EGW WritingsLuke 18
Ellen G. White · Page 1 of 2
Read Luke 18 in the BibleLuke 18:1-8
Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 14—“Shall Not God Avenge His Own?”
COL 164.1
Christ had been speaking of the period just before His second coming, and of the perils through which His followers must pass. With special reference to that time He related the parable “to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.”COL 164.2
“There was in a city,” He said, “a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man; and there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily.”COL 164.3
The judge who is here pictured had no regard for right, nor pity for suffering. The widow who pressed her case before him was persistently repulsed. Again and again she came to him, only to be treated with contempt, and to be driven from the judgment seat. The judge knew that her cause was righteous, and he could have relieved her at once, but he would not. He wanted to show his arbitrary power, and it gratified him to let her ask and plead and entreat in vain. But she would not fail nor become discouraged. Notwithstanding his indifference and hardheartedness, she pressed her petition until the judge consented to attend to her case. “Though I fear not God, nor regard man,” he said, “yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.” To save his reputation, to avoid giving publicity to his partial, one-sided judgment, he avenged the persevering woman.COL 165.1
“And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though He bear long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily.” Christ here draws a sharp contrast between the unjust judge and God. The judge yielded to the widow’s request merely through selfishness, that he might be relieved of her importunity. He felt for her no pity or compassion; her misery was nothing to him. How different is the attitude of God toward those who seek Him. The appeals of the needy and distressed are considered by Him with infinite compassion.COL 165.2
The woman who entreated the judge for justice had lost her husband by death. Poor and friendless, she had no means of retrieving her ruined fortunes. So by sin, man lost his connection with God. Of himself he has no means of salvation. But in Christ we are brought nigh unto the Father. The elect of God are dear to His heart. They are those whom He has called out of darkness into His marvelous light, to show forth His praise, to shine as lights amid the darkness of the world. The unjust judge had no special interest in the widow who importuned him for deliverance; yet in order to rid himself of her pitiful appeals, he heard her plea, and delivered her from her adversary. But God loves His children with infinite love. To Him the dearest object on earth is His church.COL 166.1
“For the Lord’s portion is His people; Jacob is the lot of His inheritance. He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; He led him about, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye.” Deuteronomy 32:9, 10. “For thus saith the Lord of hosts: After the glory hath He sent me unto the nations which spoiled you; for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of His eye.” Zechariah 2:8.COL 166.2
The widow’s prayer, “Avenge me”—“do me justice” (R.V.)—“of mine adversary,” represents the prayer of God’s children. Satan is their great adversary. He is the “accuser of our brethren,” who accuses them before God day and night. (Revelation 12:10.) He is continually working to misrepresent and accuse, to deceive and destroy the people of God. And it is for deliverance from the power of Satan and his agents that in this parable Christ teaches His disciples to pray.COL 166.3
In the prophecy of Zechariah is brought to view Satan’s accusing work, and the work of Christ in resisting the adversary of His people. The prophet says, “He showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.” Zechariah 3:1-3.COL 166.4
The people of God are here represented as a criminal on trial. Joshua, as high priest, is seeking for a blessing for his people, who are in great affliction. While he is pleading before God, Satan is standing at his right hand as his adversary. He is accusing the children of God, and making their case appear as desperate as possible. He presents before the Lord their evil doings and their defects. He shows their faults and failures, hoping they will appear of such a character in the eyes of Christ that He will render them no help in their great need. Joshua, as the representative of God’s people, stands under condemnation, clothed with filthy garments. Aware of the sins of his people, he is weighed down with discouragement. Satan is pressing upon his soul a sense of guiltiness that makes him feel almost hopeless. Yet there he stands as a suppliant, with Satan arrayed against him.COL 167.1
The work of Satan as an accuser began in heaven. This has been his work on earth ever since man’s fall, and it will be his work in a special sense as we approach nearer to the close of this world’s history. As he sees that his time is short, he will work with greater earnestness to deceive and destroy. He is angry when he sees a people on the earth who, even in their weakness and sinfulness, have respect to the law of Jehovah. He is determined that they shall not obey God. He delights in their unworthiness, and has devices prepared for every soul, that all may be ensnared and separated from God. He seeks to accuse and condemn God and all who strive to carry out His purposes in this world in mercy and love, in compassion and forgiveness.COL 168.1
Every manifestation of God’s power for His people arouses the enmity of Satan. Every time God works in their behalf, Satan with his angels works with renewed vigor to compass their ruin. He is jealous of all who make Christ their strength. His object is to instigate evil, and when he has succeeded, throw all the blame upon the tempted ones. He points to their filthy garments, their defective characters. He presents their weakness and folly, their sins of ingratitude, their unlikeness to Christ, which have dishonored their Redeemer. All this he urges as an argument proving his right to work his will in their destruction. He endeavors to affright their souls with the thought that their case is hopeless, that the stain of their defilement can never be washed away. He hopes so to destroy their faith that they will yield fully to his temptations, and turn from their allegiance to God.COL 168.2
The Lord’s people cannot of themselves answer the charges of Satan. As they look to themselves they are ready to despair. But they appeal to the divine Advocate. They plead the merits of the Redeemer. God can be “just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Romans 3:26. With confidence the Lord’s children cry unto Him to silence the accusations of Satan, and bring to naught his devices. “Do me justice of mine adversary,” they pray; and with the mighty argument of the cross, Christ silences the bold accuser.COL 169.1
“The Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan, even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?” When Satan seeks to cover the people of God with blackness, and ruin them, Christ interposes. Although they have sinned, Christ has taken the guilt of their sins upon His own soul. He has snatched the race as a brand from the fire. By His human nature He is linked with man, while through His divine nature He is one with the infinite God. Help is brought within the reach of perishing souls. The adversary is rebuked.COL 169.2
“Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel: and he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment. And I said, Let them set a fair miter upon his head. So they set a fair miter upon his head, and clothed him with garments.” Then with the authority of the Lord of hosts the angel made a solemn pledge to Joshua, the representative of God’s people: “If thou wilt walk in My ways, and if thou wilt keep My charge, then thou shalt also judge My house, and shalt also keep My courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by”—even among the angels that surround the throne of God. (Zechariah 3:3-7.)COL 169.3
Notwithstanding the defects of the people of God, Christ does not turn away from the objects of His care. He has the power to change their raiment. He removes the filthy garments, He places upon the repenting, believing ones His own robe of righteousness, and writes pardon against their names on the records of heaven. He confesses them as His before the heavenly universe. Satan their adversary is shown to be an accuser and deceiver. God will do justice for His own elect.COL 170.1
The prayer, “Do me justice of mine adversary,” applies not only to Satan, but to the agencies whom he instigates to misrepresent, to tempt, and to destroy the people of God. Those who have decided to obey the commandments of God will understand by experience that they have adversaries who are controlled by a power from beneath. Such adversaries beset Christ at every step, how constantly and determinedly no human being can ever know. Christ’s disciples, like their Master, are followed by continual temptation.COL 170.2
The Scriptures describe the condition of the world just before Christ’s second coming. James the apostle pictures the greed and oppression that will prevail. He says, “Go to now, ye rich men, ... ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton. Ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.” James 5:1-6. This is a picture of what exists today. By every species of oppression and extortion, men are piling up colossal fortunes, while the cries of starving humanity are coming up before God.COL 170.3
“Judgment is turned away backward, and justice standeth afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and equity cannot enter. Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey.” Isaiah 59:14, 15. This was fulfilled in the life of Christ on earth. He was loyal to God’s commandments, setting aside the human traditions and requirements which had been exalted in their place. Because of this He was hated and persecuted. This history is repeated. The laws and traditions of men are exalted above the law of God, and those who are true to God’s commandments suffer reproach and persecution. Christ, because of His faithfulness to God, was accused as a Sabbathbreaker and blasphemer. He was declared to be possessed of a devil, and was denounced as Beelzebub. In like manner His followers are accused and misrepresented. Thus Satan hopes to lead them to sin, and cast dishonor upon God.COL 171.1
The character of the judge in the parable, who feared not God nor regarded man, was presented by Christ to show the kind of judgment that was then being executed, and that would soon be witnessed at His trial. He desires His people in all time to realize how little dependence can be placed on earthly rulers or judges in the day of adversity. Often the elect people of God have to stand before men in official positions who do not make the word of God their guide and counselor, but who follow their own unconsecrated, undisciplined impulses.COL 171.2
In the parable of the unjust judge, Christ has shown what we should do. “Shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him?” Christ, our example, did nothing to vindicate or deliver Himself. He committed His case to God. So His followers are not to accuse or condemn, or to resort to force in order to deliver themselves.COL 171.3
When trials arise that seem unexplainable, we should not allow our peace to be spoiled. However unjustly we may be treated, let not passion arise. By indulging a spirit of retaliation we injure ourselves. We destroy our own confidence in God, and grieve the Holy Spirit. There is by our side a witness, a heavenly messenger, who will lift up for us a standard against the enemy. He will shut us in with the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. Beyond this Satan cannot penetrate. He cannot pass this shield of holy light.COL 172.1
While the world is progressing in wickedness, none of us need flatter ourselves that we shall have no difficulties. But it is these very difficulties that bring us into the audience chamber of the Most High. We may seek counsel of One who is infinite in wisdom.COL 172.2
The Lord says, “Call upon Me in the day of trouble.” Psalm 50:15. He invites us to present to Him our perplexities and necessities, and our need of divine help. He bids us be instant in prayer. As soon as difficulties arise, we are to offer to Him our sincere, earnest petitions. By our importunate prayers we give evidence of our strong confidence in God. The sense of our need leads us to pray earnestly, and our heavenly Father is moved by our supplications.COL 172.3
Often those who suffer reproach or persecution for their faith are tempted to think themselves forsaken by God. In the eyes of men they are in the minority. To all appearance their enemies triumph over them. But let them not violate their conscience. He who has suffered in their behalf, and has borne their sorrows and afflictions, has not forsaken them.COL 172.4
The children of God are not left alone and defenseless. Prayer moves the arm of Omnipotence. Prayer has “subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire”—we shall know what it means when we hear the reports of the martyrs who died for their faith—“turneth to flight the armies of the aliens.” Hebrews 11:33, 34.COL 173.1
If we surrender our lives to His service, we can never be placed in a position for which God has not made provision. Whatever may be our situation, we have a Guide to direct our way; whatever our perplexities, we have a sure Counselor; whatever our sorrow, bereavement, or loneliness, we have a sympathizing Friend. If in our ignorance we make missteps, Christ does not leave us. His voice, clear and distinct, is heard saying, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” John 14:6. “He shall deliver the needy when he crieth; the poor also, and him that hath no helper.” Psalm 72:12.COL 173.2
The Lord declares that He will be honored by those who draw nigh to Him, who faithfully do His service. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee.” Isaiah 26:3. The arm of Omnipotence is outstretched to lead us onward and still onward. Go forward, the Lord says; I will send you help. It is for My name’s glory that you ask, and you shall receive. I will be honored before those who are watching for your failure. They shall see My word triumph gloriously. “All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Matthew 21:22.COL 174.1
Let all who are afflicted or unjustly used, cry to God. Turn away from those whose hearts are as steel, and make your requests known to your Maker. Never is one repulsed who comes to Him with a contrite heart. Not one sincere prayer is lost. Amid the anthems of the celestial choir, God hears the cries of the weakest human being. We pour out our heart’s desire in our closets, we breathe a prayer as we walk by the way, and our words reach the throne of the Monarch of the universe. They may be inaudible to any human ear, but they cannot die away into silence, nor can they be lost through the activities of business that are going on. Nothing can drown the soul’s desire. It rises above the din of the street, above the confusion of the multitude, to the heavenly courts. It is God to whom we are speaking, and our prayer is heard.COL 174.2
You who feel the most unworthy, fear not to commit your case to God. When He gave Himself in Christ for the sin of the world, He undertook the case of every soul. “He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32. Will He not fulfill the gracious word given for our encouragement and strength?COL 174.3
Christ desires nothing so much as to redeem His heritage from the dominion of Satan. But before we are delivered from Satan’s power without, we must be delivered from his power within. The Lord permits trials in order that we may be cleansed from earthliness, from selfishness, from harsh, unchristlike traits of character. He suffers the deep waters of affliction to go over our souls in order that we may know Him and Jesus Christ whom He has sent, in order that we may have deep heart longings to be cleansed from defilement, and may come forth from the trial purer, holier, happier. Often we enter the furnace of trial with our souls darkened with selfishness; but if patient under the crucial test, we shall come forth reflecting the divine character. When His purpose in the affliction is accomplished, “He shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.” Psalm 37:6.COL 175.1
There is no danger that the Lord will neglect the prayers of His people. The danger is that in temptation and trial they will become discouraged, and fail to persevere in prayer.COL 175.2
The Saviour manifested divine compassion toward the Syrophenician woman. His heart was touched as He saw her grief. He longed to give her an immediate assurance that her prayer was heard; but He desired to teach His disciples a lesson, and for a time He seemed to neglect the cry of her tortured heart. When her faith had been made manifest, He spoke to her words of commendation and sent her away with the precious boon she had asked. The disciples never forgot this lesson, and it is placed on record to show the result of persevering prayer.COL 175.3
It was Christ Himself who put into that mother’s heart the persistence which would not be repulsed. It was Christ who gave the pleading widow courage and determination before the judge. It was Christ who, centuries before, in the mysterious conflict by the Jabbok, had inspired Jacob with the same persevering faith. And the confidence which He Himself had implanted, He did not fail to reward.COL 176.1
He who dwells in the heavenly sanctuary judges righteously. His pleasure is more in His people, struggling with temptation in a world of sin, than in the host of angels that surround His throne.COL 176.2
In this speck of a world the whole heavenly universe manifests the greatest interest, for Christ has paid an infinite price for the souls of its inhabitants. The world’s Redeemer has bound earth to heaven by ties of intelligence, for the redeemed of the Lord are here. Heavenly beings still visit the earth as in the days when they walked and talked with Abraham and with Moses. Amid the busy activity of our great cities, amid the multitudes that crowd the thoroughfares and fill the marts of trade where from morning till evening the people act as if business and sport and pleasure were all there is to life, where there are so few to contemplate unseen realities—even here heaven has still its watchers and its holy ones. There are invisible agencies observing every word and deed of human beings. In every assembly for business or pleasure, in every gathering for worship, there are more listeners than can be seen with the natural sight. Sometimes the heavenly intelligences draw aside the curtain which hides the unseen world that our thoughts may be withdrawn from the hurry and rush of life to consider that there are unseen witnesses to all we do or say.COL 176.3
We need to understand better than we do the mission of the angel visitants. It would be well to consider that in all our work we have the co-operation and care of heavenly beings. Invisible armies of light and power attend the meek and lowly ones who believe and claim the promises of God. Cherubim and seraphim and angels that excel in strength—ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands—stand at His right hand, “all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation.” Hebrews 1:14.COL 177.1
By these angel messengers a faithful record is kept of the words and deeds of the children of men. Every act of cruelty or injustice toward God’s people, all they are caused to suffer through the power of evil workers, is registered in heaven.COL 177.2
“Shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily.”COL 177.3
“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” Hebrews 10:35-37. “Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” James 5:7, 8.COL 177.4
The long-suffering of God is wonderful. Long does justice wait while mercy pleads with the sinner. But “righteousness and judgment are the establishment of His throne.” Psalm 97:2, margin. “The Lord is slow to anger;” but He is “great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the Lord hath His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet.” Nahum 1:3.COL 177.5
The world has become bold in transgression of God’s law. Because of His long forbearance, men have trampled upon His authority. They have strengthened one another in oppression and cruelty toward His heritage, saying, “How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the Most High?” Psalm 73:11. But there is a line beyond which they cannot pass. The time is near when they will have reached the prescribed limit. Even now they have almost exceeded the bounds of the long-suffering of God, the limits of His grace, the limits of His mercy. The Lord will interpose to vindicate His own honor, to deliver His people, and to repress the swellings of unrighteousness.COL 178.1
In Noah’s day, men had disregarded the law of God until almost all remembrance of the Creator had passed away from the earth. Their iniquity reached so great a height that the Lord brought a flood of waters upon the earth, and swept away its wicked inhabitants.COL 178.2
From age to age the Lord has made known the manner of His working. When a crisis has come, He has revealed Himself, and has interposed to hinder the working out of Satan’s plans. With nations, with families, and with individuals, He has often permitted matters to come to a crisis, that His interference might become marked. Then He has made manifest that there is a God in Israel who will maintain His law and vindicate His people.COL 178.3
In this time of prevailing iniquity we may know that the last great crisis is at hand. When the defiance of God’s law is almost universal, when His people are oppressed and afflicted by their fellow men, the Lord will interpose.COL 178.4
The time is near when He will say, “Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the Lord cometh out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity; the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.” Isaiah 26:20, 21. Men who claim to be Christians may now defraud and oppress the poor; they may rob the widow and fatherless; they may indulge their Satanic hatred because they cannot control the consciences of God’s people; but for all this God will bring them into judgment. They “shall have judgment without mercy” that have “showed no mercy.” (James 2:13.) Not long hence they will stand before the Judge of all the earth, to render an account for the pain they have caused to the bodies and souls of His heritage. They may now indulge in false accusations, they may deride those whom God has appointed to do His work, they may consign His believing ones to prison, to the chain gang, to banishment, to death; but for every pang of anguish, every tear shed, they must answer. God will reward them double for their sins. Concerning Babylon, the symbol of the apostate church, He says to His ministers of judgment, “Her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities. Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.” Revelation 18:5, 6.COL 179.1
From India, from Africa, from China, from the islands of the sea, from the downtrodden millions of so-called Christian lands, the cry of human woe is ascending to God. That cry will not long be unanswered. God will cleanse the earth from its moral corruption, not by a sea of water as in Noah’s day, but by a sea of fire that cannot be quenched by any human devising.COL 179.2
“There shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time; and at that time Thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” Daniel 12:1.COL 179.3
From garrets, from hovels, from dungeons, from scaffolds, from mountains and deserts, from the caves of the earth and the caverns of the sea, Christ will gather His children to Himself. On earth they have been destitute, afflicted, and tormented. Millions have gone down to the grave loaded with infamy because they refused to yield to the deceptive claims of Satan. By human tribunals the children of God have been adjudged the vilest criminals. But the day is near when “God is judge Himself.” (Psalm 50:6). Then the decisions of earth shall be reversed. “The rebuke of His people shall He take away.” Isaiah 25:8. White robes will be given to every one of them. (Revelation 6:11.) And “they shall call them the holy people, the redeemed of the Lord.” Isaiah 62:12.COL 180.1
Whatever crosses they have been called to bear, whatever losses they have sustained, whatever persecution they have suffered, even to the loss of their temporal life, the children of God are amply recompensed. “They shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads.” Revelation 22:4.From the Heart
The Unjust Judge, April 29
FH 131.1
Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. Luke 18:4, 5. (Read Luke 18:1-8.)Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 33, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 33, 1898, par. 2
In His parables our Lord drew illustrations of divine truth from common practices. “He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: and there was a widow in that city: and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterwards he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man, yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily.” [Luke 18:1-8.]13LtMs, Ms 33, 1898, par. 6
He could have relieved her, but he would not. He could have restrained wrong, and his position before God required him to do this; but it was not in harmony with his hardhearted determination to let the widow ask, and seek, and knock in vain. He wrapped his garments of selfishness about him, and let the pleading ones plead in vain. When he saw that he was revealing his true character, when his position was made uncomfortable by some who pitied the widow, he listened to her. “Though I fear not God, nor regard man; yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.” [Verses 4, 5.] He himself was his god, and to save his reputation, to avoid giving further publicity to his partial, one-sided judgment, he avenged the persevering woman.13LtMs, Ms 33, 1898, par. 13
“And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night to him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily.” [Luke 18:6-8.] Christ here draws a sharp contrast between the unjust judge and God. The judge yielded to the widow’s request merely through selfishness, that he might be relieved of her importunity. How different is God’s attitude in regard to prayer. Our heavenly Father may not seem to respond immediately to the prayers and appeals of His people; but He never turns away from them indifferently.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Ms 72, 1898
13LtMs, Ms 72, 1898, par. 1
“And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: and there was a widow in that city: and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while, but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily.” [Luke 18:1-8.]13LtMs, Ms 72, 1898, par. 4
“Wash you, make you clean: put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” [Isaiah 1:16, 17.] “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this: To visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” [James 1:27.] The widow and the fatherless are the objects of the Lord’s special care, and those who in any way rob them of the means they should have, those who regard their wants with indifference, will be dealt with by the Judge of all the earth. Men cannot receive God’s favor while they are unfeeling and selfish. The Lord will test His people as individuals. He will not suffer His heritage to be oppressed. Shall He not avenge His own elect, “which cry day and night unto him? ... I tell you that he will avenge them speedily.” [Luke 18:7, 8.]Luke 18:1-43
Spiritual Gifts, vol. 3
Spiritual Gifts
3SG 23.4
2. The calling on the name of the Lord, and the deliverance of the remnant, spoken of in close relation to the great day of the Lord, evidently refer to the closing scenes of the history of the church in this mortal state. The oppressed people of God are yet to raise to heaven one united day and night cry for deliverance. Luke 18. This is symbolized by the message of prayer of the fourth angel of Revelation 14:15. And in answer to this prayer, the remnant which keepthe commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus, will find deliverance.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 40, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 40, 1897, par. 15
The four apostles Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, all bear record that Jew and Gentile, rulers, kings, and governors, priests and people, all classes and tongues, were represented in rejecting and crucifying Christ, the Son of God, a man who was innocent, and against whom they could find no proof. The synagogue of Satan, the prince of darkness and his evil agents, united in a desperate companionship with disloyal, evil men. They resolved to put the whole power of their corrupt energies to work to put out of the world the light of truth.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)
Lt 53, 1900
15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 4
In our Bible, we might ask, Why need Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in the Gospels, why need the Acts of the Apostles, and the variety of writers in the Epistles, go over the same thing?15LtMs, Lt 53, 1900, par. 6
We are not to feel that we must speak the very same things, giving the same representation in the same words, and yet there is to be unity in the diversity. All the different testimonies unite to form one whole, as the books of the Bible are brought together, and bound under one cover. But should Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John go off on some tangent, contradicting each other’s testimony, then there would be confusion. In the presentation of truth by different minds, there is to be unity in diversity.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 40, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 40, 1903, par. 2
At that time it was customary for a writer to send his manuscript to some one for examination and criticism. Luke chose Theophilus, as a man in whom he had confidence, to perform this important work. He first directs the attention of Theophilus to the record of Christ’s life as given in the book of Luke which had also been addressed by the same writer to Theophilus. He says:Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 91, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 91, 1903, par. 15
Why do we need a Matthew, a Mark, a Luke, a John, a Paul, and all these other writers who have borne their testimony in regard to the life of the Saviour during His earthly ministry? Why could not one of the disciples have written a complete record, and thus have given us a connected account of Christ’s life and work? The Gospels differ. One writer brings in points that another does not bring in. If these points are essential, why did not all these writers mention them? It is because the minds of men differ and do not comprehend all things in exactly the same way. Some Scripture truths appeal much more strongly to the minds of certain persons than to others; some points appear to be much more important to some than to others. The same principle applies to speakers. Some speakers dwell at considerable length on points that others would pass by quickly or not mention at all. Thus the whole truth is presented more clearly by several than by one. In the Gospels the records blend in one harmonious whole.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 24 (1909)
Ms 123, 1909
Buffalo, New York
July 17, 1909
Previously unpublished.
