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The Desire of Ages
and His wife hath made herself ready.” “Blessed are they which are
called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.”
Revelation 19:6, 7, 9
.
Jesus saw in every soul one to whom must be given the call to His
kingdom. He reached the hearts of the people by going among them
as one who desired their good. He sought them in the public streets, in
private houses, on the boats, in the synagogue, by the shores of the lake,
and at the marriage feast. He met them at their daily vocations, and
manifested an interest in their secular affairs. He carried His instruction
into the household, bringing families in their own homes under the
influence of His divine presence. His strong personal sympathy helped
to win hearts. He often repaired to the mountains for solitary prayer,
but this was a preparation for His labor among men in active life. From
these seasons He came forth to relieve the sick, to instruct the ignorant,
and to break the chains from the captives of Satan.
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It was by personal contact and association that Jesus trained His
disciples. Sometimes He taught them, sitting among them on the
mountainside; sometimes beside the sea, or walking with them by the
way, He revealed the mysteries of the kingdom of God. He did not
sermonize as men do today. Wherever hearts were open to receive the
divine message, He unfolded the truths of the way of salvation. He did
not command His disciples to do this or that, but said, “Follow Me.”
On His journeys through country and cities He took them with Him,
that they might see how He taught the people. He linked their interest
with His, and they united with Him in the work.
The example of Christ in linking Himself with the interests of
humanity should be followed by all who preach His word, and by all
who have received the gospel of His grace. We are not to renounce
social communion. We should not seclude ourselves from others. In
order to reach all classes, we must meet them where they are. They
will seldom seek us of their own accord. Not alone from the pulpit
are the hearts of men touched by divine truth. There is another field
of labor, humbler, it may be, but fully as promising. It is found in the
home of the lowly, and in the mansion of the great; at the hospitable
board, and in gatherings for innocent social enjoyment.
As disciples of Christ we shall not mingle with the world from a
mere love of pleasure, to unite with them in folly. Such associations
can result only in harm. We should never give sanction to sin by our
words or our deeds, our silence or our presence. Wherever we go, we