September 12, 2022

Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. 1 Corinthians 10:11

One of the many endearing aspects of the written Word is the faithful reporting of the failings of men, including—and especially!—God’s professed people. This peculiar aspect of Scripture provides just one of many positive proofs that the Bible is not propaganda . . .  far from it! Believers come to understand that it is both wise and profitable to learn from mistakes, and this is exactly why the inspiration of the Holy Spirit included them. A little closer to home (which involves a look in the mirror): I must learn from my own failings. Jesus graciously draws me toward Himself, forgiving my failings. And I must remember His words to the man He healed who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years:

Afterward Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, “See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.” John 5:14

The heroes in the scriptures became examples for us to follow precisely because of their willingness to leave behind erroneous ways and cooperate with the LORD in honoring His Word by proclaiming it boldly. Of course, this was not popular. And neither will it be today. Nothing has changed in that respect.

Now as in former ages, the presentation of a truth that reproves the sins and errors of the times will excite opposition. “Everyone that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.” (John 3:20).  As men see that they cannot maintain their position by the Scriptures, many determine to maintain it at all hazards, and with a malicious spirit they assail the character and motives of those who stand in defense of unpopular truth.  It is the same policy which has been pursued in all ages.  Elijah was declared to be a troubler in Israel (1 Kings 18:17), Jeremiah a traitor (Jeremiah 38:1-6), Paul a polluter of the temple (Acts 21:28). From that day to this, those who would be loyal to truth have been denounced as seditious, heretical, or schismatic. Multitudes who are too unbelieving to accept the sure word of prophecy (2 Peter 1:19) will receive with unquestioning credulity an accusation against those who dare to reprove fashionable sins. This spirit will increase more and more. The Bible plainly teaches that a time is approaching when the laws of the state will so conflict with the law of God that whosoever would obey all the divine precepts must brave reproach and punishment as an evildoer.  THE GREAT CONTROVERSY by Ellen G. White (page 459)

In these last days, as in the past, the great hindrance to the acceptance and declaration of God’s truth is the fact that it involves inconvenience and reproach. But the true followers of the LORD will not be deterred. Beloved, do not wait for truth to become popular. Stay in the Word! Trust and obey! Let us uplift one another often! Be encouraged by what Paul said…

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”  2 Corinthians 4:17

And regarding Moses:

“…esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he looked to the reward.”  Hebrews 11:26