“THAT ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour.” 2 Peter 3:2.
Looking forward with a prophetic eye, the apostle sees the condition of the world just prior to the Lord’s return. He beholds the scoffers who wear the cloak of religion, but walk after their own lusts, speaking lightly of Christ’s second coming, even saying that these things have always been so, no change having taken place nor will any take place so long as time shall last. At that very time he bids the “beloved” to be “mindful of the words which were spoken by the holy prophets.” The “beloved,” therefore, will consider the sayings of the prophets as of the greatest importance. All the events taking place around them will be measured and weighed in the light of this “sure word” which has never failed. Any Christian who puts his trust in that which God has said will have a sure hope and a firm foundation for his faith. He will not be like a reed shaken with the wind. He will not give place to speculations, but rather become grounded in every line of the message.
Let us consider what some of the prophets have said of our times. Again and again we have traced the lines of prophecy in the book of Daniel which tell of the rise and fall of kingdoms, and have found them to be perfectly reliable. Whenever we have gone over these wonderful truths we have received fresh hope and new courage. We can say with confidence, “For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The thought of Christ’s second coming did not originate in the mind of some fanatic, but God himself is the author of it. It is his will that “the children of the day” shall be intelligently instructed on all points of present truth.
Luther tells us what we are to learn from the prophet Daniel. In his notes on Daniel 7, he says:—
“In this chapter begin the visions and prophecies of the coming kingdoms, but particularly of the kingdom of Christ; because of this, all these visions are given. First of all he sees the four kingdoms which were shown him in the second chapter in the great image. Here he sees them again under another figure, namely, four beasts. But he is mostly concerned about the fourth beast, the Roman kingdom, for under this Roman kingdom the greatest thing on earth should take place, namely, Christ would come to redeem men, and the world come to an end.”
A little farther on he says:—
“The fourth beast, with the iron teeth, is the real guilty one. It is the last one, namely, the Roman kingdom, under which the world shall come to an end.”
Luther was a believer in the personal coming of Christ. He believed, however, that all earthly power would give way to this heavenly kingdom. In looking around in the world we see as never before a mighty struggle going on. What does it all mean? That is the question every one is earnestly asking of his neighbor. The only answer which can satisfy the soul is found in Rev. 11:15-19. Here we are told that the12nations are angry, and at that time the kingdoms of this world are to become the kingdoms of our Lord, and his Christ; and that he shall reign forever and ever. Whenever some great crisis is pending, then mighty forces are at work. The greatest crisis in the history of this world has come, and every one of us will have to decide on which side we are going to stand. No one can remain passive.
F. H. LOASBY AND DR. MANN ITINERATING IN THE PUNJAB, INDIA
A very significant sign of our times is the multiplication of inventions. In olden times one did not know very much of what was going on in the world save in his own neighborhood. If all went well there, that was as much as he cared to know. But times have changed. The telegraph and cable have so closely joined one country to another that the earth seems to have grown smaller. Any event of importance which takes place in the remotest corner of the globe is before night called out by the newsboys on the streets of our large cities.
The whole human family is in a state of unrest, like a storm-beaten sea. What will be the final outcome? The Saviour describes it in the following words:—
“And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.” Luke 21: 25, 26.
We have seen this very thing with our own eyes; yea, we have lived right in the midst of it. With anxious fear we lived day after day, not knowing what the morning of another day might bring. We did not know whether we should be taken prisoners, or perchance be banished to some remote part. But what are such things to God’s children except a new token of the soon-coming Saviour? Even as I write these lines I am compelled to be away from my office and home. As a people we must lift up our heads when we see these things, because our redemption draweth nigh.
[This reading from Brother Boettcher had to pass the Russian censor, and was thus delayed many days. In fact, we did not know whether we should get it at all.]
