Out of Egypt Did I Call My Son
The sermon emphasizes the importance of following Jesus and His pathway of separation and consecration, while warning against the consequences of opposing Christ and the impermanence of destructive criticism.
F.B. Meyer reflects on the tragic death of the innocent children during King Herod's decree, emphasizing that the arrival of Christ brought both hope and sorrow. He notes that those who oppose Christ ultimately face their own demise, as illustrated by historical figures like Voltaire. Meyer draws parallels between the life of Jesus and the journey of Israel, urging believers to leave behind their 'Egypt' and pursue a life of separation and dedication to God's purposes. The sermon serves as a reminder of the cost of discipleship and the call to follow Christ faithfully.
Text
Matthew 2:16-23
The death of those little children was very pathetic. From the first it seemed as though our Lord’s advent would bring not peace, but the sword. Their mothers have long since been comforted, but it was a bitter experience. The little ones were the nucleus of the great attendant crowd “that follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth,†Revelation 14:1-4.
They are dead that sought the young child’s life. Such is the epitaph that may be written for those who have set themselves to oppose the cause of Christ. Voltaire’s house in Geneva is now used as a Bible Society depot. Many of the books that made Christians tremble for the Ark, are to be found on the top shelves of second-hand libraries. There is no permanence in destructive criticism.
The young child comes up out of Egypt. There is a sense in which the life of Jesus is the epitome of the story of Israel and the experience of each Christian. See that you do not linger in Egypt, but come up in the pathway of separation and consecration to His high purposes.
Sermon Outline
- The Death of the Innocents
- The Impermanence of Destructive Criticism
- The Call to Come Out of Egypt
- Separation and consecration to God's purposes
- Following Jesus in His pathway
Key Quotes
“Their mothers have long since been comforted, but it was a bitter experience.” — F.B. Meyer
“Such is the epitaph that may be written for those who have set themselves to oppose the cause of Christ.” — F.B. Meyer
“See that you do not linger in Egypt, but come up in the pathway of separation and consecration to His high purposes.” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- We must be willing to separate from the world and consecrate ourselves to God's purposes.
- Following Jesus requires us to leave our old life behind and embark on a new pathway of faith.
- Destructive criticism will ultimately fail and be replaced by the enduring power of Christianity.