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This World a Battlefield, August 27
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, ... who for the joy set before him, endured the
cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of
God.
Hebrews 12:2
, NIV.
For the joy that was set before Him, Christ endured the cross.... He died on
the cross as a sacrifice for the world, and through this sacrifice comes the greatest
blessing that God could bestow—the gift of the Holy Spirit. This blessing is for all
who will receive Christ. The fallen world is the battlefield for the greatest conflict
the heavenly universe and earthly powers have ever witnessed. It was appointed as
the theater on which would be fought out the grand struggle between good and evil,
between heaven and hell. Every human being acts a part in this conflict. No one can
stand on neutral ground. Men must either accept or reject the world’s Redeemer. All
are witnesses, either for or against Christ. Christ calls upon those who stand under
His banner to engage in the conflict with Him as faithful soldiers, that they may
inherit the crown of life. They have been adopted as sons and daughters of God....
The Lord Jesus has summoned the world to hear. “He that hath ears to hear, let
him hear.” Let all listen with submissive, reverent attention. He repeats the words
given Him by the One who said, “This is my beloved Son.... Hear ye him.” Who
is listening to the words which are light and life to all who receive them? Will
men and women consider how God regards the creatures He has made? He formed
man’s mind. We do not think one noble thought that does not come from Him. He
knows all the mysterious workings of the human mind, for did He not make it? God
sees that sin has debased and degraded man, but He looks upon him with pity and
compassion; for He sees that Satan has him in his power....
Some households have a little church in their home. Mutual love binds heart to
heart, and the unity that exists among the members of the family preaches the most
effectual sermon that could be preached on practical godliness. As parents faithfully
do their duty in the family, restraining, correcting, advising, counseling, guiding, the
father as a priest of the household, the mother as a home missionary, they are filling
the sphere God would have them fill. By faithfully doing their duty in the home, they
are multiplying agencies for doing good outside the home. They are becoming better
fitted to labor in the church. By training their little flock discreetly, binding their
children to themselves and to God, fathers and mothers become laborers together
with God. The cross is erected in their home. The members of the family become
members of the royal family above, children of the heavenly King (
Manuscript56,
1899
).
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