January 24

PART II.

CHRIST LIKE UNTO MOSES.

Like unto thee.--Deuteronomy 18:18.

WE have already traced many points of resemblance between Moses and the Saviour, there are yet other features of likeness which are deserving of our attention. Moses gave the people water from the rock, and obtained for them the manna from heaven. That rock was typical of Christ, and the water, shewed forth the spiritual benefits we derive from him, he is the true bread of life, who came down from heaven. Moses was greatly envied, and suffered much from his countrymen, Jesus too came to his own, but they received him not, but sought to kill him, and finally effected their cruel and wicked design. Moses was distinguished for astonishing meekness, Jesus was so mild and holy, that he never spake one word amiss. Moses was constant and powerful in prayer, Jesus spent whole nights in devotion, and he was ever heard of his Father. Moses was noted for his unabating zeal and fidelity. The zeal of the Lord's house, seemed to consume the soul of Christ, and as a son, he was faithful in all things, and did the whole work given to him of the Father. Moses instituted the passover, and received from the Lord the entire pattern of the tabernacle and its service; Jesus instituted breaking of bread, his own supper, wherein he appears as the "true passover, sacrificed for us." Moses was called to retire to a neighbouring mountain, and die there, before the people entered into the good land. Jesus also by the appointment of his Father, died on the top of Calvary, that believers might not perish, but have everlasting life. It is impossible to contemplate the characters of the type and antitype, without perceiving in the latter, "that a greater than Moses is here." Moses was a servant and a man; Christ was a Son, and equal with the Father. Moses had sinful infirmities; Jesus was immaculate, holiness embodied. Moses possessed largely of the Spirit of prophecy; but the Holy Ghost descended wholly upon Christ. Moses introduced an economy exceedingly burdensome, and doomed to perish Jesus founded a spiritual dispensation, without any galling yoke, and destined to a glorious consummation. We may admire Moses; but we are constrained to love Jesus. We may read Moses; but believe in Jesus. We may honour Moses; but we are called to adore and worship Jesus. In all things Christ must have the preeminence.