The Review and Herald
October 27, 1910
The Commission
Just before his ascension, Christ gave his disciples their commission, declaring: “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” RH October 27, 1910, par. 1
This commission is the great missionary charter of Christ's kingdom. In this gift to his disciples, the Saviour made them his ambassadors, and gave them their credentials. If, afterward, they should be challenged, and asked by what authority they, unlearned fishermen, went forth as teachers and leaders, they could reply: “He whom you crucified, but who rose from the dead, appointed us to the ministry of his word, declaring, All power is given unto me.” RH October 27, 1910, par. 2
Christ appointed his disciples as his architects, who were to lay the foundation of his church. He opened the door of the world before them, bidding them enter and proclaim the gospel. He laid upon them, and upon all who should succeed them as his ministers, the charge of handing his gospel down from generation to generation, from age to age. RH October 27, 1910, par. 3
Notice this point: The disciples were not to wait for the people to come to them and ask for light. They were to go to the people, hunting for souls perishing out of Christ, as the shepherd hunts for the sheep that has strayed from the fold. His life of unselfishness and love was to be copied by them. In his name they were to give the world unselfish service. The knowledge of his suffering on Calvary and of his unchanging love for mankind was to be made known to all people. And Christ further declared, “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” “But tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” RH October 27, 1910, par. 4
Workers for God are to be constantly reaching up to him in prayer. It was after the disciples had spent ten days in supplication, after all differences had been put away, and they had united in deep heart-searching, drawing together in holy fellowship, that the Spirit came upon them, and Christ's promise was fulfilled. Then there was a wonderful outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. RH October 27, 1910, par. 5
The disciples did not confine themselves to any class of people or to any place. “They went forth and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.” Notwithstanding the fierce opposition that they met, in a short time the gospel of the kingdom had been sounded to all the inhabited parts of the world. RH October 27, 1910, par. 6
The commission given to the first disciples is given also to those who in these last days have received increased light from heaven. “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” This is to be our watchword. To all nations and kindreds and tongues and peoples the message of saving grace is to sound forth. A crucified and risen Saviour is to be uplifted before those in the home field and those in far-off lands who have not heard the truth. God calls for pastors and teachers and evangelists. From door to door his servants are to proclaim the gospel message. The knowledge of present truth is not to lead those who receive it to settle down and colonize; it is to lead them into new places. Many are to work just where they are, winning men and women to the truth by a faithful presentation in the daily life of the gospel of salvation. RH October 27, 1910, par. 7
Not all can fill the same place; but every one who yields himself to the consecrating influence of the Holy Spirit will be under the control of Christ, and for consecrated men and women God has made full provision. He will carry on his work by a variety of ways and instruments. It is not alone the most talented, not alone those who hold high positions of trust, or are the most highly educated, that the Lord will use in his work of soul-saving. He will use many who have had few advantages. By the use of simple means he will bring those who own property and land to a belief of the truth; and these will become God's helping hand in the advancement of his work. It is not always the brightest talent that accomplishes the most for God. The Lord can speak through any one who is consecrated to his service. RH October 27, 1910, par. 8
When we catch the spirit of the message that is to lead souls to choose between life and death, we shall see a work done that we do not now dream of. Once let the missionary spirit take hold of men and women, young and old, and we shall see many going into the highways and hedges, and compelling the honest in heart to come in. RH October 27, 1910, par. 9
Let those who labor for souls remember that they are pledged to co-operate with Christ, to obey his directions, to follow his guidance. Every day they are to ask for and receive power from on high. They are to cherish a constant sense of the Saviour's love, his efficiency, his watchfulness, his tenderness. They are to look to him as the shepherd and bishop of their souls. Then they will have the sympathy and support of the heavenly angels. Christ will be their joy and crown of rejoicing. Their hearts will then be controlled by the Holy Spirit. They will go forth clothed with holy zeal, and their efforts will be accompanied by a power proportionate to the importance of the message they proclaim. RH October 27, 1910, par. 10
“Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned; for she hath received of the Lord double for all her sins. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” RH October 27, 1910, par. 11
We must continue to press into regions beyond, where people are in spiritual darkness. In such places the Lord has a work to be done. “Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.” RH October 27, 1910, par. 12
Every obstacle to the redemption of sinners is to be removed by the opening of God's Word, and by the presentation of a plain “Thus saith the Lord.” Truth is to shine forth; for darkness has covered the earth and gross darkness the people. The time has come when the Word of the living God is to appear in contrast with error. Proclaim the glad tidings, We have a Saviour who has given his life, that all who believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Let the Word of the Lord become assurance, and obstacles will be removed that have hindered the work. To the omnipotence of the King of kings, our covenant-keeping God unites the gentleness and care of a tender shepherd. Nothing can bar his way. His power is absolute, and is to be the pledge of the sure fulfilment of his promises to his people. RH October 27, 1910, par. 13