The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-08-16
1s
SUNDAY-sCHOOL LESSON.
Aug. IL, 1902-Numbers 4, 11-13j 1886
-JOurneying Toward Canaan.

Gods school at foot Of Sinai was out. after a
twelve months term. Three million scholars
started for a recess in the wilderness. Little
dreamed they that it would be forty years dura-
ton.
We have at this point a glimpse of the domes-
ito life and relationships OF the leader OF this
mighty caravan. Just after the defeat Of ANA
lex, and before the arrival at Sinai, Jethro, the
priest of indian. Moses's father-in-law. had
come to the camp. bringing with him Zipporah.
Moses's wife, and his two sons. Gershom and
Eliexer. 1t may be Hobab. Mosess brother-in-
law, was OF the party. II so, he was in the
camp almost a year.
Fortunate visit that for Hobab! What privi-
legesl He ate of the mamma. drank of the water
from the stricken rock In Horeo, heard the
voice, saw the wonders of Sinai. learned the
decalogue, grew familiar with the speaking
symbolism Of the tabernacle. But circumstance
now required a decision at his hands. He must
needs cease being guest and become a fellow
citizen In this emigrant nation, or quit them
altogether for his own land and kindred.
The tabernacle had been taken down and
packed in smallest possible compass. The por-
tiers stood waiting the orders 10 lift. The clans
were forming IN their appointed marching order.
The impedimenta were in position. All the
while there was a turnult in the Midia mites
heart. II was fairly torn asunder. And Moses
knew 1t. With Characteristic kindliness. though
himself at that moment oppressed with great re-
sponsibiities and harassed by interminabIe mi
nutiae. 50 far from forgetting his brother-in-
law, he actually took time to hunt him up.
An invitation could scarcely have been couched
i'm more attractive terms than Moses's Invitation
to Raguel. There is nothing tentative about it.
Il rings with the joyous optimism OF faith.
There is a place for US. II must be good. since
Jehovah gives H. There can be no flaw in title,
no failure in possession, since Ornnipotence leads
the way. Come, share our happy fortune with
us,'
Racial feeling gets the ascendency for a mo-
ment in the foreigners heart. He blankly re-
fuses the invitation so dsftly given. He an
nounces his purpose Of going back Immediately
to his country and countrymen. The noble host
is not piqued by this brusque declination. He
plies a new motive. Hobsb cannot only get
good, he can do good. The hre-cloud pillar only
marked the general course the caravan was 10
take. not how It was TO deploy on halting. This
desert born and bred youth, with a Bedouin eye,
trained TO detect at a distance tokens OF water
and pasture. could be OF incalculable service.
Moses fairly pleads with him for aid in the
mighty task OF taking these millions across the
wilderness 10 their new home in Canaan.
Moses prevailed. Such an inference is fair.
In the case Of the young rich ruler who came
TO Jesus for terms of discipleship il is distinctly
stated that he went away. No such historic COM
ment is made in the instance Of Hobab. He
probably remained. His gains were incalculable.
Going back 20 indian would have been going
back to heathenism. Going on TO Canaan was
going on 10 God. and being helpful to the largest
possible number on the way.
Now all things were ready. Gods signal in the
sjxv moved majestically. slowly. but with un-
wavering precision. as God himself moves.
80 - sg1b+ ~ the neop1e Spread hts handz
to heaven and intoned the morning prayer Of
the militant host;
Rise Up. Lord. and let thine enemies be scat
tered.
And let them that hate thee fee before thee"
When at length the cloud stood still. Moses
uttered IsraeIs evening prayer in the wilder
ness:
Return, o Lord. unto the many thousands OF
o THE TEACHERS LANTERN.
The Christian church is a caravan Of pilgrims
going through a wilderness peopled with foes
and studded with trials. The militant host Is
IN its way 10 a better country. Joining this car
AVIAN is the highest wisdom. For God has spoken
good promises and sure to Israel. but he who
would share Israel's blessings must join for
tunes with Israel Comei
Here is an example, rare and striking, OF tact
and aeftness in winning a soul. II one motive
does not prove enectuaI another may. The hope
OF reward, the responsibility that goes with the
possession Of talent. the opportunity OF doing
good-ply every motive. Don't let a blunt No"
disconcert you.
Hobab's hope was long deferred: and he never
std enter the literal Canaan. But his choice was
stin a wise and happy one. II was Infinitely
better for him TO be with Israel than indian.
One day in the courts OF the Lord Is better
man a thousand in the tents Of wickedness.
II faithful. he has seen the King in His beauty
and the land that Is very far OF.
There are still numerous brothers-in-law to
the chuzch-the lineal descendants OF Jethpa.