The belief in the near advent of the Saviour will not make a set of indolent fanatics of us, who say that if the coming of Christ is so near, what is the use of planting or laboring with our hands? Why should we repair our houses, or keep the farm in good condition? Or why should we try to pay off our debts? Any one who thinks thus does not understand the words of Christ in Luke 19:13, when he says, “Occupy till I come.” We are to be diligent in temporal affairs, though it should not be with the motive of accumulating property, but to help sustain God’s cause. We are to put forth greater efforts in view of the solemnity of the times than we ever have in the past. We ought to see how God goes before us to open the doors, so that we can truly say, “The harvest is ripe.”
In the great missionary movement of our day we can see the hand of God at work as never before. The summer of 1910 will long be remembered by those who are interested in missions. It was in Edinburgh that the World’s Mission Congress met. Men of all denominations and missionaries from all over the world came together to consider mission problems. They were united in one thing, to have the gospel trumpet sounded to all the world in this generation. Not only were words spoken and resolutions passed, but earnest prayers were offered by these men. The lives of men and women were laid upon the altar of God and dedicated for service. A fire was kindled which was to burn unto the ends of the earth. And this fire ought to burn in the heart of every loyal Seventh-day Adventist, for unto us is committed the very incense to keep the fire burning, so that it shall ascend up before God as a sweet savor.
One of the greatest signs was to be seen in the spread of the gospel message. Let us not forget that it was only in 1871 that Japan for the first time sent a number of men west to make observations. In 1889 Japan adopted a constitution. Before that time no one was permitted to leave the country. But what a wonderful change has come over that beautiful land during the past twenty years. Only a little more than ten years ago it was not permitted to preach the gospel in Japan. Now it is reported that there are 250,000 adherents to Christianity in that country. Our own membership there is over three hundred.
What is true of Japan is also true of China. Sir Robert Hart, who is well acquainted with conditions in China, once said that during the forty-five years of his stay in China the country was like a closed room, with no possible chance for a breath of fresh air. But during the last five years it is like a room with doors and windows thrown wide open. We began our work there only thirteen years ago, and have had more than one hundred conversions a year.
Korea permitted the landing of foreigners for the first time in 1883, but the full awakening did not come until 1907. Our work began there in 1904. Elder Daniells says of the work there: “To-day the whole field is wide open to us, and the conditions are most favorable.”
Who of us can fail to see the hand of God in this mighty work of the Holy Spirit? Those of us who follow the reports from all over this world as they appear in the REVIEW from week to week, must believe that God is in this movement, and that the harvest will be soon ended.
Jesus is the light of the world; but he shines through his faithful followers. He will have the last word to say in the history of this world; but it depends on us as to whether we shall have a part in the kingdom of God. Our faithfulness may hasten his coming. It is not only the great and mighty deeds which will be noticed by our Heavenly Father, for we read, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.” Let us therefore know that in the forward movement of the gospel we see the handwriting on the wall of time, that God hath numbered the earthly kingdoms, and soon they shall be finished.
There is a belief among many Christian people that the world is growing better. But the Bible plainly teaches the opposite. We see oppression all about us. It is very evident that there will be but a remnant saved when Christ comes. The Lord has pointed out, as it were, the very thoughts of men. The tenth psalm ought to be read and studied during this week of prayer, for it gives light upon conditions as we see them. The righteous ask the question of God: “Why standest thou afar off, O Lord? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble? The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor.” I have heard people say openly, “If there is a God, how can he look upon all this trouble in the world? Look at the fatherless, the cripples, the widows, and the homeless. How can God keep silent?” God sees it all, my brother, and a day of retribution is coming13when every man shall receive his just reward.
In many countries we see the servants of God persecuted. They are blamed for anything which may go wrong, just as it was in the days of Elijah. Opposition to the truth is usually greater in the rural districts than in the cities. In the former the people are more closely observed by those who have charge over them. They are bound by old customs, and anything new is looked upon with suspicion. The psalmist says: “He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor.” Those who are put under the scourge of the law and led off by wicked men feel just as any other person would. They even have to hear their oppressors say: “God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see it.” But from the depth of their soul the righteous cry out: “Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up thine hand: forget not the humble.” The Lord has not forgotten his people. “For he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.” Zech. 2:8.
