(with Judges 6:15; Jeremiah 1:6; 1 Samuel 9:21; Luke 14:18)
I. God proposes great things to men. In proportion as any call in life is great, let the heart pause and consider whether its very greatness is not a proof of its divinity.
II. We are not to look at what we are, but at what God is. When He calls He qualifies for the work.
III. What is right in itself may be perverted and abused. Timidity is right in itself, but it may be pushed into cowardice; then it becomes wrong. Self-distrust is right in itself, but if it degenerates into atheism, then it is the plague and destruction of the soul.
IV. God's call to faith is the greatest call to His universe. Our duty is to go forward to the unknown and the invisible, and live by faith. "We walk by faith, not by sight."
Parker, The City Temple,vol. iii., p. 493.
References: Exodus 4:11. H. Melvill, Penny Pulpit,No. 2677. Exodus 4:17. J. Keble, Sermons for the Christian Year, Holy Week,p. 463. 4:18-7:7. W. M. Taylor, Moses the Lawgiver,p. 61.Exodus 4:20. J. Van Oosterzee, The Year of Salvation,vol. ii., p. 388. Exodus 4:21. Parker, vol. ii., p. 44; W. Landels, Christian World Pulpit,vol. iii., p. 148. Exodus 4:22; Exodus 4:23. Spurgeon, Sermons,vol. xxiv., No. 1440.