“Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.”
– 1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek Me daily, and delight to know My ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God; they ask of Me the ordinance of justice; they take delight in approaching to God. Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge?” [Isaiah 58:1-3.]
The people here mentioned are represented as bringing a charge against God. They have been active in observing the outward forms of worship, and they complain because God does not acknowledge their works, and because He does not answer their prayers. But the Lord charges them with neglecting His work and refusing to follow His way.
“Behold,” He says, “in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labors. Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness; ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high.” [Verses 3, 4.]
It is possible for us to be deceived in regard to our relation to God. We are not to reproach our Maker if we do not see everything worked out just as we desire. Let us rather examine ourselves, to see if we are keeping His words. …
Have you become acquainted with your neighbors, that you may tell them of the truth? Take your Bible and call on them. Read them some of those passages of Scripture that are the most comforting. Show them that you have an interest in their eternal welfare. God wants you to help them to place their minds in a right channel.
In the Word of God the truth in regard to the observance of the Lord’s Sabbath is plainly stated. But the world is in ignorance of God’s requirements. Shall it be that when you meet your neighbors in the day of judgment, they will charge you with neglect, saying, you knew of these things? Why did you not tell us?
May God help us to realize that our words are a talent, more precious than gold and silver. May He help us to speak only words of comfort and consolation. (1)
Charge for the Day: Have you become acquainted with your neighbors, that you may tell them of the truth? Take your Bible and call on them. Read them some of those passages of Scripture that are the most comforting. Show them that you have an interest in their eternal welfare. God wants you to help them to place their minds in a right channel. Take a decided step in this direction today.
1. Manuscript 27, 1906