Living In The Light

August 26, Hard Questions

And they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them.
—Matthew 4:24 LL 252.1

The angels of heaven are waiting for human instrumentalities to enter the places where witness has not yet been borne to present truth. The Lord’s name is reproached. Please read your Bibles, and see if it is not true that our work has scarcely begun. We need to realize that to every man God has given his work. Shall those who know the truth feel no responsibility? Shall not the knowledge that the signs of the times are fulfilling rouse us from our lethargy? LL 252.2

Christ is our example. Of His work we read: “Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. . . . They brought unto Him all sick people which were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed” (Matthew 4:23). LL 252.3

Christ healed the people, and then to those whom He healed and to those who had witnessed His healing, He preached the gospel of the kingdom. This is the work outlined before those who have in trust the greatest wealth of truth ever committed to mortals. The question for us to answer is, Are we willing to leave self out of the consideration? Are our energies spent in the Master’s service? LL 252.4

Are our voices often raised in earnest supplication for power from on high? Is our faith pure and strong? Have we put away all prejudice, all evil thinking and evil speaking? Are our affections set on things above, or are they twining about the things of this earth? Are our eyes open to see the needs of those around us? Can God call us faithful watchmen? LL 252.5

Christ’s life was one of constant self-sacrifice. His work was not confined to any time or place. It was bounded only by His love and sympathy for the souls for whom He was soon to give His life. . . . LL 252.6

If we only realized how earnestly Jesus worked to sow the world with the gospel seed, we would not confine our efforts to attending Sabbath services.—Manuscript 147, 1902. LL 252.7

Further Reflection: : How might you expand your outreach to the lost? LL 252.8