quenched.
Does he not incite us forward in prayer and in praise? Does he not quicken, and enliven, and strengthen? Does he not guide, and uphold, and support? Does he not protect, and comfort, and sanctify? And all he does for us, and within us, is that we may "go forward." It is urged upon us.
4. By the examples of saints with whom we are forever to be associated.
Noah, bad as the world was, went forward. Abraham and the patriarchs went forward. Moses, Joshua, and Caleb went forward. Samuel, and David, and the prophets went forward. The apostles and disciples (save Judas) went forward. The first Christian martyrs and confessors went forward. The reformers and our pious forefathers went forward. And now they have reached the goal, and inherit the promises, doubtless they watch our course with great interest and intense anxiety. "Seeing, then, that we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight," &c.; Heb_12:1. We should be influenced,
5. By the sufficiency of the means provided for our progress and safety.
Had Israel an infallible guide, the pillar of cloud by day, and of fire by night? So have we. Had Israel an invincible defence in the arm of God? So have we. Had Israel water from the rock, and manna from heaven? So have we. Yes; "the Lord God is a sun and shield; he will give grace and glory, and will withhold no good thing from them that walk uprightly." We are urged onwards,
6. By the dreadful and calamitous effects produced by apostacy.
Light quenched’97peace lost’97forsaken by the Spirit’97abandoned to sin, and misery, and despair. Death terrific’97meeting with the Judge fearful’97eternity full of indescribable horror and wo. See Luk_9:62, Heb_4:11, Heb_10:26; Heb_38:39. We are allured forwards,
7. By the glorious rewards which God shall bestow on his persevering people.
"Be thou faithful unto death," &c.; Rev_2:10 "To him that overcometh," &c. Rev_3:5, Rev_3:21. "To them who, by patient continuance in well-doing, seek for glory, and honor, and immortality," &c.; Rom_2:8
Application
1. Let the subject be addressed to all classes and ages of Christian professors. To the young believer, and the aged disciple, the motto is the same’97forward. To the illiterate, and the learned Christian, the same’97forward. Ministers, and deacons, and members, the same’97forward. Forward, in prosperity and adversity; in sickness and health; in life and until death.
2. The subject must be reversed to the sinner. He is in the wrong path; far enough already from God and happiness and heaven. If he adopts the Christian’s watchword, it will be ruin, misery, perdition, despair. Oh, then, stop, stop, poor sinner, and stop now. Turn from thy evil ways and live. "Ask for the old paths, and walk therein," &c. "Seek the Lord while he may be found," &c. "Strive to enter at the strait gate," &c. "Return unto the Lord, for he hath redeemed thee." Amen.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS