“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” – Colossians 3:17
The people everywhere are to have the Bible opened to them. The time has come, the important time when through God’s messengers the scroll is being unrolled to the world. The truth comprised in the first, second, and third angels’ messages must go to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people; it must lighten the darkness of every continent and extend to the islands of the sea. Nothing of human invention must be allowed to retard this work. That this may be accomplished, there is need of cultivated and consecrated talent; there is need of persons who can do excellent work in the meekness of Christ because self is hid in Christ. Novices cannot acceptably do the work of unfolding the hidden treasure to enrich souls in spiritual things. “Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.” “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:7, 15. This charge to Timothy is to be an educating power in every family and in every school. (1)
From “every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people” there will be those who will gladly respond to the message, “Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come.” They will turn from every idol that binds them to this earth, and will “worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” They will free themselves from every entanglement, and will stand before the world as monuments of God’s mercy. Obedient to every divine requirement, they will be recognized by angels and by men as those that “keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Revelation 14:6, 7, 12. (2)
Doing good in all its forms is enjoined upon us, but how much more earnest and fervent and zealous should we be as we open the Scriptures to those in the darkness of error and proclaim that Christ is at the door, that the end of all things is at hand. We need to be wide awake now, preparing a people for the marriage supper of the Lamb. The missionary enterprise is to be carried forward with unflagging energy. Every faculty and power that God has given to men is to be employed now without further delay. (3)
Charge for the Day: “Novices cannot acceptably do the work of unfolding the hidden treasure to enrich souls in spiritual things.” What does this statement mean to you? How can you equip yourself not to be a novice, but rather someone who is using every faculty and power given you by God to proclaim His message and fulfill His mission?
1. Testimonies to the Church, vol. 6, p. 133
2. The Review and Herald, February 26, 1914
3. Letter 1a, 1895