G. B. STARR by G. B. Starr

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Dec 15, 1910

G. B. STARR

By G. B. Starr

Demonstration

G. B. STARR

SCIENTISTS and the common people are calling for demonstration in both the natural and the spiritual. People are tiring of tales about things that have never been done. But God does things, great things, by which the true God, Jehovah, may be known from all false claimants to that title.

In the works of creation, Jehovah has given a spectacular demonstration of his power, his wisdom, and his love; and there it stands for all eyes to see in sun, in star, in earth and sky,—a living, abiding witness.

But God has done more than this. He has wrought mightily in the deliverance of nations and individuals, and has recorded the history of these deliverances for the encouragement of all who read. God dried the waters of the Red Sea and

of Jordan, not only for the purpose of delivering Israel, but “that all the people of the earth might know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty,” and that all the people of the earth might be led to fear God forever, and serve and obey him. Joshua 4: 24.

The Lord saw the affliction of Israel in Egypt. He heard their cry, and responded in the tender and touching announcement, “I know their sorrows; and I am come down to deliver them.” Ex. 3: 7, 8. The might and power of God, who could create and uphold worlds, was manifested in meting out justice, and delivering the oppressed.

To Moses he demonstrated his power to turn the rod to a serpent, and to bring leprosy upon him, and heal him instantly. These miracles Moses was to repeat in the presence of the king, as living credentials that he was the royal ambassador of the living God, sent to him with a living message, to which he must give heed.

But Pharaoh asked for evidence, demonstration; and it was given in plague and blood, fire and hail and death, until he was forced to admit, “I have sinned this time: the Lord is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.” Ex. 9: 27-29. “Against all the gods of Egypt” these judgments of God were directed. Ex. 12: 12.

“And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses.” Ex. 14: 31. And so should “all the people of the earth” see and know and believe the Lord. The record of this experience is for us. “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” Rom. 15: 4.

Elijah’s experience with Ahab and the prophets of Baal was one of the most striking demonstrations of the presentation of evidence of the existence and power of God that has ever been given. After the failure of the four hundred fifty prophets of Baal to obtain an answer to their petitions from their god, whom Elijah ironically suggested might be on a journey, or sleeping, and needing awakening, then came the answer by fire from the Lord, immediate, swift, convincing; the fire consuming the sacrifice, the stones, and the water. Jehovah was not sleeping. And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces, and said, “The Lord, he is the God; the Lord, he is the God.” 1 Kings 18: 7-39. And so say we, and so he is forever.

Melrose, Mass.