Contents
Isaiah 6
Christian Leadership, p. 26 (Manuscript 143, 1899)The sixth chapter of Isaiah has a deep and important lesson for every one of God’s workmen. Study it with humility and earnest prayer. The first and second chapters of Ezekiel should also be carefully studied. The wheels within wheels represented in this symbol was confusion to the finite eye. But a hand of infinite wisdom was revealed amid the wheels. Perfect order is brought out of the confusion. Every wheel works in its right place, in perfect harmony with every other part of the machinery.
Conflict and Courage, p. 234-235Isaiah had denounced the sin of others; but now he sees himself exposed to the same condemnation he had pronounced upon them. He had been satisfied with a cold, lifeless ceremony in his worship of God. He had not known this until the vision was given him of the Lord. How little now appeared his wisdom and talents as he looked upon the sacredness and majesty of the sanctuary. How unworthy he was! how unfitted for sacred service!…
The vision given to Isaiah represents the condition of God’s people in the last days. They are privileged to see by faith the work that is going forward in the heavenly sanctuary.
Revelation 11
19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in His temple the ark of His testament…As they look by faith into the holy of holies, and see the work of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary, they perceive that they are a people of unclean lips,–a people whose lips have often spoken vanity, and whose talents have not been sanctified and employed to the glory of God. Well may they despair as they contrast their own weakness and unworthiness with the purity and loveliness of the glorious character of Christ. But if they, like Isaiah, will receive the impression the Lord designs shall be made upon the heart, if they will humble their souls before God, there is hope for them. The bow of promise is above the throne, and the work done for Isaiah will be performed in them. God will respond to the petitions coming from the contrite heart.
We want the living coal from off the altar placed upon our lips. We want to hear the word spoken, “Your iniquity is taken away, and your sin purged.” The live coal is symbolical of purification. If it touches the lips, no impure word will fall from them.
In the vision that came to Isaiah in the temple court, he was given a clear view of the character of the God of Israel. “The high and lofty One that inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy,” had appeared before him in great majesty; yet the prophet was made to understand the compassionate nature of his Lord….
Isaiah 35
Review and Herald, May 6, 1909I ask you to read the whole of this thirty-fifth chapter of Isaiah, with the fifty-sixth chapter. When you are disappointed because of the spiritual lack you see in the churches and in individuals, read these promising words of inspiration. They are given for the encouragement of our churches, and are to be claimed in times of emergency. When you meet with those who are not willing to be helped and strengthened, do not allow yourselves to become discouraged; when you find halting and disaffection among the believers, let your faith in God be strong. I have been shown that evil angels in the form of believers will work in our ranks to bring in a strong spirit of unbelief. Let not even this discourage you; but bring a true heart to the help of the Lord against the powers of satanic agencies.
Manuscript Releases, vol. 19, p. 63Read in the thirty-fifth chapter of Isaiah the precious promises for the future. The prophet says,
Isaiah 35
1 The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.
2 It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God.
3 Strengthen the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.We are given a special message to bear in times of depression and discouragement,
Isaiah 35
4 Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; He will come and save you.
5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.
6 Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.
7 And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water…Please read the whole of this chapter with the fiftieth. When you are disappointed because of the spiritual lack you see in the churches and in individuals, read these promising words of inspiration. They are given for the encouragement of our churches, and are to be claimed in times of emergency. When you meet with those who are not willing to be helped and strengthened, do not allow yourself to become discouraged. When you find halting and disaffection among the believers, let your faith be strong in God, whom in the past you have proved to be true.
Isaiah 37
Manuscript Releases, vol. 16, p. 16-17In the protection of His people God has caused His army so to deal with human powers that 185,000 men were slain in one night. The thirty-seventh chapter of Isaiah contains instruction of the highest value. Read the prayer that Hezekiah offered to the Lord. He received a threatening letter from the king of Assyria, which contained these words,
Isaiah 37
10 Thus shall you speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, Let not your God, in whom you trust, deceive you, saying, Jerusalem shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.
