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Ellen G. White — Messenger to the Remnant

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Chapter 9—God’s Messenger

“I have no claims to make,” wrote Ellen G. White in 1906, “only that I am instructed that I am the Lord’s messenger; that He called me in my youth to be His messenger, to receive His word, and to give a clear and decided message in the name of the Lord Jesus.”—The Review and Herald, July 26, 1906. EGWMR 125.1

That which called forth this utterance and a further explanation of her call and work was a discussion over Mrs. White’s status—whether or not she was a prophet. She herself, before a large gathering at Battle Creek, had explained that her work embodied much more than that of a prophet, and at that time had stated, “I do not claim to be a prophetess.” In her discussion of her work she continues in the Review article: EGWMR 125.2

“Early in my youth I was asked several times, Are you a prophet? I have ever responded, I am the Lord’s messenger. I know that many have called me a prophet, but I have made no claim to this title. My Saviour declared me to be His messenger. EGWMR 125.3

“‘Your work,’ He instructed me, ‘is to bear My word. Strange things will arise, and in your youth I set you apart to bear the message to the erring ones, to carry the word before unbelievers, and with pen and voice to reprove from the Word actions that are not right. Exhort from the Word.... EGWMR 125.4

“‘Be not afraid of man, for My shield shall protect you. It is not you that speaketh: it is the Lord that giveth the messages of warning and reproof. Never deviate from the truth under any circumstances. Give the light I shall give you. The messages for these last days shall be written in books, and shall stand immortalized, to testify against those who have once rejoiced in the light, but who have been led to give it up because of the seductive influences of evil.’ EGWMR 125.5

“Why have I not claimed to be a prophet?—Because in these days many who boldly claim that they are prophets are a reproach to the cause of Christ and because my work includes much more than the word ‘prophet’ signifies.”—Ibid. EGWMR 125.6

Then follows in the article a delineation of the broad work to which she was commissioned. We will quote a few sentences regarding this: EGWMR 125.7

“The Lord gave me great light on health reform. In connection with my husband, I was to be a medical missionary worker.” EGWMR 125.8

“I was also to speak on the subject of Christian temperance.” EGWMR 125.9

“I was instructed that I must ever urge upon those who profess to believe the truth, the necessity of practicing the truth.” EGWMR 125.10

“I was charged not to neglect or pass by those who were being wronged.” EGWMR 125.11

“I was instructed that I must show a special interest in motherless and fatherless children, taking some under my own charge for a time and then finding homes for them.” EGWMR 125.12

“In Australia we also worked as Christian medical missionaries. At times I made my home in Cooranbong an asylum for the sick and afflicted.” EGWMR 125.13

She concludes; “To claim to be a prophetess is something I have never done. If others call me by that name, I have no controversy with them. But my work has covered so many lines that I can not call myself other than a messenger, sent to bear a message from the Lord to His people, and to take up work in any line that He points out.” EGWMR 125.14

As we contemplate the broad work given to her, we are forced to agree with Mrs. White when she says, “My commission embraces the work of a prophet, but it does not end there.”—Letter 244, 1906. EGWMR 125.15

This meant to Mrs. White that her life and all her energies must be fully and constantly consecrated to God. It meant that she must speak for God messages of reproof, of instruction, and of encouragement. It meant that she must write articles and books setting before the church and the world the information and light that God imparted to her. It meant that she must lead out personally in every type of Christian missionary work. It meant at times that she would be honored and lauded by those about her. It also meant that she must stand many times alone, battling evil, selfishness, avarice, waywardness, and coldness. It meant that she would be opposed and maligned. It meant sleepless nights, separation from her family, endless traveling, incessant interviews, and constant writing. Would anyone choose such a work? Oh, no. Did Mrs. White choose this work? We will let her answer: EGWMR 125.16

“When this work was first given me, I begged the Lord to lay the burden on someone else. The work was so large and broad and deep that I feared I could not do it. But by His Holy Spirit the Lord has enabled me to perform the work which He gave me to do.”—The Review and Herald, July 26, 1906. EGWMR 125.17