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52 Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered. Luke 11:52.
“It is contrition and faith and love that enable the
soul to receive wisdom from heaven. Faith working by love is the
key of knowledge, and everyone that loveth
"knoweth God.” 1 John 4:7. {DA 139.3}
"In the
very courts of the temple, scenes will be enacted that few realize. God's
people will be proved and tested, that He may discern 'between him that
serveth God and him that serveth Him not.' Vengeance will be executed against
those who sit in the gate, deciding what the people should have and what they
should not have. These take away the
key of knowledge. They refuse
to enter in themselves, and those who would enter in they
hinder. These bear not the seal of the living God. All who now occupy
responsible positions should be solemnly and terribly afraid lest in this
time they shall be found as unfaithful stewards." E.G.
White, Manuscript 15, 1886, Paulson Collection, p. 55.
September 3, 1889 Camp-Meeting at Rome, N.Y.
By Mrs. E. G. White.
We left Williamsport, Pa., June 12 for Rome, N.Y. We were glad to leave the flooded
district. As I looked at the ruins from the car windows, and as I read the
harrowing details of the destruction of human life at Johnstown, I
could but think of the greater disasters that are yet to come upon the world.
As the restraining power of the Holy Spirit shall be withdrawn, because of
the impenitence and ingratitude of men, terrible things will be witnessed in
the earth. {RH, September 3, 1889 par. 1}
The diligent Bible student knows that the end of all things is at hand. Those
who look to the word of God for instruction, have light to see the binding
claims of the law of God. They see that the love of God underlies every
precept, and that obedience to these precepts will keep man
from working his own unhappiness and ruin. The
paternal character of God is revealed in his holy law, proving him to be full
of mercy, goodness, and truth. God has manifested
unparalleled love in giving his beloved Son to die for fallen man; but men
have not appreciated this love, and have refused the gift of salvation. How
patiently God has borne with sinners, and will still bear with them till the
measure of ingratitude and iniquity is full, and the world is ripe for
judgment and wrath. {RH, September 3, 1889 par. 2}
As I looked upon the destruction around me, I determined to be more earnest
in warning the people, and in presenting the claims of God's law upon them. Have
those who have had great light and great privileges made corresponding
improvement? Have they become pure, faithful, and humble before God? The Lord
calls for the improvement of every talent he has given, and he will accept
the efforts of his servants to become channels of light to others. {RH, September 3, 1889 par. 3}
There were many delays on our journey, but we finally reached Rome Wednesday
forenoon. We were heartily welcomed by our friends in New York, and were soon
comfortably situated in a tent prepared for us. I felt worn and exhausted,
but I esteemed it a privilege to speak to the people who were assembled. I
was compelled to use crutches because of again turning my ankle. The pain was
so severe that my heart was affected, and has not even yet fully recovered
from the shock. {RH, September 3, 1889 par. 4}
I was unable to attend the Sabbath services; but I was glad to learn that our
brethren had an excellent meeting. The Spirit of the Lord moved upon the
hearts of those assembled, and quite a number came forward for prayers. On
Sunday afternoon I spoke from the words, "Lay not up for yourselves
treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves
break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where
neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through
nor steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be
also." Man will have something with which to occupy his thoughts. The
soul cannot be empty. We either love and serve God, or we love
and serve mammon. The affections of men cannot be broken from earthly objects
unless something of higher value is presented to attract the mind. The
enduring treasure and glory of heavenly things must be opened before men, and
love of the nobler things of God will win the love of men from the inferior
things of earth. {RH,September
3, 1889 par.
5}
As I spoke to the people, the Lord raised me above my infirmities. In my
intense interest for souls, I forgot that I was lame and in need of support.
On Monday I had special freedom in addressing the people. {RH, September 3, 1889 par. 6}
I have felt anxious that the grace of Christ should come to our brethren in
the New York Conference. Our people in this Conference have had much to
discourage them; but the Lord sent them special messages of mercy and encouragement.
