A Willing People

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Sep 17, 1903

THE successful accomplishment of the Lord's work demands the hearty co-operation of the people with the divine purpose. Human instrumentalities are to be used in the work of reaching humanity with the saving truth. “It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” The power for the work is all of God, but this power needs the channel of humanity, in order that it may touch fallen humanity, and bring lost sinners back to a loving Father. A refusal to be used in this way is the same as saying, “We will not have this man to reign over us,” and invites the wrath of God. The curse was upon the inhabitants of Meroz “because they came not to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.” In the psalm which gives the assurance of the triumph of the Son over his enemies, the Lord says, “Thy people offer themselves willingly in the day of thy power, in holy array.” This day which is so near to the time of final victory is the day of power, even the power of the Holy Spirit poured out abundantly, and the call now is for a people who will offer themselves willingly. The Lord has waited long for this people, and has earnestly and repeatedly urged them to give themselves wholly to his service, but the time has now come for him to have a willing people, and such he will have. Those who refuse to offer themselves willingly do not recognize the day of their visitation. “Who then offereth willingly to consecrate himself this day unto Jehovah?”