May 27

Amid discord and strife, a voice was heard from the wilderness, a voice startling and stern, yet full of hope: "Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." With a new, strange power it moved the people. Prophets had foretold the coming of Christ as an event far in the future; but here was an announcement that it was at hand. John's singular appearance carried the minds of his hearers back to the ancient seers. In his manner and dress he resembled the prophet Elijah. With the spirit and power of Elijah he denounced the national corruption, and rebuked the prevailing sins. His words were plain, pointed, and convincing. Many believed him to be one of the prophets risen from the dead. The whole nation was stirred. Multitudes flocked to the wilderness.

          Desire of Ages, page 105 from the chapter, 'The voice in the wilderness'

     Note those words, “John's singular appearance carried the minds of his hearers back to the ancient seers.” Yes, we are supposed to be singular, peculiar indeed, but it seems as if John took the message really seriously. His dress, marked him out as different. In those days the thoughts of the people of the day marked him out as a prophet. That ensured him an audience who respected him.

     What can we wear to mark us out as different? Nowadays our context is so different. Where we to wear John’s rather bizarre dress we might be locked up; if we didn’t catch pneumonia. People would not respect the messenger or the message.

     We could try to wear the dress of the early advent pioneers but our chances of being observed as having a relevant message would be minimal.

     It is far more likely that people will pay attention to us on the basis of the life we live. How do we create that kind of lifestyle?

     I read this passage very recently,

      “There is no higher trust than that committed to fathers and mothers in the care and training of their children. Parents have to do with the very foundations of habit and character. By their example and teaching the future of their children is largely decided. … We know not in what line our children may be called to serve. They may spend their lives within the circle of the home; they may engage in life's common vocations, or go as teachers of the gospel to heathen lands; but all are alike called to be missionaries for God, ministers of mercy to the world. They are to obtain an education that will help them to stand by the side of Christ in unselfish service.”

      Prophets and Kings, p.246

     I made the choice of song today, and looked for a George Jones song again. I liked what I heard yesterday. The song I chose was, ‘The Unclouded day’  Please click on the picture to listen to the song.