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I. Look at the afflictions of godly men in the path of duty AS A FACT.

1. Good men suffer afflictions.

2. Good men suffer affliction in the path of duty.

II. Look at the afflictions of godly men in the path of duty AS A PROBLEM.

1. A difficulty. Moses felt it.

2. Faith in the power of God to remove the difficulty.

III. OFFER SOME HINTS TOWARDS THE SOLUTION OF THE PROBLEM. The afflictions of the good in the path of duty, under the blessing of God, tend.

1. To test their faith. "Character," says Dr. Huntington, " depends on inward strength. But this strength has two conditions; it is increased only by being put forth, and it is tested only by some resistance. So, if the spiritual force or character in you is to be strong, it must be measured against some competition. It must enter into conflict with an antagonist. It must stand in comparison with something formidable enough to be a standard of its power Suffering, then, in some of its forms, must be introduced — the appointed minister, the great essayist — to put the genuineness of faith to the proof and purify it of its dross."

2. To promote their perfection. "As the Perfect One reached His perfectness through suffering," says Dr. Ferguson, "so it was with His servant. It was through the fire and the flame that the law of separation and refinement acted on the whole nature, and gave to it higher worth and glory. Trial ripened his manly spirit and made it patient to endure."

3. To enhance their joy hereafter (cf. Matthew 5:10-12; Romans 8:17, 18; 2 Corinthians 4:17, 18; Revelation 7:14-17).

4. To promote the good of the race. The Christian is called to "know the fellowship of Christ's sufferings" — to suffer vicariously with Him that others may be saved and blessed. In the privilege of this high fellowship the sharpest sufferings become sacred and exalting services.Conclusion:

1. Severe afflictions in the path of duty are in full accord with the character of God.

2. Such sufferings are quite compatible with the favour of God towards us (cf. Hebrews 12:5-11).

3. When severe suffering leads to sore perplexity let us seek help of God (cf. Psalm 73:16, 17).

(W. Jones.)

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KJV: Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the anger of the LORD was kindled greatly; Moses also was displeased.

WEB: Moses heard the people weeping throughout their families, every man at the door of his tent; and the anger of Yahweh was kindled greatly; and Moses was displeased.