Prepare the Way by Editor

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 31, 1903

Prepare the Way

By Editor

Editorial

Prepare the Way

THE only reason why the Lord has not come to this earth the second time to receive his people to himself is because the way has not been prepared for his return. Looking down to the time of his first coming, the Lord said, through the prophet Isaiah, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord;” and when the fullness of the time drew near, a messenger was raised up of whom it was said, “Thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways.” We have for many years been in the generation which will not pass away until our Lord shall come again, but the work of preparing the way is not yet completed. In fact, there seems to be the greatest danger that the very people who have been separated unto this work may lose sight of the definite work committed to them, and may become like the denominations around them—merely another name among many. In all earnestness we raise the voice of warning and entreaty. The present opportunity seems like the last call to this people. Years of precious time have passed, and the work has moved slowly. We would not belittle the results already seen, but we can not close our eyes to the facts. There is a mighty work yet to be done to prepare the way of the Lord. Our longing for his return, and our sense of loyalty to our commission, move upon us to urge this people to consecrate themselves to this one thing—to prepare the way of the Lord. This advent movement must not fail nor be turned backward. This people must not prove false to their trust. This people must do this work, and this General Conference ought to remove the weights and hindrances, and sound such a rallying call as shall arouse the people everywhere to rise up and finish the work. Faithful souls are praying that this may be done. We join in their prayer.

The Power of the Spirit

AFTER his temptation in the wilderness we are told that “Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and a fame went out concerning him through all the region round about. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.” All the work of Jesus was done “in the power of the Spirit.” Those who witnessed the results manifested through his labors said, “Whence hath this man these things? and, What is the wisdom that is given unto this man, and what mean such mighty works wrought by his hands?” They recognized the authority of his teaching and the power of his working, and we must recognize the source of that authority and power. It was all done “in the power of the Spirit.” This is the power which convicts of sin. This is the power which delivers from the bondage of sin. This is the power which can make the weak as David, and David as the angel of the Lord. This is the power which rendered efficient the ministry of Jesus, and of the apostles after him. This is the power, and the only power, which will make our ministry efficient in this day. Only “in the power of the Spirit” can we hope to be able to give this warning and healing message in this generation, now so far spent, and thus prepare the way of the Lord. O that this fact may be appreciated! Let us have no confidence in the flesh, or in any plans which savor of confidence in the flesh. We can well afford, if necessary, to exchange all our material facilities, all our institutions and their expensive equipments, for that fullness of the Spirit, and that experience of going out “in the power of the Spirit” which will impart a divine measure of success to this work. In this is our only hope.

“Thou canst fill me, gracious Spirit, Though I can not tell thee how; But I need thee, greatly need thee; Come, O come, and fill me now. “I am weakness, full of weakness; At thy sacred feet I bow; Blest, divine, eternal Spirit, Fill with love, and fill me now.”