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Patriarchs and Prophets
divine power at the Red Sea. They forgot that while they had crossed
safely in the path that had been opened for them, the armies of their
enemies, attempting to follow them, had been overwhelmed by the
waters of the sea. They saw and felt only their present inconveniences
and trials; and instead of saying, “God has done great things for us;
whereas we were slaves, He is making of us a great nation,” they talked
of the hardness of the way, and wondered when their weary pilgrimage
would end.
The history of the wilderness life of Israel was chronicled for the
benefit of the Israel of God to the close of time. The record of God’s
dealings with the wanderers of the desert in all their marchings to
and fro, in their exposure to hunger, thirst, and weariness, and in the
striking manifestations of His power for their relief, is fraught with
warning and instruction for His people in all ages. The varied experi-
ence of the Hebrews was a school of preparation for their promised
home in Canaan. God would have His people in these days review with
a humble heart and teachable spirit the trials through which ancient
Israel passed, that they may be instructed in their preparation for the
heavenly Canaan.
Many look back to the Israelites, and marvel at their unbelief
and murmuring, feeling that they themselves would not have been
so ungrateful; but when their faith is tested, even by little trials, they
manifest no more faith or patience than did ancient Israel. When
brought into strait places, they murmur at the process by which God
has chosen to purify them. Though their present needs are supplied,
many are unwilling to trust God for the future, and they are in constant
anxiety lest poverty shall come upon them, and their children shall
be left to suffer. Some are always anticipating evil or magnifying the
difficulties that really exist, so that their eyes are blinded to the many
blessings which demand their gratitude. The obstacles they encounter,
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instead of leading them to seek help from God, the only Source of
strength, separate them from Him, because they awaken unrest and
repining.
Do we well to be thus unbelieving? Why should we be ungrateful
and distrustful? Jesus is our friend; all heaven is interested in our
welfare; and our anxiety and fear grieve the Holy Spirit of God. We
should not indulge in a solicitude that only frets and wears us, but does
not help us to bear trials. No place should be given to that distrust