p. 21 | Tarry at Jerusalem by John Nevins Andrews

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 1, 1873

Tarry at Jerusalem.

By John Nevins Andrews

SUCH were the words of Christ to his disciples, on an occasion of the greatest importance. The work which they were commissioned to perform among the nations of the earth, was urgent in the extreme. But they were not themselves in a fit condition to enter upon it. They must first be endued with power from on high. For this, they were commanded to wait. When it came upon them, they spoke not simply with their natural powers, but with the special help of the Spirit of God.

There is, in this, a lesson for ourselves. Men must not go out to minister in sacred things till they are first soundly converted to God; nor even then, till they receive an unction from on high. Then they will not be discouraged at trifles; no, nor at serious obstacles. They will not count their lives dear unto themselves. They will be able to endure with patience the contradiction of sinners. They will not seek to be greatest, nor strive for the mastery over others. Their words will burn like fire in the dry stubble. Self will not be their theme, for they will preach, not themselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord.

Without doubt, we need in our own cases this transforming power. And what we thus need, God is not only able, but willing, to supply freely and graciously. We should most earnestly seek for this divine assistance. Remember that the apostles did not wait for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in a state of carelessness, or absorbed in worldly business. They continued in prayer and supplication. And this very work it becomes us to enter upon with an earnestness, and a singleness of purpose that is suited to the magnitude of the responsibilities which we have to bear. J. N. A.