19 - Power of Example

Power of Example

RH June 25, 1861

EGW

In the epistle of Paul to [Titus 2:13, 14], we read, “Looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people zealous of good works.” This great work is to be performed for those only who are willing to be purified, willing to be peculiar, and who manifest a zeal in good works. How many shrink from the purifying process! They are unwilling to live out the truth, unwilling to appear singular or peculiar in the eyes of the world. It is this mixing up with the world which destroys our spirituality, pureness and zeal. Satan’s power is constantly exercised to stupefy the sensibilities of God’s people, that their consciences may not be sensitive to wrong, and that the sign of distinction between them and the world may be destroyed. RH June 25, 1861, par. 1

Dalam surat Paulus kepada [Titus 2:13, 14], kita membaca, “Menantikan pengharapan yang diberkati dan kedatangan yang mulia dari Allah yang besar dan Juruselamat kita Yesus Kristus, yang telah menyerahkan diri-Nya untuk kita supaya Ia menebus kita dari segala kejahatan dan menyucikan bagi diri-Nya suatu umat pilihan yang giat dalam perbuatan baik.” Pekerjaan besar ini hanya akan dilakukan bagi mereka yang bersedia disucikan, bersedia menjadi istimewa, dan yang menunjukkan semangat dalam perbuatan baik. Betapa banyak orang yang menghindari proses penyucian! Mereka tidak mau menghidupi kebenaran, tidak mau tampak istimewa atau unik di mata dunia. Percampuran dengan dunia inilah yang menghancurkan spiritualitas, kemurnian, dan semangat kita. Kuasa Setan terus-menerus digunakan untuk menumpulkan kepekaan umat Allah, agar hati nurani mereka tidak peka terhadap kesalahan, dan agar tanda perbedaan antara mereka dan dunia dapat dihancurkan. RH 25 Juni 1861, par. 1

I have frequently received letters of inquiry in regard to dress, and some have not rightly understood what I have written. The very class which have been presented before me, who were imitating the fashions of the world, have been very slow, and the last to be affected or reformed. There has been another class who lacked taste and order in dress, who have taken advantage of what I have written, and taken the opposite extreme, and considered that they were free from pride, and have looked upon those who dress orderly and neat as being proud. Oddity and careless dress have been considered by some a special virtue. Such take a course which destroys their influence over unbelievers. They disgust those who might be benefitted. While the visions have reproved pride and imitating the fashions of the world, they have reproved those who were careless of their apparel and lacked cleanliness of person and dress. Especially have I been shown that those who profess present truth should have a special care to appear before God to worship him upon the Sabbath in a manner showing that we respect the Creator who has sanctified and placed special honors upon that day. All who have any regard for the Sabbath should be cleanly in person, neat and orderly in dress, for they are to appear before a jealous God who marks every token of disrespect. God is offended at uncleanness and disorder. Individuals have thought it would be wrong to wear anything upon their heads but a sun-bonnet. Such go to great extremes. It cannot be called pride to wear a neat, plain, straw or silk bonnet. Our faith, if carried out, will lead us to be so plain in dress and zealous of good works that we shall be marked as peculiar. But when we lose taste for order and neatness in dress we virtually leave the truth, for the truth never degrades, but elevates. Unbelievers look upon Sabbath-keepers as degraded, and when individuals are neglectful of their dress, and are coarse and rough, in their manners, their influence strengthens unbelievers in their conclusions. RH June 25, 1861, par. 2

