THE NEW YEAR AND THE NEW WAY
Exodus 33:12-17
INTRO: we begin the new year with anticipations, wondering what it holds for us (see Joshua 3:4). The limitations of human knowledge are most humil-itating. We can tell where a comet will appear in a thousand years, but not where we shall be tomorrow. We have plans, projects, and purposes; but who knows anything of their fulfillment, realization, and certainty.
The mystery of the future is suggested by our text in Joshua. It also teaches newness. How many things are going to happen that never happened to us before! What will you depend upon to see you through this year? We have the comfort of three things.
I. THE CHANGELESS GOD.
Amid a changing world there is a changeless God. We feel there is One without whom life would hardly be life, or bring satisfaction and contentment.
II. SURE GUIDANCE.
A guide knows and directs. Guidance implies not only acquaintance with, but anxiety concerning; careful observation; to trouble one’s self about the matter. Therefore, it is God who knows. He concerns Himself about our way through life.
III. MERCIES.
God knows our needs, and He will provide. Genesis 28:15 says; “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.” Bread shall be given—water shall be sure. By care and patiently using what God has provided, there will be enough for the sustenance of life and for reasonable desires for most. But there will be unfailing mercies for all of us every day. And this is because “having loved His own who are in the world, He loves them to the end.”
