Evening star., 1907-08-24
for SUNDAY Scbool8.
STAR LESSON FOR AUGUST a,
By Rev. J. E. Gilbert, DID,,
SECRETARY AMERICAN SOCIETY RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
ISRAEL JoURNEYING TOWARD CANAAN Numbers % ss

struck and Israel moved away Tho
order OF the march. Judah in the .ead, Ia
tuily described. tNumb., x:14-2s) The ark
or the covenant went before. borne by
the Levites. The destination for the next
camping place (Numb.. xii:lo) was north
OF sinai. where 400 years before the son
or Hagar was saved from death tGen
xN:2). what had since become the homo
or the lshmaelites. After travelling three
days. however, a halt was made probably
10 secure refreshments for continuing the
Journey. We might easily picture the
vast multitude of people. spread oat over
the plain. We might imagine the emo-
lions that filled their hearts: the hopes of
the young. the memories OF the AGED. the
fears of the unheleving the faith of
those who trusted in God. No such exo-
dus ever occurred in the history of the
race. And while we might indulge in
criticism of the Hebrew Egyptian con.
gregatfon, they deserved honor For they
were separating themselves from the
land of their birth. marching to Canaan.
because OF revelations made TO their
leader, to become the people OF God
(Ex., iif:7-s).
PRESENCE-One feature OF the
journey deserves attention more than any
other. THE cloud of the Lord was upon
them" or over them. when they went
out" BY this they were protected from
the intense heat of the torrid sun psalm
cxxi:6). and what was more important,
they were assured of Gods pre- sence, a
guarantee Of safety and success That
ing and a symbol 1t first appeared while
they were In Egypt. (Ex. xiii:21. II fol-
lowed them and their enemies (Ex.. xiv:
between them and their enemies. (Ex xiv:
1920, and 1t directed them to Sinai and set
tied down upon the tabernacle after II was
set up. (Ex., xi:3S) How ought they now
to rejoice as that cloud led them forth
from Sinai toward Paranl II the soldier is
inspired to heroic deeds by the form and
word of his command. bv the strains Of
martial music. or by the flag Of his coun.
try waving at the head of the column,
much more might the heart gain strength
as the eyes beheld the chariot cloud of
God moving slowing toward the promised
land.
PRAYER.-Moses' pety was exhibited
in a new form during the journeytng, When
the cloud lifted and moved forward he
exclaimed. Rise up. Lord" saying in SUBJ
stance. I'VE are ready to go when Thou
shalt order" And then he added Let
Thine enemies be scattered; let them that
hate Thee fee before thee" a PRAYER that
the triumph Of Gods cause. This form
became classic and found its way into the
humns Of the people. psalm lxvi:2) and
into the writings OF the prophets lisa.
submission with the spirit of faith. But
when the ark rested. signifying that the
people should halt Numb. ix:2D. Moses
said, Return. o Lord, untol the many
tents, into our lives. into our hearts: be
Thou our guest, and let us enjoy the sweet
repose possible only through communion
with Thee" In these two forms of prayer
Moses expressed his willingness to work or
rest, to go or stay: to march toward Ca
naan or to abide quietly in the way. It was
the same when, pursuant to the Mas
ter's direction, the disciple prays, Thy
will be done"
INSTRUCTIONS.-It is well to go with
them who are in good way. They who
serve a cause fail not of their reward. We
ere not calling to sacrifice without hope Of
gain CMatt, xix :29). The future blessing
ought to be more attractive than present
earthly treasure duke, xiv:33). We need
not fear to go when and where God leads.
whatever symbol Of His presence He gives
clouds Of fire, or cross-that Is enough to
confirm our faith. But we must always be
submissive-His way, His time, His method.
not ours duke. xxii:42). The path may be
rough and dark; If He leads we must not
hesitate. The advance may be in small
stages-three days and then pause-but
what matters it? If He abides with we
must wait in patience John, xiv:16) The
cloud of the Divine presence is gone. the
spirit Of life is near and ever comforting,
(Rey xXii:2D,