EGW WritingsJeremiah 13

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 4 (1883 - 1886)

Ms 16a, 1885

4LtMs, Ms 16a, 1885, par. 39

It is a beautiful morning. We have no seasickness as yet. Last evening we enjoyed a beautiful sunset. The broad ocean was all that we could see surrounding us, and the sun went out of sight in the broad waters. We went into the dining room to attend services. Under the Episcopalian services, prayers were read, and chapters in the Old and New Testaments that were very appropriate for the occasion. The hymns sung were excellent in sentiment. The chapter read first was in Jeremiah. The second was in the New Testament in regard to the shipwreck of Paul. I wrote eight pages and prepared a reported article for the press. We were on deck most of the time.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Ms 30, 1890

6LtMs, Ms 30, 1890, par. 19

I am constrained by God to call your attention to Christ’s words, “Yet a little while is the light with you, walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be children of light ... He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that seeth me, seeth him that sent me. I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” [John 12:35, 36, 44-48.] “Hear ye, and give ear; be not proud: for the Lord hath spoken. Give glory to the Lord your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountain, and while ye look for light, he turneth it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness. But if ye will not hear, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eyes shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the Lord’s flock is carried away captive.” [Jeremiah 13:15-17.]

Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]

MR No. 1389—As It Was in the Days of Noah

19MR 181.1

Why were the eyes of the people blinded, and their hearts hardened? As they listened to Christ’s words and witnessed His miracles, they were convinced of His divinity. The Spirit of God impressed their hearts, leading them to say, This is indeed the Messiah, the One for whom we have looked, the Desire of all nations. But they hardened their hearts, and refused to accept Him. To a great degree, the priests and rulers were responsible for the people turning away from the truth to the maxims of men. And today the preachers of the people are following the footsteps of the priests and elders of the Jewish nation. When conviction is trampled on, the light that has shone into the chambers of the mind grows dim, and the darkness of error takes the place of the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. The result of this is shown in the following verses: [Jeremiah 13:15-17, 20, 21, 23-25; 10:19-21, quoted].

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 88, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 88, 1897, par. 8

“Hear ye, and give ear; be not proud; for the Lord hath spoken. Give glory to the Lord your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness. But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret for your pride; and mine eyes shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the Lord’s flock is carried away captive. ... Lift up your eyes and behold them that come from the north: where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock? What wilt thou say when he shall punish thee? for thou hast taught them to be captains, and as chief over thee: shall not sorrows take thee, as a woman in travail? ... Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good that are accustomed to do evil. Therefore I will scatter them as the stubble that passeth away by the wind of the wilderness. This is thy lot, the portion of thy measures from me, saith the Lord; because thou hast forgotten me, and trusted in falsehood.” [Jeremiah 13:15-17, 20, 21, 23-25.]

The Great Controversy

Chapter 1—The Destruction of Jerusalem

GC 21.1

Prophets had wept over the apostasy of Israel and the terrible desolations by which their sins were visited. Jeremiah wished that his eyes were a fountain of tears, that he might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of his people, for the Lord’s flock that was carried away captive. Jeremiah 9:1; 13:17. What, then, was the grief of Him whose prophetic glance took in, not years, but ages! He beheld the destroying angel with sword uplifted against the city which had so long been Jehovah’s dwelling place. From the ridge of Olivet, the very spot afterward occupied by Titus and his army, He looked across the valley upon the sacred courts and porticoes, and with tear-dimmed eyes He saw, in awful perspective, the walls surrounded by alien hosts. He heard the tread of armies marshaling for war. He heard the voice of mothers and children crying for bread in the besieged city. He saw her holy and beautiful house, her palaces and towers, given to the flames, and where once they stood, only a heap of smoldering ruins.

