Basic HTML Version
Chapter 11
12 (
Genesis 32:26
). Spiritual Violence Brings Reward
—With
the great truth we have been privileged to receive, we should, and
under the Holy Spirit’s power we could, become living channels
of light. We could then approach the mercy seat; and seeing the
bow of promise, kneel with contrite hearts, and seek the kingdom
of heaven with a spiritual violence that would bring its own reward.
We would take it by force, as did Jacob. Then our message would
be the power of God unto salvation. Our supplications would be full
of earnestness, full of a sense of our great need; and we would not
be denied. The truth would be expressed by life and character, and
by lips touched with the living coal from off God’s altar. When this
experience is ours, we shall be lifted out of our poor, cheap selves,
that we have cherished so tenderly. We shall empty our hearts of the
corroding power of selfishness, and shall be filled with praise and
gratitude to God. We shall magnify the Lord, the God of all grace,
who has magnified Christ. And He will reveal His power through
us, making us as sharp sickles in the harvest field (
The Review and
Herald, February 14, 1899
).
14 (
Malachi 4:5
;
Luke 1:17
). The Spirit and Power of Eli-
jah
—In the spirit and with the power of Elijah, John denounced
the corruptions of the Jews, and raised his voice in reproving their
prevailing sins. His discourses were plain, pointed, and convincing.
Many were brought to repentance of their sins, and, as evidence
of their repentance, were baptized of him in Jordan. This was the
preparatory work for the ministry of Christ. Many were convicted
because of the plain truths uttered by this faithful prophet; but, by
rejecting the light, they became enshrouded in deeper darkness, so
that they were fully prepared to turn from the evidences attending
[1090]
Jesus, that He was the true Messiah (
The Spirit of Prophecy 2:48,
49
).
20-24 (
Luke 10:13-15
). Witness Rejected
—The deeds of love
and compassion performed by Jesus in the cities of Judea, were
35