Gods Sabbath

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E NTERING INTO G OD ’ S S ABBATH R EST

Everything depended on their carefully following this proce dure. Under no circumstances must they make plans of their own to meet the crisis. Surprising as it may seem after all their deviant ways, on this occasion they followed the Lord’s instruc tions precisely, in simple faith. The factor which established them in God’s ways was Moses’ positive leadership. He kept his eye on the pillar of cloud and encouraged Israel with the eviden ces of Jehovah’s continued presence and leadership. This effect ively stabilized their faith and safeguarded them from self-suffi ciency, thus leaving God free to communicate His specific orders to them. God directed them: “Set out now and cross the Arnon Gorge. See, I have given in to your hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his coun try. Begin to take possession of it and engage him in battle.” Deuteronomy 2:24. His instruction to advance over the Arnon River was unques tioningly obeyed by everyone, without any attempt to devise a plan of their own. The outcome was total victory for the Israe lites. (See Deuteronomy 2:31–36.) “But Moses kept his gaze fixed upon the cloudy pillar, and en couraged the people with the thought that the token of God’s presence was still with them. At the same time he directed them to do all that human power could do in preparing for war. Their enemies were eager for battle, and confident that they would blot out the unprepared Israelites from the land. But from the Possessor of all lands the mandate had gone forth to the leader of Israel: ‘Rise ye up, take your journey, and pass over the river Arnon. . . . “The Israelites crossed the river Arnon and advanced upon the foe. An engagement took place, in which the armies of Israel were victorious; and, following up the advantage gained, they were soon in possession of the country of the Amorites. It was the Cap tain of the Lord’s host who vanquished the enemies of His people; and He would have done the same thirty-eight years before, had Israel trusted in Him.” Patriarchs and Prophets , 434.1, 435.1. Fortunately, this encouraging experience served to increase the faith of the Israelites in their divine Plan Maker, instead of their self-sufficiency. Despite the fact that the hearts of many in Israel quaked with fear at the sight of that giant of giants tow