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Testimonies for the Church Volume 4
Confusion and dismay seize them. Amid the wrath of the elements,
in which they hear the voice of an angry God, they endeavor to retrace
their steps and fly to the shore they have quitted. But Moses stretches
out his rod, and the piled-up waters, hissing, roaring, and eager for
their prey, tumble down upon the armies of Egypt. Proud Pharaoh and
his legions, gilded chariots and flashing armor, horses and riders, are
engulfed beneath a stormy sea. The mighty God of Israel has delivered
His people, and their songs of thanksgiving go up to heaven that God
has wrought so wonderfully in their behalf.
The history of the children of Israel is written for the instruction
and admonition of all Christians. When the Israelites were overtaken
by dangers and difficulties, and their way seemed hedged up, their
faith forsook them, and they murmured against the leader whom God
had appointed for them. They blamed him for bringing them into peril,
when he had only obeyed the voice of God.
The divine command was: “Go forward.” They were not to wait
until the way was made plain, and they could comprehend the entire
plan of their deliverance. God’s cause is onward, and He will open a
path before His people. To hesitate and murmur is to manifest distrust
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in the Holy One of Israel. God in His providence brought the Hebrews
into the mountain fastnesses, with the Red Sea before them, that He
might work out their deliverance and forever rid them of their enemies.
He might have saved them in any other way, but He chose this method
in order to test their faith and strengthen their trust in Him.
We cannot charge Moses with being at fault because the people
murmured against his course. It was their own rebellious, unsubdued
hearts that led them to censure the man whom God had delegated
to lead His people. While Moses moved in the fear of the Lord, and
according to His direction, having full faith in His promises, those who
should have upheld him became discouraged, and could see nothing
before them but disaster, defeat, and death.
The Lord is now dealing with His people who believe present
truth. He designs to bring about momentous results, and while in His
providence He is working toward this end, He says to His people: “Go
forward.” True, the path is not yet opened; but when they move on in
the strength of faith and courage, God will make the way plain before
their eyes. There are ever those who will complain, as did ancient
Israel, and charge the difficulties of their position upon those whom