Basic HTML Version
Chapter 2
111
in God that He would not leave His people in this condition, to be
a reproach to the heathen. He had, in time past, raised them up a
deliverer when in their distress they had called upon Him. From
the predictions of the prophets, they thought the time appointed of
God had arrived when Messiah would come. And when He should
come, they would have a clear revelation of the divine will, and
that their doctrines would be freed from the traditions and needless
ceremonies which had confused their faith. The pious, aged Jews
waited day and night for the coming Messiah, praying that they
might see the Saviour before they died. They longed to see the cloud
of ignorance and bigotry dispelled from the minds of the people
(
The Spirit of Prophecy 2:41, 42
).
40. An Example of What Children May Strive to Be
—It is
not correct to say, as many writers have said, that Christ was like all
children. He was not like all children. Many children are misguided
and mismanaged. But Joseph, and especially Mary, kept before
them the remembrance of their child’s divine Fatherhood. Jesus was
instructed in accordance with the sacred character of His mission.
His inclination to right was a constant gratification to His parents.
[1117]
The questions He asked them led them to study most earnestly the
great elements of truth. His soul-stirring words about nature and the
God of nature opened and enlightened their minds.
On the rocks and knolls about His home the eye of the Son of
God often rested. He was familiar with the things of nature. He
saw the sun in the heavens, the moon and the stars fulfilling their
mission. With the voice of singing He welcomed the morning light.
He listened to the lark caroling forth music to its God, and joined
His voice with the voice of praise and thanksgiving....
[
Luke 2:40
quoted.] He was an example of what all children
may strive to be if parents will seek the Lord most earnestly, and if
children will cooperate with their parents. In His words and actions
He manifested tender sympathy for all. His companionship was as a
healing, soothing balm to the disheartened and depressed.
No one, looking upon the childlike countenance, shining with
animation, could say that Christ was just like other children. He was
God in human flesh. When urged by His companions to do wrong,
divinity flashed through humanity, and He refused decidedly. In
a moment He distinguished between right and wrong, and placed