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S.D.A. Bible Commentary Vol. 5
lost to them, for three days. But after that, He would reveal Himself
to them, and be found of them, and their faith rely upon Him as the
Redeemer of the fallen race, the advocate with the Father in their
behalf.
Here is a lesson of instruction to all the followers of Christ. He
designed that none of these lessons should be lost, but be written for
the benefit of future generations. There is necessity of carefulness of
words and actions when Christians are associated together, lest Jesus
be forgotten of them, and they pass along careless of the fact that
Jesus is not among them. When they are aroused to their condition,
they discover that they have journeyed without the presence of Him
who could give peace and joy to their hearts, and days are occupied
in returning, and searching for Him whom they should have retained
with them every moment. Jesus will not be found in the company of
those who are careless of His presence, and who engage in conver-
sation having no reference to their Redeemer, in whom they profess
their hopes of eternal life are centered. Jesus shuns the company of
such, so also do the angels who do His commands. These heavenly
messengers are not attracted to the crowd where minds are diverted
from heavenly things. These pure and holy spirits cannot remain in
the company where Jesus’ presence is not desired and encouraged,
and His absence not marked. For this reason, great mourning, grief,
and discouragement exist. Through lack of meditation, watchful-
ness, and prayer, they have lost all that is valuable. The divine rays
of light emanating from Jesus are not with them, cheering them with
their loving, elevating influence. They are enshrouded in gloom,
because their careless, irreverent spirit has separated Jesus from their
company, and driven the ministering angels from them. Many who
attend meetings of devotion, and have been instructed by the servants
of God, and been greatly refreshed and blessed in seeking Jesus,
have returned to their homes no better than they left them, because
they did not feel the importance of praying and watching thereunto,
as they returned to their homes. They frequently feel inclined to
complain of others, because they realize their loss. Some murmur
against God, and do not reproach themselves as being the cause of
their own darkness, and sufferings of mind. These should not reflect
upon others. The fault is in themselves. They talked and jested, and
visited away the heavenly Guest, and themselves they have only to