11 Behold, you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands by destroying them utterly; and shall you be delivered?Hezekiah took the letter, and went up to the house of God and spread it before the Lord, saying,
Isaiah 37
20 Now therefore, O Lord our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the Lord, even You only.And God said concerning the king of Assyria,
Isaiah 37
33 He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shields, nor cast a bank against it.
34 By the way that he came, by the same shall he return, and shall not come into this city, says the Lord.
35 For I will defend this city, to save it for my own sake, for my servant David’s sake.
36 Then the angel of the Lord went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred four score and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses.Age, position, or influence cannot save one of us from sudden sickness and calamity if the Lord says, “It is done.” Therefore let not those who have had the light of truth be presumptuous. In the midst of cherished enterprises the Lord may speak, and it will be done. It is the wisdom of minister and people to hold themselves always in a spiritual preparation for anything that may occur. Let all follow the example of Hezekiah. Let us pour out the soul in humiliation and fasting and prayer.
Let me warn all men who have stood, and those who still stand, in the light of truth, to search and understand the Scriptures, lest the mind shall become perverted and the spiritual perception clouded by their own inventions. Let them fear lest they go on a warfare at their own charges and become a means of tempting others, tearing down that which they once built up, in order to complete their tower, which they are determined shall be built.
Isaiah 40
Review and Herald, October 1, 1903All who are truly engaged in the work of the Lord for these last days will have a decided message to bear. Read the first few verses of the fortieth chapter of Isaiah:–
Isaiah 40
3 The voice of him that cries in the wilderness, Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:
5 And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it.
6 And the voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field:
7 The grass withers, the flower fades: because the Spirit of the Lord blows upon it: surely the people is grass.
8 The grass withers, the flower fades: but the word of our God shall stand forever.This chapter is filled with instruction appropriate for us at this time. The word of the Lord to us is, “Repent; prepare the way for a revival of my work.”
Manuscript Releases, vol. 21, p. 436Read the first eleven verses of the fortieth chapter of Isaiah. Present the truth in its power, as it is in Jesus. Keep the mind stayed on God and imbued with His Holy Spirit. Present the affirmative of truth. Stand on the platform of eternal truth. But do not accuse. Say nothing to arouse enmity and strife.
Bible Commentary, vol. 4, p. 1145 (Manuscript 151, 1899)Isaiah saw Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem amid the praises and rejoicing of the people. His prophetic words are eloquent in their simplicity.
Isaiah 40
9 O Zion, that brings good tidings, get you up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that brings good tidings, lift up your voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!
10 Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him: behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him.
11 He shall feed His flock like a shepherd: He shall gather the lambs with His arm, and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.Inspiration is revealed in this record of Christ’s work. These closing chapters of the book of Isaiah should be diligently studied; for they are full of the gospel of Christ. They reveal to us that Israel was fully instructed in regard to the coming Saviour.
Isaiah 41
Manuscript Releases, vol. 21, p. 305 (Letter 189, 1902)Study the forty-first chapter of Isaiah, and strive to understand it in all its significance. God declares:
Isaiah 41
18 I will open rivers in the high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys: I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.
19 I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree; I will set in the desert the fir tree, and the pine, and the box tree together;
20 That they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together: that the hand of the Lord has done this, and the Holy One of Israel has created it.He who has chosen Christ has joined himself to a power that no array of human wisdom or strength can overthrow.
Isaiah 41
10 Fear not; for I am with you,” He declares, “be not dismayed; for I am your God: I will strengthen you; yea, I will help you; yea, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness….
13 For I the Lord your God will hold your right hand, saying unto you, Fear not; I will help you.Isaiah 40
25 To whom then will you liken me, or shall I be equal? says the Holy One.
26 Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who has created these things, that brings out their host by number: He calls them all by names by the greatness of His might, for that He is strong in power; not one fails.
27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, My way is hid from the Lord, and my judgment is passed over from my God?
28 Have you not known? have you not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, faints not, neither is weary? there is no searching of His understanding.
29 He gives power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increases strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:
31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 42
Manuscript Releases, vol. 16, p. 19 (Letter 93, 1900)The set time to favor Zion will soon come. God has provided men and means whereby His work shall be accomplished. He will not leave His people to shame, but will accomplish His work. His work will move just as He has ordained it to move. Our covenant with Christ unites with the majesty of an omnipotent King the gentleness and tenderness of a caretaking shepherd. Please read the forty-second chapter of Isaiah.
