Exodus 9:29-30 And Moses said to him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands to the LORD; and the thunder shall cease… I. THAT THE TRUE MINISTER IS WILLING TO RENDER HELP TO THE VILEST PERSECUTOR IN THE HOUR OF IMAGINED REPENTANCE. Moses did not remain away from Pharaoh in the hour of his penitence. He did not treat him with contempt, as unworthy of further effort. He went to him at once. Ministers are never justified in leaving even the vilest men to themselves in their time of perplexity. They should visit them and render them all the aid in their power. The hypocrite must never be forsaken by the servant of God. II. THAT THE TRUE MINISTER WILL PRAY FOR THE MOST OBSTINATE SINNER IN THE HOUR OF DISTRESS. "As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the Lord." 1. The prayer will be offered in private. "Out of the city." Solitude is favourable to prayer. The minister should seek solitude. It is well for him to go outside of the city to meditate and to pray about obstinate men. 2. It will be offered with earnestness. "I will spread abroad my hands unto the Lord." The ministers of God should employ their hands and hearts in prayer to heaven for the souls of wicked men. III. THAT THE TRUE MINISTER MAY ASSURE THE MOST OBSTINATE SINNER OF THE MERCY OF GOD TOWARD HIM. A contrite heart shall not hear the thunder of retributive judgment. IV. THAT THE TRUE MINISTER MUST ASSERT THE UNBENDING SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD TO THE MOST OBSTINATE SINNER. V. THAT THE TRUE MINISTER WILL DEAL FAITHFULLY WITH THE MOST OBSTINATE SINNER WHO MAT MANIFEST TOKENS OF REPENTANCE. Lessons: 1. That ministers are often perplexed as to the best method of conduct toward obstinate sinners. 2. They must pray for them. 3. They must be faithful to them. (J. S. Exell, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the LORD; and the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know how that the earth is the LORD'S. |
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