Giving the Trumpet a Certain Sound
Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Isaiah 58:1
In view of this, what is the duty of the messenger of truth? Shall he conclude that the truth ought not to be presented, since often its only effect is to arouse men to evade or resist its claims? No; he has no more reason for withholding the testimony of God's word, because it excites opposition, than had earlier Reformers. The confession of faith made by saints and martyrs was recorded for the benefit of succeeding generations. Those living examples of holiness and steadfast integrity have come down to inspire courage in those who are now called to stand as witnesses for God. They received grace and truth, not for themselves alone, but that, through them, the knowledge of God might enlighten the earth. Has God given light to His servants in this generation? Then they should let it shine forth to the world.
Anciently the Lord declared to one who spoke in His name: "The house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto Me." Nevertheless He said: "Thou shalt speak My words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear" (Ezekiel 3:7; 2:7). To the servant of God at this time is the command addressed: "Lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins" (The Great Controversy, 459)
Reflection: The great obstacle both to the acceptance and to the promulgation of truth is the fact that it involves inconvenience and reproach (The Great Controversy, 460). David is a good example of this. Nathan was sent to David to reprove him of his sin. Because David accepted the reproach, he repented and was restored. David could not be called a "man after God's own heart" while he had unconfessed sins in his heart. We should pray that God will show us where we have made a wrong turn so that restoration can begin.
Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Isaiah 58:1
In view of this, what is the duty of the messenger of truth? Shall he conclude that the truth ought not to be presented, since often its only effect is to arouse men to evade or resist its claims? No; he has no more reason for withholding the testimony of God's word, because it excites opposition, than had earlier Reformers. The confession of faith made by saints and martyrs was recorded for the benefit of succeeding generations. Those living examples of holiness and steadfast integrity have come down to inspire courage in those who are now called to stand as witnesses for God. They received grace and truth, not for themselves alone, but that, through them, the knowledge of God might enlighten the earth. Has God given light to His servants in this generation? Then they should let it shine forth to the world.
Anciently the Lord declared to one who spoke in His name: "The house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto Me." Nevertheless He said: "Thou shalt speak My words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear" (Ezekiel 3:7; 2:7). To the servant of God at this time is the command addressed: "Lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins" (The Great Controversy, 459)
Reflection: The great obstacle both to the acceptance and to the promulgation of truth is the fact that it involves inconvenience and reproach (The Great Controversy, 460). David is a good example of this. Nathan was sent to David to reprove him of his sin. Because David accepted the reproach, he repented and was restored. David could not be called a "man after God's own heart" while he had unconfessed sins in his heart. We should pray that God will show us where we have made a wrong turn so that restoration can begin.
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