Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Lt 234, 1903

Wessels, Sister [A. E.]

“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California

October 12, 1903

Previously unpublished.

Dear Sister Wessels,—

Though I have not written you for some time, yet I have not lost interest in you. Often I have prayed for you and your children. I should be much pleased if you could visit us, that we might talk and pray together. I know that the Lord’s hand is over you, not in wrath, but in mercy and love. I am sorry to hear that you are so feeble. I believe that the Lord would give you sufficient strength to come to America with your children. 18LtMs, Lt 234, 1903, par. 1

The Lord has been very good to me. I praise Him with heart and soul and voice. For one of my age, my physical strength and clearness of mind is remarkable. I am able to go up and down stairs as readily as any of my workers. But that for which I am most thankful is that my mind is clear and that I can exercise faith in the Lord Jesus as my Helper and my everlasting Friend. Although nearly seventy-six years of age, I am still able to write and speak concerning the precious truths of God’s Word. Praise the Lord O my soul. Praise His holy name. 18LtMs, Lt 234, 1903, par. 2

My dear sister, have faith in God. Talk faith; sing faith. Be of good cheer in the Lord Jesus. Think of His wonderful condescension in coming to this world, taking upon Himself human nature, and becoming a partaker of the trials and temptations wherewith man is beset. “He was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin.” [Hebrews 4:15.] Not one of the whole human family need be overcome of evil. In His strength they can overcome. 18LtMs, Lt 234, 1903, par. 3

Behold our Saviour as, seated in a fishing boat on the sea of Galilee, He speaks to the multitude on the shore the words of eternal life. He who but a short time before, seated upon the throne of the universe, had received the willing homage of angels now, from a fisherman’s boat, imparts the precious truths of His kingdom to humble peasants and fishermen. 18LtMs, Lt 234, 1903, par. 4

Because of the crowds pressing upon Him, Jesus had entered Simon’s boat and asked him to push out a little from the shore, where He could be seen and heard by all present. Speaking as One having authority, He proclaimed the truths that bring salvation to all who hear and believe. 18LtMs, Lt 234, 1903, par. 5

The faces of His hearers showed the interest that they felt in His words. The bright beams of the Sun of righteousness were shining upon them with healing power. Their divine light was more precious than gold or silver or precious stones. In that company were some in whose hearts the seeds of truth, planted that day by the great Teacher, sprang up unto eternal life. Among the five thousand, who on the day of Pentecost joyfully accepted the light of the gospel, were some of the humble fishermen who listened to the Saviour as He taught on the Sea of Galilee. They became Christ’s appointed agencies to minister in word and doctrine and to lay the foundation of His spiritual kingdom which shall never be destroyed. The day is coming when the kingdoms of this earth will become the kingdoms of our Lord and His Christ, whose kingdom shall know no end. 18LtMs, Lt 234, 1903, par. 6

Ages before, the work of the Saviour was opened before the eyes of the prophet, and, referring to Christ’s ministry in Galilee, he wrote: “The land of Zabulon, and the land of Naphthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; the people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.” [Matthew 4:15, 16.] 18LtMs, Lt 234, 1903, par. 7

The discourse ended, Jesus turned and said, “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.” But Peter was disheartened. All night he had taken nothing. “Master,” he said, “we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at Thy word I will let down the net.” [Luke 5:4, 5.] 18LtMs, Lt 234, 1903, par. 8

The command of Christ was a trial of the faith of the disciples. Night was the only favorable time for fishing with nets in the clear waters of the lake. After toiling all night without success, it seemed hopeless to cast the net by day. The disciples might have reasoned that Jesus did not understand the occupation of fishing. But Jesus had given the command; and though the disciples were surprised, love for their Master moved them to obey. 18LtMs, Lt 234, 1903, par. 9

What was the result? As Simon and his brother attempted to draw in the net, so great was the multitude of fishes enclosed that it began to break. They were obliged to call James and John to their aid. When the catch was secured, both the boats were so heavily laden that they were in danger of sinking. 18LtMs, Lt 234, 1903, par. 10

The disciples realized that a miracle worker stood among them. This miracle, above any other he had ever witnessed, was to Peter a manifestation of divine power. Love for his Master, shame for his own unbelief, gratitude for the condescension of Christ, above all the sense of his uncleanness in the presence of infinite purity, overwhelmed him. While his companions were securing the contents of the net, Peter fell at the Saviour’s feet, exclaiming, “Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” [Verse 8.] But Peter did not desire Christ to depart. His heart was filled to overflowing with adoration, and he felt himself unworthy. The language of his heart was, “O Lord, I am unworthy. Thou art too good and too great to be in the company of a sinner like me.” 18LtMs, Lt 234, 1903, par. 11

If church members today would be thus impressed by the evidences of God’s power, would they have so little to say in acknowledgement of Christ’s great love in giving Himself for the salvation of His children? Would not their hearts overflow with thanksgiving and praise to the Father? 18LtMs, Lt 234, 1903, par. 12

How did this miracle affect the characters of the disciples? It was the means of establishing in them faith in Christ. Their hearts were filled with love and gratitude. The success that came to them as they obeyed His command was to be an object lesson of the success they would have in catching men, if they followed Christ’s directions. “From henceforth,” He said to Simon, “thou shalt catch men.” [Verse 10.] He wished to show them in their catching of fish through His strength what they could do through His strength in catching men. 18LtMs, Lt 234, 1903, par. 13

How thankful we should be for the precious privileges that are placed within our reach. What infinite blessings are brought to us in the words that came from the lips of the great Teacher. These words should inspire us with hope, and faith, and love. 18LtMs, Lt 234, 1903, par. 14

The truth will work upon the minds of all whose hearts are opened to the words of life. Received into the life, these words will bring cleansing of heart and transformation of character, calling men from darkness to light. 18LtMs, Lt 234, 1903, par. 15

My sister, keep your mind stayed on God. Put your trust in Jesus, and live to His name’s glory. Trust Him, my sister. He loves you, and you love Him. He would have you rest in His love. 18LtMs, Lt 234, 1903, par. 16