The Responsibility That Blessings Bring by M. Hare

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 24, 1910

The Responsibility That Blessings Bring

By M. Hare

M. HARE

IN the birth of Christ, the advent of the Messiah into this world, we view the supreme event of all ages. It points to fulfilled time, and marks the dawn of a new era. And so auspicious was it in the estimation of heaven that messengers from the celestial courts heralded the proclamation, and the hills of Judea echoed angel voices in the glad tidings: A Saviour is born. Peace on earth, and good will.

Wonderful indeed to human thought is the manifestations of the favor of God toward fallen man in the gift of his Son. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

Veiled in mortal flesh, the Prince, the Leader of the armies of heaven, laid aside his glory to take the place of a helpless babe among the poor of earth. “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” 2 Cor. 8:9. He became poor, and the duty, as well as the privilege and blessing, of ministering to him in his mission of mercy was given to the wise. Matt. 2:11.

Light from heaven marked the way as they brought their treasure,—gold, frankincense, and myrrh,—the tribute of love, and laid it at the Saviour’s feet. The gospel of salvation in its great Originator, though centuries have passed, still eloquently appeals to human sympathy, in the needs of the poor benighted millions who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, on whose waiting ears no glad tidings, no echoes of angel voices, have ever fallen. In the Macedonian cry the Saviour is calling to-day; and will the wise yet hear?

A recent daily, speaking of Christmas gifts, the vast amount of trade done in Washington, D. C., says that “in one day not less than ten thousand packages passed through the hands of one express company, and also that Santa Claus to the White House employees alone represented about five hundred dollars from the private purse of the President.” And all this but to a limited degree shows the value in Christmas gifts just in one city and in one day. Given away, but to whom?—Only to one another. What of the millions in darkness? What of the Macedonian cry? Is it unheard? Is the Saviour forgotten, and at Christmas-tide? O, could all this treasure but flow in the right channel, could it be placed where the wise men laid theirs,—at the feet of Jesus,—what good could be accomplished! How many even yet would hear the tidings of a Saviour’s love!

The treasure of heaven bestowed upon mankind in the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ, brings, with its blessings, responsibilities. It opens the way whereby we may co-operate and become workers together with God in the great scheme of redemption. For God’s purpose in bestowing blessings upon us is to make us a blessing, and we are saved to save others.

The Saviour taught that people should lay up treasure in heaven, for where their treasure is there will also the heart be, adding that “whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man.” The only treasure which the Lord’s people can save will be what is transferred to heaven, invested in human souls, given a tribute of love; and thus even now the wise indeed may shine.

Throughout its history the gospel has triumphed in sacrifice. It comes down to us through a line of crowned heads; but the crown is one of martyrdom. And now the last call to duty for the people of God comes in the third angel’s message. It is to carry the light of salvation to all the world, to carry it now,

and, as ever, to those who hear, it means a life of devotion; a pathway, perhaps, marked in blood; a life given in sacrifice. Rom. 12:1.

But the conflict will soon close, the clash of arms die in the triumphant strains of victory, and the universe echo, “Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” Ps. 50:5. The arches of heaven will ring with the welcome, “Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in.” Isa. 26:2. “And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Isa. 35:10. “They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars.” Dan. 12:3.

The longing heart responds, O haste, glad day!

“But say, brother, say, will you reach that blest land, Where no longer the sun goeth down? And in its sweet rest ’mid all that is blest, Will there be any stars in your crown?

Takoma Park, D. C.