Saya sering menerima surat pertanyaan mengenai pakaian, dan beberapa di antaranya tidak memahami dengan benar apa yang telah saya tulis. Golongan yang telah dihadirkan di hadapan saya, yang meniru mode dunia, sangat lambat dan paling terakhir terpengaruh atau berubah. Ada golongan lain yang kurang memiliki selera dan keteraturan dalam berpakaian, yang memanfaatkan apa yang telah saya tulis, dan mengambil ekstrem yang berlawanan, dan menganggap bahwa mereka bebas dari kesombongan, dan memandang orang-orang yang berpakaian rapi dan teratur sebagai orang yang sombong. Keanehan dan pakaian yang ceroboh dianggap oleh sebagian orang sebagai suatu kebajikan khusus. Mereka mengambil jalan yang menghancurkan pengaruh mereka terhadap orang-orang yang tidak percaya. Mereka membuat jijik orang-orang yang mungkin mendapat manfaat darinya. Sementara penglihatan-penglihatan itu menegur kesombongan dan meniru mode dunia, penglihatan-penglihatan itu juga menegur orang-orang yang ceroboh dalam berpakaian dan kurang menjaga kebersihan diri dan pakaian. Saya terutama telah diperlihatkan bahwa mereka yang mengaku percaya pada kebenaran masa kini hendaknya sangat memperhatikan untuk menghadap Tuhan dan menyembah-Nya pada hari Sabat dengan cara yang menunjukkan bahwa kita menghormati Sang Pencipta yang telah menguduskan dan memberikan penghormatan khusus pada hari itu. Semua orang yang menghormati hari Sabat hendaknya bersih secara fisik, rapi dan teratur dalam berpakaian, karena mereka akan menghadap Tuhan yang cemburu yang memperhatikan setiap tanda ketidakhormatan. Tuhan tersinggung oleh kenajisan dan ketidakteraturan. Beberapa orang berpikir bahwa mengenakan sesuatu di kepala selain topi matahari adalah hal yang salah. Mereka bertindak berlebihan. Mengenakan topi jerami atau sutra yang rapi dan sederhana bukanlah kesombongan. Iman kita, jika dijalankan, akan menuntun kita untuk berpakaian sederhana dan bersemangat dalam perbuatan baik sehingga kita akan dianggap istimewa. Tetapi ketika kita kehilangan selera akan keteraturan dan kerapian dalam berpakaian, kita pada dasarnya meninggalkan kebenaran, karena kebenaran tidak pernah merendahkan, tetapi meninggikan. Orang-orang yang tidak percaya memandang orang-orang yang memelihara Sabat sebagai orang yang hina, dan ketika individu-individu mengabaikan pakaian mereka, serta bersikap kasar dan tidak sopan, pengaruh mereka memperkuat kesimpulan orang-orang yang tidak percaya. RH 25 Juni 1861, par. 2

Those who profess to be Christians in these last days which are full of peril, and do not imitate the humble, self-denying Pattern, place themselves in the enemy’s ranks. He considers them his subjects, and they serve as important a purpose for Satan as any of his subjects, for they have a name to live and are dead. Others take them for example, and by their following them, lose heaven, when if they had not professed to be Christians, they would have shunned their example. These unconsecrated professors are not aware of the weight of their influence. They make the conflict much more severe for those who would be God’s peculiar people. Paul in Titus 2:15, refers to God’s people who are looking for the appearing of Christ. He says, “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke, with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” As we bear testimony against pride and following the fashions of the world, we are met with excuses and self-justification. Some urge the example of others. Such a sister wears hoops, if it is wrong for me to wear them it is wrong for her. Children urge the example of other children whose parents are Sabbath-keepers. Bro. A. is a deacon of the church. His children wear hoops, and why is it any worse for me to wear them than it is for them? Those who by their example furnish unconsecrated professors with arguments against those who would be peculiar, are laying a cause of stumbling in the way of the weak, and to God they must render an account for such example. I am often asked, “What do you think of hoops?” I reply, I have given you the light which has been given me. I was shown that hoops were a shame, and that we should not give the least countenance to a fashion carried to such ridiculous lengths. I am often surprised to hear that “sister White says it is not wrong to wear small hoops.” No one has ever heard me say this. After being shown what I have in regard to hoops, nothing would induce me to give the least encouragement to any one to wear them. RH June 25, 1861, par. 3

