The Revelation of the Glory...1842... When Doors closed. Part 22
05/05/2020
We are today and onwards called to "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising" Isaiah 60:1-3.
The Earth is to be lightened with the glory of God, the work of evangelism has long been delayed by you and I, let us take the opportunities that are now opening up. We should "not waste a crisis". "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever" Daniel 12:3.
Character is revealed in a crisis, how will you respond if the door is slammed on your face when you are sharing the gospel of salvation? Perhaps you may find your tracts or books in the bin, will you be calling thunder to smite those who reject you?The work of true evangelism is not easy because "The multitudes do not want Bible truth, because it interferes with the desires of the sinful, world-loving heart; and Satan supplies the deceptions which they love" GC594. The apostle Paul declared, looking down to the last days, “The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine.” [2 Timothy 4:3.] That time has fully come. We should not expect to be received with great favours, we should carry the cross and follow Christ! When we begin to pray for our 'enemies' and patiently cooperate with Heaven, we will see the Glory of God manifested when those similar to Saul become zealous Christians like Paul.
Our scripture reading today is found in Revelation 3:20 "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me".
"In June, 1842, when Mr. Miller gave his second course of lectures at the Casco Street church in Portland. There was excitement in that city, "With few exceptions, the different denominations closed the doors of their churches against Mr. Miller. Many discourses from the various pulpits sought to expose the alleged fanatical errors of the lecturer; but crowds of anxious listeners attended his meetings, and many were unable to enter the house".
Charles Fitch, a Presbyterian minister, accepted the Advent message from reading William Miller’s lectures and through his meeting with Josiah Litch. He threw himself wholeheartedly into the proclamation of the expected advent of Christ at the close of the 2300-year period, and became a prominent leader in the Advent Awakening...He died a little more than a week before October 22, 1844. His death came about through illness contracted through over-exposure in conducting three baptismal services on a chilly autumn day.
"As early as 1842, the direction given in this prophecy, to “write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it,” had suggested to Charles Fitch the preparation of a prophetic chart to illustrate the visions of Daniel and the Revelation. The publication 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.” - GC88 392.1
God speaks to nations and to cities, sending them messages of mercy, which, if accepted, would save them from great calamities. If they would be guided by his voice, he would be their protector, their front guard and their rear ward. But like the Jews they know not the time of their visitation. In their pride of heart they refuse his guidance, and are left to walk in their own counsels, and, like God’s ancient people, to reap the harvest which they have sown. - HS 206.5
In every age and in every land, God’s messengers have been called upon to meet bitter opposition from those who deliberately chose to reject the light of heaven. Often, by misrepresentation and falsehood, the enemies of the gospel have seemingly triumphed, closing the doors by which God’s messengers might gain access to the people. But these doors cannot remain forever closed, and often, as God’s servants have returned after a time to resume their labors, the Lord has wrought mightily in their behalf, enabling them to establish memorials to the glory of His name. - AA 179.2
Doors that have been closed to him who merely preaches the gospel will be opened to the intelligent medical missionary. God reaches hearts through the relief of physical suffering.—Manuscript 58, 1901. - Ev 513.3
The Great Entering Wedge—I can see in the Lord’s providence that the medical missionary work is to be a great entering wedge, whereby the diseased soul may be reached.—Counsels on Health, 535 (1893). - Ev 513.4
It Removes Prejudice—Medical missionary work is the pioneer work of the gospel, the door through which the truth for this time is to find entrance to many homes.... A demonstration of the principles of health reform will do much toward removing prejudice against our evangelical work. The Great Physician, the originator of medical missionary work, will bless all who thus seek to impart the truth for this time.—Counsels on Health, 497 (1902). - Ev 513.5
Soon doors now open to the truth will be forever closed. Carry the message now. Do not wait, allowing the enemy to take possession of the fields now open before you. - 3TT 371.1
To be continued...
Study by Tarisai P Ziyambi
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