If our brethren will let the light which they have received shine in the
various churches of which they are members, it will be diffused, and their
own hearts will be more decidedly enlightened; but
if they neglect to communicate the light, they will be left in darkness. The
Lord would have his church arise and shine; for the brightness of the light
of God has shone upon his people in the message of
present truth. If all
will heed the precious words given them from the Great Teacher through his delegated
servants, there will be an awakening throughout our ranks, and spiritual vigor will be imparted to the church. We
should all desire to know the truth as it is in Jesus. There are good things
in store for those [individuals] who love God, and all who fervently desire
his blessing, will receive light and truth as meat in due season. {RH, September 3, 1889 par. 7}
I felt anxious that the light of heaven might shine upon the people of God in
this Conference, that they might zealously repent of their sins, and realize
in themselves the fulfillment of the truth uttered by Christ: "The
words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." The
affections of the heart must be changed by the life and power of the word of
God, and those who profess the name of Christ must live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. We
felt thankful to our Heavenly Father that his message of hope and courage and
faith could come before our brethren and sisters in New York, and we deeply
regretted that there were not many others present to share the important
instruction that was given. {RH, September 3, 1889 par. 8}
It was a pleasure to meet precious souls with whom we have been acquainted
for thirty or forty years. Age is telling upon them; but we rejoice that they
still hold aloft the banner of Prince Emmanuel. As the servants of the Lord
brought forth things new and old from the
treasure-house of his word, hope came to the hearts of these old soldiers in
the truth. They knew that the message was what they needed, and felt that it
came from God. The feeling of many hearts might be expressed in the words of
the apostle: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively
hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance
incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not
away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through
faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time." {RH,September
3, 1889 par.
9}
The present message--justification by faith--is a message from God; it bears
the divine credentials, for its fruit is unto holiness. Some
who greatly need the precious truth that was presented before them, we fear
did not receive its benefit. They did not open the
door of their hearts to welcome Jesus as a heavenly guest, and they have
suffered great loss. There is indeed a narrow way in which we
must walk; the cross is presented at every step. We must
learn to live by faith; then the darkest hours will be brightened by the
blessed beams of the Sun of Righteousness. {RH, September 3, 1889 par. 10}
We are not safe if we neglect to search the Scriptures daily
for light and knowledge. Earthly
blessings cannot be obtained without toil, and can we expect that spiritual
and heavenly blessings will come without earnest effort on our part? The
mines of truth are to be worked. Says the psalmist, "The entrance of thy
words giveth light; it giveth
understanding unto the simple." The
word of God must not be kept apart from our life. It must be entertained in
the mind, welcomed in the heart, and be cherished, loved, and obeyed. We
need also much more knowledge; we need to be enlightened in regard to the
plan of salvation. There is not one in one hundred who
understands for himself the Bible truth on this subject that is so necessary
to our present and eternal welfare. When light begins to shine forth to
make clear the plan of redemption to the people, the enemy works with all
diligence that the light may be shut away from the hearts of men. If we come to the word of God with a
teachable, humble spirit, the rubbish of error will be swept away, and gems
of truth, long hidden from our eyes, will be discovered. {RH, September 3, 1889 par. 11}
There is great need that Christ should be preached as the only hope and
salvation. When the doctrine of justification by faith was presented at the
Rome meeting, it came to many as water comes to the thirsty traveler. The
thought that the righteousness of Christ is imputed to us, not because of any
merit on our part, but as a free gift from God, seemed a precious thought. {RH, September 3, 1889 par. 12}
The enemy of man and God is not willing that this truth should be clearly
presented; for he knows that if the people receive it fully, his power will
be broken. If he can control minds so that doubt and unbelief and darkness
shall compose the experience of those who claim to be the children of God, he
can overcome them with temptation. That simple faith that takes God at his
word should be encouraged. God's people must have
that faith which will lay hold of divine power; "for
by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the
gift of God." Not all will receive the light, forsake
their sins, and believe the words of eternal life, and without drawing back,
go on from one truth to another, until guided into all truth. Those who
believe that God for Christ's sake has forgiven their sins, should not,
through temptation, fail to press on to fight the good fight of faith. Their faith should grow stronger until
their Christian life, as well as their words, shall declare, "The blood
of Jesus Christ cleanseth me from all sin." {RH, September 3, 1889par. 13}
Note by Ron: Grace is pardon. Grace
is power for obedience, Rom. 1:5. Both aspects of grace constitute the full gospel. End note.
