Exodus 17

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XVII.—The straits of the people of God frequent recur upon them; and how commonly do they afford occasion for repeated unbelief, and a sinful rage of spirit, under them, while the greatest kindnesses are forgotten, or ill-requited. Humble prayer is most effectual to compose the spirit under such injurious treatment. Did we then but recollect the circumstances of our sins, it would tend rather to our humiliation; and, did we but wait with humble patience, we should soon discover that God can open the most abundantly supplies in our greatest distresses. How heartily wicked men hate the saints, take all opportunities to distress them! But terrible is the vengeance that awaits them on account of it. The prayers of the saints, and the sword of JEHOVAM are effectual to accomplish their ruin. Let me then never murmur against, never distrust, my God of infinite power and grace! Let me, in every case, try to hide who can turn flinty rocks into water-springs! If I receive mercies amidst my provocations, I may expect new trials. But let me depend upon God, in all my warfare, and praise him for all my victories.—But in this smitten rock I behold Jesus, the firm, the unchangeable God, and Mediator of his people, who, our deserts of hell and damnation, appeared in our nature!—Jesus, the stout smitten by Moses’ fiery law, before the rulers and people of Israel, that state of atoning blood and sanctifying virtue might issue forth, and run in this wildness of our world, for the purification and refreshment of sinful men.—In this warfare I behold Jesus, MY ALL IN ALL, as the Captain of salvation, directing the Lord’s host.—Jesus, the rod, the branch, lifted up as an ensign to the Gentiles!—Jesus, as my unwearied intercessor at the right hand of the Majesty of the High!—Jesus, through whom I am more than a conqueror; and who hath sworn that he will have war with the enemies of his people, from generation to generation, till they be utterly destroyed!