24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 1
Luke 17:19—“... faith hath made thee whole.” We need to encourage faith. We need the simplicity that Christ has encouraged us to have all the representations that He has given us, to have a large increase of faith, and that faith growing continually. We are not safe Christians unless we exercise that faith in Jesus Christ that we may exercise when we can read His words in the Scriptures.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 2
“They are not found that returned to give glory to God ... faith hath made thee whole.” Luke 17:18, 19. How many of us have been learning since we believed that Christ had forgiven our sins? How many, I ask you, have been in a position to be impressed by what they see, to be impressed by what they hear? God wants us to have impressive hearts. He wants us to be in a position that He can make an impression on the human heart.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 3
“He said unto him, Arise, go thy way, thy faith hath made thee whole.” [Verse 19.] Will we not encourage that faith that takes hold of the promise of God, and then the reality will come to us?24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 4
Verses 20-27. “When He was demanded of the Pharisees ... the flood came.” Now there had been warnings given there for many years, yet they had not turned to the Lord. Some few did take hold at first, but others mocked them out of it.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 5
Verses 27-37. “Until the day that Noah entered into the ark ... Lot ... shall it be in the days ... eagles be gathered.”24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 6
Luke 18:1. Now we see that representations are given by our Lord. “And he spake a parable unto them to this end ... faint.” I am astonished when I find men and women, but especially men in responsible positions, and yet they do not offer a vocal prayer with the care and burdens that come upon them, they do not offer a vocal prayer, and my heart aches.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 7
Last night I felt such a burden to think of souls that ought to stand under the responsibilities that they bear, seeking their counsel from God every day, morning, noon, and night,—they won’t get any too much.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 8
“And he spake a parable unto them to this end ... not to faint.” Luke 18:1. Don’t you think we ought to see the many souls converted that we do not see today? If we could only see the interest with which heaven is looking upon the whole scene, we would see that those that are seeking to be righteous have special help. They will ask, and God says He will hear them and answer them. Now, just as many as will humble their hearts before God, and commit the keeping of their souls to God, may not realize at the moment all they would like to, but when they are in peril, Jesus delivers them, and He finds a way out for them. It is the praying souls that are under the special care of God.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 9
Verses 2-5. “Saying, There was in a city a judge, ... she weary me.” Now he would be advantaged in that respect.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 10
Verses 6-8. What a question. The faith will be so filled with objectionable traits that the Lord cannot do anything with them. But there is no need of it. We have a “Thus saith the Lord,” and we can take right hold of this “Thus saith the Lord.”24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 11
Verses 9-14. “Abased.” Will we take that to heart? “And he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Then let us humble ourselves so much that we learn our lessons of the great Teacher, and be so glad of the privilege of learning right out of this very book that I am speaking from.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 12
Verse 15. The mothers had been gathering these children and preparing them for quite a little journey to go and find Christ, that they might receive the blessing that would help them to teach them that Christ had laid His hands upon them and blessed them, and it would be such a help. Therefore she wanted to go and her neighbors united with her, and they accompanied her, and they came with their children. “But when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.” verse 16.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 13
I have known little children that have come and asked that I would pray for them. Certainly I will, said I. Well, they never forgot it all their lives.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 14
Verses 17-24. You see, there was a large crowd around Him, and He must give these lessons. They might assent to things that are good and righteous, but when it comes to the battle to deny self, it is a very hard thing for some.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 15
Verses 25-27. He sees the intention. He sees the heart surrender, and as soon as He sees the heart surrender, then He gives the help; He gives the power of the overcomer, so that he shall not miss of heaven.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 16
Verses 26-27. It is God that makes the impression. It is the Lord that impresses. Therefore, when the preaching is going on, we do not know how many hearts are being affected so that sermon will do them good afterward, but we must do our best to present before all the dangers, and the invitations, and the helpfulness that is offered to every one that enters into the strife to become an overcomer. Verses 26-27. He sees the earnestness, He knows the sincerity of every soul, and He places advantages in their way, that they can take hold of these advantages at a time when they need that help.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 17
Verses 28-33. He held out hope that they might entertain, and it seems that they had almost all of them forgotten that.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 18
Luke 18:34—19:5. Now here was one that could read and understand the great desires of the people, that they might know Him. Verses 6-9. O, what words of comfort and encouragement this was to those who heard it.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 19
Verse 10. Will you remember the mission? That is His pass into our world. He left the royal courts, and by the will of His Father He came in our world as a little child. But did He leave His divinity behind Him? No, indeed. He took His divinity with Him. Humanity and divinity combined, to give the lesson to every human being upon the face of the earth that if they would in their humanity have faith in the divinity of Jesus Christ that humanity may overcome all the besetments of the evil that there is in the world, through grasping a living faith in the divinity of Jesus Christ. Thus they could be overcomers by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. That is a great victory.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 20
Verses 10-16. Thank the Lord for that testimony, because it is possible. It is possible for humanity to grasp divinity, and when humanity lays holds upon divinity, then the power that comes with that divinity will help every living soul out of their tempers, out of their disposition, out of their unbelief. God wants us to understand that it is a battle that we are in.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 21
Verses 16-23, 24-37. They were repeating the good works of healing, they were repeating the raising of the dead, and they were repeating all the works that they could remind themselves of, and here a great blessing was coming from their lips. Verses 38, 39. Now the lesson: verse 40. Why? Prophecy must be fulfilled.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 22
Verses 41-44. Their only hope was in Christ, but they would not receive Him.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 23
Verses 45, 46. Robbery in all the offerings that were being presented, it was robbery that they were carrying out.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 24
Verses 47, 48. Now we can understand that there is always a party that is continually working against the sacred truth that should be maintained. And unless we are wide awake, and see what a work is being done in our world, we shall find that we are overtaken, and that we have lost our chance of eternal life. Now you cannot afford it, not one of you. Self-denial is to be practiced by everyone that shall accept of Jesus Christ. Who was he? The Son of the living God. He laid aside His royal robe. He laid aside His royal crown, and He clothed His divinity with humanity, that humanity may grasp humanity, and that divinity might be grasped by humanity in the living faith of Jesus Christ, that He is their Saviour. We want every one of us to be in a position that we shall understand that we must work out our faith with fear and trembling.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 25
There is a work to be done in our world. When I saw this city—I have seen it before, but a long time ago—but I felt just as I felt when I have seen the cities. When after my husband had finished his course, and through excessive labor he was borne to the grave, the last words that I caught from him—he could not articulate—Husband, shall I take a work in connection with our sons, shall I carry it on just as you and I have done, for the foreign countries, shall I do it? He nodded. Again I asked him, and he gave me the same motion.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 26
Now I have taken that right up. I have taken it right up. When I could have my children with me to help me carry the work I was very glad. If not, then I would take it with an attendant that I have had that is with me now, and has been with me for the last thirty years to look after me, which she has done faithfully. Then I would enter the places, and I would speak to the people in Europe; I would speak to them in France; I would speak to them then when I went to Australia. There were battles to fight, I can assure you, and it is impossible to describe anything about it. But I want to say when the Lord sees that we are willing to work, He will give us the power to work. The Lord God of heaven is not unreasonable.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 27
I thought I could not come on this journey. I thought it was an impossibility for me to leave St. Helena, and all my writings that I had to manage there. But when I came to the General Conference, there was a power from on high that came upon me, and I no more held my peace. There it was, before that immense crowd, coming from all parts of the world, and all nationalities, and God gave His message to me to bear to that large crowd of people. Ever since that time I have been at work. And before that my son said, You need go now only to just one place, and I went to fourteen before I got to the meeting.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 28
Now, I want to say there are some that I was talking to, but not today. I want to tell you. I want to see the converting power, that every one that reads their Bibles may understand what day God has sanctified. When you read your Bibles on your bended knees, you will see that God has sanctified the seventh day, the Sabbath day, and He wants every one of us to be obedient. Now I tell you to search the Scriptures lest you be left out with those that have darkened their minds, and you cannot afford it. We want life, an eternal life that measures with the life of God. O I know that He will give to every one of you that seek it that blessed assurance that it shall be yours. If you will follow on to know the Lord, you shall know that His going forth is prepared as the morning.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 29
Well, you know how the preparation of the morning is. We need not describe it. But I want to tell you there is a heaven to win and I want to know how many of you will make a decided movement for eternal life. I want to know how many will consider that our God calls upon them to make a decided movement, else He cannot help you. Who, I ask you, will be determined that you will give yourselves to Him?24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 30
At every step I have felt that I had to exercise faith and go in feebleness, but when I stood before the people, I could talk to the people and my voice could reach any number. I want to tell you that there is a living God. He wants every soul to have a crown of immortality placed upon his brow. He wants to see His image in you. He wants to see you about His throne. He wants to place a crown of glory upon your brow. He wants to place a harp in your hand, and He wants to throw open the golden gates of the city of God, and welcome every one in that will show that they will keep His commandments here, that they will do His will here in this life.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 31
It means something to us whether we are obedient or disobedient. I have more to say on this subject, but I want right here to ask you, Who of you will make a decided movement right here? Who will give themselves to the Bible? I do not ask you to believe anything that is not in that. I ask you to believe the Word of Jesus Christ who laid off His royal robe, who laid off His kingly crown, who clothed His divinity with humanity, and walked on foot to give His lessons to the people that would accumulate and accumulate. There they were, and He teaching them. They were hungry, and He knew it.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 32
Now He says, This people are hungry, and they must have something to eat. Well, we have got nothing but a few loaves and fishes. How can they feed such a multitude? Well, here is a grassy spot, bid them sit down. And there they were seated on that beautiful grass ground, and then He broke up the food in small pieces, and passed them, through His disciples, to the multitude. Now they had enough, and He said, Gather up the fragments, that nothing be lost. How much did they gather? Why, on one occasion it was seven baskets full, and on another occasion it was twelve. Here you can see what Christ can do for us. Why don’t we have more faith in Him? That is the question?24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 33
There will be every sort of error started that will want to break up into parties, and all this, but we have to look to the Ruler. We have to look to Jesus Christ the mighty One. There is life, everlasting life in the kingdom of glory for the overcomer. What more could God offer to you? He will help you in all your wrestling, in all your trials; you can lay it right before Him. I have had to do so in my case on this journey, when it seemed to me I could not stand before the public. But as soon as I was upon my feet, there seemed to be a power upon me, that I could not keep my voice, it had to go to the people. And thus I worked all through that conference. The Lord was with me in that immense conference.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 34
I have faith in God. I have faith in His Word, and I want every one that wants to have eternal life, I want you to believe in Jesus Christ, the One that can do all things for you. He can minister. He can teach. He can guide them into truth, and let us work for the Master.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 35
Who is it will take up the work? I have it. I cannot let go of it. I shall work perhaps till I am taken right in the desk. I shall be 82 years old next November, and I want to say, I love Jesus. There is nothing too hard for me to do for the Master. I love Him, and I want to bring souls to Him, remembering that there was a time then that cup of agony was trembling in His hands just before His crucifixion. The idea of sin being upon Him, and separating Him from His Father, it was such that He felt He could not endure it, and the bloody sweat came from His brows, and moistened the sod of Gethsemane. And this is what my Saviour suffered, that humanity might grasp divinity, and that we through the power of divinity might be overcomers by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 36
Who of you will accept of Christ, and give your life to Him as you never have done before? Who will search the Scriptures to see what is truth? Who will seek all the comfort and encouragement that Christ has given, and I have mentioned only a few items. Who will do so? Let them rise right up. (Congregation rises.) Thank God.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 37
(Praying:) Heavenly Father, we come to Thee at this time, and present to Thee the covenant that has been made by this people, that they will seek the Lord with all their hearts, that they may find Him. Let Thy blessing come to this people, I pray Thee. Let Thy great grace be upon them. Sweep back every mist and every cloud of darkness, and let the sunlight of Thy glory into their souls, that they may keep this pledge that they have made to thee in standing upon their feet today.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 38
Thou knowest the hearts of every one. Thou art acquainted with every sorrow. Thou knowest how to heal the broken-hearted. Thou knowest how to set the captives free from the power of Satan. Thou knowest just what to do to break every yoke, that they may seek the Lord, that the angels of God may go with those and accompany them when they shall leave this house. And Thou, heavenly Father, Thou canst give them force and power and healing of soul. Thou canst disappoint the enemy. Thou canst let Thy light shine into the chambers of the mind and into the soul temple. Thou canst take the afflicted ones. Thou canst heal them, and thou canst give peace and quietude to the disturbed minds.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 39
I come to Thee, my Saviour, and I ask Thee that Thou wouldest give that help that humanity may recognize divinity through Jesus Christ and grasp that divinity, that they may work the good warfare, that they may press the battle to the gates, and the city of God, the gates be thrown back upon their glittering hinges, and the nations that have kept the truth shall enter in.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 40
We want heaven. We want life, eternal life in the kingdom of glory. Let Thy blessing rest upon this people. Give comfort to the desponding. Lift up the hearts of the despairing, and may they see the Saviour in Jesus Christ, that humanity may grasp divinity, and that the glory of God may be revealed. A little nearer, Lord. A little nearer to this people. Comfort their hearts. Let them see where their hope is. It is to believe every word that has proceeded from the lips of Jesus Christ, and then be obedient to all His requirements.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 41
O my Saviour, I praise Thee with heart and soul and voice. I thank Thee, my Saviour that thou canst impress these minds. Let them leave this meeting with the deep impression of the Holy Spirit of God. May they see such light in Thy light that they will not trample Thy commandments any more.24LtMs, Ms 123, 1909, par. 42
Jesus, we love Thee. We see in Thee matchless charms, and we want this people to come to a knowledge of the truth. We see the unconverted in the cities. We see that help must be given. We see that souls must take up the work, and O, glorify them, my blessed Jesus. Give them truth, the power of the truth in the heart, and may they seek to enlighten the minds that are in darkness, that they may be brought to rejoice in the triumphs of Thy cross, and Thy name shall have all the glory.Luke 18:7
Sons and Daughters of God
He Returns as Protector and Avenger of His Own, December 12
SD 353.1
And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him? Luke 18:7.Ye Shall Receive Power
Asking for His Blessing, October 22
YRP 304.1
And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? Luke 18:7.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 123, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 123, 1897, par. 36
When the defiance of the law of Jehovah shall be almost universal, when His people shall be pressed in affliction by their fellow men, God will interpose. The fervent prayers of His people will be answered, for He loves to have His people seek Him with all their heart, and depend upon Him as their Deliverer. He will be sought unto to do these things for His people, and He will arise as the protector and avenger of His people. The promise is, The Lord will avenge his own elect, which cry unto him day and night. [Luke 18:7.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 183, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 183, 1897, par. 14
When the defiance of the law of Jehovah shall be almost universal, when His people shall be pressed in affliction by their fellow men, God will interpose. The fervent prayers of His people will be answered, for He loves to have His people seek Him with all their hearts, and depend upon Him as their Deliverer. He will be sought unto to do these things for His people, and He will arise as the protector and avenger of His people. The promise is, “The Lord will avenge his own elect, which cry unto him day and night.” [Luke 18:7.]Jesus, Name Above All Names
Example, November 8
JNN 329.1
“And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him?”—Luke 18:7Luke 18:7-8
Counsels for the Church
Victory for Those Who Seek Deliverance
CCh 340.1
Darkness thickened around them, yet there they stood, approved of God, and trusting in Him. I saw them perplexed. Next I heard them crying unto God earnestly. Through the day and night their cry ceased not. [See Luke 18:7, 8; Revelation 14:14, 15.]A Word to the Little Flock
Dear Brother Bates
WLF 19.2
In the time of trouble, we all fled from the cities and villages, [Ezekiel 7:15, 16. Luke 17:30-36. See Campbell’s translation.] but were pursued by the wicked, who entered the houses of the saints with the sword. They raised the sword to kill us, but it broke, and fell, as powerless as a straw. Then we all cried day and night for deliverance, and the cry came up before God. [Luke 18:7, 8.] The sun came up, and the moon stood still. [Habakkuk 3:11.] The streams ceased to flow. [2 Esdras 6:24.] Dark heavy clouds came up, and clashed against each other. [2 Esdras 15:34,35.] But there was one clear place of settled glory, from whence came the voice of God like many waters, which shook the heavens, and the earth. [Joel 3:16. Hebrews 12:25-27.] The sky opened and shut, and was in commotion. [Revelation 6:14. Matthew 24:29.] The mountains shook like a reed in the wind, and cast out ragged rocks all around. The sea boiled like a pot, and cast out stones upon the land. [Habakkuk 3:8-10. Isaiah 2:19-21.] And as God spoke the day and hour of Jesus’ coming, [Ezekiel 12:25. Mark 13:32.] and delivered the everlasting covenant to His people, [Ezekiel 20:37. Hebrews 12:22-25.] He spoke one sentence, and then paused, while the words were rolling through the earth! [Jeremiah 25:30, 31.] The Israel of God stood with their eyes fixed upwards, listening to the words as they came from the mouth of Jehovah, and rolled through the earth like peals of loudest thunder! It was awfully solemn. At the end of every sentence, the saints shouted, Glory! Hallelujah! Their countenances were lighted up with the glory of God; and they shone with the glory as Moses’ face did when he came down from Sinai. The wicked could not look on them, for the glory. [Wisdom of Solomon 5:1-5.] And when the never ending blessing was pronounced on those who had honored God, in keeping His Sabbath holy, there was a mighty shout of victory over the Beast, and over his Image.Testimony Treasures, vol. 2