Many are in a lukewarm
condition, because they do not live by faith, increasing in the knowledge of
the truth, going on from light to greater light.
Such have need to be greatly alarmed lest that which the Lord has placed
within their reach at infinite cost, should be taken away, and given to
others who will prize the gift and use it for his glory. There is need of
fear and trembling, watchfulness and prayer, lest there be in any of us an
evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God. If the light that God has given us is
held in indifference, if it is not appreciated, it will not increase, but
will become darkness. {RH, September 3, 1889 par. 14}
Our only safety is in continually looking to Jesus. By living faith we must appropriate the
precious promises; for every promise and command, necessary for our
salvation, must become a part of us, that we may become one with Christ. {RH, September 3, 1889 par. 15}
In the days of Christ, there were many who beheld his mighty works, listened
to his divine instruction, were impressed, and almost persuaded; but
they did not profit by their privileges, for confession was not made unto
salvation. The
impressions did not last because they did not act out their convictions, and
those who had been almost persuaded, were not reckoned on the side of Christ. It is perilous to the soul to hesitate,
question, and criticise divine light. Satan will present his temptations until
the light will appear as darkness, and many will reject the very truth that
would have proved the saving of their souls. Those who walk in its rays will
find it growing brighter and brighter unto the perfect day. {RH, September
3, 1889 par. 16}
Every ray of light that Heaven
sends is essential for our salvation. We are living in the last days,
and the Lord does not mean to leave us in darkness and uncertainty. There are great blessings in store for
those who keep the commandments of God, not in name merely, but in sincerity
and truth. It has been necessary to exalt the great standard of
righteousness, but in doing this, many have neglected to preach the faith of Jesus. If
we would have the spirit and power of the third angel's message, we must present the law and the gospel
together, for they go hand in hand. As a power from
beneath is stirring up the children of disobedience to make void the law of
God, and to trample upon the faith of Christ as our righteousness, a power
from above is moving upon the hearts of those who are loyal to exalt the law,
and to lift up Jesus as a complete Saviour. Unless divine power is
brought into the experience of the people of God, false theories and
erroneous ideas will take minds captive, Christ and his righteousness will be
dropped out of the experience of many, and their faith will be without power
or life. Such will not have a daily, living experience of the love of God in
the heart, and if they do not zealously repent, they will be among those who
are represented by the Laodiceans, who will be spewed out of the mouth of
God. {RH, September 3, 1889 par. 17}
The Lord can do little for his people, because of their limited faith. The ministers have not presented Christ
in his fullness to the people, either in the churches or in new fields, and
the people have not an intelligent faith.
They have not been instructed as they should have been, that Christ is unto
them both salvation and righteousness. The love that Christ manifested in
taking human nature, in bearing insult, reproach, and the rejection of men,
in suffering crucifixion on the cross, should be presented in every
discourse. It is Satan's studied purpose to keep souls from believing in
Christ as their only hope; for the blood of Christ that cleanseth
from all sin is only efficacious in behalf of those who believe in its merit,
and who present it before the Father as did Abel in his offering. {RH,September
3, 1889 par.
18}
The offering of Cain was an offense to God, because it was a Christless offering. The burden of our
message is not only the commandments of God, but the faith of Jesus. A
bright light shines upon our pathway today, and it leads to increased faith
in Jesus. We must receive every ray of light, and walk in it, that it may
not be our condemnation in the judgment. Our duties and obligations
become more important as we obtain more distinct views of truth. Light
makes manifest, and reproves the errors that were concealed in darkness; and
as light comes, the life and character of men must change correspondingly to
be in harmony with it. Sins that were once sins of ignorance because of the blindness
of the mind, can no more be indulged in without incurring guilt. When light, searched out carefully and
prayerfully, is flashed upon the mind from the living oracles, individuals
and churches are placed under greater responsibility than before. As
increased light is given, men must be reformed, elevated, and refined by it,
or they will be more perverse and stubborn than before the light came. {RH, September 3, 1889 par. 19}
Our present position is interesting and perilous. The danger of refusing
light from heaven should make us watchful unto prayer, lest we should any of
us have an evil heart of unbelief. When the Lamb of God was crucified on
Calvary, the death knell of Satan was sounded; and if the enemy of truth and
righteousness can obliterate from the mind the thought that it is necessary
to depend upon the righteousness of Christ for salvation, he will do it. If Satan can succeed in leading man to
place value upon his own works as works of merit and righteousness, he knows
that he can overcome him by his temptations, and make him his victim and prey.
