The Coolidge examiner., 1937-07-29

INIEhMEDIAIE AND SENlOR IOP-
IC-How God Leads Today.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOP
IC-A Nation Following Gods Leader.
ship.
The destinies of the nations are in
the hands of God Mighty are the
warriors, learned are the advisors,
clever are the diplomats, and when
they have exercised all their human
ingenuity and have only brought
themselves and their nations to
Wits End Corner" God must lay
hold and bring order out Of chaos.
Happy is that people where rulers
recognize God and seek his guild
ance.
Israel through the human inStru-
mentality Of Moses was ruled by
God. He had prepared for them a
leader and had prepared the people
to follow that leader. Now he brings
them forth out of their bondage.
1. "God Led Them" (Exod. 13: IT.
22).
1t is significant that he did not
lead them by the easy way to Ca
naan, by the short route through
Philistia but rather led them south
into the wilderness.
How often it seems to us that we
could improve on Gods ways. Suf-
fering. sorrow, affliction, we would
shun and would go the quick easy
road. where all is bright and happy.
But Gods way is the best way,
even though it leads through the
wilderness.
His purpose for Israel was that
they might not be disheartened by
the warlike Philistines ". I'D. Thus
it was really his loving g-kindness that
sent them the long way. See Prov.
l4:l2, and Prov. 1929.
Another and equally important
purpose of God was that the un-
disciplined multitude might in the
trials and responsibilities of their
journey through the wilderness be
prepared to enter the promised land.
There is no short and royal road to
character. II is the fruit of disci-
pline" Hugh Black.
The miraculous pillar Of cloud and
fire was Gods constant assurance
of his presence with them. His peo-
pie may always know his definite
guidance and be assured of his pres
ence with them, walking moment
by moment in the center of his
blessed will. II is a delightful life
ii. Pharaoh Drew Nigh" (Exod.
14:10-l2).
Hardly had Israel withdrawn, and
the wall over the death Of the first
born in Egypt ceased when Pharaoh
regretted that he had permitted his
slaves to escape. and set out in
pursuit. He represents the world.
the flesh. and the devil in their re-
lentless efforts to hold back those
who would follow the Lord. Making a
decision for Christ, and experience
ing his redemptive power does not
mean that the enemy has given
up. Temptations, doubts, trials, will
come. When you come up out of
Egypt do not be surprised If Pha-
raoh pursues you.
The situation could not have been
more difficult. Hemmed in by the
flower of Egypt's army, with the
Red sea before them-a group Of
men not trained in warfare-with
women and children to care for,
and God forgotten in their disbelief
and discoura cement.
Moses who was their great leader
in the hour Of triumph tastes the
bitterness of their hatred and un-
belief in the hour of trial. A leader
of men for God must know that God
has called him and have faith in
his almighty power, for in the time
Of crises he will find those whom
he leads ready to condemn him.
What is the solution?
III. "Stand Still" (vv. 1910.
Sublime in his confidence in God,
Moses bids the people to cease their
petty complaining, to abandon their
plans for saving themselves. Stand
still, and see the salvation Of the
Lord" ". 49,.
Perhaps these lines will be read
by some Christian who is fretting
and fussing, bearing all the burdens
of the universe on his shoulders. Be
still, my friend God is able to care
for you, and for all the burdens
which you are needlessly trying to
bear. Trusting God will result in
real spiritual progress.
~. go Forward" ". 15).
Humanity it was impossible, but
with God all things are possible"
mark 10:2O. When every circum-
stance says STOP" when the coun-
sci of men is against attempting
anything, when human leadership
seems to be lacking-just at that
hour God may say, "go forward. "
If every true Christian who reads
these words will respond to the
Lords command, go forward, "
hundreds of locked church doors
will be opened, new Sunday schools
will gather children to hear Gods S
Word, men and women will be won