God's People Not To Be Hidden Away

Christ Triumphant - A Devotional by E.G. White

God's People Not To Be Hidden Away Today's Text: Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Matthew 5:14 The Message:      Daniel was a statesman in Babylon. He was engaged in a work that kept idolatrous literature and practices constantly before the people. Yet he did not lose his knowledge of God and his interest in the religion of the Bible. By his faithful service he taught those in Babylon that his God was a living God, not an image such as they worshiped. It was God's design to show the Babylonians that there was a King above the king of Babylon-the God whom the Hebrew youth worshiped. These youth exalted God. They knew that they were to carry out the principles of truth, and therefore they refused the meat from the royal table and the wine from the royal cellar. Their abstinence from the prescribed bill of fare made a distinction in every way between their appearance and the appearance of those youth who indulged their appetite.      There were plenty to make remarks, but these youth were faithful even in little things. And in physical appearance they were far ahead of the youth who sat at the king's table. Their simple diet kept their minds clear. They were better prepared for their studies, for they never knew the oppression caused by eating luxurious food. They were better prepared physically for taxing labor, for they were never sick. With clear minds they could think and work vigorously. By obeying God, they were doing the very things that will give strength of thought and memory. God ordained Daniel and his fellows to be connected with the great men of Babylon, that these men might become acquainted with the religion of the Hebrews, and know that God reigns over all kingdoms. God co-operated with these youth. He gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.      In like manner the Lord means that Seventh-day Adventists shall witness for Him. They are not to be hidden away from the world. They are to be in the world, but not of the world. They are to stand distinct from the world in their manner of dealing. They are to show that they have purity of character, that the world may see that the truth, which they conscientiously believe, makes them honest in their dealings; that those with whom they are connected may see that believers of truth are sanctified through the truth, and that the truth received and obeyed makes the receivers as sons and daughters of God, children of the heavenly King, members of the royal family, faithful, true, honest, and upright, in the small as well as the great acts of life.      It was Daniel's faithfulness in doing the little things with which he was entrusted that gave complexion to his whole life. Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well. Let us be faithful in the smallest duties, as well as the work requiring the largest sacrifice. To all who follow Daniel's example, not only professing the truth but living the truth, acting in accordance with the principles of temperance, the Lord will give encouragement similar to the encouragement He gave Daniel.-Manuscript 47, 1898. *Note: I have added in the parts that were left out by the compilers for what ever reason, that the true sentiment of the author may be seen.  These parts are underlined. Commentary: My friend, as followers of Christ we are to live in the world, but not be of the world.  We are to be an influence for Christ and not be influenced by the world.  Yet sadly there are so many in the church today that are influenced by the world and are striving to become like the world.  Rather than being set apart as a righteous example to the world, we are becoming more and more like the world. The people of God have always been set apart from the world.  Noah was found righteous and was used by God to save all that would be saved from the flood.  Abraham, though in the idolatrous land of Canaan, was a powerful influence for God.  The children of Israel coming out of the idolatry of Egypt was to be a beacon of light in the world.  The apostles, in the midst of persecution, brought the light of truth that has reached the whole world. In the very last pages of earths history, God will have a people that will proclaim the everlasting gospel to the world, being filled with the Spirit of God, they will give the last warning to a dark and dying world.  God, by His sanctified people, will give the last invitation of mercy to the world and many will be saved. The work of preparation that the remnant people are to be doing is a work of sanctification.  This work cannot be accomplished by looking unto the world and employing their methods in reaching souls for Christ.  This work can only be done by looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.  As we look unto Him, contemplating His life and ministry, we will be changed by beholding Him, and be sanctified by the Lord.  Once we are thus filled with His Spirit will we become beacons of light to the world, for it is not our light that is shining, but the light of Christ living within us. My friend, it is time for us to look away from the false god of the trinity unto the One true God through His Son Jesus Christ today.  Only as we look unto Jesus can we receive His righteousness and be a light to the world. May you receive the righteousness of Christ in your life today. God bless, Video of the Week The God of Jesus - Nader Mansour Does Jesus have a God? How does that impact the Trinity? Is the God of Jesus different to the Trinity? Nader Mansour examines these questions and their practical relevance on our daily walk with Jesus.