Mereka yang mengaku sebagai orang Kristen di zaman akhir yang penuh bahaya ini, dan tidak meniru Teladan yang rendah hati dan menyangkal diri, menempatkan diri mereka di barisan musuh. Musuh menganggap mereka sebagai bawahannya, dan mereka memiliki tujuan yang sama pentingnya bagi Setan seperti bawahannya yang lain, karena mereka memiliki nama untuk hidup tetapi sebenarnya mati. Yang lain menjadikan mereka sebagai teladan, dan dengan mengikuti mereka, kehilangan surga, padahal jika mereka tidak mengaku sebagai orang Kristen, mereka akan menghindari teladan mereka. Para pengaku iman yang tidak dikuduskan ini tidak menyadari beratnya pengaruh mereka. Mereka membuat konflik jauh lebih berat bagi mereka yang ingin menjadi umat pilihan Allah. Paulus dalam Titus 2:15, merujuk kepada umat Allah yang menantikan kedatangan Kristus. Ia berkata, “Beritakanlah hal-hal ini, dan nasihatilah, dan tegurlah dengan segala kuasa. Janganlah seorang pun menghina engkau.” Ketika kita memberi kesaksian melawan kesombongan dan mengikuti mode dunia, kita dihadapkan dengan alasan dan pembenaran diri. Beberapa orang menganjurkan teladan orang lain. Saudari seperti itu mengenakan anting-anting lingkaran, jika salah bagi saya untuk memakainya, maka salah juga baginya. Anak-anak mendorong contoh anak-anak lain yang orang tuanya memelihara hari Sabat. Saudara A. adalah diaken gereja. Anak-anaknya mengenakan anting-anting lingkaran, dan mengapa lebih buruk bagi saya untuk memakainya daripada bagi mereka? Mereka yang melalui contoh mereka memberikan argumen kepada para penganut agama yang belum ditahbiskan untuk melawan mereka yang ingin menjadi istimewa, sedang meletakkan penyebab tersandung di jalan orang-orang yang lemah, dan kepada Tuhan mereka harus mempertanggungjawabkan contoh tersebut. Saya sering ditanya, “Apa pendapat Anda tentang anting-anting lingkaran?” Saya menjawab, saya telah memberi Anda pencerahan yang telah diberikan kepada saya. Saya diperlihatkan bahwa anting-anting lingkaran itu memalukan, dan bahwa kita seharusnya tidak memberikan dukungan sedikit pun pada mode yang dibawa ke tingkat yang konyol seperti itu. Saya sering terkejut mendengar bahwa “Saudari White mengatakan tidak salah untuk mengenakan anting-anting lingkaran kecil.” Tidak seorang pun pernah mendengar saya mengatakan ini. Setelah diperlihatkan apa yang saya miliki mengenai rok berbingkai, tidak ada yang akan mendorong saya untuk memberikan sedikit pun dorongan kepada siapa pun untuk memakainya. RH 25 Juni 1861, par. 3

A sister writes, “I cannot see the difference between small hoops and heavy rope skirts, which show off as much as hoops, or two or three heavy quilted skirts, which are worn to take the place of hoops.” RH June 25, 1861, par. 4

Seorang saudari menulis, “Saya tidak melihat perbedaan antara rok berbingkai kecil dan rok tali tebal, yang sama-sama menonjolkan bentuk tubuh seperti rok berbingkai, atau dua atau tiga rok berlapis tebal, yang dikenakan untuk menggantikan rok berbingkai.” RH 25 Juni 1861, par. 4

I agree with the sister, if we discard hoops, it is wrong to put on heavy quilts to make it appear as near like hoops as possible. We know that it is injurious to wear heavy quilts. I contend that heavy quilts and hoops are alike unnecessary. He that framed us never designed that we should be deformed with hoops, or anything to look like them. It is the inventions and fashions of the world that have led God’s people, and they are unwilling to move out independent of the fashions and customs of the world. While I study God’s word, I am alarmed for the Israel of God in these last days. They are exhorted to flee from idolatry. I fear that God’s people are asleep and so conformed to the world that we can hardly know them, or discern between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not. The distance is widening between Christ and his people, and lessening between them and the world. The marks of distinction between Christ’s professed people and the world, have almost disappeared. They follow after the abominations of the nations around them, as did ancient Israel. From what has been shown me, hoops are an abomination. They are indecent, and God’s people err, if they follow in the least degree, or give countenance to this fashion. RH June 25, 1861, par. 5