To Be Cared for in Families
2TT 519.5
Those who in any way rob them of the means they should have, those who regard their wants with indifference, will be dealt with by the Judge of all the earth. “Shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily.” “He shall have judgment without mercy, that hath showed no mercy.” Luke 18:7, 8; James 2:13. The Lord bids us: “Bring the poor that are cast out to thy house.” Isaiah 58:7. Christianity must supply fathers and mothers and homes for these destitute ones. Compassion for the widow and orphan, manifested in prayers and corresponding deeds, will come up in remembrance before God, to be rewarded by and by.Testimony Treasures, vol. 1
The Shaking
1TT 62.2
Great power was with these chosen ones. Said the angel: “Look ye!” My attention was turned to the wicked, or unbelievers. They were all astir. The zeal and power with the people of God had aroused and enraged them. Confusion, confusion was on every side. I saw measures taken against this company, who had the power and light of God. Darkness thickened around them, yet there they stood, approved of God, and trusting in Him. I saw them perplexed. Next I heard them crying unto God earnestly. Through the day and night their cry ceased not.*“And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:7, 8. See also Revelation 14:14, 15. I heard these words: “Thy will, O God, be done! If it can glorify Thy name, make a way of escape for Thy people! Deliver us from the heathen round about us! They have appointed us unto death; but Thine arm can bring salvation.” These are all the words that I can bring to mind. All seemed to have a deep sense of their unworthiness, and manifested entire submission to the will of God. Yet like Jacob, every one, without an exception, was earnestly pleading and wrestling for deliverance.Testimony for the Church — No. 4
Vision of the Future
T04 37.2
Great power was with these chosen ones. Said the angel, “Look ye!” My attention was turned to the wicked, or unbelievers. They were all astir. The zeal and power with the people of God had aroused and enraged them. Confusion, confusion, was on every side. I saw measures taken against this company, who were having the power and light of God. Darkness thickened around them, yet there they stood, approved of God, and trusting in him. I saw them perplexed. Next I heard them crying unto God earnestly. Through the day and night their cry ceased not. *“And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:7, 8. See also Revelation 14:14, 15. I heard these words, “Thy will, O God, be done! If it can glorify thy name, make a way of escape for thy people! Deliver us from the heathen round about us! They have appointed us unto death; but thine arm can bring salvation.” These are all the words I can bring to mind. They seemed to have a deep sense of their unworthiness, and manifested entire submission to the will of God. Yet every one, without an exception, was earnestly pleading, and wrestling like Jacob for deliverance.With God at Dawn
God Will Avenge His Own Elect, July 8
WGD 191.1
And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Luke 18:7, 8.Lift Him Up
The Lord Will Come More Quickly Than Many Expect, December 14
LHU 362.1
And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. Luke 18:7, 8, NIV.Maranatha
God’s Eye Is Upon His People, September 23
Mar 274.1
Shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Luke 18:7, 8.Patriarchs and Prophets
Chapter 18—The Night of Wrestling
PP 203.2
Those who are unwilling to forsake every sin and to seek earnestly for God’s blessing, will not obtain it. But all who will lay hold of God’s promises as did Jacob, and be as earnest and persevering as he was, will succeed as he succeeded. “Shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily.” Luke 18:7, 8.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1
Chapter 32—The Shaking
1T 183.1
Great power was with these chosen ones. Said the angel: “Look ye!” My attention was turned to the wicked, or unbelievers. They were all astir. The zeal and power with the people of God had aroused and enraged them. Confusion, confusion was on every side. I saw measures taken against this company, who had the power and light of God. Darkness thickened around them, yet there they stood, approved of God, and trusting in Him. I saw them perplexed. Next I heard them crying unto God earnestly. Through the day and night their cry ceased not. [“And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:7, 8. See also Revelation 14:14, 15.] I heard these words: “Thy will, O God, be done! If it can glorify Thy name, make a way of escape for Thy people! Deliver us from the heathen round about us! They have appointed us unto death; but Thine arm can bring salvation.” These are all the words that I can bring to mind. All seemed to have a deep sense of their unworthiness, and manifested entire submission to the will of God. Yet like Jacob, every one, without an exception, was earnestly pleading and wrestling for deliverance.Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6
Chapter 34—The Care of Orphans
6T 281.5
Those who in any way rob them of the means they should have, those who regard their wants with indifference, will be dealt with by the Judge of all the earth. “Shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily.” “He shall have judgment without mercy, that hath showed no mercy.” Luke 18:7, 8; 2:13. The Lord bids us: “Bring the poor that are cast out to thy house.” Isaiah 58:7. Christianity must supply fathers and mothers and homes for these destitute ones. Compassion for the widow and orphan, manifested in prayers and corresponding deeds, will come up in remembrance before God, to be rewarded by and by.The Great Controversy
Chapter 39—The Time of Trouble
GC 630.2
Could men see with heavenly vision, they would behold companies of angels that excel in strength stationed about those who have kept the word of Christ’s patience. With sympathizing tenderness, angels have witnessed their distress and have heard their prayers. They are waiting the word of their Commander to snatch them from their peril. But they must wait yet a little longer. The people of God must drink of the cup and be baptized with the baptism. The very delay, so painful to them, is the best answer to their petitions. As they endeavor to wait trustingly for the Lord to work they are led to exercise faith, hope, and patience, which have been too little exercised during their religious experience. Yet for the elect’s sake the time of trouble will be shortened. “Shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him? ... I tell you that He will avenge them speedily.” Luke 18:7, 8. The end will come more quickly than men expect. The wheat will be gathered and bound in sheaves for the garner of God; the tares will be bound as fagots for the fires of destruction.The Great Controversy (1888 ed.)
Chapter 39—“The Time of Trouble”
GC88 630.2
Could men see with heavenly vision, they would behold companies of angels that excel in strength stationed about those who have kept the word of Christ’s patience. With sympathizing tenderness, angels have witnessed their distress, and have heard their prayers. They are waiting the word of their Commander to snatch them from their peril. But they must wait yet a little longer. The people of God must drink of the cup, and be baptized with the baptism. The very delay, so painful to them, is the best answer to their petitions. As they endeavor to wait trustingly for the Lord to work, they are led to exercise faith, hope, and patience, which have been too little exercised during their religious experience. Yet for the elect’s sake, the time of trouble will be shortened. “Shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him? ... I tell you that he will avenge them speedily.” [Luke 18:7, 8.] The end will come more quickly than men expect. The wheat will be gathered and bound in sheaves for the garner of God; the tares will be bound as fagots for the fires of destruction.Luke 18:7-13
The Desire of Ages
Chapter 53—The Last Journey From Galilee
DA 495.2
During these last months of His ministry, many of Christ’s parables were spoken. The priests and rabbis pursued Him with ever-increasing bitterness, and His warnings to them He veiled in symbols. They could not mistake His meaning, yet they could find in His words nothing on which to ground an accusation against Him. In the parable of the Pharisee and the publican, the self-sufficient prayer, “God, I thank Thee that I am not as the rest of men,” stood out in sharp contrast to the penitent’s plea, “Be merciful to me the sinner.” Luke 18:11, 13, R. V., margin. Thus Christ rebuked the hypocrisy of the Jews. And under the figures of the barren fig tree and the great supper He foretold the doom about to fall upon the impenitent nation. Those who had scornfully rejected the invitation to the gospel feast heard His warning words: “I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of My supper.” Luke 14:24.DA 495.3
Very precious was the instruction given to the disciples. The parable of the importunate widow and the friend asking for bread at midnight gave new force to His words, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Luke 11:9. And often their wavering faith was strengthened by the memory that Christ had said, “Shall not God do justice for His elect, which cry to Him day and night, and He is long-suffering over them? I say unto you, that He will do them justice speedily.” Luke 18:7, 8, R. V., margin.Luke 18:8
In Heavenly Places
Faith Versus Sight, April 8
HP 105.2
Our Saviour asks the question, “When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8), implying that true faith would be almost extinct. It is too true that the spirit of doubt, criticism, and faultfinding is destroying confidence in God’s Word and in His work. It is impossible for the carnal mind to understand or appreciate the work of God. All who desire to doubt or cavil will find occasion.... Those who in humility of heart follow the light as it shines upon them will receive clearer light, while those who refuse to obey till they can see all occasion for doubt removed, will be left in darkness.19Manuscript 10, 1883.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 16, 1888
5LtMs, Ms 16, 1888, par. 1
This is a time when the question with all propriety may be asked, “When the Son of Man cometh shall He find faith on the earth?” [Luke 18:8.]5LtMs, Ms 16, 1888, par. 11
I take the Bible just as it is, as the Inspired Word. I believe its utterances in an entire Bible. Men arise who think they find something to criticize in God’s Word. They lay it bare before others as evidence of superior wisdom. These men are, many of them, smart men, learned men; they have eloquence and talent, the whole lifework [of whom] is to unsettle minds in regard to the inspiration of the Scriptures. They influence many to see as they do. And the same work is passed on from one to another, just as Satan designed it should be, until we may see the full meaning of the words of Christ, “When the Son of Man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:8.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 37, 1889
6LtMs, Ms 37, 1889, par. 2
The question is asked, “When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” [Luke 18:8.] There is no dearth of a certain quality of faith at the present time. One claims superior faith in this heresy; another claims faith in that error; but the faith that was once delivered to the saints will be rare. There is marked out in the Word of God a fierce conflict between truth and error, between sin and righteousness, and the principal features of Christianity will become rare, so that when the great day of the second advent of Christ shall be ushered in, the mass of mankind [will be] in the same condition of impenitence and unbelief as marked the inhabitants of the old world who were destroyed by a flood.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 10, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 10, 1890, par. 14
Oh, may chapters be opened in your experience that you never have opened before in regard to the blessedness and the trust and confidence that you may have in God. Just see what our Saviour says: “When the Son of man cometh shall he find faith in the earth?” [Luke 18:8.] Why? Why, because the devil has put his dark mantle to enshroud the people when we want light, light, brethren, light, precious light from the throne of God. Well, then, you want to be sure that you learn how to tell it when you go from here. You want to be so rooted and grounded in it that when you go to those that are fastened in unbelief that they shall not throw their darkness over your mind, that you shall become so settled as to what is truth that you will not be shaken away from it, but that God can reveal to you His precious, precious light.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 59, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 59, 1890, par. 15
Will you be one who will strengthen [the] gainsayer? Will you be found among the Korahs, Dathans and Abirams at such a time as this? Christ asks, “When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:8.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 10 (1895)
Lt 16, 1895
10LtMs, Lt 16, 1895, par. 25
God has singled out many that He would employ in His work; but there is no chance for them to come in as yet. The sentiments of men who are in positions of trust must change and the counsel of God be heeded, or they will not have the honor of being His instruments, nor will they receive the reward that is promised to His faithful stewards. The Saviour asks, “When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” [Luke 18:8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 6, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 6, 1896, par. 14
There are large numbers willing to devote their time to home missionary work if they see that it is pleasant and agreeable to them. They wait for something to do and work to be brought to them, but they lose physical, mental, and moral efficiency in so doing. In every neighborhood, consecrated ability will do much in personal effort, but let not men prescribe for their brethren according to their ideas. Let the oppression of human minds forever cease, and let the Holy Spirit have a chance to work. Let all who can read and discern the signs of the times, know that Christ is nigh, even at the door. Let love for God and Christ grow daily, and let love for your brethren be without dissimulation. Let faith be in constant use. Believe God because He is God. Put your human, world loving spirit under the molding of the Spirit of God. The question is asked, “When the Lord cometh will he find faith on the earth?” [See Luke 18:8.] Faith, then, has become almost extinct.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)
Lt 153, 1896
11LtMs, Lt 153, 1896, par. 10
I hope, Edson, you will cling to God. We know not what the developments will be in Battle Creek. There will be a turning and overturning, but God is our Ruler; God is our Judge. The Lord is soon to come, and when the Lord cometh “shall he find faith on the earth?” [Luke 18:8.] Unless the “days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved.” [Matthew 24:22.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 55, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 55, 1897, par. 28
Chaff is found among the wheat, and among professing Christians there are slothful servants, who do not improve their talents. But all who believe in Christ will be faithful and true to principle. There is a great work to be done, and to everyone God has given a work to do. We are living in the last days of this earth’s history, and the question is asked, “When the Son of man cometh, will he find faith on the earth?” [Luke 18:8.] He is coming again in the clouds of heaven, to be admired in all them that believe; and those who would meet Him with joy must not allow the world to interpose between them and their Maker. The world is to occupy a second place in our life-history.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)
Lt 60, 1898
13LtMs, Lt 60, 1898, par. 19
Christ says of that time, “If it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” [Matthew 24:24.] And again the question is asked, “When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” [Luke 18:8.] Those who use their pen and voice to give such praise to human beings need to have clearer discernment. How much better would it be if this confidence and faith would be exercised toward those who are striving with pen and voice to do the will of God as obedient children, keeping His commandments, not to praise or glorify the individual, but to obey the Word of God, to love as brethren, to uproot every fiber of the root of bitterness that they are allowing to spring up.Patriarchs and Prophets
Chapter 7—The Flood
PP 102.2
Of the vast population of the earth before the Flood, only eight souls believed and obeyed God’s word through Noah. For a hundred and twenty years the preacher of righteousness warned the world of the coming destruction, but his message was rejected and despised. So it will be now. Before the Lawgiver shall come to punish the disobedient, transgressors are warned to repent, and return to their allegiance; but with the majority these warnings will be in vain. Says the apostle Peter, “There shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of His coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning.” 2 Peter 3:3, 4. Do we not hear these very words repeated, not merely by the openly ungodly, but by many who occupy the pulpits of our land? “There is no cause for alarm,” they cry. “Before Christ shall come, all the world is to be converted, and righteousness is to reign for a thousand years. Peace, peace! all things continue as they were from the beginning. Let none be disturbed by the exciting message of these alarmists.” But this doctrine of the millennium does not harmonize with the teachings of Christ and His apostles. Jesus asked the significant question, “When the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:8. And, as we have seen, He declares that the state of the world will be as in the days of Noah. Paul warns us that we may look for wickedness to increase as the end draws near: “The Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” 1 Timothy 4:1. The apostle says that “in the last days perilous times shall come.” 2 Timothy 3:1. And he gives a startling list of sins that will be found among those who have a form of godliness.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 32, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 32, 1899, par. 3
We are all to see the necessity of walking humbly with God, of walking in the light as it shines upon our pathway. When we study and practice the lessons of Christ, increased light will shine upon us, and we will understand that souls are in the peril that led Christ to say, “When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” [Luke 18:8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)
Ms 60, 1902
17LtMs, Ms 60, 1902, par. 38
Never before has there been a time when the responsibility resting upon men was so great, never before has the position of Christ’s followers been so solemn, as at the present time. God’s messengers are now bearing a testimony that condemns those who refuse to accept it. We are rapidly approaching the close of this dispensation. “When the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?” [Luke 18:8.] As the end approaches, we look for sin and violence to increase. The present state of the world answers to the terrible word-picture Inspiration has given through the apostles.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 18 (1903)
Ms 139, 1903
18LtMs, Ms 139, 1903, par. 43
Let all our assemblies be stirred by the old heart-searching truths of the gospel. These truths will bring conviction to souls. Say to those assembled, “When the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth? Be warned, be entreated to arise from lethargy, and remove this self-complacent spirit.” [See Luke 18:8.] When true faith is exercised, the Spirit of God will mold and fashion the soul that it may become a pure and holy place, a dwelling place for God. When Christ is “formed within, the hope of glory,” a new life is imparted. [Colossians 1:27.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 20 (1905)
Lt 217, 1905
20LtMs, Lt 217, 1905, par. 4
Pride is a very strong trait in your character and creates in you a determined purpose to exalt self at the expense of your neighbors. The message I have for you is, “Repent and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out.” [Acts 3:19.] The law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good. Who can stand before it? “When the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?” [Luke 18:8.]Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 23 (1908)
Ms 67, 1908
23LtMs, Ms 67, 1908, par. 1
The question is asked, “When the Son of Man cometh, shall He find faith in the earth?” [Luke 18:8.] Can you say this morning, I believe in the Lord Jesus; I live by the faith of the Son of God, by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God?Selected Messages Book 1
The Inspiration of the Word of God
1SM 15.1
This is a time when the question with all propriety may be asked, “When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8).1SM 17.3
I take the Bible just as it is, as the Inspired Word. I believe its utterances in an entire Bible. Men arise who think they find something to criticize in God’s Word. They lay it bare before others as evidence of superior wisdom. These men are, many of them, smart men, learned men, they have eloquence and talent, the whole lifework [of whom] is to unsettle minds in regard to the inspiration of the Scriptures. They influence many to see as they do. And the same work is passed on from one to another, just as Satan designed it should be, until we may see the full meaning of the words of Christ, “When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8).Sermons and Talks, vol. 1
Who Will Accept the Light from Heaven?