God desires men to understand the claims He has upon them. He will judge any man who shall interpose between his fellow men and their God, to lead them into paths not cast up for the ransomed. “Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world” [Acts 15:18]. He has ordained that His work shall be presented before the world in distinct, holy, sacred lines. The kingdom of God comes not with observation, but by the gentleness of the inspiration of His word, by the operation of His Spirit in the soul. His work in many places of the world would now be much farther advanced had not man interposed between the people and God, to do a work God has not appointed.
Isaiah 45
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 455Let students put to the stretch their mental faculties, that they may comprehend the forty-fifth chapter of Isaiah. Such chapters as this should be brought into our schools as a valuable study. They are better than romance and fables. Why have our schools been so dependent upon books which tell so little of the city we claim to be seeking, whose builder and maker is God? Our lesson books should contain the loftiest themes of thought. Heaven is our home. Our citizenship is above, and our lives must not be devoted to a world that is soon to be destroyed….
Take the Bible as a study book, and see if you are not filled with the love of God. Your heart may be barren, your intellect feeble; but if you will prayerfully study the word of God, light will flash into your mind. God works with every diligent student. Teachers who will learn from the Great Teacher will realize the help of God as did Daniel and his fellows, of whom the record states,
Daniel 1
17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
Isaiah 48
Review and Herald, January 11, 1912Let every minister at this time consider what it means to keep his lamp trimmed and burning. Read prayerfully the forty-eight and forty-ninth chapters of Isaiah, in which the Lord represents the work of His messengers today.
Isaiah 49
Review and Herald, January 11, 1912Let every minister at this time consider what it means to keep his lamp trimmed and burning. Read prayerfully the forty-eight and forty-ninth chapters of Isaiah, in which the Lord represents the work of His messengers today.
Isaiah 40
6 It is a light thing, that thou should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give you for a light to the Gentiles, that you may be my salvation unto the end of the earth.
8 In an acceptable time have I heard you, and in the day of salvation have I helped you: and I will preserve you, and give you for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages;
9 That you may say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Show yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places.
Isaiah 50
Manuscript Releases, vol. 19, p. 63Read in the thirty-fifth chapter of Isaiah the precious promises for the future. The prophet says,
Isaiah 35
1 The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.
2 It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God.
3 Strengthen the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.We are given a special message to bear in times of depression and discouragement,
Isaiah 35
4 Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; He will come and save you.
5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.
6 Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.
7 And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water…Please read the whole of this chapter with the fiftieth. When you are disappointed because of the spiritual lack you see in the churches and in individuals, read these promising words of inspiration. They are given for the encouragement of our churches, and are to be claimed in times of emergency. When you meet with those who are not willing to be helped and strengthened, do not allow yourself to become discouraged. When you find halting and disaffection among the believers, let your faith be strong in God, whom in the past you have proved to be true.
Isaiah 51
Selected Messages, vol. 2, p. 239 (Manuscript 19, 1892)July 7, 1892. The Lord strengthens me by His grace to write important letters. The brethren frequently come to me for counsel. I feel a strong assurance that this tedious affliction [Editor’s note: for months while writing The Desire of Ages, Ellen White suffered keenly from inflammatory rheumatism. In her painful affliction she turned repeatedly to the Lord for consolation and eventual healing and restoration.] is for the glory of the Lord. I will not murmur; for when I wake in the night, it seems that Jesus is looking upon me. The fifty-first chapter of Isaiah is exceedingly precious to me. He bears all our burdens. I read this chapter with assurance and hope.
Isaiah 53
The Desire of Ages, p. 458The sixty-first chapter of Isaiah testifies that Christ was to do the very work He did. Chapter fifty-three sets forth His rejection and sufferings in the world, and chapter fifty-nine describes the character of the priests and rabbis.
Isaiah 54
Review and Herald, December 17, 1901How long shall the apathy remain that is upon the people of God? The words in the fifty-fourth chapter of Isaiah are for us:
Isaiah 54
2 Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of your habitations: spare not, lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes;
3 For you shall break forth on the right hand and on the left; and your seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.
4 Fear not; for you shall not be ashamed: neither be confounded; for you shall not be put to shame: for you shall forget the shame of your youth, and shall not remember the reproach of your widowhood any more.
5 For your Maker is your husband; the Lord of hosts is His name; and your Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall He be called.Our time for work is short. We have not a moment to lose. Let us do something for Christ, and do it now.
