Homilist Exodus 3:1-6 Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert… 1. That God's purposes are punctual in their accomplishment (see Genesis 15.). The clock of time had now struck the four hundred years, and God forthwith began to redeem His pledge. 2. That God's purposes, in relation to our world, are generally accomplished by the agency of man. 3. That the men whom God employs for the carrying out of His purposes, He qualifies by a special revelation. 4. That this special revelation which He vouchsafes, is frequently symbolical in its character. All nature is a symbol. Truth in symbol is palpable, attractive, impressive. The burning bush was a symbol. But what did it symbolize? God's presence. I. OBSERVE MOSES DIRECTING HIS EARNEST ATTENTION TO THE DIVINE REVELATION. 1. Moses directs his attention to it, under an impression of its greatness. 2. Moses directs his attention to it, in order to ascertain its import. It is ever so with a true student of the Bible. He will seek to find out "the reason of things." II. OBSERVE MOSES HOLDING INTERCOURSE WITH GOD THROUGH THE DIVINE REVELATION. 1. God's communications depended upon his attention. Only he who looks and inquires, hears in the Bible the voice of God. 2. God's communications were consciously personal to him. 3. God's communications were directive and elevating. III. OBSERVE MOSES REALIZING THE PROFOUNDEST IMPRESSIONS THROUGH THE DIVINE REVELATION. "Hid his face," etc. 1. These impressions are peculiarly becoming in sinful intelligences. The Bible is designed to produce reverence for God. 2. These impressions are necessary to qualify men for God's work. 3. These impressions are consonant with the highest dignity and enjoyment. He that is consciously least is always greatest. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. |
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