1SAT 134.2
Just see what our Saviour says: “When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” [Luke 18:8]. Why? Why, because the devil has put his dark mantle to enshroud the people, when we want light, light, brethren, light, precious light from the throne of God. Well, then, you want to be sure that you learn how to tell it when you go from here; you want to be so rooted and grounded in it that when you go to those that are fastened in unbelief that they shall not throw their darkness over your mind; that you shall become so settled as to what is truth that you will not be shaken away from it; but that God can reveal to you His precious, precious light.The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Who Will Accept the Light from Heaven?
1888 554.2
Just see what our Saviour says: “When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” [Luke 18:8]. Why? Why, because the devil has put his dark mantle to enshroud the people, when we want light, light, brethren, light, precious light from the throne of God. Well, then, you want to be sure that you learn how to tell it when you go from here; you want to be so rooted and grounded in it that when you go to those that are fastened in unbelief that they shall not throw their darkness over your mind; that you shall become so settled as to what is truth that you will not be shaken away from it; but that God can reveal to you His precious, precious light.The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials
Chapter 72—To U. Smith
1888 603.4
Will you be one who will strengthen (the) gainsayer? Will you be found among the Korah’s, Dathan’s and Abiram’s at such a time as this? Christ asks, “When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:8.From Eternity Past
Similar Conditions Today
EP 59.2
Jesus asked the significant question, “When the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:8. “The Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” 1 Timothy 4:1. “In the last days perilous times shall come.” 2 Timothy 3:1.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Ms 40, 1887
5LtMs, Ms 40, 1887, par. 15
Our Saviour asks the question, “When the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8), implying that true faith would be almost extinct. It is too true that the spirit of doubt, criticism, and fault-finding is destroying confidence in God’s Word and in His work. It is impossible for the carnal mind to understand or appreciate the work of God. All who desire to doubt or cavil will find occasion. The Lord has frequently moved upon His servants to utter things that at the time they themselves could not comprehend, but afterward they would understand whereof they spake. Those who, in humility of heart, follow the light as it shines upon them, will receive clearer light, while those who refuse to obey till they can see all occasion of doubt removed will be left in darkness.Luke 18:9-14
Manuscript Releases, vol. 21 [Nos. 1501-1598]
MR No. 1510—The Proper Attitude in Prayer
21MR 60.6
“And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank Thee that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all I possess” [Luke 18:9-12]. Mark you, it was the self-righteous Pharisee who was not in a position of humility and reverence before God; but standing in his haughty self-sufficiency, he told the Lord all his good deeds. “The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself” [verse 11]; and his prayer reached no higher than himself.21MR 60.7
“And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” [verses 13, 14].Selected Messages Book 2
Chapter 32—Proper Attitude in Prayer
2SM 313.4
“And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess” (Luke 18:9-12). Mark you, it was the self-righteous Pharisee who was not in a position of humility and reverence before God; but standing in his haughty self-sufficiency, he told the Lord all his good deeds. “The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself” (Luke 18:11); and his prayer reached no higher than himself.2SM 313.5
“And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 18:13, 14).Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Ms 84b, 1897
12LtMs, Ms 84b, 1897, par. 18
“And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all I possess.” [Luke 18:9-12.] Mark you, it was the self-righteous Pharisee who was not in a position of humility and reverence before God; but standing in his haughty self-sufficiency, he told the Lord all his good deeds. “The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself,” and his prayer reached no higher than himself.12LtMs, Ms 84b, 1897, par. 19
“And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” [Verses 13, 14.]Christ’s Object Lessons
Chapter 13—Two Worshipers
COL 150.1
“Unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others,” Christ spoke the parable of the Pharisee and the publican. The Pharisee goes up to the temple to worship, not because he feels that he is a sinner in need of pardon, but because he thinks himself righteous and hopes to win commendation. His worship he regards as an act of merit that will recommend him to God. At the same time it will give the people a high opinion of his piety. He hopes to secure favor with both God and man. His worship is prompted by self-interest.COL 150.2
And he is full of self-praise. He looks it, he walks it, he prays it. Drawing apart from others as if to say, “Come not near to me; for I am holier than thou” (Isaiah 65:5), he stands and prays “with himself.” Wholly self-satisfied, he thinks that God and men regard him with the same complacency.COL 150.3
“God, I thank thee,” he says, “that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.” He judges his character, not by the holy character of God, but by the character of other men. His mind is turned away from God to humanity. This is the secret of his self-satisfaction.COL 151.1
He proceeds to recount his good deeds: “I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.” The religion of the Pharisee does not touch the soul. He is not seeking Godlikeness of character, a heart filled with love and mercy. He is satisfied with a religion that has to do only with outward life. His righteousness is his own—the fruit of his own works—and judged by a human standard.COL 151.2
Whoever trusts in himself that he is righteous, will despise others. As the Pharisee judges himself by other men, so he judges other men by himself. His righteousness is estimated by theirs, and the worse they are the more righteous by contrast he appears. His self-righteousness leads to accusing. “Other men” he condemns as transgressors of God’s law. Thus he is making manifest the very spirit of Satan, the accuser of the brethren. With this spirit it is impossible for him to enter into communion with God. He goes down to his house destitute of the divine blessing.COL 151.3
The publican had gone to the temple with other worshipers, but he soon drew apart from them as unworthy to unite in their devotions. Standing afar off, he “would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast,” in bitter anguish and self-abhorrence. He felt that he had transgressed against God, that he was sinful and polluted. He could not expect even pity from those around him, for they looked upon him with contempt. He knew that he had no merit to commend him to God, and in utter self-despair he cried, “God be merciful to me, a sinner.” He did not compare himself with others. Overwhelmed with a sense of guilt, he stood as if alone in God’s presence. His only desire was for pardon and peace, his only plea was the mercy of God. And he was blessed. “I tell you,” Christ said, “this man went down to his house justified rather than the other.”COL 152.1
The Pharisee and the publican represent two great classes into which those who come to worship God are divided. Their first two representatives are found in the first two children that were born into the world. Cain thought himself righteous, and he came to God with a thank offering only. He made no confession of sin, and acknowledged no need of mercy. But Abel came with the blood that pointed to the Lamb of God. He came as a sinner, confessing himself lost; his only hope was the unmerited love of God. The Lord had respect to his offering, but to Cain and his offering He had not respect. The sense of need, the recognition of our poverty and sin, is the very first condition of acceptance with God. “Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3.COL 152.2
For each of the classes represented by the Pharisee and the publican there is a lesson in the history of the apostle Peter. In his early discipleship Peter thought himself strong. Like the Pharisee, in his own estimation he was “not as other men are.” When Christ on the eve of His betrayal forewarned His disciples, “All ye shall be offended because of Me this night,” Peter confidently declared, “Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.” Mark 14:27, 29. Peter did not know his own danger. Self-confidence misled him. He thought himself able to withstand temptation; but in a few short hours the test came, and with cursing and swearing he denied his Lord.COL 152.3
When the crowing of the cock reminded him of the words of Christ, surprised and shocked at what he had just done he turned and looked at his Master. At that moment Christ looked at Peter, and beneath that grieved look, in which compassion and love for him were blended, Peter understood himself. He went out and wept bitterly. That look of Christ’s broke his heart. Peter had come to the turning point, and bitterly did he repent his sin. He was like the publican in his contrition and repentance, and like the publican he found mercy. The look of Christ assured him of pardon.COL 154.1
Now his self-confidence was gone. Never again were the old boastful assertions repeated.COL 154.2
Christ after His resurrection thrice tested Peter. “Simon, son of Jonas,” He said, “lovest thou Me more than these?” Peter did not now exalt himself above his brethren. He appealed to the One who could read His heart. “Lord,” he said, “Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love Thee.” John 21:15, 17.COL 154.3
Then he received his commission. A work broader and more delicate than had heretofore been his was appointed him. Christ bade him feed the sheep and the lambs. In thus committing to his stewardship the souls for whom the Saviour had laid down his own life, Christ gave to Peter the strongest proof of confidence in his restoration. The once restless, boastful, self-confident disciple had become subdued and contrite. Henceforth he followed his Lord in self-denial and self-sacrifice. He was a partaker of Christ’s sufferings; and when Christ shall sit upon the throne of His glory, Peter will be a partaker in His glory.COL 154.4
The evil that led to Peter’s fall and that shut out the Pharisee from communion with God is proving the ruin of thousands today. There is nothing so offensive to God or so dangerous to the human soul as pride and self-sufficiency. Of all sins it is the most hopeless, the most incurable.COL 155.1
Peter’s fall was not instantaneous, but gradual. Self-confidence led him to the belief that he was saved, and step after step was taken in the downward path, until he could deny his Master. Never can we safely put confidence in self or feel, this side of heaven, that we are secure against temptation. Those who accept the Saviour, however sincere their conversion, should never be taught to say or to feel that they are saved. This is misleading. Every one should be taught to cherish hope and faith; but even when we give ourselves to Christ and know that He accepts us, we are not beyond the reach of temptation. God’s word declares, “Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried.” Daniel 12:10. Only he who endures the trial will receive the crown of life. (James 1:12.)COL 155.2
Those who accept Christ, and in their first confidence say, I am saved, are in danger of trusting to themselves. They lose sight of their own weakness and their constant need of divine strength. They are unprepared for Satan’s devices, and under temptation many, like Peter, fall into the very depths of sin. We are admonished, “Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall.” 1 Corinthians 10:12. Our only safety is in constant distrust of self, and dependence on Christ.COL 155.3
It was necessary for Peter to learn his own defects of character, and his need of the power and grace of Christ. The Lord could not save him from trial, but He could have saved him from defeat. Had Peter been willing to receive Christ’s warning, he would have been watching unto prayer. He would have walked with fear and trembling lest his feet should stumble. And he would have received divine help so that Satan could not have gained the victory.COL 155.4
It was through self-sufficiency that Peter fell; and it was through repentance and humiliation that his feet were again established. In the record of his experience every repenting sinner may find encouragement. Though Peter had grievously sinned, he was not forsaken. The words of Christ were written upon his soul, “I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” Luke 22:32. In his bitter agony of remorse, this prayer, and the memory of Christ’s look of love and pity, gave him hope. Christ after His resurrection remembered Peter, and gave the angel the message for the women, “Go your way, tell His disciples and Peter that He goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see Him.” Mark 16:7. Peter’s repentance was accepted by the sin-pardoning Saviour.COL 156.1
And the same compassion that reached out to rescue Peter is extended to every soul who has fallen under temptation. It is Satan’s special device to lead man into sin, and then leave him, helpless and trembling, fearing to seek for pardon. But why should we fear, when God has said, “Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me”? Isaiah 27:5. Every provision has been made for our infirmities, every encouragement offered us to come to Christ.COL 156.2
Christ offered up His broken body to purchase back God’s heritage, to give man another trial. “Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them.” Hebrews 7:25. By His spotless life, His obedience, His death on the cross of Calvary, Christ interceded for the lost race. And now, not as a mere petitioner does the Captain of our salvation intercede for us, but as a Conqueror claiming His victory. His offering is complete, and as our Intercessor He executes His self-appointed work, holding before God the censer containing His own spotless merits and the prayers, confessions, and thanksgiving of His people. Perfumed with the fragrance of His righteousness, these ascend to God as a sweet savor. The offering is wholly acceptable, and pardon covers all transgression.COL 157.1
Christ has pledged Himself to be our substitute and surety, and He neglects no one. He who could not see human beings exposed to eternal ruin without pouring out His soul unto death in their behalf, will look with pity and compassion upon every soul who realizes that he cannot save himself.COL 157.2
