Who Is on The Lord's Side?

Israel had rebelled against Jehovah, and had set up the golden calf. Moses appeared among them, and in great wrath threw down their idol and rebuked Aaron. The people were awe-struck by the presence of the servant of the Lord, and sought their tents, save only a number of the more hardened who brazened it out. Moses, feeling that this great rebellion must be crushed and punished, summoned the faithful to his standard, and those who came were of the tribe of Levi. These, with stern fidelity, fulfilled their mission, and hence were made teachers of Israel forever. Decision is that which the Lord looks for in his ministers, and when he sees it he will reward it. Remember the blessing of Levi, in Deut 33. “And of Levi he said, Let your Thummin and your Urim be with your holy one, whom you did prove at Massah, and with whom you did strive at the waters of Meribah; Who said unto his father and to his mother, I have not seen him; neither did he acknowledge his brethren, nor knew his own children: for they have observed your word, and kept your covenant. They shall teach Jacob your judgments, and Israel your law: they shall put incense before you, and whole burnt sacrifice upon your altar.”

All true men ought to be decided, for a dreadful conflict is going on at this present day, and a curse will fall on neutrals.

I. THE CONFLICT, AND WHICH IS THE LORD’S SIDE.

Belief in God against Atheism and other forms of unbelief.

Scripture in opposition to false philosophy and “modern thought.”

The gospel versus superstition.

Christ versus self-righteousness.

The commands of God versus self-pleasing.

Holiness and right, against sin and oppression.

II. THE LORD’S FRIENDS AND WHAT THEY MUST DO.

They must own their allegiance openly. “Consecrate yourselves today to the Lord,” verse 29.

They should come out and rally to the standard: “Who is on the Lord’s side? let him come unto me.” We do this by open union with the church, by boldly rebuking sin, by testifying for truth, by not conforming to the world, and by conforming to Christ our Lord. 2 Corinthians 8:5.

They must be willing to be in a minority: one tribe against eleven, if need be.

They must become aggressive. “Put every man his sword by his side” (verse 27).

Their zeal must overmaster nature’s ties. “Neither did he acknowledge his brethren,” etc. Deuteronomy 33:9.

They must do what they are bidden. “And the children of Levi did according to the word of Moses”: Exodus 32:28.

III. THE LORD’S HOST AND ITS ENCOURAGEMENTS.

• Their cause is that of right and truth. A good cause is a firm foundation and a powerful stimulus of valor.

It is the cause of the Almighty God. “They have observed your word, and kept your covenant”: Deuteronomy 33:9.

Christ himself is our Captain. Who can hesitate with such a Chieftain? “A leader and commander for the people”: Is. 55:4.

The Angels are with us. Horses of fire and chariots of fire are round about the Lord’s servants. 2 Kings 6:17.

Thousands of the best of men have been on this side. Hebrews 12:1.

It is the side of conscience, and of a clean heart.

It is that side of the warfare which ends in Heaven and victory, world without end. Revelation 19:14.

IV. THE QUESTION OF THE TEXT, AND PROPOSALS FOR ENLISTMENT.

Take the shilling:—by faith receive the promise.

Put on the colors:—by confessing Christ openly in baptism.

Submit to drill:—be willing to learn, and yield to discipline.

Put on the regimentals:—wear the garments of holiness, the livery of love, the whole armor of God. Ephesians 6:13–18.

Gird on your sword:—“The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Enter on civil war first. Wage war within your own soul. Slay sin, conquer self, cast down high looks, etc.

March to the field. Fight with falsehood, superstition, cruelty, oppression, drunkenness, impurity, and sin of every sort, anywhere and everywhere.

Illustrative Extracts

“We trust the Lord is on our side, Mr. Lincoln,” said the speaker of a delegation of Christian people to that good man, during one of the darkest days of the American Civil War. “I do not regard that as so essential as something else,” replied Mr. Lincoln. The worthy visitors looked horror-struck, until the President added: “lam most concerned to know that we are on the Lord’s side.”

Mr. Lincoln was right The right side is not my side or your side. The Lord’s side is the place to which every one of us should rally. His banner has right, truth, love, and holiness written on it Be sure you stand up for God’s banner, even if you stand alone.

Guizot, in his life of St. Louis of France, says that the latter had many vassals who were also vassals of the King of England, and that many subtle and difficult questions arose as to the extent of the service which they owed to these kings. At length the French king commanded all those nobles who held lands in English territory to appear before him, and then he said to them, “As it is impossible for any man living in my kingdom and having possessions in England rightly to serve two masters, you must either attach yourselves altogether to me, or inseparably to the King of England.” After saying this, he gave them a certain day by which to make their choice.

“The Son of God goes forth to war, A kingly crown to gain;

His blood-red banner streams afar:

Who follows in his train?” etc.

“Set down my name, Sir.” According to Bunyan, these were the words of the man who fought his way into the palace, and who was welcomed with the song—

“Come in, come in,

Eternal glory you shall win.”

A dear friend of mine, the head of a family of grown-up sons and daughters, lately passed away very suddenly. The day before he died, all the members of the household were with him, including one who had recently, like the rest, experienced the power of saving grace. The father’s joy was great, as he put his hand upon one after another of his offspring, saying with an overflowing heart, “And this one on the Lord’s side!—and this one on the Lord’s side!” How would it be with our hearer should he have to stand at the death-bed of a godly parent? Would that parent rejoice over him because he is on the Lord’s side?