When Jesus comes he will find some of his faithful children banished. Some will be within prison walls, associated with outlaws and murderers. Others will have been driven from home and friends for the truth which they prize more than their lives. However, mighty angels of God are about his chosen ones, though only the eye of faith can see them, and to such the beloved John desires to be accounted a brother. He speaks of his experience so that others may be comforted:—
“I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Rev. 1:9.
The true people of God have never been wanted in this world. From the very beginning they have been hated because of their fidelity to their Maker. Peter recognizes this also, having passed through the same experience himself:—
“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 4:12, 13.
God only wishes to try our faith and make us partakers of the sufferings of Christ. Anything which we may be called upon to pass through we will not consider a hardship but rather joy. God’s reward of eternal life, bestowed upon his chosen ones, will far outweigh all the trials. We must be faithful to his truth. It is through the truth that God has freed us from the slavery of sin. If we are true to principle, our God will work out the problem for us.
We are to learn lessons from the events around us. In the countries which are at war every one is busy doing something for the fatherland. Some are out in the heat of the battle. Others keep the food supply going. Still others at home are preparing clothing, while others, as physicians and nurses and helpers, are looking after the wounded. In my neighborhood there is a large school, and I see the children at work making bandages. They cannot do the larger tasks, but their little fingers can do this lighter but necessary work. As citizens of a heavenly country, shall we be less diligent in helping to carry forward the spiritual warfare?
We believe that Christ is now finishing his work for mankind in the heavenly sanctuary. He stands there pleading for those who have accepted his righteousness. But the sinner will be shut out unless he believes on the Saviour as his real sacrifice. How can we keep our peace at such a time as this? Every one of us must have a part in this work of saving the lost. We must put ourselves upon the altar, with our sons and daughters, and our earthly goods, dedicating all to God’s cause, so that we may truly say: Lord, here am I, with all I have and am; take me and use me. What are earthly possessions worth in these days? I have seen men, women, and children leave all they possessed in this world, and flee from the foe to save their lives. The life truly is worth more than all else.
But we must not only be saved ourselves, we must seek to save others. Some may be called to go into the mission fields, while others must remain at home. If we dedicate ourselves to the service of the Master, he will make of us a mighty power in his hands.
“One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the Lord your God, he it is that fighteth for you, as he hath promised you. Take good heed therefore unto yourselves, that ye love the Lord your God.” Joshua 23:10, 11.
The Calls for Help
Lesson for the Children — No. 3
The Calls for Help
MEMORY TEXT: “Then came she and worshiped him, saying, Lord, help me.” Matt. 15:25.
Begin the lesson with the story of the poor woman who came to Jesus with the urgent request that he heal her daughter. If a person fell into a river or was in a burning building where he could not get out, he would call, “Help! help!” How anxious we would all be to save one in such circumstances! Some have lost their own lives in trying to save others. Illustrate by some incident you have known or about which you have read.
But it is more important to save people so they may live with Jesus forever, than to simply lengthen their lives for a few years now. Every one needs help. The heathen are all the time seeking it from false gods who cannot deliver them when in trouble.
Some people in Macedonia were needing to know Jesus. Paul had been trying to go to different places, but could not. Tell what he finally saw in vision. Acts 16:6-13. The same call is coming to us now from almost every country on earth. The people want some one to come and teach them the truth. Schools must be started and maintained, so the children can be trained as missionaries. (Give some of the calls that are most urgent now.)
In this meeting pray for the children in heathen lands. Remember the little widows of India; the people who are starving in China; the poor people where there is war, and whose homes have been destroyed. Pray that good and able men and women may be willing to answer the calls for help, and that money may be given to help them to go, and to keep them in their fields.
Spiritual Power, How Obtained
By E. E. ANDROSS
(Reading for Tuesday, December 14)
Spiritual Power, How Obtained
E. E. ANDROSS
“God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God. Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.” Ps. 62:11, 12.