Saya setuju dengan saudari itu, jika kita membuang rok berbingkai, adalah salah jika mengenakan selimut tebal agar terlihat semirip mungkin dengan rok berbingkai. Kita tahu bahwa mengenakan selimut tebal itu berbahaya. Saya berpendapat bahwa selimut tebal dan rok berbingkai sama-sama tidak perlu. Dia yang menciptakan kita tidak pernah merancang agar kita cacat karena rok berbingkai, atau apa pun yang menyerupainya. Penemuan dan mode dunia inilah yang telah menuntun umat Allah, dan mereka tidak mau bergerak secara independen dari mode dan kebiasaan dunia. Saat saya mempelajari firman Tuhan, saya khawatir akan umat Israel Allah di akhir zaman ini. Mereka dinasihati untuk menjauhi penyembahan berhala. Saya takut bahwa umat Allah tertidur dan begitu menyesuaikan diri dengan dunia sehingga kita hampir tidak dapat mengenal mereka, atau membedakan antara orang yang melayani Allah dan orang yang tidak melayani-Nya. Jarak antara Kristus dan umat-Nya semakin melebar, dan jarak antara mereka dan dunia semakin menyempit. Tanda-tanda perbedaan antara umat Kristus yang mengaku beriman dan dunia hampir lenyap. Mereka mengikuti kekejian bangsa-bangsa di sekitar mereka, seperti yang dilakukan Israel kuno. Dari apa yang telah ditunjukkan kepada saya, lingkaran adalah kekejian. Itu tidak sopan, dan umat Tuhan keliru jika mereka mengikuti sedikit pun, atau mendukung mode ini. RH 25 Juni 1861, par. 5

Sabbath-keepers who profess to be God’s chosen, peculiar people, should discard hoops, and their practice and example should be a living rebuke to those who wear them. Some may plead convenience. I have traveled much, and have seen a great deal of inconvenience attending the wearing of hoops; and those who plead the necessity on account of health, wear them in the winter, which is a greater injury than quilted skirts. While traveling in the cars and stages, I have often been led to exclaim, Oh, modesty, where is thy blush! I have seen large companies crowding into the cars, and in order to make any headway, the hoops had to be raised and placed into a shape which was indecent. And the exposure of the form was ten-fold more with those who wore hoops, than with those who did not; and were it not for fashion, those who immodestly expose themselves would be hissed at; but modesty and decency must be sacrificed to the god of fashion. May the Lord deliver his people from this grievous sin. God will not pity those who will be slaves to fashion. But supposing there is some little convenience in wearing hoops, does this prove that it is right to wear them? Let the fashion change and convenience would no longer be mentioned. It is the duty of every child of God to inquire, Wherein am I separate from the world? Let them suffer a little inconvenience and be on the safe side. What crosses do God’s people bear? They mingle with the world, partake of their spirit, dress, talk and act like them. RH June 25, 1861, par. 6

