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The Isolated Ones

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 19, 1907

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 84, No. 51.

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The Isolated Ones

By W. A. S.

At a time when special services are being held, as at this week-of-prayer season, it may be that the lone members of the flock, separated from those of like precious faith, feel most deeply their isolation.
They may be assured that they are not forgotten by those who enjoy the privileges of church association and fellowship. Wherever companies of believers gather, there is remembrance also of the isolated ones. We pray that their single lights may be kept glowing brightly in the places where, most of all, light is needed—where there are no other representatives of the message.
Best of all, the Lord himself, the great Shepherd of the sheep, does not forget the lone and scattered members of the flock. The Lord is mindful of the one, as well as of the many.
“Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none”—not one. John 18:9.
With ninety and nine in the fold, the Good Shepherd, “if he lose one,” will go after that one which is lost, “until he find it.” Luke 15:4.
Abraham was isolated among the idolaters of Chaldea, and the Lord says,“I called him alone, and blessed him.” Isa. 51:2.
To those tempted to feel themselves overlooked in the multitude, the Lord says: “Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth”—not one. Isa. 40:26.
The Lord cares for every one of his children, and desires every one to know it and to have the blessedness of the assurance. He who knows what it is to be alone and to feel forsaken, will never leave nor forsake the one who is cut off from human fellowship and sympathy in the things of God. The promise grows but the more precious as the end hastens on: “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” By that law of divine compensation—the greater the need the greater measure of grace and comfort—the isolated ones can sing with deeper appreciation than any others,—
“Lonely?—No, not lonely While Jesus standeth by; His presence always cheers me; I know that he is nigh. Friendless?—No, not friendless, For Jesus is my Friend; I change, but he remaineth, The same unto the end.”
W. A. S.