The Signs of the Times
May 20, 1903
Christ's Way of Helping Us
When the Lord sees His disciples deficient in spiritual power, day by day losing ground, day by day wandering farther and farther from the Source of strength, He sends them affliction and adversity. Disappointed hopes cause them to stop and think, and there come to them repentance, and a desire to draw near to God. And as they return to Him, He draws near to them, saying, “Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me, and he shall make peace with Me.” He receives the repentant sinner with loving assurances of pardon. ST May 20, 1903, par. 1
There is no power in repentance to change the life. But when the helpless soul casts itself on Christ, there comes transformation of character. The Saviour declares, “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you.” ST May 20, 1903, par. 2
God often brings men to a crisis to show them their weakness, and to point them to the Source of strength. If they will pray, and watch unto prayer, fighting bravely, their weak points will become their strong points. Jacob's experience contains many valuable lessons for us. All night Jacob wrestled with the angel. Finally the strong wrestler was weakened by a touch on his thigh. He was now disabled, and suffering the keenest pain, but he would not lose his hold. All penitent and broken, he clung to the angel; “he wept, and made supplication,” pleading for a blessing. He must have the assurance that his sin was pardoned. His determination grew stronger, his faith more earnest and persevering, until the very last. The angel tried to release himself; he urged, “Let me go; for the day breaketh,” but Jacob answered, “I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” Had this been a boastful, presumptuous confidence, Jacob would have been instantly destroyed; but his was the assurance of one who confesses his own unworthiness, yet trusts to the faithfulness of a covenant-keeping God. ST May 20, 1903, par. 3
Jacob “had power over the angel, and prevailed.” Through humiliation, repentance, and self-surrender, this sinful, erring mortal prevailed with the Majesty of heaven. He had fastened his trembling grasp on the promises of God, and the heart of infinite Love could not turn away the sinner's plea. ST May 20, 1903, par. 4
As an evidence that Jacob had been forgiven, his name was changed from one that was a reminder of his sin to one that commemorated his victory. “Thy name,” said the angel, “shall be no more Jacob, but Israel; for as a prince hast thou power with God, and with men, and hast prevailed.” ST May 20, 1903, par. 5
Shall we obtain strength from God, and win victory after victory, or shall we try in our own strength, and at last fall back defeated, worn out by vain effort? Victory is sure when self is surrendered to God. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise. He has given His angels charge over His children. Hereafter the witness will be heard, “My feet had well-nigh slipped, but the Lord upheld me.” His way was best—to come in trial to the one He wished to help. ST May 20, 1903, par. 6
And when we obtain the blessing, let us not selfishly hoard it. Let us use for the help of some struggling fellow-being the strength that we have gained. Remember that no one is ever made better by denunciation and recrimination. To charge a tempted soul with his guilt in no way inspires him with a determination to reform. Point the erring, discouraged one to Him who is able to save to the uttermost all who come to Him. Show him what he may become. Tell him that there is in him nothing that recommends him to God, but that Christ died for him, that he might be accepted in the Beloved. Inspire him with hope, showing him that in Christ's strength he can do better. Hold up before him the possibilities that are his. Point him to the heights which he may reach. Help him to take hold upon the mercy of the Lord, to trust in His forgiving power. Jesus is waiting to clasp him by the hand, waiting to give him power to live a noble, virtuous life. ST May 20, 1903, par. 7