Exodus 17:7

Is the Lord among us, or not?

Evidences of the Divine presence

I. We observe an increase of spiritual enlightenment is an evidence of the Divine presence among a people.

II. We observe spiritual-mindedness is an evidence of the Divine presence among a people.

III. We observe Christian love is an evidence of the Divine presence among a people.

IV. Activity and devotedness in the cause of Christ is an evidence of the Divine presence among a people. We have three remarks in conclusion--

1. The unrenewed may learn from this subject that there is no hope for him of any radical improvement save in the grace of God. The Holy Spirit is the sole agent for this work.

2. The Church of God should learn from this subject that the grace and presence of the Lord in the midst of them is the one thing needful.

3. Let all know that the Lord is to be found in the power and sufficiency of His grace by all who seek Him through the Saviour. (H. F. Holmes.)

“Is the Lord among us, or not?”-a false inference

Notwithstanding all the other tokens of God’s presence they thought that their renewed difficulties were a proof that God was no longer amongst them. And are not our hearts far too apt to come to the same conclusion on the same grounds? We enter on some new path, on some fresh work, because we think that the hand of God is leading us to it, and, almost unconsciously to ourselves, we suppose that His presence will secure us from any great and discouraging difficulties. Our expectations are disappointed--one difficulty after another presents itself--one door after another is closed. What follows? Too often doubts begin to arise in our minds whether God is really with us. But these doubts should not be encouraged. It is altogether a false inference, that because our path is one of difficulty or trial, therefore the Lord is not among us. The very reverse will usually be found to be the true conclusion. (G. Wagner.)