May 30, 2020

May 30                                DESIRE FOR NEW LIGHT CAUSES DEATH
 
        If that evil servant says in his heart, "My master is delaying his coming,"...the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of.--Matthew 24:48, 50
 
    Those who exalt self place themselves in Satan's power, preparing to receive his deceptions as truth.  There are ministers and workers who will present a tissue of nonsensical falsehoods as testing truths, even as the Jewish rabbis presented the maxims of men as the bread of heaven.  Sayings of no value are given to the flock of God as their portion of meat in due season while the poor sheep are starving for the bread of life....
 
    This fanciful mixture of food that is being prepared for the flock will cause spiritual consumption, decline and death....
 
    As in the days of Noah, those who have had great light will show their inconsistency.  Because Christ's coming has been long foretold, they conclude that there is a mistake in regard to this doctrine....Shall we who claim to be students of prophecy forget that God's forbearance to the wicked is a part of His vast and merciful plan, by which He is seeking to compass the salvation of souls?  Shall we be found among the number who cease to co-operate with the Lord, and who are found saying, My Lord delayeth His coming?...
 
    The final judgment is a most solemn, awful event.  This must take place before the universe.  To the Lord Jesus the Father has committed all judgment.  He will declare the reward of loyalty to [all who obey] the law of Jehovah.  God will be honored and His government vindicated and glorified, and that in the presence of the inhabitants of the unfallen worlds.  On the largest possible scale will the government of God be vindicated and exalted.  It is not the judgment of one individual or of one nation, but of the whole world.  Oh, what a change will then be made in the understanding of all created beings.  Then all will see the value of eternal life. (Letter 131, October 14, 1900)
 
 
REFLECTION:  The evil servant says in his heart, "My lord delayeth his coming."  He does not say that Christ will not come.  He does not scoff at the idea of His second coming.  But in his heart and by his actions and words he declares that the Lord's coming is delayed.  He banishes from the minds of others the conviction that the Lord is coming quickly.  His influence leads men to presumptuous, careless delay. (The Desire of Ages, 635)