Review and Herald, August 20, 1895All the fifty-fourth chapter of Isaiah is applicable to the people of God, and every specification of the prophecy will be fulfilled. The Lord will not forsake His people in their time of trial. He says,
Isaiah 54
7 For a small moment have I forsaken you; but with great mercies will I gather you.
8 In a little wrath I hid my face from you for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on you, says the Lord your Redeemer.Are these words of comfort spoken to those who are making void the law of God?–No, no, the promise is for those who amid general apostasy, keep the commandments of God, and lift up the moral standard before the eyes of the world who have forsaken the ordinance, and broken the everlasting covenant.
Isaiah 54
9 For this is as the waters of Noah unto me; for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no more go over the earth; so have I sworn that I would not be wroth with you, nor rebuke you.
10 For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from you, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, says the Lord that has mercy on you.
11 O you afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted, behold, I will lay your stones with fair colors, and lay your foundations with sapphires.
12 And I will make your windows of agates, and your gates of carbuncles, and all your borders of pleasant stones.
13 And all your children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of your children.”
Isaiah 55
Christian Leadership, p. 15For all in responsible positions I have a message spoken by the mouth of the Lord–the fifty-fifth chapter of Isaiah. Study this chapter, and let not any human being consider that he is above his fellow workers because greater responsibilities are involved in his branch of the work.
Isaiah 56
Review and Herald, May 6, 1909I ask you to read the whole of this thirty-fifth chapter of Isaiah, with the fifty-sixth chapter. When you are disappointed because of the spiritual lack you see in the churches and in individuals, read these promising words of inspiration. They are given for the encouragement of our churches, and are to be claimed in times of emergency. When you meet with those who are not willing to be helped and strengthened, do not allow yourselves to become discouraged; when you find halting and disaffection among the believers, let your faith in God be strong. I have been shown that evil angels in the form of believers will work in our ranks to bring in a strong spirit of unbelief. Let not even this discourage you; but bring a true heart to the help of the Lord against the powers of satanic agencies.
Review and Herald, June 23, 1904I have been instructed to direct the minds of our people to the fifty-sixth chapter of Isaiah. This chapter contains important lessons for those who are fighting on the Lord’s side in the conflict between good and evil.
Isaiah 56
1 Thus says the Lord, Keep judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.
2 Blessed is the man that does this, and the son of man that lays hold on it; that keeps the Sabbath from polluting it, and keeps his hand from doing any evil.Isaiah 56
3 Neither let the son of the stranger, that has joined himself to the Lord, speak, saying, The Lord has utterly separated me from His people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree.
4 For thus says the Lord unto the eunuchs that keep my Sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and take hold of my covenant;
5 Even unto them will I give in my house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.
6 Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord, to serve Him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be His servants, every one that keeps the Sabbath from polluting it, and takes hold of my covenant;
7 Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all people.“And takes hold of my covenant.” This is the covenant spoken of in the following scripture:
Exodus 19
3 Moses went up unto God, and the Lord called him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shall you say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel:
4 You have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself.
5 Now therefore, if you will obey my voice indeed, [–in truth, earnestness, and sincerity,–] and keep my covenant, then you shall be a peculiar treasure unto me…for all the earth is mine:
6 And you shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak unto the children of Israel.
7 And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the Lord commanded him.
8 And all the people answered together, and said, All that the Lord has spoken we will do.This is the pledge that God’s people are to make in these last days. Their acceptance with God depends on a faithful fulfillment of the terms of their agreement with Him. God includes in His covenant all who will obey Him. To all who will do justice and judgment, keeping their hand from doing any evil, the promise is,
Isaiah 56
5 Even unto them will I give in my house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.
8 The Lord God which gathers the outcasts of Israel says, Yet will I gather others to him, besides those that are gathered unto him.Isaiah 34
16 Seek out of the book of the law, and read.Isaiah 11
10 In that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and His rest shall be glorious.
11 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set His hand again the second time to recover the remnant of His people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.
12 And He shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.These words outline our work. This scripture is to be received by our people as a message for today. The glad tidings of salvation are to be carried to those who have not heard them.