Para pemelihara Sabat yang mengaku sebagai umat pilihan Allah, seharusnya menanggalkan rok berbingkai, dan praktik serta teladan mereka seharusnya menjadi teguran hidup bagi mereka yang memakainya. Beberapa mungkin beralasan karena kenyamanan. Saya telah banyak bepergian, dan telah melihat banyak ketidaknyamanan yang menyertai pemakaian rok berbingkai; dan mereka yang beralasan perlunya hal itu karena alasan kesehatan, memakainya di musim dingin, yang lebih merugikan daripada rok berlapis. Saat bepergian dengan kereta dan kereta kuda, saya sering kali berseru, Oh, kesopanan, di mana rasa malumu! Saya telah melihat banyak orang berdesakan di dalam kereta, dan untuk bisa maju, rok berbingkai harus diangkat dan dibentuk sedemikian rupa sehingga tidak sopan. Dan bentuk tubuh mereka sepuluh kali lebih terbuka daripada mereka yang tidak memakainya; dan jika bukan karena mode, mereka yang secara tidak sopan memperlihatkan diri akan dicemooh; tetapi kesopanan dan kepantasan harus dikorbankan untuk dewa mode. Semoga Tuhan membebaskan umat-Nya dari dosa yang berat ini. Tuhan tidak akan mengasihani mereka yang menjadi budak mode. Tetapi, anggaplah ada sedikit kenyamanan dalam mengenakan rok berbingkai, apakah ini membuktikan bahwa mengenakannya adalah hal yang benar? Biarlah mode berubah dan kenyamanan tidak akan lagi disebutkan. Adalah tugas setiap anak Tuhan untuk bertanya, Di manakah aku terpisah dari dunia? Biarlah mereka menderita sedikit ketidaknyamanan dan berada di sisi yang aman. Salib apa yang ditanggung umat Tuhan? Mereka berbaur dengan dunia, mengambil bagian dalam roh mereka, berpakaian, berbicara, dan bertindak seperti mereka. RH 25 Juni 1861, par. 6

Please read 1 Timothy 2:9, 10. “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but (which becometh godliness) with good works.” RH June 25, 1861, par. 7

Silakan baca 1 Timotius 2:9-10. “Demikian juga hendaknya perempuan-perempuan menghias diri dengan pakaian yang sopan, dengan rasa malu dan kesederhanaan; bukan dengan rambut yang disulam, atau emas, atau mutiara, atau pakaian yang mahal, tetapi (yang sesuai dengan kesalehan) dengan perbuatan baik.” RH 25 Juni 1861, par. 7

1 Peter 3:3-5: “Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands.” RH June 25, 1861, par. 8

1 Petrus 3:3-5: “Perhiasanmu bukanlah perhiasan lahiriah, yaitu menganyam rambut, memakai perhiasan emas, atau mengenakan pakaian. Tetapi perhiasanmu adalah manusia batiniah, yang tidak dapat binasa, yaitu perhiasan roh yang lemah lembut dan tenang, yang sangat berharga di hadapan Allah. Sebab demikianlah dahulu para perempuan kudus yang percaya kepada Allah menghias diri mereka, dengan tunduk kepada suami mereka.” RH 25 Juni 1861, par. 8

The power of example is great. Sister A. ventures to wear small hoops; sister B. says it is no worse for me to wear hoops than sister A., and she wears hoops a little larger. Sister C. imitates the example of sister A. and B., and wears her hoops a little larger than A. and B., but all contend that their hoops are small. RH June 25, 1861, par. 9

Kekuatan teladan sangatlah besar. Saudari A. berani mengenakan anting-anting lingkaran kecil; Saudari B. mengatakan bahwa mengenakan anting-anting lingkaran tidak lebih buruk baginya daripada Saudari A., dan ia mengenakan anting-anting lingkaran yang sedikit lebih besar. Saudari C. meniru contoh Saudari A. dan B., dan mengenakan anting-anting lingkarannya sedikit lebih besar daripada A. dan B., tetapi semuanya berpendapat bahwa anting-anting lingkaran mereka kecil. RH 25 Juni 1861, par. 9

Parents who would teach their children the evil of following the fashions of the world, have a hard battle. They are met with, “Why, mother, sisters A., B. and C. wear hoops; if it is wicked for me, it is for them.” What can the parents say? They should set a right example before their children, and although the example of professed followers of Christ causes the children to think that their parents are too careful and severe in their restrictions, yet God will bless the efforts of these conscientious parents. If the parents do not take a decided, firm course, their children will be borne down with the current, for Satan and his evil angels are working upon their minds, and the example of unconsecrated professors is against their efforts which makes the work of overcoming far more laborious for their children. Yet with faith in God and earnest prayer, believing parents may press on in this rugged path of duty. The way of the cross is an onward, upward way. And as we advance therein, seeking the things that are above, we must leave farther and farther in the distance the things which belong to the earth. While the world and carnal professors are rushing downward to death, those who climb the hill will have to put forth efforts or they will be carried down in the broad road. RH June 25, 1861, par. 10

