God Acts To Accomplish His Will

In his dealing with the nation of Israel, God demonstrated that he will accomplish his purpose. For example, Jehovah assured Moses that he would deliver the Israelites from Egypt and bring thm into the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey. (Exodus 3:8) This was a momentous and reassuring proclamation. It would involve releasing those Israelites-numbering with their companions about three million-from a mighty nation that strongly opposed their departure. (Exodus 3:19) the land to which they would be brought was inhabited by powerful nations that would strongly resist their arrival. (Deuteronomy 7:1) In between was a wilderness where the Israelites would need food and water. This was a situation that allowed Jehovah to display his supreme power and Godship. -Leviticus 25:38.

God led the Israelites out of Egypt through a series of mighty acts. First, he brought ten devastating plagues on the nation of Egypt. Next, he parted the Red Sea, enabling the Israelites to escape while the pursuing Egyptian army perished. (Psalm 78:12, 13. 43:51) Following that, he cared for the Israelites during their 40 years in the wilderness, feeding them with manna, providing water, and even seeing to it that their mantles did not wear out and that their feet did not become swollen. (Deuteronomy 8:3, 4) After the Israelites entered the Promised Land, Jehovah led them to victory over their enemies. Joshua, who excercised strong faith in Jehovah's promises, was an eyewitness of all these things. Thus, he could confidently say to the older men of his day; "you well know with all your souls that not one word out of all the good words that Jehovah your God has spoken to you has failed. They have all come true for you." - Joshua 23:14.

Like Joshua of old, Christians today are fully confident that God is willing and able to act in behalf of those who serve him. This conviction is an essential part of our faith. The apostle Paul wrote: "Without faith it is impossible to please him well, for he that approaches God must believe that he . . .becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him." -Hebrews 11:6.

Next time: God Forsees The Future

Watchtower, 1999