“And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive.” – Matthew 20:6-7
Listen to the voice of Jesus, as it comes sounding down along the line to our time, addressing the professed Christian who stands idle in the market-place, “Why stand ye here all the day idle? … Go ye also into the vineyard.” Work while it is day; for the night cometh, in which no man can work.
The Saviour declared that before his second coming, there would be wars and rumors of wars, and earthquakes in divers places. The reports that reached us of the terrible earthquakes in Italy and Sicily tell of another fulfilment of the signs of the end. These calamities are becoming more and more frequent, and each report of calamity by land or sea is a testimony to the fact that the end of all things is near. The world is filled with iniquity, and the Lord is punishing it for its wickedness. As crimes and iniquities increase, these judgments will become more frequent, until the time shall come when the earth shall no more cover her slain.
The judgments of God are hanging over our cities. We know not how soon they will be visited by just such a calamity as recently befell Italy. I pray for the deep movings of the Holy Spirit on the hearts of God’s people, that this message,—the last message of warning,—may be given without delay. The day of the Lord is hasting greatly. The end is nearer than when we first believed.
Everything in this world is in an unsettled state. The nations are angry, and preparations for war are being made. But though there is among the nations an increasing unrest, though they are mustering their forces, they are as if held back from action by an unseen power. The angels are holding the four winds until the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads. (1)
Charge for the Day: Read and study Matthew Chapter 24. What signs do you see happening today that indicate the coming of Jesus is near? Share with someone else.
1. The Review and Herald, November 17, 1910