God's servants are to make use of every
resource for enlarging His kingdom. The apostle Paul declares
that it is "good and acceptable
in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be
saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth," that
"supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks,
be made for all men." 1 Timothy 2:3,4,1. And James says:
"Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from
the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall
hide a multitude of sins." James 5:20. Every believer is
pledged to unite with his brethren in giving the invitation,
"Come; for all things are now ready." Luke 14:17. Each
is to encourage the others in doing wholehearted work. Earnest
invitations will be given by a living church. Thirsty souls will
be led to the water of life.
The apostles carried a weight of responsibility
to enlarge their sphere of labor, to proclaim the gospel in the
regions beyond. From their example we learn that there are to
be no idlers in the Lord's vineyard. His servants are constantly
to enlarge the circle of their efforts. Constantly they are to
do more, never less. The Lord's work is to widen and broaden
until it encircles the world.
After making a missionary tour, Paul and
Barnabas retraced their steps, visiting the churches they had
raised up and selecting men to unite with them in the work. Thus
God's servants are to labor today, selecting and training worthy
young men as colaborers. God help us to sanctify ourselves, that
by our example others may be sanctified, enabled to do successful
work in winning souls to Christ.
We are nearing the close of this earth's
history; soon we shall stand before the great white throne. Soon
your time for work will be forever past. Watch for opportunities
to speak a word in season to those with whom you come in contact. Do not wait to become acquainted
before you offer them the priceless treasures of truth. Go to
work, and ways will open before you.
At the day of judgment there comes to the
lost a full realization of the meaning of the sacrifice made
on Calvary. They see what they have lost by refusing to be loyal.
They think of the high, pure association it was their privilege
to gain. But it is too late. The last call has been made. The
wail is heard: "The harvest is past, the summer is ended,
and we are not saved." Jeremiah 8:20.
Upon us rests the weighty responsibility
of warning the world of its coming doom. From every direction,
from far and near, are coming calls for help. God calls upon
His church to arise and clothe herself with power. Immortal crowns
are to be won; the kingdom of heaven is to be gained; the world,
perishing in ignorance, is to be enlightened.
The world will be convinced, not by what
the pulpit teaches, but by what the church lives. The minister
in the desk announces the theory of the gospel; the practical
piety of the church demonstrates its power.
Enfeebled and defective, needing constantly
to be warned and counseled, the church is nevertheless the object
of Christ's supreme regard. He is making experiments of grace
on human hearts and is effecting such transformations of character
that angels are amazed and express their joy in songs of praise.
They rejoice to think that sinful, erring human beings can be
so transformed.
As the third angel's message swells into
a loud cry, great power and glory will attend its proclamation.
The faces of God's people will shine with the light of heaven.
The Lord will fit men and women--yes, and
children, as He did Samuel--for His work, making them His messengers.
He who never slumbers or sleeps watches over each worker, choosing
his sphere of labor. All heaven is watching the warfare which,
under apparently discouraging circumstances, God's servants are
carrying on. New conquests are being achieved, new honors won,
as the Lord's servants, rallying round the banner of their Redeemer,
go forth to fight the good fight of faith. All the heavenly angels
are at the service of the humble, believing people of God; and
as the Lord's army of workers here below sing their songs of
praise, the choir above join with them in thanksgiving, ascribing
praise to God and to His Son.
Nothing is apparently more helpless, yet
really more invincible, than the soul that feels its nothingness
and relies wholly on the merits of the Saviour. God would send
every angel in heaven to the aid of such a one, rather than allow
him to be overcome.
The battle cry is sounding along the line. Let every soldier of the cross push to the front, not in self-sufficiency, but in meekness and lowliness, and with firm faith in God. Your work, my work, will not cease with this life. For a little while we may rest in the grave, but, when the call comes, we shall, in the kingdom of God, take up our work once more.