The history of ancient
Israel is a striking illustration of the past experience of the Adventist body.
God led His people in the advent movement, even as He led the children of
Israel from Egypt. In the great disappointment their faith was tested as was that
of the Hebrews at the Red Sea. Had they still trusted to the guiding hand that
had been with them in their past experience, they would have seen the salvation
of God. If all who had labored unitedly in the work in 1844, had received the
third angel’s message and proclaimed it in the power of the Holy Spirit, the
Lord would have wrought mightily with their efforts. A flood of light would
have been shed upon the world. Years ago the inhabitants of the earth would
have been warned, the closing work completed, and Christ would have come for
the redemption of His people.
It was not the will of God
that Israel should wander forty years in the wilderness; He desired to lead
them directly to the land of Canaan and establish them there, a holy, happy
people. But “they could not enter in because of unbelief.” Hebrews 3:19. Because
of their backsliding and apostasy they perished in the desert, and others were
raised up to enter the Promised Land. In like manner, it was not the will of
God that the coming of Christ should be so long delayed and His people should
remain so many years in this world of sin and sorrow. But unbelief separated
them from God. As they refused to do the work which He had appointed them,
others were raised up to proclaim the message. In mercy to the world, Jesus
delays His coming, that sinners may have an opportunity to hear the warning and
find in Him a shelter before the wrath of God shall be poured out.
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