Jesus, Name Above All Names

Great Vendor of Spiritual Riches, July 21

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!—Romans 11:33 JNN 215.1

Victory will come to all who are loyal, steadfast in their allegiance to the cause of truth. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him” (James 1:12). Let all inquire, Are we individually faithful stewards in trust of the last message of mercy to be given to the world, the message that decided their eternal destiny? Are we faithful to closely examine self, to see what manner of spirit we are of? Are we constantly aiming to represent the truth as it is in Jesus, or is it molded by the peculiarities of the human worker? Will the fires of the last conflagration consume our work? JNN 215.2

Fidelity, thorough wholeness to God, is essential for every worker now if we would receive from Christ the benediction, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23). The exhortation to Timothy from his father in the gospel was, “Take heed unto thyself and unto the doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:16). The great question is: How shall we meet the future? Our only safety is in doing our work for each day as it comes, working, watching, waiting, every moment relying on the strength of Him who was dead and who is alive again, who lives forevermore. Every step must be guarded; as we advance, our tread may be firm, and then we may move solidly onward and upward. JNN 215.3

But many are Laodiceans, living in a spiritual self-deception. They clothe themselves in the garments of their own righteousness, imagining themselves to be rich and increased with goods and in the need of nothing, when they need daily to learn of Jesus His meekness and lowliness, else they find themselves bankrupt, their whole life being a lie. Shall not we who bear the last message of mercy to a guilty world represent Jesus in purity in self-denial, that the word may be sounded from human lips inspired by the Holy Spirit of God, “Open the door of your heart, and let Jesus in”? The great Vendor of spiritual riches is inviting your recognition. He says, “I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear: and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see” (Revelation 3:18).—Letter 66, 1894. JNN 215.4

Further Reflection: What spiritual riches has Jesus bestowed on me? JNN 215.5