“The Lord appeared to Abraham, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God.” Gen. 17:1. I am God All-sufficient, i. e., having all power to do all good. “The invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity.” Rom. 1:20, R. V. The things that are made reveal the great, the eternal power of God, for “he hath made the earth by his power.” Jer. 10:12.
As God the Father is omnipotent, so also is Christ the Son. “All power,” says Jesus, “is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” Matt. 28:18. In his prayer to his Father on the night of his betrayal, Jesus said: “Thou hast given him [the Son] power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.” John 17:2.
The Holy Spirit—God’s representative in the earth—seems also to possess all power. “The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.” “By his Spirit he hath garnished the heavens.” Job 33:4; 26:13. In speaking of the work of creation, the Lord says, “The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” Gen. 1:2. “Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God,” the gospel of Christ was fully preached in the days of the apostles. Rom. 15:19.
“The Father is all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and is invisible to mortal sight. The Son is all the fullness of the Godhead manifested. . . . The Comforter that Christ promised to send after he ascended to heaven is the Spirit in all the fullness of the Godhead, making manifest the power of divine grace to all who receive and believe in Christ as a personal Saviour. There are three living persons of the heavenly trio; in the14name of these three great powers—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—those who receive Christ by living faith are baptized, and these powers will co-operate with the obedient subjects of heaven in their efforts to live the new life in Christ.”—“Special Testimonies,” Series B, No. 7, pages 62, 63.
The Standard Dictionary defines “power” as “the property of a substance or being, spiritual or material, that is manifested in effort or action, and by virtue of which that substance or being produces or is competent to produce change, moral or physical.”
The Lord is “the mighty God.” Isa. 9:6. “Might is power unlimited by any consideration or circumstance.”—Crabb’s “Dictionary of English Synonymes.” “Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched-out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee.” Jer. 32:17.
WORKERS AND CHINESE STUDYING THE MESSAGE AT CHUNG-KING, SZECHUAN, WEST CHINA
We are engaged in a desperate struggle with the powers of darkness. “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Eph. 6:12. “Though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (for the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong-holds).” 2 Cor. 10:3, 4. The conflict is altogether an unequal one, but we can say with Jehoshaphat, “We have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.” 2 Chron. 20:12. In our extremity we remember the words of the great, the mighty God: “Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isa. 40:28-31.
In the life on earth of the Son of God, in his conflict with the powers of darkness, we see what the power of God can do through one who is wholly surrendered to God, one who becomes an unobstructed channel for the working of that mighty power. “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.” Acts 10:38.
Preparation
“‘The prince of this world cometh,’ said Jesus, ‘and hath nothing in me.’ John 14:30. There was in him nothing that responded to Satan’s sophistry. He did not consent to sin. Not even by a thought did he yield to temptation. So it may be with us. Christ’s humanity was united with divinity; he was fitted for the conflict by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And he came to make us partakers of the divine nature. So long as we are united to him by faith, sin has no more dominion over us. God reaches for the hand of faith in us to direct it to lay fast hold upon the divinity of Christ, that we may attain to perfection of character.”—“The Desire of Ages,” page 123.
“Ye shall receive power,” said Jesus, “after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you.” “Tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” “Truly,” said Micah, “I am full of power by the Spirit of the Lord.” Acts 1:8; Luke 24:49; Micah 3:8.
Cleansed
The Spirit of God is the source of all power needed in the conflict with sin; but he cannot dwell in an unhallowed place: hence the temple must first be cleansed from every defilement. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. There is but one condition imposed beyond that mentioned in this scripture, and that is that we forgive others. “Forgive,” urges the Master, “if ye have aught against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Mark 11:25, 26. The moment these conditions are fully met and we truly believe God, that moment our sins are all forgiven and we are cleansed from all unrighteousness.
The forgiveness of sin, the healing of our spiritual maladies, is illustrated in the healing of disease by the Saviour. When the palsied man was brought to Jesus, he said unto him, “Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.” Some, however, thought he blasphemed, therefore Jesus said, “That ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, and departed to his house.” Matt. 9:1-8.
