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From Heaven With Love
of words that are not as dew or the still showers that refresh the
withering plants. God’s servants are to fix their eyes on Christ’s
loveliness. Then they can present the gospel with divine tact. And
the spirit that is kept gentle under provocation will speak more
effectively in favor of truth than any argument, however forcible.
We Must Meet Opposition
Continuing His instruction to His disciples, Jesus said, “Beware
of men.” They were not to put implicit confidence in those who knew
not God, and open to them their counsels; for this would give Satan’s
agents an advantage. Man’s inventions often counterwork God’s
plans. God is dishonored and the gospel betrayed when His servants
depend on the counsel of men who are not under the guidance of the
Holy Spirit.
“They will deliver you up to councils, ... and you will be dragged
before governors and kings for My sake, to bear testimony before
them and the Gentiles.” RSV. The servants of Christ will be brought
before the great men of the world, who, but for this, might never
hear the gospel. Having listened to false charges concerning the
faith of Christ’s disciples, often their only means of learning its real
character is the testimony of those who are brought to trial for their
faith. “It shall be given you,” said Jesus, “in that same hour what
ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your
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Father which speaketh in you.” Those who reject the truth will stand
to accuse the disciples. But the Lord’s children are to reveal the
meekness of their divine Example. Thus rulers and people will see
the contrast between Satan’s agents and the representatives of Christ.
The servants of Christ were to prepare no set speech to present
when brought to trial. The Holy Spirit would bring to their re-
membrance the very truths that would be needed. The knowledge
obtained by diligent searching of the Scriptures would be flashed
into the memory. But if any had neglected to acquaint themselves
with the words of Christ, they could not expect the Holy Spirit to
bring His words to their remembrance.