Among the people of God there is to be no colonizing. The word of the Lord to them is,
Isaiah 54
3 You shall break forth on the right hand and on the left.They are to make plants in all places. Everywhere the truth for this time is to be proclaimed. Those into whose hearts the light has shone are to remember that they are God’s workmen, His witnesses. To serve and honor Him is to be their science. They are to call upon others to keep His commandments and live. To all people and nations and kindred and tongues the truth is to be proclaimed. The time has come for much aggressive work to be done in the cities, and in all neglected, unworked fields. This the enemy knows, and he tries to keep the minds of those to whom this work has been committed, occupied with non-essentials. Thus he seeks to lead them to neglect the precious opportunities that come to them to present the truth to those who know it not.
Shall those who know the truth, and who ought to be filled with zeal for its advancement, allow Satan to turn their thoughts from the great truth that has been given them to give to others? The enemy is determined to place God’s people in a false light before the world. He is pleased when their lives reveal defects, when they cherish objectionable traits of character. These traits of character He uses in His service.
Many yield to his temptations, and the time and influence of God’s servants, which should be used in making known to unbelievers the truth for this time, is used in efforts to recover professing believers from Satan’s snares. Thus the way of the advancement of the truth is blocked.
God sees the struggle that is to take place in our world, the whole progress and outcome of which has been traced in the pages of His Word. He sees also the diseased, defective eyesight of His people, which prevents them from discerning their own deficiencies, and from taking an earnest interest in the things of eternity. Christ calls upon the members of His church to cherish the true, genuine hope of the gospel. He points them upward, distinctly assuring them that the riches that endure are above, not below. Their hope is in heaven, not on the earth. “Seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness,” He says, “and all these things,”–all that is essential for your good–“shall be added unto you.”
With many, the things of this world obscure the glorious view of the eternal weight of glory that awaits the saints of the Most High. They can not distinguish the true, the real, the enduring substance, from the false, the counterfeit, the passing shadow. Christ urges them to remove from before their eyes that which is obscuring their view of eternal realities. He insists upon the removal of that which is causing them to mistake phantoms for realities, and realities for phantoms. God entreats His people to give the strength of body, mind, and soul to the service that He expects them to perform. He calls upon them to be able to say for themselves that the gains and advantages of this life are not worthy to be compared with the riches that are reserved for the diligent, rational seeker for eternal life.
He does not leave us in ignorance of what is before us. He shows us the vast confederacy arrayed against us. He tells us plainly that we are battling against a mighty foe. But He assures us that we shall not be left to fight alone. Angels are in the ranks of God’s soldiers. And One more powerful than angels is there. The Captain of our salvation leads the way, saying, “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
The Lord is a God of knowledge. In His Word, He is represented as weighing men, their development of character and all their motives, whether they be good or evil. Hannah, the mother of Samuel, the child granted her by God in answer to her earnest petition, said,
1 Samuel 2
3 The Lord is a God of knowledge, and by Him actions are weighed.David declared,
Psalm 62
9 Men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.Isaiah said,
Isaiah 26
7 You, most upright, do weigh the path of the just.
Isaiah 57
Review and Herald, July 30, 1914It is not being rich in the wealth of the world that increases our value in God’s sight. It is the meek and the contrite that the Lord acknowledges and honors. Read the fifty-seventh chapter of Isaiah. Study this chapter carefully; for it means much to the people of God. I will make no comments upon it. If you will study it carefully and prayerfully, you will become wise unto salvation….
Isaiah 58
Manuscript Releases, vol. 10, p. 320We are living in the last days of this earth’s history, and it is time we understood what we must do to be saved. The Lord will work intelligently for all who will work intelligently for Him. My brethren and sisters, there is something more for you to do than to sit in your churches Sabbath after Sabbath and to listen to the preaching of the Word. You have a work to do for friends and neighbors. God requires of you that you visit these families and seek to create an interest in the truth for this time. You are not laboring together with God if you neglect the work of helping others to take hold upon eternal realities.
Our ministers are not to be encouraged to hover about the churches to repeat to the believers week after week the same truths. We have a truth that is saving and precious. The Word of God must be planted in many hearts, the bread of life must be dealt out to many hungering souls. If we will study carefully the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah, with these words I have read to you from the 54th and 55th chapters, you will see that there is a precious and an extended work to be done by the people of God. It is a blessed work to lift up Christ before the world.
