536 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP, III.
This, then, was the glory of Moses; and if we shall add hereunto other concernments of him, they will make it the more conspicuous, Such were the care of God over him in his infancy, his miraculous call to his office, the honour he had in the world, the miracles which he wrought, and the signal testimony given him from God, in all the contests about his ministry ; and many things of the like nature might be added. But it is the things which appertain unto his office and the discharge of it which are principally intended.
This, therefore, the apostle grants, that he might not give the least suspicion unto the Hebrews that he would detract from the due praise and honour of Moses, as he was commonly traduced amongst them to do. See Acts xxi. 28, xxv. 8, The unbeliev- ing part of them, indeed, boasted of Moses, unto the contempt of the Lord Christ; John ix. 29, “We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not whence he is.” And they generally thought the prevalency of the gospel was derogatory unto his honour and law, Acts xiii. 45, 50. But these things moved not him to deal partially in the truth. He allows unto Moses his due honour and glory, and yet asserts the excellency of Christ above him, showing evidently the consistency of these things, as there neither is nor can be any opposition or contrariety between any ordinances or institutions of God. And we may hence observe,—
I. Every one who is employed in the service of God in his house, and is faithful in the discharge of his work and trust therein, is worthy of honour: so was Moses.
It becometh neither the greatness nor goodness of God that it should be otherwise. And he hath established it by an everlasting law. “Them that honour me,” saith he, “I will honour; and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed,” 1 Sam. ii, 30. The honouring of God in the service of his house is that which, by this unalterable edict for its being honoured, is ratified and confirmed. They who therein honour God shall be honoured, for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. They are honourable; for,—
First, Their work is so. Reputation, glory, and honour, attend honourable works. This work is God’s. The church is “God’s hus- bandry, God’s building,” 1 Cor. ii. 9. They have a great work in hand, God’s work; and have a glorious ovvepyés, or “associate,” even God himself. God so works by them as that also he works with them, and they are ovvepyo? @cod,—“ labourers together with God.” They work also in the name and on the behalf of God, 2 Cor. v. 20. Whatever glory and honour, then, can possibly redound unto any from the nature of the work wherein they are employed, it all be- longs to them. Hence the apostle commands that we should “esteem such very highly in love for their work’s sake,” 1 Thess. v. . 18. Their work makes them worthy of estimation, yea, of “double
VER, 3-6.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 537
honour,” 1 Tim. v. 17. What that is in particular, it may be, is uncertain; but it is certain that not an ordinary honour, not a com- mon respect or esteem, but that which is double, or abounding, is intended.
Secondly, Honour is reflected upon them from him who goes before them in their work, and their especial relation unto him. This is Jesus Christ, the great builder of the church. Are they pastors or shepherds?—he is the éioxorog raiv uyav, “ the bishop of souls,” 1 Pet. ii. 25; and the dpysromuqy, “the chief” (or “ prince ”) of those shepherds, chap. v. 4. And to be associated with Christ in his work, to share in office under him, will appear at length to have been honourable. The queen of Sheba counted them happy and blessed who were servants unto Solomon, and stood before him, 2 Chron. ix. 7; and what are they who stand before him who is infinitely greater and wiser than Solomon! The Lord help poor ministers to believe their relation unto the Lord Christ, and his , engagement with them in their work, that they may be supported against those innumerable discouragements that they meet withal!
Thirdly, The especial nature of their work and employment is another spring of honour unto them. It lies about things holy, spiritual, mysterious, and more excellent than all the things of this’ world. It is their work to discover and to bring forth to light “unsearchable riches,” Eph. iii. 8; to reveal and to declare “all the counsel of God,” Acts xx. 27; to prepare and make ready the bride for the Lamb; to gather in God’s revenue of glory, etc.
Fourthly, The effects of their work do also communicate honour unto them. They are such, they are all those things whereon de- pends all the glory of God in the concernments of the souls of men unto eternity. The ministry of the word is that alone whereby God ordinarily will treat with the souls of men, the means that he will make use of for their conviction, conversion, sanctification, and salvation. These things depend, therefore, on this work of theirs, and are effects of it. And in them will the glory of God be princi- pally concerned unto eternity; in them will his goodness, righteous- ness, grace, mercy, patience, and all the other excellencies of his nature, shine forth in glory. All of them appear in his dealings with the souls of men by his word.