We are nearing the close of this earth's
history. We have before us a great work, the closing work of
giving the last warning message to a sinful world. There are
men who will be taken from the plow, from the vineyard, from
various other branches of work, and sent forth by the Lord to give this message to the world.
The world is out of joint. As we look at
the picture, the outlook seems discouraging. But Christ greets
with hopeful assurance the very men and women who cause us discouragement.
In them He sees qualifications that will enable them to take
a place in His vineyard. If they will constantly be learners,
through His providence He will make them men and women fitted
to do a work that is not beyond their capabilities; through the
impartation of the Holy Spirit He will give them power of utterance.
Many of the barren, unworked fields must
be entered by beginners. The brightness of the Saviour's view
of the world will inspire confidence in many workers, who, if
they begin in humility, and put their hearts into the work, will
be found to be the right men for the time and place. Christ sees
all the misery and despair of the world, the sight of which would
bow down some of our workers of large capabilities with a weight
of discouragement so great that they would not know how even
to begin the work of leading men and women to the first round
of the ladder. Their precise methods are of little value. They
would stand above the lower rounds of the ladder, saying: "Come
up where we are." But the poor souls do not know where to
put their feet.
Christ's heart is cheered by the sight
of those who are poor in every sense of the term; cheered by
His view of the ill-used ones who are meek; cheered by the seemingly
unsatisfied hungering after righteousness, by the inability of
many to begin. He welcomes, as it were, the very condition of
things that would discourage many ministers. He corrects our
erring piety, giving the burden of the work for the poor and
needy in the rough places of the earth to men and women who have
hearts that can feel for the ignorant
and for those that are out of the way. The Lord teaches these
workers how to meet those whom He wishes them to help. They will
be encouraged as they see doors opening for them to enter places
where they can do medical missionary work. Having little self-confidence,
they give God all the glory. Their hands may be rough and unskilled,
but their hearts are susceptible to pity; they are filled with
an earnest desire to do something to relieve the woe so abundant;
and Christ is present to help them. He works through those who
discern mercy in misery, gain in the loss of all things. When
the Light of the world passes by, privileges appear in all hardships,
order in confusion, the success and wisdom of God in that which
has seemed to be failure.
My brethren and sisters, in your ministry
come close to the people. Uplift those who are cast down. Treat
of calamities as disguised blessings, of woes as mercies. Work
in a way that will cause hope to spring up in the place of despair.
The common people are to take their place
as workers. Sharing the sorrows of their fellow men as the Saviour
shared the sorrows of humanity, they will by faith see Him working
with them.
"The great day of the Lord is near,
it is near, and hasteth greatly." Zephaniah 1:14. To every
worker I would say: Go forth in humble faith, and the Lord will
go with you. But watch unto prayer. This is the science of your
labor. The power is of God. Work in dependence upon Him, remembering
that you are laborers together with Him. He is your Helper. Your
strength is from Him. He will be your wisdom, your righteousness,
your sanctification, your redemption. Wear the yoke of Christ,
daily learning of Him His meekness and lowliness. He will be
your Comfort, your Rest.