When the work of the judgment is finished and decisions have been made for eternity, it will be seen that it is those who have given themselves wholeheartedly to the service of God who will stand right with heaven.
Some of these may not have been able to leave their families to go to some mission field, but they have been missionaries in their own neighborhood. Their hearts have been so filled with the love of God that their great anxiety has been to win souls for Him. This has been more to them than silver and gold and the precious things of this world. And as they have labored in simplicity to minister the word of truth, the Spirit of God has sent home the word to the hearts of the people.
My brethren and sisters, let us study the simplicity there is in the Word of God. Let us see what we can do to advance the cause of Christ in the earth. Christ was in this world as a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. There were many who set themselves against His work. There will be those who will oppose you. But your work is to preach Christ and Him crucified; and when you do this, the salvation of God will be revealed in the conversion of souls.
Christian Experience and Teachings, p. 87I was shown that the precious promises of Isaiah 58:12-14 apply to those who labor for the restoration of the true Sabbath.
I was shown that the third angel proclaiming the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,[see Revelation 14:9-12] represents the people who receive this message, and raise the voice of warning to the world to keep the commandments of God and His law as the apple of the eye; and that in response to this warning, many would embrace the Sabbath of the Lord.
Counsels on Health, p. 514The union that should exist between the medical missionary work and the ministry is clearly set forth in the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah. There is wisdom and blessing for those who will engage in the work as here presented. This chapter is explicit, and there is in it enough to enlighten anyone who wishes to do the will of God. It presents abundant opportunity to minister to suffering humanity, and at the same time to be an instrument in God’s hands of bringing the light of truth before a perishing world. If the work of the third angel’s message is carried on in right lines, the ministry will not be given an inferior place, nor will the poor and sick be neglected. In His word God has united these two lines of work, and no man should divorce them.
Counsels on Health, p. 520What saith the Lord in the fifty-eighth chapter of Isaiah? The whole chapter is of the highest importance.
Isaiah 58
6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?
7 Is it not to deal your bread to the hungry, and that you bring the poor that are cast out to your house? when you see the naked, that you cover him; and that you hide not yourself from your own flesh?
8 Then shall your light break forth as the morning, and your health shall spring forth speedily: and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rearward.
9 Then shalk you call, and the Lord shall answer; you shall cry, and He shall say, Here I am.
13 If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking your own words:
14 Then shall you delight yourself in the Lord; and I will cause you to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father: for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it.This is our work. The light that we have upon the third angel’s message is the true light. The mark of the beast is exactly what it has been proclaimed to be. Not all in regard to this matter is yet understood, and will not be understood until the unrolling of the scroll; but a most solemn work is to be accomplished in our world. The Lord’s command to His servants is,
Isaiah 58
1 Cry aloud, spare not, lift up your voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.A message that will arouse the churches is to be proclaimed. Every effort is to be made to give the light, not only to our people, but to the world. I have been instructed that the prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation should be printed in small books, with the necessary explanations, and should be sent all over the world. Our own people need to have the light placed before them in clearer lines.
Counsels on Health, p. 530-531When health reform was first brought to our notice, about thirty-five years ago, the light presented to me was contained in this scripture:
Isaiah 61
1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord has anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;
3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified.
4 And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.In the light given me so long ago, I was shown that our own people, those who claimed to believe the present truth, should do this work. How were they to do it? In accordance with the directions Christ gave His twelve disciples when He called them together and sent them forth to preach the gospel.
Matthew 10
1 When He had called unto Him His twelve disciples, He gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter you not:
6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
7 And as you go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely you have received, freely give.In the light given me so long ago, I was shown that intemperance would prevail in the world to an alarming extent and that every one of the people of God must take an elevated stand in regard to reformation in habits and practices. At that time I was eating meat two or three times a day, and I was fainting away two or three times a day. The Lord presented a general plan before me. I was shown that God would give to His commandment-keeping people a reform diet, and that as they received this, their disease and suffering would be greatly lessened. I was shown that this work would progress.
Isaiah 59
The Desire of Ages, p. 458The sixty-first chapter of Isaiah testifies that Christ was to do the very work He did. Chapter fifty-three sets forth His rejection and sufferings in the world, and chapter fifty-nine describes the character of the priests and rabbis.