When a woman which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment, she “was made whole from that hour.” The Saviour was seeking to teach all men that forgiveness, cleansing, spiritual healing, is instantaneous, and is granted to all who believe. Through the multitude that thronged the Saviour the woman pressed forward, saying to herself, “If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.” “In that moment she knew that she was healed. In that one touch was concentrated the faith of her life, and instantly her pain and feebleness gave place to the vigor of perfect health.” “Jesus gently said, ‘Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole.’”
“. . . It was not through the outward contact with him, but through the faith which took hold on his divine power, that the cure was wrought.”—“The Desire of Ages,” pages 344, 347.
Faith
When our faith has grasped the promise of forgiveness, this blessed work is accomplished. “The believing sinner is pronounced innocent, while the guilt is placed on Christ. The righteousness of Christ is placed on the debtor’s account, and against his name on the balance sheet is written: Pardoned. Eternal Life.”—Mrs. E. G. White, in Review and Herald. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Rom. 5:1.
As by faith we are cleansed from the filth and pollution of sin, so by faith, and by faith alone, we are freed from its power and dominion. Nothing that we can ever do can break the fetters of sin and set the captive free, but we can believe God.
“Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away,15and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.” Isa. 49:25. “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” Isa. 61:1. “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36.
“Saving faith is a transaction, by which those who receive Christ join themselves in covenant relation with God. Genuine faith is life. A living faith means an increase of vigor, a confiding trust, by which the soul becomes a conquering power.”—“The Desire of Ages,” page 347.
Prayer
“In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.” Ps. 138:3.
“Prayer is the breath of the soul. It is the secret of spiritual power. No other means of grace can be substituted and the health of the soul be preserved. Prayer brings the heart into immediate contact with the Wellspring of life, and strengthens the sinew and muscle of the religious experience. . . .
“It is only at the altar of God that we can kindle our tapers with divine fire. It is only the divine light that will reveal the littleness, the incompetence, of human ability, and give clear views of the perfection and purity of Christ. It is only as we behold Jesus that we desire to be like him, only as we view his righteousness that we hunger and thirst to possess it; and it is only as we ask in earnest prayer that God will grant us our heart’s desire.”
“While engaged in our daily work, we should lift the soul to heaven in prayer. These silent petitions rise like incense before the throne of grace; and the enemy is baffled. The Christian whose heart is thus stayed upon God cannot be overcome. No evil arts can destroy his peace. All the promises of God’s Word, all the power of divine grace, all the resources of Jehovah, are pledged to secure his deliverance.” “Power will come from God in answer to the prayer of faith.”—“Gospel Workers,” new edition, pages 254, 255.
Paul understood the efficacy of prayer. When writing to the Ephesian church, he said, “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, . . . that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man.” Again he prayed that they might know “what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places.” Eph. 3:14, 16; 1:19, 20.
As I contemplate this theme my heart is overwhelmed with the magnitude of God’s promises to those who believe, and who earnestly seek God for the fullness of the Spirit’s power. “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:2-4.
Surely we have but a twilight perception of Christ’s excellence, and yet our souls thrill with joy. We long for a fuller, deeper sense of our Saviour’s love. We are unsatisfied, but we remember the Redeemer’s promise, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” Matt. 5:6. Though we have seen but the first rays of the early dawn of his glory, we know that “as we follow on to know the Lord, we shall know that his going forth is prepared as the morning.” “The path of the righteous is as the dawning light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” Prov. 4:18, A. R. V. “Having repented of our sins, confessed them, and found pardon, we are to continue to learn of Christ, until we come into the full noontide of a perfect gospel faith.”—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VIII, page 318.
“When we are endowed with the Spirit, we take hold by faith of infinite power. There is nothing lost of that which comes from God. The Saviour of the world sends his messages to the soul, that the darkness of error may be dispelled. The work of the Spirit is immeasurably great. It is from this source that power and efficiency come to the worker for God.”—“Gospel Workers,” new edition, page 289.
