“THOSE AT HOME”—A PART TO ALL.
By A. R. Ogden
When the Lord stirred up King Cyrus to make a proclamation regarding the rebuilding of Jerusalem and those going to do the work, he spoke of those left at home, and said: “And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.” Ezra 1:4. Thus we see that those at home were to help; all were to have a part. Thus it is that great nations carry on their wars. Men are sent to the frontier to do the fighting; but they are wholly dependent on those at home to provide them with weapons of war, ammunition, food, clothing, etc. So God is to-day carrying on a war against sin. Some are called to the forefront, the larger number are left at home, but all are to have a part. What part in the rebuilding did those have who remained at home? Ah, they were to help with gold, silver, and with goods. So those who remain at home may have a part in this grand work by returning to the Lord’s treasury of His gold and silver and goods. What success could we expect an army to have if its soldiers had to plant and reap and cultivate the fields for the necessaries of life? They would not have much time for pioneer, aggressive work, but would be continually handicapped. But the government says: Go; we will send you provisions; we will support you. Will not the people of God, in these last days, say to the workers: Go, and we will help? But remember God has so arranged His work that all may have a part. And if one fails to have a part here in this world, a part in doing, and a part in receiving of the blessings that come as a result of doing, could he be really happy in receiving of the blessings of the kingdom? One would feel just a little out of place to receive so much when he himself had done so little in helping others. When the Lord gave His instructions to Moses concerning the building of the sanctuary, He said: “Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: . . . and this is the offering which ye shall take of them: gold, and silver, and brass.” Ex. 25:2-8. Again we see that the Lord wishes all the people to have a part in His work. Are there not many Seventh-day Adventists who have gold and silver ornaments, rings and other things, which, since seeing the truth, they have laid aside, who could dispose of these, and put the proceeds into the Third Angel’s Message? Would not God be better honored in this way than by having them laid away to be burned in the final conflagration? And now a word about the offerings. Are we giving freely in proportion to the greatness of the work which we have before us? A greater work has never been committed to any people. Some one may say, “I can give so little;” but nothing is small if given in Jesus’ name. Ten cents a week for each Seventh-day Adventist is not small; for it would mean four hundred thousand dollars annually. Are you doing your part? Think of what a great work could be accomplished in a short time with this amount of means. Will you help to raise it?