What Shall We Say? by J. B. Blosser

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 5, 1902

What Shall We Say?

By J. B. Blosser

J. B. BLOSSER

THE climax in the life and work of Christ on earth had come. The hour had arrived when he was to pour out his soul unto death, that he might advocate his merits in behalf of a lost world, and by this manifestation of love win their hearts to love God. Should he now draw back, all would be lost; and yet it was possible even now for him to refuse to make the sacrifice. He asks the question, “What shall I say? Father, save me from this hour.” John 12:27. Then he answers his own question: “But for this cause came I unto this hour.” This was the only answer he could consistently give in harmony with his coming into this world as a Saviour. No; his great heart of love would not let him draw back now and leave humanity to perish. That would also reproach the character of his Father, who had sent him into the world to save it. Instead of asking his Father to save him from that hour, he prays, “Glorify thy name.” This could only be done by allowing the Saviour to pass through that hour, and make his amazing sacrifice. This made it possible for the universe to sing, with a higher note, “Glory to God in the highest.”

Another climax has been reached, requiring sacrifice on the part of God’s people. The hour has arrived when a mighty effort is to be made to save a lost world. To his remnant people the Lord has given a saving message: “Prepare to meet thy God.” It is a message of life. It is the “everlasting gospel.” The “hour” in that message has arrived, where, to complete that message, nothing but an entire consecration of our all to him will meet the demands. Now our soul is troubled, and the question comes to us with peculiar force, What shall we say? Shall it be, “Father, save me from this hour”? No, that would not be consistent with our mission to the world as God’s messengers. That would not be “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” God has called us to be light bearers, to manifest his love to the world; and his name would be reproached should we now refuse to let him use us in making his last mighty effort to save the world. Our prayer should be, “Father, glorify thy name.” “Not my will, but thine, be done.” Then will come the answer, “I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.” The time has come when this is to be realized. He has said, “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” This will be true of every one who is consecrated to him for service. The time also is at hand, as it was then, when those who are self-seeking will be “scattered, every man to his own.” Not now, however, as with the Saviour, can we refuse to drink the cup and yet be saved ourselves. Our destiny, as well as the destiny of the world, depends upon our answer to the question, “What shall I say?”