Missionary Movement by D. P. Miller

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 1, 1907

Missionary Movement

By D. P. Miller

The gospel plan is one great missionary effort. The Author of it not only directs, but labors also. He said, “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.” John 5:17. He was that first gospel seed, which sent forth shoots, foreshadowing the life hidden within from all ages, until the tender plant appeared in Bethlehem. He grew up, spreading his branches, giving life and shelter to all who would seek refuge in him. This tree of righteousness has borne fruit in every age. The crop of each season, stored away, awaits the final harvest, when the whole will be gathered into the heavenly garner.

This last generation is witnessing the finishing touch of the Father’s hand, purposed before the foundation of the world. Eph. 1:4, 9, 10. The worlds, angels, and men have witnessed wonderful works of his grace; but his crowning act is to call out a people to be framed, fitted, and polished, redeemed from among men, death conquered in them, victors over Babylon and the grave. They are educated in the school of Christ, and taught by the Master Workman. Like him, they engage in the work willingly. Every trial, disappointment, and pain is a mark of their success; for they are made “perfect through suffering.” Heb. 2:10; 1 John 3:3.

They fully appreciate the nature of the task before them; for they hear him say, “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he can not be my disciple.” Luke 14:26, 27. By faith they enter into the joy of the work. Holding fast that which they have, they are sealed with the seal of the living God—labeled, Sons of God, New Jerusalem.

When the end of the harvest comes, with the resurrected ones they are “caught up . . . to meet the Lord in the air.” Immortalized, they “enter in through the gates into the city,” and are seen at last standing on the sea of glass, “having the harps of God.” They sing a song that will resound to all eternity. Rev. 22:14; 15:2, 3.

A hundred forty and four thousand missionaries are wanted; for “in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound, the mystery [gospel] of God should be finished.” Rev. 10:7; 11:15. Every Seventh-day Adventist should arise to the work. In fact, this must inevitably be the case; for those who do not labor are not labored upon. It is the labor and experience in the message that gives character and form to the worker. Listen: “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” Heb. 5:8, 9; 2:10.

Here in Scotland, as elsewhere in the world, cities are crowded with sinful humanity. Burdened with church form and priestcraft, the honest in heart are struggling in darkness. Where are the young men and young women who see these things, and will help in making them known to the world? Parents should let the mind possess them which was also in Christ Jesus. Phil. 2:5. Every home should be a missionary school. Deut. 11:18–28. The Lord has favored this people with every facility to procure an education. Our schools are open. Missionaries are needed, not simply educated in books, but grounded in right principles, which do not repel, but draw hungering souls. Narrow, selfish, commanding people are a great hindrance. These quickly see the wolf and flee. But we read: “For many are called, but few are chosen.”

D. P. MILLER.