Thy People Are Freewill Offerings by E. M. GRAHAM

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 11, 1915

Thy People Are Freewill Offerings

By E. M. GRAHAM

“Thy people offer themselves willingly in the day of thy power.” Ps. 110: 3, A. R. V. In the footnote, this rendering is given: “Thy people are freewill offerings in the day of thy army.”

When is “the day of thy power”? “And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory. And he cried mightily with a strong voice.” Rev. 18: 1, 2.

This angel, like the three angels of Revelation 14, is a symbol of God’s work in the earth, which is carried forward by his people. At this time the work is attended with great power, and therefore it is in a special sense the day of his power.

At this time his people are to offer themselves willingly, or to be freewill offerings. We should expect then, at this time, to see all God’s people offering themselves willingly for service. There should be no urging, no persuading, but simply an organizing of a people who are freewill offerings to the Lord.

Do we find it so with our church members? “Why are there so few who bear the yoke and carry the burden of Christ? Why do persons have to be urged to take up their work for the Master?”—“An Appeal to Our Churches,” page 5.

“Not one one-hundredth part has been done or is being done by the members of the church, that God requires of them. They will, in that great day, be self-convicted and self-condemned for their slothfulness.”—Id., page 11.

The word of the Lord is true; therefore the people of God will offer themselves willingly in the day of his power. Those who do not offer themselves willingly thereby prove they are not God’s people, though their names may have been for years on the church books. They have a name to live, but are dead. Truly the line is being drawn “between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.” Mal. 3: 18.

For those who offer themselves willingly there is abundance of work. Some may circulate tracts in various ways. For others there are the inexpensive Extras that are being issued on various points of faith. There are the weekly Signs of the Times, the monthly magazines,—the Signs, Watchman, Life and Health, Liberty, Protestant,—and the Temperance Instructor, which will appeal to others. Some will desire to sell the small books, others to distribute the Berean Library.

Some who cannot take an active part in the circulation of literature, will do missionary correspondence, and so send forth the truth. Many will win hearts by acts of kindly service, ministrations to the sick, visits to the shut-ins, and so open channels for the truth of God. Others will open the Bible to truth seekers, and study with them. All will be watchful for opportunities to speak helpful words that will draw souls to Christ and his truth.

There is no lack of opportunities for service, or of material with which to work. The only thing needed is the people who offer themselves willingly for service, and they are coming forward everywhere, as the call is going forth, “Go work today in my vineyard.”

E. M. GRAHAM.