The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)

Chapter 1—Destruction of Jerusalem

GC88 21.2

Prophets had wept over the apostasy of Israel, and the terrible desolations by which their sins were visited. Jeremiah wished that his eyes were a fountain of tears, that he might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of his people, for the Lord’s flock that was carried away captive. [Jeremiah 9:1; 13:17.] What, then, was the grief of Him whose prophetic glance took in, not years, but ages! He beheld the destroying angel with sword uplifted against the city which had so long been Jehovah’s dwelling-place. From the ridge of Olivet, the very spot afterward occupied by Titus and his army, he looked across the valley upon the sacred courts and porticoes, and with tear-dimmed eyes he saw, in awful perspective, the walls surrounded by alien hosts. He heard the tread of armies marshaling for war. He heard the voice of mothers and children crying for bread in the besieged city. He saw her holy and beautiful house, her palaces and towers, given to the flames, and where once they stood, only a heap of smouldering ruins.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 56, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 56, 1902, par. 11

Before the incarnation of Christ, the loyal of Israel, with breaking hearts, had lamented the national apostasy. Jeremiah declared: “Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!” “But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the Lord’s flock is carried away captive.” [Jeremiah 9:1; 13:17.]

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

The Work to Be Done for Our Children

CT 170.1

Teachers who are nervous and easily irritated should not be placed over the youth. They must love the children because they are the younger members of the Lord’s family. The Lord will inquire of them, as of the parents, “Where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?” Jeremiah 13:20....

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 104, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 104, 1897, par. 9

The children who are properly instructed will be witnesses for the truth. Teachers who are nervous and easily irritated should not be placed over the youth. They must love the children, because they are the younger members of the Lord’s family. The Lord will inquire of them as of the parents, “What have you done with my flock, my beautiful flock?” [Jeremiah 13:20.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 31, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 31, 1901, par. 30

Parents, do not try to follow the ever-changing fashions of this degenerate age. It does not pay. At the last day God will ask you, “What have you done with my flock, my beautiful flock?” [See Jeremiah 13:20.] How will you answer Him if you have betrayed your trust? For Christ’s sake I beseech of you to guard your children. Do not be cross or hasty. Give them happy things to think of.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 62, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 62, 1901, par. 18

I feel that our only hope of getting new life into the church, to bear the new responsibilities which must be borne, is for fathers and mothers, while it is called today, to awake to the responsibilities resting upon them. Parents, if you lose your opportunity, God pity you; for in the day of judgment God will say, “What have you done with my flock, my beautiful flock?” [See Jeremiah 13:20.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 70, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 70, 1903, par. 24

Parents, train your children to be missionaries for God. As teachers in the home, you have an important place to fill in the Master’s work. There are many lines of work to be carried forward, and not the least important of these is the training of children so that they will become co-laborers with God. This line of work should not be neglected on account of the press of ordinary business matters. If in the time of the judgment you should stand before God without your children, and He would ask you, “What have you done with My little flock that I entrusted to you? Why are they not with you?” what answer could you give? [See Jeremiah 13:20.] Let us not neglect our duty now; for we cannot afford to allow our children to lose the opportunity of living with us throughout the ceaseless ages of eternity.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 19 (1904)

Ms 7, 1904

19LtMs, Ms 7, 1904, par. 125

We must educate our children so that we can come up to the gates of the city and say, “Here am I, Lord, and the children that Thou hast given me.” [See Hebrews 2:13.] We must not come up without our children to hear the words, “Where is My flock, My little flock, that I gave you—that beautiful flock that I gave you, where are they?” [Jeremiah 13:20.] And we reply they have been left to drift right into the world, and so they are unfitted for heaven. What we want is to fit them for heaven so we can present the little flock to God, and say, “I have done my best.”

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 17—Jacob’s Flight and Exile

PP 192.2

All will be called to render a strict account of their ministry. The Master will demand of every shepherd, “Where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?” Jeremiah 13:20. He that is found faithful, will receive a rich reward. “When the Chief Shepherd shall appear,” says the apostle, “ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” 1 Peter 5:4.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

Results of Church School Work

6T 205.5

Teachers must love the children because they are the younger members of the Lord’s family. The Lord will inquire of them as of the parents: “Where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?” Jeremiah 13:20.

