Sermons and Talks, vol. 1

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Instruction to Sanitarium and Restaurant Workers

“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek Me daily, and delight to know My ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of Me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God. Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and Thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge?” (Isaiah 58:1-3). 1SAT 349.1

The people here mentioned are represented as bringing a charge against God. They have been active in observing the outward forms of worship, and they complain because God does not acknowledge their works, and because He does not answer their prayers. But the Lord charges them with neglecting His work and refusing to follow His way. 1SAT 349.2

“Behold,” He says, “in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours. Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high” (Verses 3 and 4). 1SAT 349.3

It is possible for us to be deceived in regard to our relation to God. We are not to reproach our Maker if we do not see everything worked out just as we desire. Let us rather examine ourselves to see if we are keeping His words. 1SAT 349.4

In contrast with the worship offered Him by this people, God places the work that He desires them to perform. [Isaiah 58:5-7 quoted.] 1SAT 350.1

Here is a work for every individual. Christ's followers are to relieve the necessities of humanity wherever they see suffering or oppression. They are ever to be ready to speak a word in season to him that is weary. 1SAT 350.2

We have a work to do for others. We cannot afford to live merely for ourselves. We are to represent the great Medical Missionary, who came to our world to seek and save that which was lost. When we do the work to which God calls us, we are assured of His blessing. 1SAT 350.3