A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time.
The promise belongs to the people of God in the city of God after victory and the receiving of their inheritance, and its surrounding setting is that of a righteous people inheriting the land forever. What is little will become a thousand and what is small will become a strong nation, so that a small beginning grows into a great work, a small group becomes many, and a small community becomes a great people and a great nation. The Lord Himself will bring this increase about at the appointed time, hastening its fulfillment. Work begun in faith and self-sacrifice is the means of this growth from a small beginning into a great work.
The chapter containing the promise is to be understood as its words are heeded and when the same reformation comes to God's people. When they stop complaining and doing evil, the Lord will manifest His power in the conviction and conversion of souls. Every church must maintain a true line of education and give a certain sound proclaiming the gospel message for this time through the ministry of the Word. That ministry takes hold of heart and character to beautify, elevate, and ennoble individuality while preserving marked variety like branches of the true vine, with diversity of talent and work in building up human habitations.
Restoration goes forward in divine lines by diversity of instrumentalities, through both sharp, strong messages and sons of consolation. This work carries the third angel's message and uplifts the banner of truth because conversion is in it, for the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. The promise offers inspiration and encouragement to those called to take part in God's work on earth, including entering new fields and spreading the gospel. The promises of the chapter call for enlarged faith and expectation of their fulfillment.
The promise belongs to the people of God in the city of God after victory and the receiving of their inheritance, and its surrounding setting is that of a righteous people inheriting the land forever. What is little will become a thousand and what is small will become a strong nation, so that a small beginning grows into a great work, a small group becomes many, and a small community becomes a great people and a great nation. The Lord Himself will bring this increase about at the appointed time, hastening its fulfillment. Work begun in faith and self-sacrifice is the means of this growth from a small beginning into a great work.
The chapter containing the promise is to be understood as its words are heeded and when the same reformation comes to God's people. When they stop complaining and doing evil, the Lord will manifest His power in the conviction and conversion of souls. Every church must maintain a true line of education and give a certain sound proclaiming the gospel message for this time through the ministry of the Word. That ministry takes hold of heart and character to beautify, elevate, and ennoble individuality while preserving marked variety like branches of the true vine, with diversity of talent and work in building up human habitations.
Restoration goes forward in divine lines by diversity of instrumentalities, through both sharp, strong messages and sons of consolation. This work carries the third angel's message and uplifts the banner of truth because conversion is in it, for the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. The promise offers inspiration and encouragement to those called to take part in God's work on earth, including entering new fields and spreading the gospel. The promises of the chapter call for enlarged faith and expectation of their fulfillment.