They Expected Him

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 12, 1914

They Expected Him

Lesson for the Children — No. 4

They Expected Him

MEMORY TEXT: “Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.” 2 Peter 3:14.

Tell the children there was a time about seventy years ago, when many people really thought Jesus was coming and that they should see him. They made a mistake in the time when he would come, but God had foretold this movement in the Bible, and he loved the people who wanted to see Jesus.

As the time drew near when they looked for him, the people were very anxious to be ready. How do you think they got ready? Did they buy fine, costly clothes? Did they get rings and bracelets and all kinds of jewelry? Did they deck their bodies, and trim their hats with feathers and flowers? Did they think such things would make them appear right to Jesus, and that he would be pleased to see them dressed like the worldly people who were not expecting him?

No, they did not get ready that way. They knew that God hates pride, and anything that shows it to be in the heart. They had read that all the proud shall be burned like stubble (Mal. 4:1), and they did not wish to look or act like the proud people of the world. But what did they do to get ready to meet the Lord, whom they expected soon to see coming in the clouds of heaven?

They prayed much. The children often went away by themselves to talk with Jesus.
They studied the Bible to know what they ought to do.
When they knew they had done wrong, they confessed their sins to God and went to the ones they had wronged to ask their forgiveness, too.
They loved everybody.
They denied self, and did not seek earthly pleasure.
They dressed plainly and neatly.
They were willing to be persecuted for Jesus’ sake.
They spent their money in Christian work.
They told the people Jesus was coming.

The story of what one little girl did

at that time may be told, as follows:—

“The time seemed so short in which souls could be saved that I resolved to do all that was in my power to lead souls into the light of truth. But it seemed impossible for one so young, and in feeble health, to do much in the great work.

“I had two sisters at home, Sarah, who was several years older, and my twin sister, Elizabeth. We talked the matter over among ourselves, and decided to earn what we could, and spend it in buying books and tracts. This was the best we could do, and we did this gladly.

“I could earn but twenty-five cents a day; but my dress was plain, nothing was spent for needless ornaments, for vain display appeared sinful in my eyes; so I had ever a little fund in store with which to purchase suitable books. These were placed in the hands of experienced persons to send abroad.

“Every leaf of this printed matter seemed precious in my eyes, for it was as a messenger of light to the world, bidding them prepare for the great event near at hand. Day after day I sat in bed propped up with pillows, performing my allotted task with trembling fingers. How carefully would I lay aside the precious bits of silver taken in return, which were to be expended for reading matter to enlighten those who were in darkness! The salvation of souls was the burden of my mind.”

Let this meeting close with testimonies, which should quickly follow one another.