Results of Transgression
45
In the intervals of His journeys to and fro, Jesus dwelt at Ca-
pernaum, which came to be known as “His own city.”
Matthew 9:1
.
Situated on the highway from Damascus to Jerusalem and Egypt and
to the Mediterranean Sea, it was well adapted to be the center of the
Saviour’s work. People from many lands passed through the city or
tarried for rest. There Jesus met with those of all nations and all ranks,
and thus His lessons were carried to other countries and into many
households. By this means interest was aroused in the prophecies
pointing forward to the Messiah, attention was directed to the Saviour,
and His mission was brought before the world.
In this our day the opportunities for coming into contact with men
and women of all classes and many nationalities are much greater than
in the days of Israel. The thoroughfares of travel have multiplied a
thousandfold.
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Like Christ, the messengers of the Most High today should take
their position in these great thoroughfares, where they can meet the
passing multitudes from all parts of the world. Like Him, hiding self
in God, they are to sow the gospel seed, presenting before others the
precious truths of Holy Scripture that will take deep root in mind and
heart, and spring up unto life eternal.
Solemn are the lessons of Israel’s failure during the years when
ruler and people turned from the high purpose they had been called
to fulfill. Wherein they were weak, even to the point of failure, the
Israel of God today, the representatives of heaven that make up the true
church of Christ, must be strong; for upon them devolves the task of
finishing the work that has been committed to man, and of ushering in
the day of final awards. Yet the same influences that prevailed against
Israel in the time when Solomon reigned are to be met with still. The
forces of the enemy of all righteousness are strongly entrenched; only
by the power of God can the victory be gained. The conflict before us
calls for the exercise of a spirit of self-denial, for distrust of self and
for dependence on God alone, for the wise use of every opportunity
for the saving of souls. The Lord’s blessing will attend His church
as they advance unitedly, revealing to a world lying in the darkness
of error the beauty of holiness as manifested in a Christlike spirit of
self-sacrifice, in an exaltation of the divine rather than the human,
and in loving and untiring service for those so much in need of the
blessings of the gospel.
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