The Enduring Memorial by W. E. HASKELL

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Jan 26, 1905

The Enduring Memorial

By W. E. HASKELL

W. E. HASKELL

(Concluded)

BUT to some it has seemed that a double and larger blessing on the Sabbath would mean a single and lesser blessing during the week, which would seem to necessitate an up-and-down experience in the Christian life. Others, in a vague, half-unconscious way, may have felt that there was some difficulty, some inconsistency, between the idea of a double Sabbath blessing and the ideal of Christian life expressed in such scriptures as, “The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” But there is a beauty and glory in the fulness of the Sabbath truth, before which all this seeming difficulty and inconsistency vanish.

13. Why, in part, was the earthly sanctuary made?

“And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them.” Ex. 25:8.

It was an expression, an illustration, of God’s longing for fellowship with his people. It was more than this (see Heb. 9:23, 24), but it was this also. So in that wondrous object-lesson there must be some type—some illustration of the Sabbath blessing—of the Sabbath manifestation of Christ’s presence with his people.

14. What is the type?

“And thou shalt set upon the table showbread [“bread of the presence,” as the Hebrew signifies] before me alway.” Ex. 25:30.

15. When was it prepared?

“And other of their brethren, of the sons of the Kohathites, were over the showbread, to prepare it every Sabbath.” 1 Chron. 9:32. “Every Sabbath he shall set it in order before the Lord continually.” Lev. 24:8.

16. How long did it remain?

“So the priest gave him hallowed bread: for there was no bread there but the showbread, that was taken up from before the Lord, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away.” 1 Sam. 21:6. It remained until the next Sabbath.

17. What was then done with the old?

“And it shall be Aaron’s and his sons’; and they shall eat it in the holy place.” Lev. 24:9.

It was prepared and set in order each Sabbath, and continued through the following week till the next Sabbath, when it was eaten by the priests (representing the people), and then replaced by a new, fresh, additional supply. So each Sabbath they had a double measure, the old and the new. The old was eaten, and thus more was obtained from it than when first given the Sabbath before. It was then appropriated more fully, became a part of their very being, and continued. The new supply also continued.

18. So what was the showbread called?

“And upon the table of showbread they shall spread a cloth of blue. . . . and the continual bread shall be thereon.” Num. 4:7.

This reveals and illustrates the high and glorious privilege of true Sabbath observance. The Sabbath manifestation of Christ’s presence is an abiding, continual presence, but renewed, increased, redoubled, each returning Sabbath. So we see the double Sabbath blessing does not mean a single and lesser blessing through the week, an up-and-down experience, but a progressive experience. Each Sabbath should lift us to a higher plane in Christian life. This higher plane should be maintained through the following week, and each succeeding Sabbath elevated higher and still higher.

The Sabbath is not a mere depository, which comes laden with rich treasure for us to behold and enjoy but for a day, and then departs, carrying the treasure away with it; but rather it is a channel through which weekly, additional, increasing treasure comes to us to abide with us continually, if we will receive and hold it fast by faith.

19. The same showbread, continuing through the week and then being eaten by the priests, would typify what experience?

“For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end,” Heb. 3:14.

The previous blessing is then appropriated more fully, and becomes a part of us, and as we thus partake of Christ’s nature, the transforming process is hastened. Each week is thus a life experience in miniature. The same faith which can endure through the week can endure to the end. Until we reach the place where we hold the Sabbath blessing all through the week, from Sabbath to Sabbath, we have not that growing, overcoming experience which always “causes us to triumph in Christ,” and through his continual presence enables us to “hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end,” and become full and final partakers of his nature.

20. So what should each Sabbath be to us?

“In thy presence is fulness of joy.” Ps. 16:11.

“For I shall yet praise him, for his presence is salvation.” Ps. 42:5, margin.

Each Sabbath should mean to us a larger measure of his salvation, a fresh disclosure and an unfolding of his sacred presence and blessed companionship, a closer and more intimate association with him, an increasing rest of soul, leading us to look forward to and welcome each coming Sabbath with increasing joy and delight in the Lord. “The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord.” Isa. 29:19.

21. What daily continual offering was made in the sanctuary service?

“This is the offering made by fire which ye shall offer unto the Lord; two lambs of the first year without spot day by day, for a continual burnt offering.” Num. 28:3.

22. What was typified by this?

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Rom. 12:1.

This typified a daily consecration.

23. What other offering was made?

“And on the Sabbath day two lambs of the first year without spot. . . . This is the burnt offering of every Sabbath, beside the continual burnt offering.” Num. 28:9, 10.

Over and above the daily, the continual offering of one’s self, there should be on the Sabbath an additional, a redoubled offering, of consecration, thanksgiving, and praise, in response to the double blessing received. As each Sabbath should lift us to a higher plane in the life of faith and walk with God, which should be maintained through the week, and each succeeding Sabbath elevated higher and still higher, what will be the result?

One author has said of Enoch: “For three centuries he had walked with God. Day by day he had longed for a closer union. Nearer and nearer had grown the communion, until God took him to himself. He had stood at the threshold of the eternal world, only a step between him and the land of the blest, and now the portals opened, the walk with God so long pursued on earth, continued, and he passed through the gates of the holy city.” So also will it be with those now living who will be translated when Jesus comes. And the Sabbath occupies a most important place in the preparation for this experience.

24. Then what will still continue?

“And it shall come to pass, that . . . from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the Lord.” Isa. 66:23.

Through unending ages the enduring memorial will continue to be a sign of what God is to us, and of what his people are to him. And as each Sabbath brings a double disclosure and revelation of what he is, and a redoubled

measure of love, gratitude, and consecration from his people, so through the ages, each recurring Sabbath will have a deeper, richer, fuller meaning and significance; each will shine with increasing beauty and glory; each will bring a deeper, higher joy in the mutual and ever-increasing companionship between God and his people.

25. So in these last days, in raising up the foundations of many generations, and again making known his holy Sabbath, to what is the Lord inviting those who will keep his holy day?

“Even unto them will I give in mine house and within mine walls a place and a name better than of sons and daughters.” Isa. 56:5.

To every nation, kindred, tongue, and people is this wondrous invitation now sounding in the message, “Fear God and give glory to him, . . . and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” Rev. 14:6, 7.