Basic HTML Version
Memorize the Scriptures, Preparing for the Future, Nobember
22
You will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the
end will be saved.
Mark 13:13
, NRSV.
The servants of Christ were to prepare no set speech to present when brought to
trial. Their preparation was to be made day by day in treasuring up the precious
truths of God’s Word, and through prayer strengthening their faith. When they were
brought into trial, the Holy Spirit would bring to their remembrance the very truths
that would be needed.
A daily, earnest striving to know God, and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent,
would bring power and efficiency to the soul. The knowledge obtained by diligent
searching of the Scriptures would be flashed into the memory at the right time. But
if any had neglected to acquaint themselves with the words of Christ, if they had
never tested the power of His grace in trial, they could not expect that the Holy
Spirit would bring His words to their remembrance. They were to serve God daily
with undivided affection, and then trust Him.
So bitter would be the enmity to the gospel that even the tenderest earthly ties
would be disregarded. The disciples of Christ would be betrayed to death by the
members of their own households.... But He bade them not to expose themselves
unnecessarily to persecution. He Himself often left one field of labor for another,
in order to escape from those who were seeking His life. When He was rejected at
Nazareth, and His own townsmen tried to kill Him, He went down to Capernaum,
and there the people were astonished at His teaching, “for his word was with power”
(
Luke 4:32
). So His servants were not to be discouraged by persecution, but to seek
a place where they could still labor for the salvation of souls.
The servant is not above his master. The Prince of heaven was called Beelzebub,
and His disciples will be misrepresented in like manner. But whatever the danger,
Christ’s followers must avow their principles. They should scorn concealment.
They cannot remain uncommitted until assured of safety in confessing the truth.
They are set as watchmen, to warn men and women of their peril. The truth received
from Christ must be imparted to all, freely and openly.—
The Desire of Ages, 355
.
[344]
347