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Joy in Loving Obedience, February 15
You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity
was found in you.... You became filled with violence within, and you sinned.
Ezekiel 28:15, 16
, NKJV.
So long as all created beings acknowledged the allegiance of love, there was
perfect harmony throughout the universe of God. It was the joy of the heavenly host
to fulfill the purpose of their Creator. They delighted in reflecting His glory and
showing forth His praise. And while love to God was supreme, love for one another
was confiding and unselfish. There was no note of discord to mar the celestial
harmonies. But a change came over this happy state.
There was one who perverted the freedom that God had granted to His creatures.
Sin originated with him who, next to Christ, had been most honored of God and
was highest in power and glory among the inhabitants of heaven. Lucifer, “son of
the morning,” was first of the covering cherubs, holy and undefiled. He stood in
the presence of the great Creator, and the ceaseless beams of glory enshrouding the
eternal God rested upon him....
Little by little Lucifer came to indulge the desire for self-exaltation....Though
all his glory was from God, this mighty angel came to regard it as pertaining to
himself. Not content with his position, though honored above the heavenly host, he
ventured to covet homage due alone to the Creator. Instead of seeking to make God
supreme in the affections and allegiance of all created beings, it was his endeavor
to secure their service and loyalty to himself. And coveting the glory with which
the infinite Father had invested His Son, this prince of angels aspired to power that
was the prerogative of Christ alone.—
Patriarchs and Prophets, 35
.
The law of love being the foundation of the government of God, the happiness
of all intelligent beings depends upon their perfect accord with its great principles
of righteousness. God desires from all His creatures the service of love—service
that springs from an appreciation of His character. He takes no pleasure in a forced
obedience; and to all He grants freedom of will, that they may render Him voluntary
service.—
Patriarchs and Prophets, 34
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