Lift up Jesus before the people. Strike the door-posts with the blood of
Calvary's Lamb, and you are safe. {RH, September 3, 1889 par. 20}
Faith Working
by Love—The Key of Knowledge
Chap. 14 -
"We Have Found the Messias"
John the
Baptist was now preaching and baptizing at Bethabara,
beyond Jordan. It was not far from this spot that God had stayed the river in
its flow until Israel had passed over. A little distance from here the
stronghold of Jericho had been overthrown by the armies of heaven. The memory
of these events was at this time revived, and gave a thrilling interest to
the Baptist's message. Would not He who had wrought so wonderfully in ages past
again manifest His power for Israel's deliverance? Such was the thought
stirring the hearts of the people who daily thronged the banks of the Jordan.
{DA 132.1}
The
preaching of John had taken so deep a hold on the nation as to demand the
attention of the religious authorities. The danger of insurrection caused
every popular gathering to be looked upon with suspicion by the Romans, and
whatever pointed toward an uprising of the people excited the fears of the
Jewish rulers. John had not recognized the
authority of the Sanhedrin by seeking their sanction for his work; and
133
he had reproved rulers and people, Pharisees and
Sadducees alike. Yet the people followed
him eagerly. The interest in his work seemed to be continually increasing. Though he had not deferred to them, the Sanhedrin
accounted that, as a public teacher, he was under their jurisdiction. {DA 132.2}
This body
was made up of members chosen from the priesthood, and from the chief rulers
and teachers of the nation. The high priest was usually the president. All
its members were to be men advanced in years, though not aged; men of
learning, not only versed in Jewish
religion and history, but in general knowledge. They were to be without physical blemish, and must be
married men, and fathers, as being more likely than others to be humane and
considerate. Their place of meeting was an apartment connected with the
temple at Jerusalem. In the days of Jewish independence the Sanhedrin was the
supreme court of the nation, possessing secular as well as ecclesiastical
authority. Though now subordinated by the Roman governors, it still exercised
a strong influence in civil as well as religious matters. {DA 133.1}
The
Sanhedrin could not well defer an investigation of John's work. There were
some who recalled the revelation made to Zacharias in the temple, and the
father's prophecy, that had pointed to his child as the Messiah's herald. In
the tumults and changes of thirty years, these things had in a great measure
been lost sight of. They were now called to mind by the excitement concerning
the ministry of John. {DA 133.2}
It was long
since Israel had had a prophet, long since such a reformation as was now in progress
had been witnessed. The demand for confession of sin seemed new and
startling. Many among the leaders would
not go to hear John's appeals and denunciations, lest they should be led to
disclose the secrets of their own lives.
Yet his preaching was a direct announcement of the Messiah. It was
well known that the seventy weeks of Daniel's prophecy, covering the
Messiah's advent, were nearly ended;
and all were eager to share in that era of national glory which was then expected.
Such was the popular enthusiasm that the Sanhedrin would soon be forced
either to sanction or to reject John's work. Already their power over the
people was waning. It was becoming a serious question how to maintain their
position. In the hope of arriving at some conclusion, they dispatched to the
Jordan a deputation of priests and Levites to confer with the new teacher.