Orang tua yang ingin mengajarkan anak-anak mereka tentang kejahatan mengikuti mode dunia, menghadapi perjuangan yang berat. Mereka akan mendengar, “Ibu, saudari A, B, dan C mengenakan rok berbingkai; jika itu jahat bagiku, itu juga jahat bagi mereka.” Apa yang dapat dikatakan orang tua? Mereka harus memberi teladan yang benar di hadapan anak-anak mereka, dan meskipun teladan para pengikut Kristus yang mengaku beriman menyebabkan anak-anak berpikir bahwa orang tua mereka terlalu berhati-hati dan keras dalam pembatasan mereka, namun Tuhan akan memberkati upaya orang tua yang berhati nurani ini. Jika orang tua tidak mengambil jalan yang tegas dan mantap, anak-anak mereka akan terbawa arus, karena Setan dan malaikat-malaikat jahatnya sedang bekerja di dalam pikiran mereka, dan teladan para pengikut Kristus yang tidak mengabdikan diri bertentangan dengan upaya mereka, yang membuat pekerjaan untuk mengatasinya jauh lebih berat bagi anak-anak mereka. Namun dengan iman kepada Tuhan dan doa yang sungguh-sungguh, orang tua yang percaya dapat terus maju di jalan tugas yang berat ini. Jalan salib adalah jalan yang terus maju dan menanjak. Dan ketika kita maju di dalamnya, mencari hal-hal yang di atas, kita harus semakin menjauhkan hal-hal yang bersifat duniawi. Sementara dunia dan para penganut duniawi bergegas menuju kematian, mereka yang mendaki bukit harus berusaha keras atau mereka akan terbawa ke bawah di jalan yang lebar. RH 25 Juni 1861, par. 10

The children of the world are called the children of darkness. They are blinded by the god of this world, and are led by the spirit of the prince of darkness. They cannot enjoy heavenly things. The children of light have their affections set on things above. They leave behind them the things of this world. They fulfill the command, “Come out from among them and be ye separate.” Here is the conditional promise, “I will receive you.” Christ from the beginning has chosen his people out of the world, and required them to be separate, having no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness. If they love God and keep his commandments, they will be far from having the friendship, and loving the pleasures, of the world. There is no concord between Christ and Belial. RH June 25, 1861, par. 11

Anak-anak dunia disebut anak-anak kegelapan. Mereka dibutakan oleh allah dunia ini, dan dipimpin oleh roh penguasa kegelapan. Mereka tidak dapat menikmati hal-hal surgawi. Anak-anak terang menaruh kasih sayang mereka pada hal-hal di atas. Mereka meninggalkan hal-hal duniawi. Mereka memenuhi perintah, “Keluarlah dari antara mereka dan pisahkanlah dirimu.” Di sinilah janji bersyarat, “Aku akan menerima kamu.” Kristus sejak awal telah memilih umat-Nya dari dunia, dan menuntut mereka untuk terpisah, tidak bersekutu dengan perbuatan-perbuatan kegelapan yang tidak menghasilkan buah. Jika mereka mengasihi Allah dan menaati perintah-Nya, mereka akan jauh dari persahabatan dan kesenangan duniawi. Tidak ada keselarasan antara Kristus dan Belial. RH 25 Juni 1861, par. 11

The prophet Ezra, and faithful servants of the Jewish church, were astonished when the princes came to them saying, “The people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the people of the lands, doing according to their abominations. And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this, should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? Wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumed us, so that there should be no remnant nor escaping? O Lord God of Israel, thou art righteous: for we remain yet escaped, as it is this day: behold we are before thee in our trespasses, for we cannot stand before thee because of this.” Ezra 9:1, 13-15. RH June 25, 1861, par. 12