He will look upon no trembling suppliant without raising him up. He who through His own atonement provided for man an infinite fund of moral power, will not fail to employ this power in our behalf. We may take our sins and sorrows to His feet; for He loves us. His every look and word invites our confidence. He will shape and mold our characters according to His own will.COL 157.3
In the whole Satanic force there is not power to overcome one soul who in simple trust casts himself on Christ. “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength.” Isaiah 40:29.COL 158.1
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The Lord says, “Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God.” “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean; from all your filthiness and from all your idols will I cleanse you.” 1 John 1:9; Jeremiah 3:13; Ezekiel 36:25.COL 158.2
But we must have a knowledge of ourselves, a knowledge that will result in contrition, before we can find pardon and peace. The Pharisee felt no conviction of sin. The Holy Spirit could not work with him. His soul was encased in a self-righteous armor which the arrows of God, barbed and true-aimed by angel hands, failed to penetrate. It is only he who knows himself to be a sinner that Christ can save. He came “to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.” Luke 4:18. But “they that are whole need not a physician.” Luke 5:31. We must know our real condition, or we shall not feel our need of Christ’s help. We must understand our danger, or we shall not flee to the refuge. We must feel the pain of our wounds, or we should not desire healing.COL 158.3
The Lord says, “Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” Revelation 3:17, 18. The gold tried in the fire is faith that works by love. Only this can bring us into harmony with God. We may be active, we may do much work; but without love, such love as dwelt in the heart of Christ, we can never be numbered with the family of heaven.COL 159.1
No man can of himself understand his errors. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9. The lips may express a poverty of soul that the heart does not acknowledge. While speaking to God of poverty of spirit, the heart may be swelling with the conceit of its own superior humility and exalted righteousness. In one way only can a true knowledge of self be obtained. We must behold Christ. It is ignorance of Him that makes men so uplifted in their own righteousness. When we contemplate His purity and excellence, we shall see our own weakness and poverty and defects as they really are. We shall see ourselves lost and hopeless, clad in garments of self-righteousness, like every other sinner. We shall see that if we are ever saved, it will not be through our own goodness, but through God’s infinite grace.COL 159.2
The prayer of the publican was heard because it showed dependence reaching forth to lay hold upon Omnipotence. Self to the publican appeared nothing but shame. Thus it must be seen by all who seek God. By faith—faith that renounces all self-trust—the needy suppliant is to lay hold upon infinite power.COL 159.3
No outward observances can take the place of simple faith and entire renunciation of self. But no man can empty himself of self. We can only consent for Christ to accomplish the work. Then the language of the soul will be, Lord, take my heart; for I cannot give it. It is Thy property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save me in spite of myself, my weak, unchristlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich current of Thy love can flow through my soul.COL 159.4
It is not only at the beginning of the Christian life that this renunciation of self is to be made. At every advance step heavenward it is to be renewed. All our good works are dependent on a power outside of ourselves. Therefore there needs to be a continual reaching out of the heart after God, a continual, earnest, heartbreaking confession of sin and humbling of the soul before Him. Only by constant renunciation of self and dependence on Christ can we walk safely.COL 160.1
The nearer we come to Jesus and the more clearly we discern the purity of His character, the more clearly we shall discern the exceeding sinfulness of sin and the less we shall feel like exalting ourselves. Those whom heaven recognizes as holy ones are the last to parade their own goodness. The apostle Peter became a faithful minister of Christ, and he was greatly honored with divine light and power; he had an active part in the upbuilding of Christ’s church; but Peter never forgot the fearful experience of his humiliation; his sin was forgiven; yet well he knew that for the weakness of character which had caused his fall only the grace of Christ could avail. He found in himself nothing in which to glory.COL 160.2
None of the apostles or prophets ever claimed to be without sin. Men who have lived nearest to God, men who would sacrifice life itself rather than knowingly commit a wrong act, men whom God had honored with divine light and power, have confessed the sinfulness of their own nature. They have put no confidence in the flesh, have claimed no righteousness of their own, but have trusted wholly in the righteousness of Christ. So will it be with all who behold Christ.COL 160.3
At every advance step in Christian experience our repentance will deepen. It is to those whom the Lord has forgiven, to those whom He acknowledges as His people, that He says, “Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall loathe yourselves in your own sight.” Ezekiel 36:31. Again He says, “I will establish My covenant with thee, and thou shalt know that I am the Lord; that thou mayest remember, and be confounded, and never open thy mouth any more because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord God.” Ezekiel 16:62, 63. Then our lips will not be opened in self-glorification. We shall know that our sufficiency is in Christ alone. We shall make the apostle’s confession our own. “I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing.” Romans 7:18. “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14.COL 161.1
In harmony with this experience is the command, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:12, 13. God does not bid you fear that He will fail to fulfill His promises, that His patience will weary, or His compassion be found wanting. Fear lest your will shall not be held in subjection to Christ’s will, lest your hereditary and cultivated traits of character shall control your life. “It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Fear lest self shall interpose between your soul and the great Master Worker. Fear lest self-will shall mar the high purpose that through you God desires to accomplish. Fear to trust to your own strength, fear to withdraw your hand from the hand of Christ and attempt to walk life’s pathway without His abiding presence.COL 161.2
We need to shun everything that would encourage pride and self-sufficiency; therefore we should beware of giving or receiving flattery or praise. It is Satan’s work to flatter. He deals in flattery as well as in accusing and condemnation. Thus he seeks to work the ruin of the soul. Those who give praise to men are used by Satan as his agents. Let the workers for Christ direct every word of praise away from themselves. Let self be put out of sight. Christ alone is to be exalted. “Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood,” let every eye be directed, and praise from every heart ascend. (Revelation 1:5.)COL 162.1
The life in which the fear of the Lord is cherished will not be a life of sadness and gloom. It is the absence of Christ that makes the countenance sad, and the life a pilgrimage of sighs. Those who are filled with self-esteem and self-love do not feel the need of a living, personal union with Christ. The heart that has not fallen on the Rock is proud of its wholeness. Men want a dignified religion. They desire to walk in a path wide enough to take in their own attributes. Their self-love, their love of popularity and love of praise, exclude the Saviour from their hearts, and without Him there is gloom and sadness. But Christ dwelling in the soul is a wellspring of joy. For all who receive Him, the very keynote of the word of God is rejoicing.COL 162.2
“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” Isaiah 57:15.COL 162.3
It was when Moses was hidden in the cleft of the rock that he beheld the glory of God. It is when we hide in the riven Rock that Christ will cover us with His own pierced hand, and we shall hear what the Lord saith unto His servants. To us as to Moses, God will reveal Himself as “merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.” Exodus 34:6, 7.COL 162.4
The work of redemption involves consequences of which it is difficult for man to have any conception. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9. As the sinner, drawn by the power of Christ, approaches the uplifted cross, and prostrates himself before it, there is a new creation. A new heart is given him. He becomes a new creature in Christ Jesus. Holiness finds that it has nothing more to require. God Himself is “the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Romans 3:26. And “whom He justified, them He also glorified.” Romans 8:30. Great as is the shame and degradation through sin, even greater will be the honor and exaltation through redeeming love. To human beings striving for conformity to the divine image there is imparted an outlay of heaven’s treasure, an excellency of power, that will place them higher than even the angels who have never fallen.COL 163.1
“Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, and His Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, ... Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the Lord that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and He shall choose thee.” Isaiah 49:7.COL 163.2
“For every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”From the Heart
The Pharisee and the Publican, April 30
FH 132.1
God, I thank You that I am not like other men ... or even as this tax collector. Luke 18:11. (Read Luke 18:9-14.)Luke 18:11
Gospel Workers (1915 ed.)
Sympathy
GW 140.2
Mark how tender and pitiful the Lord is in His dealings with His creatures. He loves His erring child, and entreats him to return. The Father’s arm is placed about His repentant son; the Father’s garments cover his rags; the ring is placed upon his finger as a token of his royalty. And yet how many there are who look upon the prodigal not only with indifference, but with contempt. Like the Pharisee, they say, “God, I thank Thee, that I am not as other men,” [Luke 18:11.] But how, think you, does God look upon those who, while claiming to be co-workers with Christ, while the soul is making its struggle against the flood of temptation, stand by like the elder brother in the parable, stubborn, self-willed, selfish?Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 29, 1889
6LtMs, Lt 29, 1889, par. 18
The great truths of the Word of God are so clearly stated that none need make a mistake in understanding them. When you as individual members of the church love God supremely and your neighbor as yourself, then there will be no labored efforts to be in unity. There will be a oneness in Christ. The ears to reports will be closed, and no one will take up a reproach against his neighbor. The members of the church will cherish love and unity and be as one great family. Then we shall bear the credentials to the world that will testify that God has sent His Son into the world. Christ has said, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” [John 13:35.] The divinity of Christ is acknowledged in the unity of the children of God. Brethren when you humble your hearts before God you will see that there is danger of Pharisaism, danger of thinking and praying as did the self-righteous Pharisee. “I thank God that I am not as other men are.” [Luke 18:11.] Oh that there may be a breaking up of the fallow ground of the heart that the seeds of truth may take deep root and spring up and bear much fruit to the glory of God.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 24, 1892
7LtMs, Ms 24, 1892, par. 19
Brethren, when you humble your hearts before God, you will see that there is danger of phariseeism in every church, danger of thinking and praying as did the self-righteous Pharisee, “I thank God that I am not as other men are.” [Luke 18:11.] Oh, that there may be a breaking up of the fallow ground of the heart, that the seeds of truth may take deep root and spring up and bear much fruit to the glory of God! My brethren, when you would accuse one of the brethren, consider the words of Jesus, “He that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone.” [John 8:7.] Your sin may not be the particular sin that is under consideration, but Jesus’ words mean that when you are free from sin you may cast the first stone.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Ms 40, 1899
14LtMs, Ms 40, 1899, par. 10
Will the professed follower of Christ consider what manner of spirit he is of? As you read the history of the Old and New Testaments, mark how tender and pitiful the Lord is in His dealings with His creatures. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us, and He stands ready to receive every wanderer who will return. And yet how many there are, themselves needing salvation as much as he, look upon the struggling soul not only with indifference, but contempt. Like the Pharisee they say, “God, I thank thee I am not as other men, or even as this sinner.” [See Luke 18:11.]Luke 18:11-12
Living by Principle
Heart Service
PH048 46.1
Luke 18:11, 12: The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself. God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Lt 53, 1887
5LtMs, Lt 53, 1887, par. 16
Oh, I wish that every minister and every one of our workers could see this matter as it has been presented to me. It is the self-esteem and self-sufficiency which are killing spiritual life. Self is lifted up. I is talked about. Oh, that self might die; but self dies hard. “I die daily,” said the apostle Paul. [1 Corinthians 15:31.] When this proud, boasting, self-sufficiency, and this complacent self-righteousness permeate the soul, there is no room for Jesus. He would be placed on the lower seat, while self would swell into importance and fill the whole temple of the soul. This is the reason why the Lord can do so little for us. Should He work with our efforts, the instrument would appropriate all the glory to his smartness, his wisdom, his ability, and congratulate himself as did the Pharisee, “I pray three times a day. I pay tithes of all I possess,” etc. [Luke 18:11, 12], I, I, I, until I finally falls into grievous sins. Then because it is I, thoughts are entertained that the Lord will not hold I to strict account. When I shall die, and self shall be hid in Christ, I will not be brought to the front so frequently. Shall we meet the mind of the Spirit of God? Shall we dwell much more upon practical godliness and far less upon the mechanical arrangements?Luke 18:11-13
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing
“He opened His mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”—Matthew 5:2, 3.