{DA 133.3}
A multitude
were gathered, listening to his words, when the delegates approached. With an
air of authority designed to impress the people
134
and to command the deference of the prophet the haughty
rabbis came. With a movement of respect, almost of fear, the crowd opened to
let them pass. The great men, in their rich robes, in the pride of rank and
power, stood before the prophet of the wilderness. {DA 133.4}
"Who
art thou?" they demanded. {DA 134.1}
Knowing what
was in their thoughts, John answered, "I am not the Christ." {DA 134.2}
"What
then? Art thou Elias?" {DA 134.3}
"I am
not." {DA 134.4}
"Art
thou that prophet?" {DA 134.5}
"No." {DA 134.6}
"Who
art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?" {DA 134.7}
"I am
the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord,
as said the prophet Esaias." {DA 134.8}
The
scripture to which John referred is that beautiful prophecy of Isaiah:
"Comfort ye, comfort ye My people, saith your God. Speak
135
ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her
appointed time is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned. . . . The voice of him that crieth
in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the
desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and
hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough
places plain: and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh
shall see it together." Isa. 40:1-5, margin. {DA 134.9}
Anciently,
when a king journeyed through the less frequented parts of his dominion, a
company of men was sent ahead of the royal chariot to level the steep places
and to fill up the hollows, that the king might travel in safety and without
hindrance. This custom is employed by the prophet to illustrate the work of
the gospel. "Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill
shall be made low." When the Spirit
of God, with its marvelous awakening power, touches
the soul, it abases human pride. Worldly
pleasure and position and power are seen to be worthless. "Imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God" are
cast down; every thought is brought
into captivity "to the obedience of Christ." 2 Cor. 10:5. Then humility and self-sacrificing love, so little
valued among men, are exalted as alone of worth. This is the work of the
gospel, of which John's message was a part. {DA 135.1}
The rabbis
continued their questioning: "Why baptizest
thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?"
The words "that prophet" had reference to Moses. The Jews had been
inclined to the belief that Moses would be raised from the dead, and taken to
heaven. They did not know that he had already been raised. When the Baptist
began his ministry, many thought that he might be the prophet Moses risen
from the dead, for he seemed to have a thorough knowledge of the prophecies
and of the history of Israel. {DA 135.2}
It was
believed also that before the Messiah's advent, Elijah would personally
appear. This expectation John met in his denial; but his words had a deeper
meaning. Jesus afterward said, referring
to John, "If ye are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, which is to
come." Matt. 11:14, R. V. John came in the spirit and power of
Elijah, to do such a work as Elijah did.
If the Jews had received him, it would have been accomplished for them. But
they did not receive his message. To them he was not Elijah. He could not
fulfill for them the mission he came to accomplish. {DA 135.3}
Many of
those gathered at the Jordan had been present at the baptism of Jesus; but the
sign then given had been manifest to but few among them. During the preceding
months of the Baptist's ministry, many had refused to heed the call to
repentance. Thus they had hardened their hearts and darkened their
understanding. When Heaven bore testimony to Jesus at His baptism, they
perceived it not. Eyes that had never been turned in faith to Him that is
invisible beheld not the revelation of the glory of God; ears that had never
listened to His voice heard not the words of witness. So it is now. Often the presence of Christ and the ministering angels
is manifest in the assemblies of the people, and yet there are many who know
it not. They
discern nothing unusual. But to some the Saviour's presence is revealed.
Peace and joy animate their hearts. They are comforted, encouraged, and
blessed. {DA 136.1}
The deputies
from Jerusalem had demanded of John, "Why baptizest
thou?" and they were awaiting his answer. Suddenly, as his glance swept
over the throng, his eye kindled, his face was lighted up, his whole being
was stirred with deep emotion. With outstretched hands he cried, "I
baptize in water: in the midst of you standeth One
whom ye know not, even He that cometh after me, the latchet of whose shoe I
am not worthy to unloose." John 1:26, 27, R. V., margin. {DA 136.2}
The message
was distinct and unequivocal, to be carried back to the Sanhedrin. The words
of John could apply to no other than the long-promised One. The Messiah was
among them! In amazement priests and rulers gazed about them, hoping to
discover Him of whom John had spoken. But He was not distinguishable among
the throng. {DA 136.3}
When at the
baptism of Jesus, John pointed to Him as the Lamb of God, a new light was
shed upon the Messiah's work. The prophet's mind was directed to the words of
Isaiah, "He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter." Isa. 53:7.