Sermons and Talks, vol. 1

The Christian Life

1SAT 328.3

Parents, do not try to follow the ever-changing fashions of this degenerate age. It does not pay. At the last day God will ask you, “What have you done with my flock, my beautiful flock?” (See Jeremiah 13:20.) How will you answer Him if you have betrayed your trust? For Christ’s sake I beseech you to guard your children. Do not be cross or hasty. Give them happy things to think of.

Testimony Treasures, vol. 2

Results of Church School Work

2TT 464.1

Teachers must love the children because they are the younger members of the Lord’s family. The Lord will inquire of them as of the parents: “Where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?” Jeremiah 13:20.

From Heaven With Love

Chapter 70—Christ Identifies With the Poor and Suffering

HLv 432.3

To every soul a trust is given. Of everyone the Chief Shepherd will demand, “Where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?” Jeremiah 13:20.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 49, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 49, 1893, par. 4

I want to say, I have seen Satan triumphing over the entering into his devices in games, plans which he will use to decoy souls to their everlasting ruin. Jesus also I saw looking with sadness upon His heritage, saying. “Where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?” [Jeremiah 13:20.] Let us heed the words of warning given us. The great day of the Lord is upon us; it “cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinner thereof out of it.” [Isaiah 13:9.] Ezekiel 9. Let us consider these chapters. Zechariah 3. These are the things that are soon to be transacted and every soul needs to be preparing for these events.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 51, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 51, 1893, par. 14

Christ, the Chief Shepherd, is looking upon you with displeasure and is inquiring, “Where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?” [Jeremiah 13:20.] “Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” Acts 20:26-30. “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind.” [1 Peter 5:2.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 106a, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 106a, 1896, par. 9

Should I relate to you the heart-sickening confessions that have been made to me upon death beds of young men and young women, I could fill pages of letter paper. They have opened their hearts to me. They were pure, innocent, and without the knowledge of these evil practices, but men in whom they had confidence as religious teachers led them to this tree of knowledge and they ate of it, and the result was self-abuse. That body which was so fearfully and wonderfully made, to be preserved holy and maintained as a temple where the Holy Spirit could abide, was defiled, its purity gone. Who could be guilty of so great a crime? I asked. It was a professional shepherd of the flock, who should, as the Scriptures express it, “Feed my flock.” [John 21:16.] “Lift up your eyes, and behold them that come from the north: where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?” Jeremiah 13:20.

The Desire of Ages

Chapter 70—“The Least of These My Brethren”

DA 641.5

To every soul a trust is given. Of everyone the Chief Shepherd will demand, “Where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?” And “what wilt thou say when He shall punish thee?” Jeremiah 13:20, 21.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Ms 58, 1896

11LtMs, Ms 58, 1896, par. 29

In that day when the Chief Shepherd shall demand, “Where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?” “What wilt thou say when he shall punish thee?” Jeremiah 13:20, 21. “If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; if thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?” Proverbs 24:11, 12.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)

Ms 2, 1903

18LtMs, Ms 2, 1903, par. 12

To every soul a trust is given. Of every one the Chief Shepherd will demand, “Where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?” And “what wilt thou say when He shall punish thee?” [Jeremiah 13:20, 21.]

The Ministry of Healing

Prohibition

MH 346.3

“If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death,
And those that are ready to be slain;
If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not;
Doth not He that pondereth the heart consider it?
And He that keepeth thy soul, doth not He know it?”
And “what wilt thou say when He shall punish thee?” Proverbs 24:11, 12; Jeremiah 13:21.

Christ Triumphant

All May Become Conquerors Through Christ, July 19

CTr 207.1

Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil. Jeremiah 13:23.

