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All To Reveal Christ’s Spirit And Power, January 18
The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.
John 7:46
.
When Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount, His disciples were gathered
close about Him, and the multitude, filled with intense curiosity, also pressed
as near as possible. Something more than usual was expected. Eager faces and
listening attitudes gave evidence of the deep interest. The attention of all seemed
riveted upon the speaker. His eyes were lighted up with unutterable love, and the
heavenly expression upon His countenance gave meaning to every word uttered.
Angels of heaven were in that listening throng. There, too, was the adversary of
souls with his evil angels, prepared to counteract, as far as possible, the influence
of the heavenly Teacher.
The truths there uttered have come down through the ages and have been a light
amid the general darkness of error. Many have found in them that which the soul
most needed—a sure foundation of faith and practice. But in these words spoken
by the greatest Teacher the world has ever known there is no parade of human
eloquence. The language is plain, and the thoughts and sentiments are marked
with the greatest simplicity. The poor, the unlearned, the most simple-minded,
can understand them. The Lord of heaven was in mercy and kindness addressing
the souls He came to save. He taught them as one having authority, speaking the
words of eternal life.
All should copy the Pattern as closely as possible. While they cannot possess
the consciousness of power which Jesus had, they can so connect with the Source
of strength that Jesus can abide in them and they in Him, and so His spirit and His
power will be revealed in them.
“Walk in the light, as he is in the light.” It is earthliness and selfishness that
separate from God. The messages from heaven are of a character to arouse
opposition. The faithful witnesses for Christ and the truth will reprove sin. Their
words will be like a hammer to break the flinty heart, like a fire to consume the
dross. There is constant need of earnest, decided messages of warning. God will
have men who are true to duty. At the right time He sends His faithful messengers
to do a work similar to that of Elijah.—
Testimonies for the Church 5:253, 254
.
Men of the highest education in the arts and sciences have learned precious
lessons from Christians in humble life who were designated by the world as
unlearned. But these obscure disciples had obtained an education in the highest of
all schools. They had sat at the feet of Him who spoke as “never man spake.”—
The
Desire of Ages, 251
.
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