The long, dark night of sin is almost gone, and the glorious morning of eternity will soon dawn. Already by faith we see its light driving back the darkness. As we near the end, the wrath of the dragon will continue to increase, and if ever we needed help from God it is in this last hour of our conflict. But we must never forget the unfailing promise, “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.” Isa. 59:19.
The time is come for the outpouring of the Holy Ghost in the latter rain. And yet it will not do for us to think that in the ordinary course of events the rain will fall; we must pray for it. God must command the rain to fall. At this very time we should earnestly pray that God will unseal the fountain of his grace; that he will create bright clouds and give us showers of rain.
“All who consecrate soul, body, and spirit to God, will be constantly receiving a new endowment of physical and mental power. The inexhaustible supplies of heaven are at their command. Christ gives them the breath of his own Spirit, the life of his own life. The Holy Spirit puts forth its highest energies to work in heart and mind. The grace of God enlarges and multiplies their faculties, and every perfection of the divine nature comes to their assistance in the work of saving souls. Through cooperation with Christ they are complete in him, and in their human weakness they are enabled to do the deeds of Omnipotence.”—“The Desire of Ages,” page 827.
The Power of God
Lesson for the Children — No. 4
The Power of God
MEMORY TEXT: “But truly I am full of power by the Spirit of the Lord.” Micah 3:8.
Ask the children if, on a clear, dark night, they have seen the multitude of stars in the sky. Why do they not fall down? What keeps each in its place? — They are the work of God’s fingers (Ps. 8:3), and every star is upheld by the wonderful power of God. That power is in the word of Jesus. He upholds “all things by the word of his power.” Strength, or power to do right, is given by the Spirit of God. We may not understand how. Neither do we know how power is given through electricity to do the wonderful things we see that it does.
Perhaps the children have seen a power house where electricity is generated and dispersed. Wires connect with trolley cars and buildings. We touch a button or turn a crank, and the house is flooded with light, or wheels begin to turn. It is the energy that comes from the power house that works these wonders.
There are three things we must do if we have electricity to use — we must ask for it, pay for it, and receive it. It is so with spiritual power, which comes from God. We want to overcome sin, but we lack power. We would work for Jesus because we love him, but we have no strength. Before he went away, Jesus said, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” To us he is our “power house,” the source of strength and grace. We are like the electric lights, which give no light of themselves. (Have picture of a pole with an electric lamp at the top, but giving no light. As the lesson is developed, draw yellow rays to represent light streaming out.)
But we shall have no power if we do not ask for it. It is likened in the Bible to rain, which makes the crops grow. In this time the Lord says, “Ask ye of the Lord rain.” Zech. 10:1. If we do not receive power we shall not grow, shall give no light.
What shall we pay for this heavenly power? Tell how Simon thought he might receive the Spirit by paying money for it, as found in Acts 8:14-24. It takes more than money, but all can pay the price. If we give ourselves, as the electric lamp does, to be used by the current,16God will give all the power we can use to his glory. It must use us, and we must be willing to be used.
Sometimes the wires of an electric lamp get out of order, something—and it may be a very small thing—hinders the current from reaching them. Then there is no light. So it will be with us. A very little sin shuts away the power of Jesus. We are unwilling to pay the price, and then we have no power to overcome sin, and we give no light in the world.
Illustrate by a man owning a house where electric wires, charged with electricity, pass his door; but he has no light. He may ask for it, but he will not pay the price nor receive it. He might have his house and grounds flooded with light, but all is dark. He will not take the power provided. So, though we may ask, and even be willing to pay, yet if we do not accept the Holy Spirit by faith we have no heavenly power.
In this meeting, earnest prayer should be offered that we may be willing to give up sin and take the power Jesus has promised and longs to give. We should also beseech the Lord to grant this heavenly gift to the missionaries. Pray that each of us may become lights, somewhere, for Jesus.