Our High Calling

Habits and Character Building, August 26

OHC 244.2

Few realize the power of habit. Inspiration asks, “Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?” and adds, “then may ye also do good that are accustomed to do evil.” Jeremiah 13:23. This is a solemn assertion.... But there is comfort and courage in the reflection that if evil habits acquire such force that it seems almost impossible to turn in the right direction, the power of good habits is equally strong. The results of each day’s work, whether the tendency be to elevate us in the scale of moral worth or to push us downward toward perdition, are influenced by the days that have preceded it. Defeat today prepares the way for still greater defeat tomorrow; victory today ensures an easier victory tomorrow. Then how careful we should be to see that the habits and characters we are forming are correct and virtuous....

Steps to Christ

Chapter 3—Repentance

SC 31.1

If you see your sinfulness, do not wait to make yourself better. How many there are who think they are not good enough to come to Christ. Do you expect to become better through your own efforts? “Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.” Jeremiah 13:23. There is help for us only in God. We must not wait for stronger persuasions, for better opportunities, or for holier tempers. We can do nothing of ourselves. We must come to Christ just as we are.

The Faith I Live By

Come Just as You Are, May 7

FLB 133.1

Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil. Jeremiah 13:23.

There Is Help in God

There Is Help in God

PH105 7.2

Do not wait to make yourselves better. How many there are who think that they are not good enough to come to Christ! Do you expect to become better through your own efforts? “Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? Then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.” Jeremiah 13:23. But there is help for us in God. We are “prisoners of hope.” Zechariah 9:12. God has power in reserve for us. Those who are reaching out for help, exercising faith in Jesus, will receive it.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)

Lt 13, 1876

3LtMs, Lt 13, 1876, par. 10

M. E. C. has written me a confession of his crimes. He has in act broken the seventh commandment more than once. He writes very penitent and humble. “Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?” [Jeremiah 13:23.] I have not hope of this poor sinner. His wickedness is dyed in the wool, I think.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Ms 27, 1893

8LtMs, Ms 27, 1893, par. 12

We see the importance of overcoming appetite. Christ overcame, and we may obtain the victory as Christ did. He passed over the ground and there is victory for man. What has He done for the human family? He has elevated man in the scale of moral value. We may become conquerors through our Sufficiency. There is hope for the most hopeless, in Christ. “Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil.” [Jeremiah 13:23.] “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” [Isaiah 1:18.] There we have the rich promises of God. What did Christ come here for? To represent the Father. What a heart of love and sympathy! He came to bring eternal life, to break every bond. When God gave His Son, He gave all heaven. He could give no more.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Ms 48, 1894

9LtMs, Ms 48, 1894, par. 20

Brethren and sisters, carry a solemn weight today. God is on the campground, Jesus is on the campground. He is observing all outward works and the inward sanctuary of the soul. We do want to see the children enjoying the love of God, enjoying the service of God. We want to hear their happy voices telling what Christ has done for them. We do not want them merely to have a profession. We want them to have an inward work of grace in their hearts. And now I do beseech of you, make this a day such as you have never had before in your life, a day of consecration, a day when your sins shall be confessed together and forsaken forever through Jesus Christ. He will give you help if you will come to Him sinful and polluted; He will take you; He will wash you; He will cleanse you. The question is asked, “Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?” [Jeremiah 13:23.] It is an impossibility. He never can do it, and the sinner can never change. It is God, it is Jesus Christ, that can take away the stained and the spotted character.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 179, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 179, 1898, par. 10

The question is asked, “Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?” “Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean?” [Jeremiah 13:23; Job 14:4.] Your only help is in humbling your soul before God. There is no help for you until you give up your will and your way to God’s will and God’s way. You cannot run in your way on this school ground, because you are not in harmony with God’s will and God’s way. You will see something to oppose, something wherein you can press in objections and hinder greatly and bring discouragement, making your unbelief produce needless difficulties.