MB 6.2
In the days of Christ the religious leaders of the people felt that they were rich in spiritual treasure. The prayer of the Pharisee, “God, I thank Thee, that I am not as the rest of men” (Luke 18:11 , R.V.), expressed the feeling of his class and, to a great degree, of the whole nation. But in the throng that surrounded Jesus there were some who had a sense of their spiritual poverty. When in the miraculous draft of fishes the divine power of Christ was revealed, Peter fell at the Saviour’s feet, exclaiming, “Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord” (Luke 5:8); so in the multitude gathered upon the mount there were souls who, in the presence of His purity, felt that they were “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:17); and they longed for “the grace of God that bringeth salvation” (Titus 2:11). In these souls, Christ’s words of greeting awakened hope; they saw that their lives were under the benediction of God.MB 7.2
Whom Christ pardons, He first makes penitent, and it is the office of the Holy Spirit to convince of sin. Those whose hearts have been moved by the convicting Spirit of God see that there is nothing good in themselves. They see that all they have ever done is mingled with self and sin. Like the poor publican, they stand afar off, not daring to lift up so much as their eyes to heaven, and cry, “God, be merciful to me the sinner.” Luke 18:13 , R.V., margin. And they are blessed. There is forgiveness for the penitent; for Christ is “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29. God’s promise is: “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”” A new heart also will I give you.... And I will put My Spirit within you.” Isaiah 1:18; Ezekiel 36:26, 27.Homeward Bound
How Do We See Ourselves? April 17
HB 126.2
In the days of Christ the religious leaders of the people felt that they were rich in spiritual treasure. The prayer of the Pharisee, “God, I thank Thee, that I am not as the rest of men” (Luke 18:11, R.V.), expressed the feeling of his class and, to a great degree, of the whole nation. But in the throng that surrounded Jesus there were some who had a sense of their spiritual poverty. When in the miraculous draft of fishes the divine power of Christ was revealed, Peter fell at the Saviour’s feet, exclaiming, “Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord” (Luke 5:8); so in the multitude gathered upon the mount there were souls who, in the presence of His purity, felt that they were “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Revelation 3:17); and they longed for “the grace of God that bringeth salvation.” (Titus 2:11.) In these souls, Christ’s words of greeting awakened hope; they saw that their lives were under the benediction of God.HB 126.4
Whom Christ pardons, He first makes penitent, and it is the office of the Holy Spirit to convince of sin. Those whose hearts have been moved by the convicting Spirit of God see that there is nothing good in themselves. They see that all they have ever done is mingled with self and sin. Like the poor publican, they stand afar off, not daring to lift up so much as their eyes to heaven, and cry, “God, be merciful to me the sinner.” (Luke 18:13, R.V., margin.) And they are blessed.—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 6-8.Luke 18:12
Testimony Treasures, vol. 2
Spirituality and Efficiency
2TT 210.2
I wish that every minister and every one of our workers could see this matter as it has been presented to me. Self-esteem and self-sufficiency are killing spiritual life. Self is lifted up; self is talked about. Oh, that self might die! “I die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31), said the apostle Paul. When this proud, boasting self-sufficiency and this complacent self-righteousness permeate the soul, there is no room for Jesus. He is given an inferior place, while self swells into importance and fills the whole temple of the soul. This is the reason why the Lord can do so little for us. Should He work with our efforts, the instrument would appropriate all the glory to his own smartness, his wisdom, his ability, and he would congratulate himself, as did the Pharisee: “I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.” Luke 18:12. When self shall be hidden in Christ, it will not be brought to the surface so frequently. Shall we meet the mind of the Spirit of God? Shall we dwell more upon practical godliness, and far less upon mechanical arrangements?Luke 18:13
Prayer
Chapter 26—Counterfeit Prayers
Pr 265.3
Genuine and Counterfeit Prayers Contrasted—The poor publican who prayed, “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13), regarded himself as a very wicked man, and others looked upon him in the same light; but he felt his need, and with his burden of guilt and shame he came before God, asking for His mercy. His heart was open for the Spirit of God to do its gracious work and set him free from the power of sin. The Pharisee’s boastful, self-righteous prayer showed that his heart was closed against the influence of the Holy Spirit. Because of his distance from God, he had no sense of his own defilement, in contrast with the perfection of the divine holiness. He felt no need, and he received nothing.—(Steps to Christ, 30, 31.)Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)
Ms 98, 1893
8LtMs, Ms 98, 1893, par. 26
God imparts His blessing to us, that we may give to others. And as long as we yield ourselves as the channels through which His love can flow, He will keep the channels supplied. When you ask God for your daily bread, He looks right into your heart to see if you will impart the same to others, more needy than yourself. When you pray, “God be merciful to me a sinner” [Luke 18:13], He watches to see if you will manifest compassion to those with whom you associate. This is the evidence of our connection with God—that we are merciful even as our Father who is in heaven is merciful. If we are His, we shall do with a cheerful heart just what He tells us to do, however inconvenient, however contrary it may be to our own feelings.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)
Lt 117, 1897
12LtMs, Lt 117, 1897, par. 18
Cry unto God in your soul, longing after the righteousness of Christ, and your thoughts will be turned to the love of Christ; you will no longer desire the highest place; your soul will cry out, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” [Luke 18:13.] The response will come, “The blood of Jesus Christ his Son, cleanseth us from all sin.” [1 John 1:7.] Stand only in God, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith. I entreat you to look to Jesus. Let the Lord be your fear and your dread. Fear to offend Him. Hide self in Christ, and then you will be as humble as a child.Jesus, Name Above All Names
Truest Friend, September 1
JNN 259.1
“God, be merciful to me a sinner!”—Luke 18:13Steps to Christ
Chapter 3—Repentance
SC 30.2
The poor publican who prayed, “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13), regarded himself as a very wicked man, and others looked upon him in the same light; but he felt his need, and with his burden of guilt and shame he came before God, asking for His mercy. His heart was open for the Spirit of God to do its gracious work and set him free from the power of sin. The Pharisee’s boastful, self-righteous prayer showed that his heart was closed against the influence of the Holy Spirit. Because of his distance from God, he had no sense of his own defilement, in contrast with the perfection of the divine holiness. He felt no need, and he received nothing.Ye Shall Receive Power
Feeling Our Spiritual Need, October 7
YRP 289.1
And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. Luke 18:13.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 3 (1876 - 1882)
Lt 26, 1879
3LtMs, Lt 26, 1879, par. 3
If you can say no more than these words, “God, be merciful to me a sinner” [Luke 18:13], if you will thus identify yourselves with sincerity as on the side of Christ, although it may be humiliating to yourselves, the light and love of God will come into your hearts. Rays of light will shine from the throne of God, and there will be music in your souls. And in being learners yourselves, you will be teachers of your children and will be leading them along. You will find the little children will be apt learners, for they have clear minds and can recognize the truth and purity of the Scriptures. Their quaint thoughts will burst forth now and then like buds in the springtime, fresh and original.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)
Lt 31, 1887
5LtMs, Lt 31, 1887, par. 9
I wish, Bro. Bourdeau, you could be repentant as that poor trembling worshiper who scarcely dared to lift his eyes to God. Certainly he did not pray to be seen of men, when that bitter cry came from his lips, “God be merciful to me a sinner.” [Luke 18:13.] His business is with his God, and he must have pardon and peace. He does not go through with a relation of his good deeds. He felt his case was so desperate that no angel could help him. He was before the holy heart-searching God of heaven who reads the secrets of the heart. He must have help, he needed mercy and grace, and he had no claim upon God for this at all. How could he tell how the case would turn with him? It was a solemn moment, he was looking forward to the judgment, and onward to eternity. He bowed his head and smote his breast and threw himself upon the mercy of a sin-pardoning Saviour. Humility is not a mistaken sense of inferiority, which results from a false standard. Whatever a man thinks true excellence consists in, he will think humbly of himself for not possessing it; false humility consists in not condemning oneself for not reaching a false imaginary standard, and this degrades the soul. But true humility consists in recognizing the inferiority that mortals are subject to and feeling our utter and entire dependence upon God. Humility is self-abasement of the soul on account of sin, when the soul has the most distinct views of Jesus, the matchless love of Jesus.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 52, 1890
6LtMs, Ms 52, 1890, par. 7
I speak to every church in our land: Now humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God that He may have the pleasure of lifting you up; confess your sins before God that they may go beforehand to judgment. Confess your sins that they may be blotted out. Do not hide them; do not cover them; for then they will be made public to the universe. Approach God in the spirit of the poor publican who prayed, “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13), and you will be brought into the audience chamber of the Most High. If the curtain could be rolled back you would see the Saviour Himself at the altar of incense having in His hand the golden censor. In response to your prayers He answers, “I will pray the Father for you that your transgressions shall be forgiven, your sins pardoned. I will give you rest.”Luke 18:14
Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Lt 113, 1890
6LtMs, Lt 113, 1890, par. 17
Jesus calls upon us individually, Go work today in My vineyard. [Matthew 21:28.] Will we seek the Lord while He is to be found? Will we call upon Him while He is nigh? Will we devote the last remaining hours of 1890 in humbling ourselves before God, casting ourselves at the feet of Jesus, confessing our sins that they may go beforehand to judgment, removing every stumbling block out of the way of sinners? Let us not close our eyes to our guilt and our deficiencies, but confess our sins while it is called today, seek forgiveness of those we have hurt by our unconsecrated influence, and improve now in character. Christ is waiting to be gracious. “He that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” [Luke 18:14.] God will work with those who prepare the way by tearing away the rubbish from the door of the heart, by confession, and by opening the door so that Jesus shall come into their hearts. The measure of our success in spiritual things is according to our present humility. Unless this humbling of self shall take place under the mighty hand of God, the most painful discipline will come to us, in the providence of God, that will humble us.Luke 18:15-17
The Desire of Ages
Chapter 56—Blessing the Children
DA 511.1
Jesus was ever a lover of children. He accepted their childish sympathy and their open, unaffected love. The grateful praise from their pure lips was music in His ears, and refreshed His spirit when oppressed by contact with crafty and hypocritical men. Wherever the Saviour went, the benignity of His countenance, and His gentle, kindly manner won the love and confidence of children.DA 511.2
Among the Jews it was customary for children to be brought to some rabbi, that he might lay his hands upon them in blessing; but the Saviour’s disciples thought His work too important to be interrupted in this way. When the mothers came to Him with their little ones, the disciples looked on them with disfavor. They thought these children too young to be benefited by a visit to Jesus, and concluded that He would be displeased at their presence. But it was the disciples with whom He was displeased. The Saviour understood the care and burden of the mothers who were seeking to train their children according to the word of God. He had heard their prayers. He Himself had drawn them into His presence.DA 511.3
One mother with her child had left her home to find Jesus. On the way she told a neighbor her errand, and the neighbor wanted to have Jesus bless her children. Thus several mothers came together, with their little ones. Some of the children had passed beyond the years of infancy to childhood and youth. When the mothers made known their desire, Jesus heard with sympathy the timid, tearful request. But He waited to see how the disciples would treat them. When He saw them send the mothers away, thinking to do Him a favor, He showed them their error, saying, “Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” He took the children in His arms, He laid His hands upon them, and gave them the blessing for which they came.DA 512.1
The mothers were comforted. They returned to their homes strengthened and blessed by the words of Christ. They were encouraged to take up their burden with new cheerfulness, and to work hopefully for their children. The mothers of today are to receive His words with the same faith. Christ is as verily a personal Saviour today as when He lived a man among men. He is as verily the helper of mothers today as when He gathered the little ones to His arms in Judea. The children of our hearths are as much the purchase of His blood as were the children of long ago.DA 512.2
Jesus knows the burden of every mother’s heart. He who had a mother that struggled with poverty and privation sympathizes with every mother in her labors. He who made a long journey in order to relieve the anxious heart of a Canaanite woman will do as much for the mothers of today. He who gave back to the widow of Nain her only son, and who in His agony upon the cross remembered His own mother, is touched today by the mother’s sorrow. In every grief and every need He will give comfort and help.DA 512.3
Let mothers come to Jesus with their perplexities. They will find grace sufficient to aid them in the management of their children. The gates are open for every mother who would lay her burdens at the Saviour’s feet. He who said, “Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not,” still invites the mothers to lead up their little ones to be blessed by Him. Even the babe in its mother’s arms may dwell as under the shadow of the Almighty through the faith of the praying mother. John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit from his birth. If we will live in communion with God, we too may expect the divine Spirit to mold our little ones, even from their earliest moments.DA 512.4
In the children who were brought in contact with Him, Jesus saw the men and women who should be heirs of His grace and subjects of His kingdom, and some of whom would become martyrs for His sake. He knew that these children would listen to Him and accept Him as their Redeemer far more readily than would grown-up people, many of whom were the worldly-wise and hardhearted. In His teaching He came down to their level. He, the Majesty of heaven, did not disdain to answer their questions, and simplify His important lessons to meet their childish understanding. He planted in their minds the seeds of truth, which in after years would spring up, and bear fruit unto eternal life.DA 515.1
It is still true that children are the most susceptible to the teachings of the gospel; their hearts are open to divine influences, and strong to retain the lessons received. The little children may be Christians, having an experience in accordance with their years. They need to be educated in spiritual things, and parents should give them every advantage, that they may form characters after the similitude of the character of Christ.DA 515.2
Fathers and mothers should look upon their children as younger members of the Lord’s family, committed to them to educate for heaven. The lessons that we ourselves learn from Christ we should give to our children, as the young minds can receive them, little by little opening to them the beauty of the principles of heaven. Thus the Christian home becomes a school, where the parents serve as underteachers, while Christ Himself is the chief instructor.DA 515.3
In working for the conversion of our children, we should not look for violent emotion as the essential evidence of conviction of sin. Nor is it necessary to know the exact time when they are converted. We should teach them to bring their sins to Jesus, asking His forgiveness, and believing that He pardons and receives them as He received the children when He was personally on earth.DA 515.4
As the mother teaches her children to obey her because they love her, she is teaching them the first lessons in the Christian life. The mother’s love represents to the child the love of Christ, and the little ones who trust and obey their mother are learning to trust and obey the Saviour.DA 515.5