Nabi Ezra dan hamba-hamba setia jemaat Yahudi tercengang ketika para pemimpin datang kepada mereka dan berkata, “Umat Israel, para imam, dan orang Lewi, tidak memisahkan diri dari penduduk negeri-negeri lain, dan tidak melakukan perbuatan-perbuatan keji mereka. Dan setelah semua yang menimpa kami karena perbuatan jahat dan pelanggaran besar kami, karena Engkau, Allah kami, telah menghukum kami kurang dari yang pantas kami terima atas kejahatan kami, dan telah memberikan kami keselamatan seperti ini, haruskah kami lagi melanggar perintah-Mu dan bersekutu dengan orang-orang yang melakukan perbuatan-perbuatan keji itu? Tidakkah Engkau akan murka kepada kami sampai Engkau membinasakan kami, sehingga tidak ada sisa dan tidak ada yang selamat? Ya Tuhan Allah Israel, Engkau adil: karena kami masih selamat, seperti hari ini: lihatlah, kami ada di hadapan-Mu dalam pelanggaran-pelanggaran kami, karena kami tidak dapat berdiri di hadapan-Mu karena hal ini.” Ezra 9:1, 13-15. RH 25 Juni 1861, par. 12

2 Chronicles 36:14-16: “Moreover all the chief of the priests, and the people, transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen; and polluted the house of the Lord which he had hallowed in Jerusalem. And the Lord God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes and sending; because he had compassion on his people and on his dwelling-place. But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against this people, till there was no remedy.” RH June 25, 1861, par. 13

2 Tawarikh 36:14-16: “Lagipula, seluruh kepala imam dan seluruh rakyat telah sangat berbuat dosa dengan melakukan segala kekejian bangsa-bangsa kafir; mereka telah menajiskan rumah Tuhan yang telah dikuduskan-Nya di Yerusalem. Dan Tuhan Allah nenek moyang mereka mengutus utusan-utusan-Nya kepada mereka, yang bangun pagi-pagi sekali dan mengutus mereka; karena Ia berbelas kasihan kepada umat-Nya dan kepada tempat kediaman-Nya. Tetapi mereka mencemooh utusan-utusan Allah, menghina firman-Nya, dan memperlakukan nabi-nabi-Nya dengan buruk, sampai murka Tuhan bangkit terhadap bangsa itu, sampai tidak ada jalan keluar lagi.” RH 25 Juni 1861, par. 13

Leviticus 18:26, 27: “Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you; (for all these abominations have the men of the land done which were before you, and the land is defiled.)” RH June 25, 1861, par. 14

Imamat 18:26, 27: “Karena itu kamu harus memelihara ketetapan-ketetapan-Ku dan hukum-hukum-Ku, dan janganlah kamu melakukan satu pun dari kekejian-kekejian ini; baik kamu sendiri maupun orang asing yang tinggal di antara kamu; (karena semua kekejian ini telah dilakukan oleh orang-orang negeri sebelum kamu, dan negeri itu telah dicemari.)” RH 25 Juni 1861, par. 14

Deuteronomy 32:16-22: “They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods, with abominations provoked they him to anger. They sacrificed unto devils, not to God; to gods whom they knew not, to new gods, that came newly up, whom your fathers feared not. Of the Rock that begat thee thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten God that formed thee. And when the Lord saw it, he abhorred them, because of the provoking of his sons and of his daughters. And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be; for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith. They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities, and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation. For a fire is kindled in mine anger, and shall burn unto the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with her increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains.” RH June 25, 1861, par. 15

