Jeremiah 48:6

Flee, save your lives.

The Christian’s flight

Such was the warning addressed to Moab by the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel. The Chaldeans were about to lay waste the land of the Moabites--a punishment which they justly deserved for their iniquities and for their long-continued opposition to the people of God But even “in wrath the Lord remembers mercy”; or, to use the beautiful language of the prophet, “He stayeth His rough wind in the day of the east wind.” Though Moab shall be punished, her cities overturned, and the country laid waste and desolate, her princes, people, and priests carried into captivity, yet an opportunity is afforded for at least a remnant to escape. “Flee, save your lives, and be like the heath in the wilderness.”

I. From what are we to flee? In a word, from everything that would wean his heart from God and endanger the safety of his soul, the Christian is to flee--“from all evil and mischief, from sin, from the world, the flesh, and the works of the devil, from hardness of heart and contempt of God’s Word and commandment.”

II. For what are we to flee? The life of your soul is concerned; and unless you flee from what stands in your way to God, and blocks up your return to Him, the wrath of God will assuredly overtake you, and you will become a prey to your enemies, to those who seek your life. It is for glory, and honour, and immortality we should flee--blessings of infinite value, prizes beyond all price--nay, far beyond the power of human tongue to tell of their inestimable preciousness; we should flee for the favour of God, the forgiveness of our sins, the worth of our souls, the love and glory of Christ, and the beauty and happiness of holiness. And we should hasten our flight, for the time is short, and death advancing.

III. Where should we flee? “Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life; and we believe,” &c. Such was Simon Peter’s declaration. Such is the confession of God’s people still. To the Lord Jesus Christ, and Him crucified, must the sinner flee. He must go as he is, and “he like the heath in the wilderness,” destitute of fruit or value, fit only for fuel, and seek to be engrafted in the living Vine. For Moab, we may observe, was commanded merely to “flee.” Whatever would oppose their progress should be put away. (C. A. Maginn, M. A.)

Flee for your life

I. Whence you are to flee.

II. where you are to flee.

III. How you are to flee.

IV. When you are to flee

V. Why you are to flee. (H. Macmillan, D. D.)