“FEAR NOT, LITTLE FLOCK.”
By F. W. Morse
The worldly-minded man may fear and tremble as the wars and pestilences of the last days thicken around us like gathering clouds; but the “little flock” of God’s true people have no cause for alarm from this source. In the 12th chapter of Luke the Saviour has given a remarkable discourse for the instruction of his dear followers who should live on the earth in the last time. He speaks to that age of his church which would be watching for his second coming, and which should finally witness that event. Read carefully verses 32 to 49. We cannot fail to see the unmistakable allusion to the work of special preparation which must be made to get ready for the coming of our Lord. In the 21st chapter the Saviour has taken special pains to inform us of those signs which were to tell when that glorious event is near. He tells us there shall be in many places, earthquakes, and “famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs,” with distress upon the earth among nations, “men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth.” Luke 21: 11, 25, 26. But in verse 9 he says to his people, “Be not terrified.” No; but “look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.” Verse 28. In chapter 12 the line of prophetic signs is not followed out, as in chapter 21; but some very interesting practical instruction is given, applying to the same age of the church, the same time in the history of the world. Earthquakes, desolating storms, and pestilences of various kinds would lead worldly-minded men, filled with plans for self-interest, to heap treasures to themselves, to pull down their store-houses and build larger ones, where they might bestow ample provision of meat, and drink, and raiment. The power of covetousness leads them to be all “overcharged with the cares of this life,” and hides from their minds the idea of making any efforts or sacrifices for the glorious and soon-coming kingdom of God. The end of this mammon-blinded course is certain woe. The Lord will come, all unlooked-for, unprepared-for, “and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matt. 24:51. But wisdom shows a wiser way. Says the Saviour as he points out that way, after showing how worldly men seek after the interests of self, “But rather seek ye the kingdom of God.” “Fear not.” We should be fearful and watchful lest the covetousness, selfishness, pride, cold-heartedness, and wickedness, of the world overcome us, but never should we stand back and be afraid to “seek,” with all our energies, those things which belong to the kingdom of God. We can safely make sacrifices; and while worldlings feel alarmed about their own individual comfort and safety, it will do for the follower of Christ to let the safety and salvation of others be the subject of deepest solicitude to himself, and the subject that absorbs the most vigorous energies of his life. Please read carefully the scriptures referred to, and especially Luke 12:15-49. I believe this to be a very solemn practical address to Seventh-day Adventists at the present time, and may the dear Saviour help us to take heed to it. F. W. MORSE.