The year is 1852. A momentous year for Battle Creek, Michigan. In a wider sense, a momentous year for the future worldwide Seventh-day Adventist denomination. The American Civil War is just over the horizon. A war which will divide the young nation as nothing else had done. But in 1852, here in Battle Creek, something is about to happen which will affect the entire world. That is not hyperbole, by the way. (History tells us that it is so!) Captain Joseph Bates finds the “most honest man in town,” David Hewitt, and that reputation and that singular contact, began a movement in a locale which grew and grew over several generations to the four corners of planet earth and encircled the globe.
The most honest man in town! For the past several weeks our worldwide denomination has been at study on a topic which should resonate with every person who has been illuminated with the 1888 message of Christ our Righteousness. It, the Message, is indeed, the motivation and the power to minister to those who are mentioned in the Sabbath School quarterly as “The Least of These.” But what if. . .
So, what if we were known as “the most merciful people on planet earth”? Is it possible such could start another movement in a mighty fashion which would hasten the return of Jesus Christ?
Did you notice in one of the earlier lessons the author made a vivid connection in Isaiah 58 between acts of mercy and the Sabbath? Really, I should say, the author brought to light the connection the prophet Isaiah made of the Sabbath and acts/the ministry of mercy! Is it, therefore, any wonder, in keeping with the Messianic prophet, we read in Luke 4:16-18 of the intimate connection our Lord and Savior made of those two components?
I know of one Seventh-day Adventist biblical scholar who has strongly declared the fourth commandment as the most merciful of all the commandments. I find myself in agreement with his sentiments.
If such is so, then Seventh-day Adventists were designed by God for a reputation as the most merciful people on planet earth in the closing hours of this world’s history. Thus, revealing a most important aspect of God’s character. And it brings to mind the quote, “The last message of mercy . . .”
We are recommended by Ellen White in her blockbuster book, Steps to Christ, “Obedience is not a mere outward compliance, but the service of love.” (emphasis mine) Just a few lines later she expands upon this sentiment, “Obedience—the service and allegiance of love—is the true sign of discipleship.” (emphasis mine)
Thought-provoking words! Also inspiring. Fellow readers--Our high calling!
Yes, what is needed in our world, be it our neighborhood or across the ponds of this earth, are people who have fully imbibed the promise of Revelation 14:12, “Here is the patience of the saints, here are they who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” No one should epitomize those saints like a Seventh-day Adventist whose heart has been “strangely warmed” by the message of 1888.
He is able to produce such messengers of righteousness: the complete gospel in human flesh. Let us believe!
