Our Choices

Under David’s rule, the people of Israel gained strength, and uprightness through obedience to God’s law. But the kings that followed took to themselves glory for the greatness of the kingdom, forgetting how utterly dependent they were upon God. They regarded themselves as wise and independent, because of the honor showed them by fallible, erring man. They became corrupt, immoral, and rebelled against the Lord, eventually turning from him. God bore long with them, calling them often to repentance, but they refused to hear, and at last God spoke in judgment, showing them how weak they were without him. “The alliances made by the Israelites with their heathen neighbors resulted in the loss of their identity as God’s peculiar people. They became leavened by the evil practices of those with whom they formed forbidden alliances. Affiliation with worldlings caused them to lose their first love, and their zeal for God’s service. The advantages they sold themselves to gain, brought only disappointment, and caused the loss of many souls.” The experience of Israel will be the experience of all who go to the world for strength, turning away from the living God. Those who forsake the mighty One, the source of all strength, and affiliate with worldlings, placing on them their dependence, will become weak in moral power, as are those in whom they put their trust. “God comes with entreaties and assurances to those who are making mistakes. He seeks to show them their error, and lead them to repentance. But if they refuse to humble their hearts before him, if they strive inwardly to exalt themselves and their interests above him, he must speak to them in judgment. No semblance of nearness to God, no assertion of connection with him, will be accepted from those who persist in dishonoring Him by leaning upon the arm of worldly power (My few added words with “God’s Chosen People,” Review and Herald, August 4, 1904, p.7).” Sherry P.S. I know this is longer than usual for The Day of Rest, but after I asked God to show me what to write, this was the first thing I turned to and was impressed to type. I like it when that happens (smile).