Numbers 1:54

REFLECTIONS

Who can behold the Lord's attention to Israel, as recorded in this chapter, in commanding the people to be numbered and registered; without calling to mind the blessed and distinguishing privileges of the Lord's Israel in all ages. Oh! the happiness of that people and that person, whom the Lord marketh for his own, and of whom the Lord of hosts hath said, they shall be mine in that day, when I make up my jewels. Reader! I charge it upon thine heart and mine, that we both look well to that feature, by which the Lord's Israel are known: a separate, a chosen, a distinguished, a peculiar generation. Lo the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations.

Be not cast down, my poor afflicted brother, whosoever thou art, that through the temptations of the enemy, and the unbelief of thine own heart, art prompted to fear, as if there were but few which shall be found among the true Israelites. Read this chapter, and see how numerous they then were which were numbered: think what multitudes have been added since, from among the children which were then unborn; and though the carcases of so many from that deadly sin of unbelief, fell in the wilderness, yet never forget that the Lord hath in all ages a seed that shall serve him. See how in the short period of a few years the people multiplied, and comfort thyself with this assurance, the Lord's promise must be fulfilled; the Redeemer must see of the travail of his soul and be satisfied. Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel! But chiefly may my soul be led to look unto thee, thou dear Redeemer, through whose gracious undertaking thy people, which were far off are brought nigh; and from whose complete and finished salvation alone, their names are recorded in thy book of life. Hail! precious Jesus! It is thou who hast purchased for me this glorious privilege: It is by thy blood and righteousness secured for me; It is confirmed both by the Father's gift, and the Holy Spirit's seal: and shall I at length, not only read my name written there, but enter thereby into the joy of my Lord? Oh! may I rejoice more in this, than if the devils were all subject to me through thy name. For, by and by, I shall awake to the full enjoyment of the promised possession, and have a real, intimate, and soul-transforming communion, with all the persons of the Godhead, in the face of Jesus Christ.