Jesus is Coming by M. E. Williams

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 10, 1871

Jesus is Coming.

By M. E. Williams

Yes, and who of us does not believe that his coming is near? This being the case, how strange that we are not every moment engaged in the service of our Master, and that the truth is not in our hearts as a burning fire shut up in our bones; so that we could not keep still if we would; but be always ready for every good word and work.

But how is it with most of us? Sometimes pressing forward with eagerness, then sinking down in stupidity and indifference, or in gloom and despondency. At times patiently toiling on under heavy burdens, because God wills it thus, at others, ready to sink beneath them. Like the tide ebbing and flowing. At one time all zeal in the Master's service, and for the salvation of souls, and then seemingly forgetting that we even have a soul of our own to save. Why is this? Ah! we lose our hold of the arm of Omnipotence. Were it not so, he would surely keep us.

But there are so many difficulties in the way. Yes, indeed, more than we fully realize. The strength of that wily foe, who is described as a roaring lion going about seeking whom he may devour, his sleepless vigilance and earnestness in his work of destruction, we realize in a very small degree. When our minds are caught away from God by worldly objects, and cares of this life; then Satan is at hand to bind us in his net, and we soon find we have done something to displease God, and perhaps reproach the cause we profess to love. And must it be always thus with us? No; neither will it be; for unless we get so awake that we shall keep awake, we shall soon be left to ourselves.

But Jesus is soon coming. Are we ready to meet him? Are our hearts and hands clean? Are there no stains of sin remaining upon us? Who can say he is ready? And if not, how dare we lose a moment of the short, preparing hour which is left us? Oh! how great the work before us. Let us not sleep, then, but redeem the time because the days are evil.

Are we earnestly asking, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” what cross to bear? what idols to give up? what sacrifices to make for him? what words to speak? how we shall order our ways, that we shall best please him?

God wants laborers, not idlers; workers, not drones; and, shall I say, livers of the truth and not talkers? True the talking of the truth is all right, providing it is not done in the rough, harsh spirit of the bigot, but in a Christ-like spirit of meekness and humility. If our lives correspond with our talk, those that hear will be the more favorably impressed. Worldlings know how those should live who are looking and waiting for their Lord; and they are watching us closely. Souls for whom Christ died are precious; and they are perishing all around us. If we are but stumbling-blocks in their way, will not their blood be required at our hands?

May God forgive us our past unfaithfulness, and help us hereafter to be diligent in his service, helps instead of hindrances to his cause, and so humble ourselves before him that he can work for us, and through us.

M. E. WILLIAMS.

Erie Co., N. Y.