Jesus was the pattern for children, and He was also the father’s example. He spoke as one having authority, and His word was with power; yet in all His intercourse with rude and violent men He did not use one unkind or discourteous expression. The grace of Christ in the heart will impart a heaven-born dignity and sense of propriety. It will soften whatever is harsh, and subdue all that is coarse and unkind. It will lead fathers and mothers to treat their children as intelligent beings, as they themselves would like to be treated.DA 516.1
Parents, in the training of your children, study the lessons that God has given in nature. If you would train a pink, or rose, or lily, how would you do it? Ask the gardener by what process he makes every branch and leaf to flourish so beautifully, and to develop in symmetry and loveliness. He will tell you that it was by no rude touch, no violent effort; for this would only break the delicate stems. It was by little attentions, often repeated. He moistened the soil, and protected the growing plants from the fierce blasts and from the scorching sun, and God caused them to flourish and to blossom into loveliness. In dealing with your children, follow the method of the gardener. By gentle touches, by loving ministrations, seek to fashion their characters after the pattern of the character of Christ.DA 516.2
Encourage the expression of love toward God and toward one another. The reason why there are so many hardhearted men and women in the world is that true affection has been regarded as weakness, and has been discouraged and repressed. The better nature of these persons was stifled in childhood; and unless the light of divine love shall melt away their cold selfishness, their happiness will be forever ruined. If we wish our children to possess the tender spirit of Jesus, and the sympathy that angels manifest for us, we must encourage the generous, loving impulses of childhood.DA 516.3
Teach the children to see Christ in nature. Take them out into the open air, under the noble trees, into the garden; and in all the wonderful works of creation teach them to see an expression of His love. Teach them that He made the laws which govern all living things, that He has made laws for us, and that these laws are for our happiness and joy. Do not weary them with long prayers and tedious exhortations, but through nature’s object lessons teach them obedience to the law of God.DA 517.1
As you win their confidence in you as followers of Christ, it will be easy to teach them of the great love wherewith He has loved us. As you try to make plain the truths of salvation, and point the children to Christ as a personal Saviour, angels will be by your side. The Lord will give to fathers and mothers grace to interest their little ones in the precious story of the Babe of Bethlehem, who is indeed the hope of the world.DA 517.2
When Jesus told the disciples not to forbid the children to come to Him, He was speaking to His followers in all ages,—to officers of the church, to ministers, helpers, and all Christians. Jesus is drawing the children, and He bids us, Suffer them to come; as if He would say, They will come if you do not hinder them.DA 517.3
Let not your un-Christlike character misrepresent Jesus. Do not keep the little ones away from Him by your coldness and harshness. Never give them cause to feel that heaven will not be a pleasant place to them if you are there. Do not speak of religion as something that children cannot understand, or act as if they were not expected to accept Christ in their childhood. Do not give them the false impression that the religion of Christ is a religion of gloom, and that in coming to the Saviour they must give up all that makes life joyful.DA 517.4
As the Holy Spirit moves upon the hearts of the children, co-operate with His work. Teach them that the Saviour is calling them, that nothing can give Him greater joy than for them to give themselves to Him in the bloom and freshness of their years.DA 517.5
The Saviour regards with infinite tenderness the souls whom He has purchased with His own blood. They are the claim of His love. He looks upon them with unutterable longing. His heart is drawn out, not only to the best-behaved children, but to those who have by inheritance objectionable traits of character. Many parents do not understand how much they are responsible for these traits in their children. They have not the tenderness and wisdom to deal with the erring ones whom they have made what they are. But Jesus looks upon these children with pity. He traces from cause to effect.DA 517.6
The Christian worker may be Christ’s agent in drawing these children to the Saviour. By wisdom and tact he may bind them to his heart, he may give them courage and hope, and through the grace of Christ may see them transformed in character, so that of them it may be said, “Of such is the kingdom of God.”From Heaven With Love
Chapter 56—Jesus’ Love for Children
HLv 342.1
Jesus was a lover of children. He accepted their childish sympathy and open, unaffected love. The grateful praise from their lips refreshed His spirit when oppressed by contact with crafty and hypocritical men. Wherever He went, His gentle, kindly manner won their confidence.HLv 342.2
It was customary for children to be brought to some rabbi, that he might lay his hands on them in blessing. But when the mothers came to Him with their little ones, the disciples looked on them with disfavor. They thought these children too young to be benefited by a visit to Jesus, and concluded that He would be displeased. But it was the disciples with whom He was displeased. The Saviour understood the burden of the mothers who were seeking to train their children. He Himself had drawn them into His presence.HLv 342.3
Several mothers came together, with their little ones, to have Jesus bless their children. Jesus heard with sympathy their timid, tearful request. But He waited to see how the disciples would treat them. When He saw them send the mothers away, He showed them their error, saying, “Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” He took the children in His arms and gave them the blessing for which they came.HLv 342.4
The mothers were strengthened by the words of Christ, and were encouraged to take up their burden with new cheerfulness. The mothers of today are to receive His words with the same faith. Christ is a personal Saviour, and is as verily the helper of mothers today as when He gathered the little ones in His arms in Judea.HLv 343.1
Jesus knows the burden of every mother’s heart. He made a long journey to relieve the anxious heart of a Canaanite woman. He gave back to the widow of Nain her only son, and in His agony on the cross He remembered His own mother. He is touched today by the mother’s sorrow. In every grief and need He will give comfort and help.HLv 343.2
He who said, “Suffer the little children to come unto Me, and forbid them not,” still invites mothers to lead their little ones to be blessed by Him. Even the babe in its mother’s arms may dwell as under the shadow of the Almighty through the faith of the praying mother. John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit from his birth. If we will live in communion with God, we too may expect the divine Spirit to mold our little ones, even from their earliest moments.HLv 343.3
Jesus saw that some of the children who were brought in contact with Him would become martyrs for His sake. These children would accept Him as their Redeemer far more readily than many grown-up people. The Majesty of heaven answered their questions and simplified His important lessons to meet their childish understanding.HLv 343.4
Children are still the most susceptible to the teachings of the gospel; their hearts are strong to retain the lessons received. Little children may be Christians, in accordance with their years.HLv 343.5
Fathers and mothers should look on their children as younger members of the Lord’s family, committed to them to educate for heaven. The Christian home becomes a school, with the parents as underteachers and Christ Himself the chief instructor. We should teach our children to bring their sins to Jesus, asking forgiveness and believing that He pardons them as He received the children when He was personally on earth.HLv 344.1
As the mother teaches her children to obey her because they love her, she is teaching them the first lesson in the Christian life. The mother’s love represents to the child the love of Christ, and the little ones who trust and obey their mother are learning to trust and obey the Saviour.HLv 344.2
Jesus was also the father’s example. His word was with power; yet even with rude and violent men He did not use one unkind or discourteous expression. The grace of Christ in the heart will soften whatever is harsh and subdue all that is coarse and unkind. It will lead fathers and mothers to treat their children as they themselves would like to be treated.HLv 344.3
Parents, in training your children, study the lessons God has given in nature. If you would train a rose or lily, how would you do it? Ask the gardener how he makes every branch and leaf to develop in symmetry and loveliness. He will tell you: it was by no rude touch, no violent effort; this would only break the delicate stems. It was by little attentions, often repeated. He moistened the soil and protected the growing plants from the fierce blasts and scorching sun, and God caused them to blossom into loveliness. By gentle touches, seek to fashion the characters of your children after the pattern of the character of Christ.HLv 344.4
Encourage the expression of love toward God and toward one another. The reason why there are so many hardhearted men and women in the world is that true affection has been discouraged and repressed. The better nature of these persons was stifled in childhood; and unless divine love shall melt away their cold selfishness, their happiness will be forever ruined. If we wish our children to possess the tender spirit of Jesus, we must encourage the generous, loving impulses of childhood.HLv 344.5
Teach the children to see Christ in nature. Take them out into the open air, under the noble trees, into the garden. In all the wonderful works of creation teach them to see His love. He made the laws which govern all living things, and He has made laws for our happiness and joy. Do not weary them with long prayers and tedious exhortations, but through nature’s object lessons teach them obedience to the law of God.HLv 345.1
As you try to make plain the truths of salvation, point the children to Christ as a personal Saviour. Angels will be by your side. The Lord will give to fathers and mothers grace to interest their little ones in the precious story of the Babe in Bethlehem.HLv 345.2
Do not keep the little ones away from Jesus by coldness and harshness. Never give them cause to feel that heaven will not be a pleasant place if you are there. Do not speak of religion as something that children cannot understand. Do not give the false impression that the religion of Christ is a religion of gloom and that in coming to the Saviour they must give up all that makes life joyful.HLv 345.3
As the Holy Spirit moves upon the hearts of the children, cooperate with His work. The Saviour is calling them. Nothing can give Him greater joy than for them to give themselves to Him in the bloom and freshness of their years. His heart is drawn out, not only to the best-behaved children, but to those who have by inheritance objectionable traits of character. Many parents have not the tenderness and wisdom to deal with the erring children whom they have made what they are. But Jesus looks upon these children with pity.HLv 345.4
Be Christ’s agent in drawing these children to the Saviour. By wisdom and tact give them courage and hope. Through the grace of Christ they may be transformed in character, so that of them it may be said, “Of such is the kingdom of God.”Luke 18:16
Gospel Workers (1892/1893 ed.)
Manner of Labor
GW92 405.1
In these children, who were brought to him that he might bless them, he saw the future men and women who should be heirs of his grace and subjects of his kingdom, and some of whom would become martyrs for his name’s sake. Certain unsympathizing disciples commanded that the children be taken away, lest they should trouble the Master; but as they were turning away in sadness, Christ rebuked his followers, saying, “Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God.” [Luke 18:16.]EGW Writings — Ellen G. White. Ellen G. White Estate · all rights reserved
Luke 18:1
Counsels for the Church
Chapter 54—Prayer for the Sick
CCh 303.1
The Scripture says that “men ought always to pray, and not to faint;” Luke 18:1; and if ever there is a time when they feel their need of prayer, it is when strength fails and life itself seems slipping from their grasp. Often those who are in health forget the wonderful mercies continued to them day by day, year after year, and they render no tribute of praise to God for His benefits. But when sickness comes, God is remembered. When human strength fails, men feel their need of divine help. And never does our merciful God turn from the soul that in sincerity seeks Him for help. He is our refuge in sickness as in health.Jesus, Name Above All Names
Compassionate Physician, August 31
JNN 257.2
The Scripture says that “men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:1); and if ever there is a time when they feel their need of prayer, it is when strength fails and life itself seems slipping from their grasp. Often those who are in health forget the wonderful mercies continued to them day by day, year after year, and they render no tribute of praise to God for His benefits. But when sickness comes, God is remembered. When human strength fails, men and women feel their need of divine help. And never does our merciful God turn from the soul that in sincerity seeks Him for help. He is our refuge in sickness as in health....Reflecting Christ
Praying Believers Should Encircle the World, April 17
RC 121.1
Men ought always to pray, and not to faint. Luke 18:1.The Ministry of Healing
Chapter 16—Prayer for the Sick
MH 225.1
The Scripture says that “men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:1); and if ever there is a time when they feel their need of prayer, it is when strength fails and life itself seems slipping from their grasp. Often those who are in health forget the wonderful mercies continued to them day by day, year after year, and they render no tribute of praise to God for His benefits. But when sickness comes, God is remembered. When human strength fails, men feel their need of divine help. And never does our merciful God turn from the soul that in sincerity seeks Him for help. He is our refuge in sickness as in health.This Day With God
Let Us Hold Fast, June 17
TDG 177.7
“Men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:1). Every sincere prayer that is offered to God is mingled with the efficacy of Christ’s blood. If the answer is deferred, it is because God desires us to show a holy boldness in claiming the pledged word of God. He is faithful who hath promised.—Manuscript 19, June 17, 1892,.Ye Shall Receive Power
A Permanent Connection, October 24
YRP 306.1
And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint. Luke 18:1.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)
Ms 38, 1889
6LtMs, Ms 38, 1889, par. 4
The Lord Jesus knew the necessity for prayer. The often repeated injunction was given to His disciples, “Watch and pray.” [Mark 13:33.] And Jesus bids His disciples to return to a closet for secret prayer. He says, “Men ought always to pray and not to faint.” [Luke 18:1.] There must be constant looking unto Jesus in all our perplexities. Simple faith takes hold on the promise and becomes, when exercised intelligently, a living reality—faith that works, that grasps the eternal efficiency. Satan will taunt and mock us when with mind and soul and will we begin to believe that Christ is indeed ours and we begin to enjoy the peace that [comes from] a reliable faith that grasps the sure promises. “Ask,” saith He that is Truth, “and ye shall receive” [John 16:24], [and then] we do drink of the living waters of life.Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 19, 1892
7LtMs, Ms 19, 1892, par. 33
“Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” [Luke 18:1.] Every sincere prayer that is offered to God is mingled with the efficacy of Christ’s blood. If the answer is deferred, it is because God desires us to show a holy boldness in claiming the pledged word of God. He is faithful who hath promised. He will never forsake the soul who is wholly surrendered to Him. You may ask the Lord for certain things that you think you must have, but He may see that to grant your desire would harm your soul. He gives you that which is for your good and His glory. If you become rebellious because you do not receive what you think you should, you show that your way is not in harmony with the will of God, that your way is not His way. Selfishness says, “My way, O God; much of self, and little of thee.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)
Ms 33, 1892
7LtMs, Ms 33, 1892, par. 16
“Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” Luke 18:1. Every sincere prayer that is offered to God is mingled with the efficacy of Christ’s blood. If the answer is deferred, it is because God desires us to show a holy boldness in claiming the pledged word of God. He is faithful who hath promised. He will never forsake the soul who is wholly surrendered to Him. You may ask the Lord for certain things that you think you must have, but He may see that to grant your desire would harm your soul. He gives you that which is for your good and His glory. If you become rebellious because you do not receive what you think you should, you show that your way is not in harmony with the will of God, that your way is not His way. Selfishness says, “My way, O God; much of self, and little of Thee.”Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)
Lt 105, 1899
14LtMs, Lt 105, 1899, par. 5
Show a firm, undeviating trust in God. Be ever true to principle. Waver not; speak decidedly that which you know to be truth, and leave the consequences with God. Bear in mind that God tests the genuineness of your desire. Believe in the Word of God, and never cease to press your petitions to the throne of grace with sanctified, holy boldness. “Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” [Luke 18:1.] Keep the standard by precept and example. Your testimony, in its genuineness and reality, God will make powerful in the power of the life to come. The Word of the Lord will be in thy mouth in truth and righteousness.