During the weeks that followed, John with new interest studied the prophecies
and the teaching of the sacrificial service. He did not distinguish clearly
the two phases of Christ's work,--as a suffering sacrifice and a conquering
king,--but he saw that His
137
coming had a deeper significance than priests or people
had discerned. When he beheld Jesus among the throng on His return from the
desert, he confidently looked for Him to give the people some sign of His
true character. Almost impatiently he waited to hear the Saviour declare His
mission; but no word was spoken, no sign given. Jesus did not respond to the
Baptist's announcement of Him, but mingled with the disciples of John, giving
no outward evidence of His special work, and taking no measures to bring
Himself to notice. {DA 136.4}
The next day
John sees Jesus coming. With the light of the glory of God resting upon him,
the prophet stretches out his hands, declaring, "Behold the Lamb of God,
which taketh away the sin of the world! This is He
of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is become before me. . . . And I
knew Him not; but that He should be made manifest to Israel, for this cause
came I baptizing in water. . . . I have beheld the Spirit descending as a
dove out of heaven; and it abode upon Him. And I knew Him not: but He that
sent me to baptize in water, He said unto me, Upon
whomsoever thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and abiding upon Him, the
same is He that baptizeth with the Holy Spirit. And I have seen, and have borne witness that this is
the Son of God." John 1:29-34, R. V., margin. {DA 137.1}
Was this the
Christ? With awe and wonder the people looked upon the One just declared to
be the Son of God. They had been deeply moved by the words of John. He had
spoken to them in the name of God. They had listened to him day after day as
he reproved their sins, and daily the conviction that he was sent of Heaven
had strengthened. But who was this One greater than John the Baptist? In His
dress and bearing there was nothing that betokened rank. He was apparently a simple personage, clad like
themselves in the humble garments of the poor.
{DA 137.2}
There were
in the throng some who at Christ's baptism had beheld the divine glory, and
had heard the voice of God. But since that time the Saviour's appearance had
greatly changed. At His baptism they had seen His countenance transfigured in
the light of heaven; now, pale, worn, and emaciated, He had been recognized
only by the prophet John. {DA 137.3}
But as the
people looked upon Him, they saw a face where divine compassion was blended
with conscious power. Every glance of the eye, every feature of the
countenance, was marked with humility, and expressive of unutterable love. He
seemed to be surrounded by an
138
atmosphere of spiritual influence. While His manners
were gentle and unassuming, He impressed men with a sense of power that was
hidden, yet could not be wholly concealed. Was this the One for whom Israel
had so long waited? {DA 137.4}
Jesus came in poverty and humiliation, that He might be
our example as well as our Redeemer. If He
had appeared with kingly pomp, how could He have taught humility? how could
He have presented such cutting truths as in the Sermon on the Mount? Where
would have been the hope of the lowly in life had Jesus come to dwell as a
king among men? {DA 138.1}
To the
multitude, however, it seemed impossible that the One designated by John
should be associated with their lofty anticipations. Thus many were
disappointed, and greatly perplexed. {DA 138.2}
The words
which the priests and rabbis so much desired to hear, that Jesus would now
restore the kingdom to Israel, had not been spoken. For such a king they had
been waiting and watching; such a king they were ready to receive. But one
who sought to establish in their hearts a kingdom of righteousness and peace,
they would not accept. {DA 138.3}
On the
following day, while two disciples were standing near, John again saw Jesus among
the people. Again the face of the prophet was lighted up with glory from the
Unseen, as he cried, "Behold the Lamb of God!" The words thrilled
the hearts of the disciples. They did not fully understand them. What meant
the name that John had given Him,--"the Lamb of God"? John himself
had not explained it. {DA 138.4}
Leaving
John, they went to seek Jesus. One of the two was Andrew, the brother of
Simon; the other was John the evangelist. These were Christ's first
disciples. Moved by an irresistible impulse, they followed Jesus,--anxious to
speak with Him, yet awed and silent, lost in the overwhelming significance of
the thought, "Is this the Messiah?" {DA 138.5}
Jesus knew
that the disciples were following Him. They
were the first fruits of His
ministry, and there was joy in the heart of the divine Teacher as
these souls responded to His grace. Yet
turning, He asked only, "What seek ye?" He would leave them free to
turn back or to speak of their desire. {DA 138.6}
Of one
purpose only were they conscious. One presence filled their thought. They
exclaimed, "Rabbi, . . . where dwellest
Thou?" In a brief interview by the wayside they could not receive that
for which they longed. They desired to be alone with Jesus, to sit at His
feet, and hear His words. {DA 138.7}
"He
saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where He dwelt, and abode
with Him that day." {DA 139.1}
If John and
Andrew had possessed the unbelieving spirit of the priests and rulers, they
would not have been found as learners at the feet of Jesus. They would have
come to Him as critics, to judge His words. Many
thus close the door to the most precious opportunities. But not so did these first disciples. They had
responded to the Holy Spirit's call in the preaching of John the Baptist. Now
they recognized the voice of the heavenly Teacher. To them the words of Jesus
were full of freshness and truth and beauty. A divine illumination was shed
upon the teaching of the Old Testament Scriptures. The many-sided themes of truth stood out in new light. {DA 139.2}
It is
contrition and faith and love that enable the soul to receive wisdom from
heaven. Faith working by love is the key of knowledge, and everyone that loveth
"knoweth God." 1 John 4:7. {DA 139.3}
The disciple
John was a man of earnest and deep affection, ardent, yet contemplative. He
had begun to discern the glory of Christ,--not the worldly pomp and power for
which he had been taught to hope, but "the glory as of the Only-begotten
of the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14. He was absorbed in
contemplation of the wondrous theme. {DA 139.4}
Andrew
sought to impart the joy that filled his heart. Going in search of his
brother Simon, he cried, "We have found the Messias."
