Thou Shalt Be to Him Instead of God
Christians are called to occupy a high and glorious place toward all whom they meet, reflecting the love and beneficence of Christ.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the profound responsibility and honor of representing God to others, as exemplified by Moses and Aaron. He encourages believers to embody the unchanging and dependable nature of God in their interactions, fostering trust and love in their relationships. Simpson highlights that living a life of self-forgetfulness and generosity reflects God's character, urging us to bless others as God blesses us. By doing so, we can elevate our lives and the lives of those around us, fulfilling our divine calling. Ultimately, he calls for a life that mirrors God's love and beneficence.
Text
Such was God's promise to Moses, and such the high character that Moses was to assume toward Aaron, his brother. Does it not suggest a high and glorious place that each of us may occupy toward all whom we meet, instead of God? What a dignity and glory it would give our lives, could we uniformly realize this high calling! What a difference it would make in our actions toward our fellow men! God can always be depended upon. He is without variation. God's Word is unchangeable, and we can trust Him without reserve or question. May we so live that men can trust us, even as they trust God! Again, God has no needs or wants to be supplied. He is always giving, rich unto all that call upon him (Romans 10:12).
The glory of His nature is love-unselfish love-and beneficence toward all His creatures.
The divine life is a self-forgetting life, a life that has nothing to do but love and bless. Let us so live, representing our Master here, while He represents us before the Throne on high.
Sermon Outline
- The High Calling of Christians
- The Character of God
- The Christian's Responsibility
- To live a life of love and beneficence
- Representing Christ to the world
Key Quotes
“What a dignity and glory it would give our lives, could we uniformly realize this high calling!” — A.B. Simpson
“May we so live that men can trust us, even as they trust God!” — A.B. Simpson
“The divine life is a self-forgetting life, a life that has nothing to do but love and bless.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- We should strive to live a life of love and beneficence, reflecting the character of Christ.
- We can trust God without reserve or question, as His Word is unchangeable.
- By living a self-forgetting life, we can represent Christ to the world and bring glory to God.