ARTICLE:

HE'S BEEN THERE

"I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure".                                                                Gen.33:14

          What a beautiful picture of Jacob's thoughtfulness for the cattle and the children! He would not allow them to be overdriven even for one day. He would not allow them to be driven on pace faster than his, but only according to what they were able to endure. He knew exactly how far they could go in a day; and he made that his only consideration in preparing for the journey. He had gone the same wilderness journey years before, and knew all about its roughness and heat and length, by personal experience.

And so he said,

 "I will lead on softly." "For ye have not passed this way heretofore" (Josh.3:4.).

       We have not passed this way heretofore, but the Lord Jesus has. Most times, it seems so uncertain and unknown ground to us, but He knows it all by personal experience. The stormy seas that rock our boats, the endless temptations and inner battles to be conquered, the rushing rivers that we have to pass through -- Jesus has gone through it all before us.  Hebrews 4:15 says

"We do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin".

   He was wearied with his journey." Not some, but all the many waters went over Him, and yet did not quench His love. He was made a perfect Leader by the things which He suffered.  Psalm 103:14 says "He knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust." Think of that when you are tempted to question the gentleness of His leading. He is remembering all the time; and not one step will He make you take beyond what your foot is able to endure.
     Never mind if you think it will not be able for the step that seems to come next; either He will so strengthen it that it shall be able, or He will call a sudden halt, and you shall not have to take it at all.