Isaiah 60
Counsels on Health, p. 425The message to God’s people today is, “Arise, shine; for your light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.” Isaiah 60:1.
Manuscript Releases, vol. 3, p. 284-290 (Manuscript 113, 1908, p. 1-8 – “Lessons from the Sixtieth Chapter of Isaiah,” Oct. 28, 1908)Isaiah 60
1 Arise, shine; for your light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.
2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon you, and His glory shall be seen upon you.
3 And the Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.
4 Lift up your eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to you: your sons shall come from far, and your daughters shall be nursed at your side.
5 Then you shall see, and flow together, and your heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto you, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto you.Let us bear all these words in mind; for our faith and expectation must be enlarged to look for the fulfillment of these glorious promises.
Isaiah 60
6 The multitude of camels shall cover you, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall show forth the praises of the Lord.
7 All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto you, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto you: they shall come up with acceptance on my altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory.
8 Who are these that fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?
9 Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring your sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the Lord your God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because He has glorified you.
10 And the sons of strangers shall build up your walls, and their kings shall minister unto you; for in my wrath I smote you, but in my favor have I had mercy on you.In these words are outlined the possibilities that are before the people of God, if they shall faithfully perform the work that He has given them to do. With such a prospect before us, shall we, who should be workers together with God, hover about our large centers, saying by our actions if not by our words, “Do not disturb me: I do not wish to leave this pleasant place. Let me remain here, and enjoy the privileges I have in the church.”
God has work to be done outside of the church. There are privileges for the Christian in service in every city or town or village. It is not enough for you to remain in the church because you enjoy the preaching. There are many who need the very truths that you have heard, and which you should be imparting to others. May God put upon the members of His church a burden to labor for souls as they that must give an account.
Isaiah 60
11 Therefore your gates shall be open continually: they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto you the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought.This means that kings and nobles shall be gathered into the kingdom of the Lord. In the third angel’s message we have a truth that is to be worldwide. It must be carried from village to village, and from city to city. Then do not, because you have a comfortable home and good church privileges, keep your light under a bushel. Let it shine forth, that it may give light to all. God bids you hunt up the people that know not the truth of the Word of God, that you may acquaint them with it.
“Your gates shall be open continually.” Invite the people in. Go in their houses, and tell them that you have an important message, a message that must go to all the world, and that you feel a solemn responsibility to give this message to all that will hear it.
Isaiah 60
12 For the nation and kingdom that will not serve you shall perish; yea, those nations shall be utterly wasted.
13 The glory of Lebanon shall come unto you, the fir tree, the pine tree, and the box together [these represent persons], to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious.God wants us to go right to the people, realizing that they have souls to save or to lose, and tell them that you desire them to have a life that measures with the life of God–an eternal life in the kingdom of glory. Then you may sit down with them and ask them if they will listen to some precious truths from the Scriptures. But few will refuse you, and then you will have an opportunity to open to them the glorious gospel message.
Isaiah 60
14 The sons also of them that afflicted you shall come bending unto you; and all they that despised you shall bow themselves down at the soles of your feet; and they shall call you, The city of the Lord, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.
15 Whereas you have been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through you, I will make you an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations.It is the workers in the churches who are to bring about these conditions that are so much desired.
I remember reading of a young man who felt that he must go and speak of Jesus to the crowds in the street. Some said to him, “They will abuse you.” “Well,” he replied, “they abused my Lord, and I can suffer no more than He did.” So he spoke to the people. They did abuse him. They cast eggs at him. The eggs broke in his face and on his clothes. He took out his handkerchief and wiped them off, and continued to speak. He did not retaliate in any way. They soon found that they could not stop him by abuse, and so they let him alone. That man’s work resulted in the conversion of hundreds, because he would never allow himself to be annoyed. Some of the very ones who were his bitterest opposers at first were converted and united with him.
We may not be treated in that way, but like this man, we are to show an interest for those who know not the truth and have no interest in it. We are to labor earnestly for their salvation.
Isaiah 60
16 You shall also suck the milk of the Gentiles, and shall suck the breast of kings: and you shall know that I the Lord am your Saviour and your Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.
17 For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron: I will also make your officers peace, and your exactors righteousness.
