Exodus 4:24-31 - Homilies By J. Urquhart

The three meetings.

I. THE LORD 'S MEETING WITH MOSES ( Exodus 4:24-26 ).

1 . Moses' sin.

2 . The reason of the omission, weak yielding to the prejudices of his Midianitish wife.

3 . His guilt. God looked beyond the sign to that which it signified and partially accomplished—the claiming of the life for himself and righteousness. Moses' disobedience was therefore murder by neglect, and life shall answer for life. The guilt of the unfaithful watchmen in Zion ( Ezekiel 33:7-9 ); of parents who never seek by instruction and example and prayer to have their children circumcised with the circumcision of Christ.

4 . God will withstand the inconsistent worker. He will permit his work to be done only by the righteous and the faithful. This is seen both in churches and in individuals.

II. THE MEETING OF MOSES AND AARON ( Exodus 4:27 , Exodus 4:28 ).

1 . Moses had to proceed alone ( Exodus 18:2 ), the type of many who pass to service through loss.

2 . God prepares consolation in the desert ( Matthew 19:27-29 ).

3 . The marvels of God's providence. He makes their meeting with each other a meeting with himself. "They met at the mount of God."

4 . Human love hallowed by the Divine love—"And Moses told Aaron," etc.

III. THEIR MEETING WITH THE ELDERS OF ISRAEL ( Exodus 4:29-31 ). Where Moses dreaded failure he meets success. There is more faith waiting to receive God's word than we imagine: souls wait round us like the parched land for the showers.— U .