Onward and Upward by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Aug 8, 1906

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 32, No. 30.

Onward and Upward.

By Editor

"My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him; for whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you, as with sons; for what son is He whom the Father chasteneth not?"

Whatever happens to the people of God is for their good. Never an apparent disaster comes to His cause—whether directed or merely permitted—that is not for a wise purpose. It may be for correction, or it may be as a trial of faith, or it may be both.

"We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose." This is a difficult lesson for us all. If we could better appreciate this great truth, and always be prepared to act upon it, we would be spared much worry. Then, if chastisement should come, our grief would not be because of material loss, but because of the slack morals that made the chastisement a necessity. All chastisement comes of moral dereliction, and trial of faith comes to all. The disaster that came upon Israel at Ai because of Achan's disobedience at Jericho was a chastisement to all who were influenced by his spirit, as well as a trial of faith to all—even to Joshua. But no catastrophe to the Lord's people or to His cause, no matter if apparently fatal, can shorten the arm of the Lord.

But even if Israel be smitten for his iniquity, God is able to lift him up and give him great victory in place of defeat—if he will repent and put away his sin. "The mercy of the Lord endureth forever." In the flush of prosperity Elijah weakened before the enemy and ran for his life. He fled to the wilderness and sought death, because he thought the cause of God had utterly failed. But the angel of God came to the discouraged servant, and nourished and encouraged him. Then he went to the mount of God and communed with Him.

While there, where God had promised to meet him, it seemed that the elements would overwhelm him. First, a whirlwind, then an earthquake, and then a fire; but God was not in any of these. After the earthquake and the fire, a "still small voice" spoke to Him. The prophet was strengthened for renewed service and sent back with a commission for a new campaign.

So as we look upon the smouldering embers, upon the ashes and the debris of our beloved institution, we reflect that at the mount of God there is that reassurance that will more than replace it all. Then in humility of heart and renewed confidence in the cause of Him who doeth all things well, we take up the work anew. God never yet permitted anything to burn that He could not do without or replace, when the hearts of His people were firmly set Zionward.

"Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward."