“That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.”
– Romans 15:32
We have a sacred message to bear to the world. The Third Angel’s Message is not a theory of man’s inventing, a speculation of the imagination; but it is the solemn truth of God for these last days. It is the final warning to the perishing souls of men. It is not a system of truth simply to gratify and please the intellect; it means diligent and sacrificing labor to all who accept its holy teaching. The commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus must be brought to the attention of the world. The tidings of the coming of the Saviour must be proclaimed. The Judgment scenes must be portrayed before the unenlightened minds of men, and hearts must be aroused to realize the solemnity of the closing hours of probation, and prepare to meet their God.
The light that has shone upon your pathway has been given you, not simply that you may rejoice in it, and better understand the Scriptures, and see more clearly the way of life; but that you may become a light-bearer, and carry the torch of truth into the darkened pathways of those around you. We are to be co-laborers with Christ. We are to follow the example that he has left us in the daily steps of his life on earth. His was not a life of ease and devotion to himself; but he toiled with persistent, untiring, earnest effort for the salvation of lost mankind. From the manger to Calvary he followed in the path of self-denial, and sought not to be released from arduous tasks, painful travels, and exhausting care and labor. He said: “The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
When but twelve years of age, the Son of God was found among the learned rabbis, executing his mission; and when asked as to why he had remained after the feast, he replied, “Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” This was the one great object of his life. Everything else was secondary and subservient. It was his meat and drink to do the will of God, and to finish his work. Self and selfish interest had no part in his labor. Love to God and man demands the whole heart, and leaves no place for selfishness to flourish in the life. Jesus declared, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh when no man can work.” (1)
Charge for the Day: How can you “become a light-bearer, and carry the torch of truth into the darkened pathways of those around you”?
1. The Review and Herald, March 13, 1888