Simon waited for no second bidding. He also had heard the preaching of John
the Baptist, and he hastened to the Saviour. The eye of Christ rested upon
him, reading his character and his life history. His impulsive nature, his
loving, sympathetic heart, his ambition and self-confidence, the history of
his fall, his repentance, his labors, and his
martyr death,--the Saviour read it all, and He said, "Thou art Simon the
son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone." {DA
139.5}
"The
day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth
Philip, and saith unto him, Follow Me." Philip obeyed the command, and
straightway he also became a worker for Christ. {DA 139.6}
Philip
called Nathanael. The latter had been among the throng when the Baptist
pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God. As Nathanael looked upon Jesus, he was
disappointed. Could this man, who bore the marks of toil and poverty, be the
Messiah? Yet Nathanael could not decide to reject Jesus, for the message of
John had brought conviction to his heart. {DA 139.7}
At the time
when Philip called him, Nathanael had withdrawn to a quiet grove to meditate
upon the announcement of John and the prophecies concerning the Messiah. He
prayed that if the one announced by John was the deliverer, it might be made
known to him, and the Holy Spirit rested upon him with assurance that God had
visited His people and raised up a horn of salvation for them. Philip knew
that his friend was searching the prophecies, and while Nathanael was praying
under a fig tree, Philip discovered his retreat. They had often prayed
together in this secluded spot hidden by the foliage. {DA 140.1}
The message,
"We have found Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did
write," seemed to Nathanael a direct answer to his prayer. But Philip
had yet a trembling faith. He added doubtfully, "Jesus of Nazareth, the
son of Joseph." Again prejudice arose in Nathanael's heart. He
exclaimed, "Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?" {DA
140.2}
Philip entered into no controversy. He said,
"Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and saith of him,
Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" In surprise Nathanael
exclaimed, "Whence knowest Thou me? Jesus
answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee." {DA 140.3}
It was
enough. The divine Spirit that had borne witness to Nathanael in his solitary
prayer under the fig tree now spoke to him in the words of Jesus. Though in
doubt, and yielding somewhat to prejudice, Nathanael had come to Christ with
an honest desire for truth, and now his desire was met. His faith went beyond
that of the one who had brought him to Jesus. He answered and said,
"Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God; Thou art the King of Israel." {DA
140.4}
If Nathanael had trusted to the rabbis for guidance, he
would never have found Jesus. It was by seeing and judging for himself that he
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became a disciple. So in the case of many today whom
prejudice withholds from good. How different would be the result if they
would "come and see"! {DA 140.5}
While they
trust to the guidance of human authority, none will come to a saving
knowledge of the truth. Like Nathanael, we need to study God's word for
ourselves, and pray for the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. He who saw
Nathanael under the fig tree will see us in the secret place of prayer. Angels
from the world of light are near to those who in humility seek for divine
guidance. {DA 141.1}
With the
calling of John and Andrew and Simon, of Philip and Nathanael, began the
foundation of the Christian church. John directed two of his disciples to
Christ. Then one of these, Andrew, found his brother, and called him to the
Saviour. Philip was then called, and he went in search of Nathanael. These
examples should teach us the importance of personal effort, of making direct
appeals to our kindred, friends, and neighbors.
