Living In The Light

July 9, Doing Personal Work

“Therefore go into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.”
—Matthew 22:9 LL 203.1

The world is perishing for want of the gospel. There is a famine for the Word of God. There are few who preach the Word unmixed with human tradition. Though people have the Bible in their hands, they do not receive the blessing that God has placed in it for them. The Lord calls upon His servants to carry His message to the people. The word of everlasting life must be given to those who are perishing in their sins. LL 203.2

In the command to go into the highways and hedges, Christ sets forth the work of all whom He calls to minister in His name. The whole world is the field for Christ’s ministers. The whole human family is comprised in their congregation. The Lord desires that His word of grace shall be brought home to every soul. LL 203.3

To a great degree this must be accomplished by personal labor. This was Christ’s method. His work was largely made up of personal interviews. He had a faithful regard for the one-soul audience. Through that one soul the message was often extended to thousands. LL 203.4

We are not to wait for souls to come to us; we must seek them out where they are. When the Word has been preached in the pulpit, the work has but just begun. There are multitudes who will never be reached by the gospel unless it is carried to them. LL 203.5

The invitation to the feast was first given to the Jewish people, the people who had been called to stand as teachers and leaders among humanity, the people in whose hands were the prophetic scrolls foretelling Christ’s advent, and to whom was committed the symbolic service foreshadowing His mission. Had priests and people heeded the call, they would have united with Christ’s messengers in giving the gospel invitation to the world. The truth was sent to them that they might impart it. When they refused the call, it was sent to the poor, the maimed, the halt, and the blind. Publicans and sinners received the invitation. When the gospel call is sent to the Gentiles, there is the same plan of working. The message is first to be given “in the highways”—to people who have an active part in the world’s work, to the teachers and leaders of the people. LL 203.6

Let the Lord’s messengers bear this in mind.— Christ’s Object Lessons , pp. 228—230. LL 203.7

Further Reflection: How can you invite leaders in your community to Christ? LL 203.8