18 Violence shall no more be heard in your land, wasting nor destruction within your borders; but you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise.
19 The sun shall be no more your light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto you: but the Lord shall be unto you an everlasting light, and your God your glory.How is this great work of reformation to be brought about? In the next chapter we are told:
Isaiah 61
1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord has anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn.Every one of us is invited to be a laborer together with God. Christ estimated the human family as of such value as to lead Him to leave the royal courts, laying aside His royal robe and kingly crown, and clothing His divinity with humanity, to come to this world. He was born of poor and humble parentage. The people did not know that He was one from the royal courts of heaven. Yet He did not seek a high position. His only purpose was to seek and to save that which was lost, and in this work He wants our help today.
For you and for me, our Saviour hung on Calvary’s cross. What are we willing to do and to sacrifice for His sake? Let every soul make some sacrifice for Christ. He has given His life for us; He has risen from the dead, and is now at the right hand of God. He is still at work for the salvation of men and women. Who will unite with Him in labor?
As Christ traveled from place to place, He met the poor and the afflicted. There were no sanitariums then where the sick could come to be healed. But they appealed to Christ, and they did not plead in vain. He healed them of their infirmities, and they joined the crowds that followed Him. On one occasion we read that there were as many as five thousand men, beside women and children.
There are people all around us who are just as much in darkness as are the heathen in faraway countries. Many of our neighbors are unsaved. Who is willing to suffer inconvenience, perhaps to leave his home, in order to be a missionary for the Master? Who will take the place of Christ, and extend the Bible invitation? He taught from the Word wherever He went. The Jews would not let Him into the Synagogues, but He gave instruction as He was walking along the way. He educated the people, and after His death and resurrection many of those who had heard Him took their position as Christians.
In the medical institutions that have been established among us we want to carry out the very purpose of God. We want a tenderness and a Christlike love, that we may do all in our power to bring the sick and suffering to a state of health. As we minister to them, many, through our influence, will learn of Christ.
I know that in many of our institutions we have felt conscious of the presence of Jesus Christ. We have felt it here at this sanitarium. I know that the doctor’s heart is drawn out earnestly for the patients, that they may see the light of truth. We expect to meet in the kingdom of heaven many who have been patients at our sanitariums.
We have many interests to be developed. We have come into possession of institutions in various places. In southern California we have three sanitariums that have proved to be a great blessing to many. Through the providence of God we shall continue to come into possession of institutions in various places. We must extend our influence as widely as possible.
Another matter has been given to me. There are wealthy men who have in trust the Lord’s money, and we have a perfect right to ask them to help us in our missionary work. We have a work to be carried on in all parts of the world, and must have means. Will not some of these wealthy men come to our help? The scripture we have read encourages us to believe that they will. There are some who would consider it a privilege. Some of us are so delicate that we are afraid to ask these men for means to help sustain the work of the Lord.
We are not to spend means unnecessarily, but we must do an extensive work to gather in souls, for time is short. The Lord is coming. He that is to come will come and will not tarry. We are not told the appointed time, but we know that the coming is very near. We have been so backward in giving the real message! Unless we arouse, we can not be saved ourselves, for we have not gained the experience of being workers together with God. We are to be His instrumentalities, His agents. With all the strength of our influence, we are to try to bring souls to a knowledge of the truth.
When Christ shall appear, then we all want to stand with the redeemed. The gates of the city will swing back on their glittering hinges, and the nations that have kept the truth will enter in. A crown will be placed on every head. The words will be spoken,
Matthew 25
34 …Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.Whom is it prepared for? For the obedient–those who keep His commandments to do His will.
Now is our time to win souls to Christ. Let us not use our means foolishly. Every one of us in amenable to God for every dollar in our possession. What have you done with the talents that have been entrusted to you? Have you worked as Christ worked? Read the story of His life, and see how He toiled.
God wants to put the harp in your hand and the crown of gold on your head. As holy angels touch their harps, He wants you to follow, singing the song of triumph in the city of God. There you will see souls saved through your influence. That will be happiness.
Isaiah 61
The Desire of Ages, p. 458The sixty-first chapter of Isaiah testifies that Christ was to do the very work He did. Chapter fifty-three sets forth His rejection and sufferings in the world, and chapter fifty-nine describes the character of the priests and rabbis.