There are those who for a lifetime have professed to be acquainted with
Christ, yet who have never made a personal effort to bring even one soul to
the Saviour. They leave all the work for the minister. He may be well
qualified for his calling, but he cannot do that which God has left for the
members of the church. {DA 141.2}
There are
many who need the ministration of loving Christian hearts. Many have gone
down to ruin who might have been saved if their neighbors,
common men and women, had put forth personal effort for them. Many are
waiting to be personally addressed. In the very family, the neighborhood, the town, where we live, there is work for
us to do as missionaries for Christ. If we are Christians, this work will be
our delight. No sooner is one converted than there is born within him a
desire to make known to others what a precious friend he has found in Jesus.
The saving and sanctifying truth cannot be shut up in his heart. {DA 141.3}
All who are
consecrated to God will be channels of light. God makes them His agents to
communicate to others the riches of His grace. His promise is, "I will
make them and the places round about My hill a blessing; and I will cause the
shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing."
Ezek. 34:26. {DA 141.4}
Philip said
to Nathanael, "Come and see." He did not ask him to accept
another's testimony, but to behold Christ for himself. Now that Jesus has ascended to heaven, His disciples
are His representatives among men, and
one of the most effective ways of winning souls to Him is in
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exemplifying
His character in our daily life. Our influence upon others depends not so much upon what
we say as upon what we are. Men may combat
and defy our logic, they may resist our appeals; but a life of disinterested love is an argument they
cannot gainsay. A consistent life, characterized by the meekness of Christ,
is a power in the world. {DA 141.5}
The teaching
of Christ was the expression of an inwrought conviction and experience, and
those who learn of Him become teachers after the divine order. The word of God, spoken by one who is himself sanctified
through it, has a life-giving power that makes it attractive to the hearers,
and convicts them that it is a living reality. When one has
received the truth in the love of it, he will make this manifest in the
persuasion of his manner and the tones of his voice. He makes known that
which he himself has heard, seen, and handled of the word of life, that
others may have fellowship with him through the knowledge of Christ. His
testimony, from lips touched with a live coal from off the altar, is truth to
the receptive heart, and works sanctification upon the character. {DA 142.1}
And he who seeks to give light to others will himself
be blessed. "There shall be showers of blessing." "He that watereth shall be watered also himself." Prov.
11:25. God
could have reached His object in saving sinners without our aid; but in order
for us to develop a character like Christ's, we must share in His work. In
order to enter into His joy,--the joy of seeing souls redeemed by His
sacrifice,--we must participate in His labors for
their redemption. {DA 142.2}
Nathanael's
first expression of his faith, so full and earnest and sincere, fell like
music on the ears of Jesus. And He "answered and said unto him, Because
I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest
thou? thou shalt see greater things than these." The Saviour looked
forward with joy to His work in preaching good tidings to the meek, binding
up the brokenhearted, and proclaiming liberty to
the captives of Satan. At thought of the precious blessings He had brought to
men, Jesus added, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall
see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son
of man." {DA 142.3}
Here Christ
virtually says, On the bank of the Jordan the heavens were opened, and the
Spirit descended like a dove upon Me. That scene was but a token that I am
the Son of God. If you believe on Me as such, your faith shall be
quickened. You shall see that the
heavens are opened, and are never to be closed. I have opened them to you.
The
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angels of God are ascending, bearing the prayers of the
needy and distressed to the Father above, and descending, bringing blessing
and hope, courage, help, and life, to the children of men. {DA 142.4}
The angels
of God are ever passing from earth to heaven, and from heaven to earth. The miracles of Christ for the afflicted and suffering
were wrought by the power of God through the ministration of the angels. And it is
through Christ, by the ministration of His heavenly messengers, that every
blessing comes from God to us. In
taking upon Himself humanity, our Saviour unites His interests with those of
the fallen sons and daughters of Adam, while through His divinity He grasps
the throne of God. And thus Christ is the medium of communication of men with
God, and of God with men. {DA 143.1}
—The End
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