A Lesson From Israel by William C. White

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Dec 29, 1904

A Lesson From Israel

By William C. White

“ALL these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”

The Lord had hearkened unto the cries of his oppressed people. He had brought them “forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm.” Patiently and tenderly he had led them through the wilderness. His people had sometimes murmured at trial and difficulty, but invariably their mighty Leader had wrought for them a wonderful deliverance. And had Israel believed the Lord, and faithfully followed where he desired to lead them, they would soon have entered their possession.

“If the Lord delight in us,” said Caleb and Joshua, “then he will bring us into this land, and give it to us. . . . Only rebel not ye against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defense is departed from them, and the Lord is with us: fear them not.”

What a blessing would have been theirs, what reproach and bitterness and hardship might they have escaped, had the children of Israel hearkened to the words of courage and trust spoken by the faithful servants of God! But they “entered not in because of unbelief.”

The heart of their Heavenly Father was grieved with the unbelief and distrust manifested by his children. He had desired them to open their mouth wide, that he might fill it. “But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me. . . . They walked in their own counsels.” How pathetically sorrowful are the words that follow: “O, that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways! I should soon have subdued their enemies, and turned my hand against their adversaries. The haters of the Lord should have submitted themselves unto him: but their time should have endured forever.” Ps. 81:11-16.

To Seventh-day Adventists a definite work has been committed. Promises

have been made that will be realized if unitedly and courageously we will arise to finish this work. More than four years ago the message came to us:—

“Have faith in God. He gave me the idea of giving ‘Christ’s Object Lessons’ for the relief of the schools. He is testing his people and institutions in this thing, to see if they will work together, and be of one mind in self-denial and self-sacrifice.

“Let our institutions make every effort to free themselves from debt. Let every family arouse. Let the ministers of our churches and the presidents of our conferences awaken. Then He will tell you what to do next.”

We were also told that “if all will take hold of the work in the spirit of self-sacrifice, for Christ’s sake and for the truth’s sake, it will not be long before the jubilee song of freedom can be sung throughout our borders.”

Some, yes, many of our people have responded to this call. We can not estimate the great blessings that have come to individuals and to our institutions as a result of the self-sacrificing efforts that have been put forth. But have we not stopped short of the mark that has been set before us? Our schools are not yet freed from debt. Shall we as a people remain satisfied in the position of the one who put his hand to the plow, and then turned back?

We have now reached a time for another mighty effort to complete the work of “rolling back the reproach.” Let us bear in mind the experience of Israel, that we may not, because of doubt, discouragement, or inactivity, fail to receive the promises of God. Let us keep the high mark before us, working earnestly and prayerfully, and it will not be long till “the jubilee song of freedom can be sung throughout our borders.”

W. C. WHITE.