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The Great Controversy
of this chart was regarded as a fulfillment of the command given by
Habakkuk. No one, however, then noticed that an apparent delay in
the accomplishment of the vision—a tarrying time—is presented in
the same prophecy. After the disappointment, this scripture appeared
very significant: “The vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the
end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it
will surely come, it will not tarry.... The just shall live by his faith.”
A portion of Ezekiel’s prophecy also was a source of strength and
comfort to believers: “The word of the Lord came unto me, saying,
Son of man, what is that proverb that ye have in the land of Israel,
saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth? Tell them
therefore, Thus saith the Lord God.... The days are at hand, and the
effect of every vision.... I will speak, and the word that I shall speak
shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged.” “They of the house
of Israel say, The vision that he seeth is for many days to come, and
he prophesieth of the times that are far off. Therefore say unto them,
Thus saith the Lord God; There shall none of My words be prolonged
any more, but the word which I have spoken shall be done.”
Ezekiel
[393]
12:21-25, 27, 28
.
The waiting ones rejoiced, believing that He who knows the end
from the beginning had looked down through the ages and, foreseeing
their disappointment, had given them words of courage and hope. Had
it not been for such portions of Scripture, admonishing them to wait
with patience and to hold fast their confidence in God’s word, their
faith would have failed in that trying hour.
The parable of the ten virgins of
Matthew 25
also illustrates the
experience of the Adventist people. In
Matthew 24
, in answer to the
question of His disciples concerning the sign of His coming and of the
end of the world, Christ had pointed out some of the most important
events in the history of the world and of the church from His first to
His second advent; namely, the destruction of Jerusalem, the great
tribulation of the church under the pagan and papal persecutions, the
darkening of the sun and moon, and the falling of the stars. After
this He spoke of His coming in His kingdom, and related the parable
describing the two classes of servants who look for His appearing.
Chapter 25
opens with the words: “Then shall the kingdom of heaven
be likened unto ten virgins.” Here is brought to view the church living
in the last days, the same that is pointed out in the close of chapter