Like Unto Men by N. W. Allee

Review and Herald Publishing Assn. · Washington, D. C. · Jan 7, 1904

Like Unto Men

By N. W. Allee

N. W. ALLEE

LOOKING down the ages to the time when the people would be in the midst of the experiences incident to the great day of his coming, experiences that will test the character of every soul, the Saviour encourages his people to exhibit those principles of divine life that indicate the restorative power of his grace. He says: “And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding.” Luke 12:36.

In the beginning it was said, “Let us make man.” This being met the mind of God as the result of his creative effort. He was pronounced “good.” God made a being in his own image, after his likeness. Sin unmade him. The plan of salvation was provided that the divine likeness, so terribly marred by sin, may be fully restored. The gospel plan is complete, and the results when fully accomplished will present the creature, as they in the beginning, “a man.” Jesus Christ in his life on earth is the example for poor sinful beings to follow; hence, he is God’s idea of man.

In the closing work of the gospel effort the result is to be manifested in his

creatures with regard to the great truth of the Lord’s soon coming. Jesus expects the purchase of his blood to act “like men.” The grandest achievement of all effort is “man” again in the image of God. Heaven is looking for those who will see the gravity of this time, sense the situation, carefully weigh the future by the present, and exhibit to the world the qualities of the real man after the mind of God, who will consider the things of eternity, and, consistent with the light and evidences of the nearness of the final issues of the gospel, place all upon the altar, as did Noah.

We say by our words that we believe the end is near. Is God being disappointed by our actions? Brethren, are we acting “like men that wait for their lord,” when we allow ourselves to become so engrossed with the cares of life that we do not prayerfully observe every opportunity for gaining spiritual light and strength? The truth of God is to demonstrate its superiority over every system, theory, or philosophy of the world. In the final issue the triumph of the truths of God’s Word is to be witnessed. The victory will be as complete as when Daniel and his companions in the courts of Babylon confronted the learning and wisdom of the most magnificent kingdom of the world. We have reached the generation in which the last great struggle is made that decides forever the long controversy between truth and error. Shall we at this important juncture act “like men who wait for their Lord”?