Ulangan 32:16-22: “Mereka membangkitkan kecemburuan-Nya dengan dewa-dewa asing, dengan kekejian mereka membangkitkan kemarahan-Nya. Mereka mempersembahkan kurban kepada setan-setan, bukan kepada Allah; kepada dewa-dewa yang tidak mereka kenal, kepada dewa-dewa baru yang baru muncul, yang tidak ditakuti oleh nenek moyangmu. Engkau melupakan Batu Karang yang telah melahirkan engkau, dan telah melupakan Allah yang telah membentuk engkau. Dan ketika TUHAN melihatnya, Ia membenci mereka, karena perbuatan anak-anak-Nya laki-laki dan perempuan yang telah membangkitkan kemarahan-Nya. Dan Ia berkata: Aku akan menyembunyikan wajah-Ku dari mereka, Aku akan melihat bagaimana kesudahan mereka; karena mereka adalah generasi yang sangat durhaka, anak-anak yang tidak beriman. Mereka telah membangkitkan kecemburuan-Ku dengan apa yang bukan Allah; mereka telah membangkitkan kemarahan-Ku dengan kesia-siaan mereka, dan Aku akan membangkitkan kecemburuan mereka dengan mereka yang bukan umat-Ku; Aku akan membangkitkan kemarahan mereka dengan bangsa yang bodoh. Karena api telah menyala dalam kemarahan-Ku, dan akan membakar sampai ke neraka yang paling dalam, dan akan menghanguskan semuanya bumi dengan hasil panennya, dan membakar fondasi gunung-gunung.” RH 25 Juni 1861, par. 15

We here read the warnings which God gave to ancient Israel. It was not his good pleasure that they should wander so long in the wilderness, and he would have brought them immediately to the promised land, if they had submitted, and loved to be led by him; and because they so often grieved him in the desert, he sware in his wrath that they should not enter into his rest, save two, who wholly followed him. God required his people to trust in him alone. He did not wish them to receive help of those who did not serve him. Please read Ezra 4:1-5: “Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the Lord God of Israel, then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you; for we seek your God as ye do; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esar-haddon, king of Assur, which brought us up hither. But Zerubbabel and Jeshua and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build a house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the Lord God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded. Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building, and hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose.” RH June 25, 1861, par. 16

Di sini kita membaca peringatan yang diberikan Allah kepada Israel kuno. Bukanlah kehendak-Nya agar mereka mengembara begitu lama di padang gurun, dan Ia akan segera membawa mereka ke tanah perjanjian, jika mereka tunduk dan senang dipimpin oleh-Nya; dan karena mereka sering kali menyakiti hati-Nya di padang gurun, Ia bersumpah dalam murka-Nya bahwa mereka tidak akan masuk ke tempat peristirahatan-Nya, kecuali dua orang yang sepenuhnya mengikuti-Nya. Allah menuntut umat-Nya untuk percaya hanya kepada-Nya. Ia tidak ingin mereka menerima pertolongan dari orang-orang yang tidak melayani-Nya. Silakan baca Ezra 4:1-5: “Ketika musuh-musuh Yehuda dan Benyamin mendengar bahwa anak-anak tawanan membangun bait bagi TUHAN Allah Israel, maka mereka datang kepada Zerubabel dan kepada para pemimpin bapa-bapa, dan berkata kepada mereka: Marilah kita membangun bersama-sama denganmu, karena kita mencari Allahmu seperti kamu, dan kita mempersembahkan kurban kepada-Nya sejak zaman Esarhaddon, raja Asyur, yang membawa kita ke sini. Tetapi Zerubabel dan Yosua dan para pemimpin bapa-bapa Israel lainnya berkata kepada mereka: Kamu tidak ada urusan dengan kami untuk membangun rumah bagi Allah kami; tetapi kami sendiri bersama-sama akan membangun bagi TUHAN Allah Israel, seperti yang diperintahkan oleh raja Kores, raja Persia. Kemudian penduduk negeri itu melemahkan semangat orang-orang Yehuda, dan menyusahkan mereka dalam pembangunan, dan menyewa penasihat untuk melawan mereka, untuk menggagalkan rencana mereka.” RH 25 Juni 1861, par. 16

Ezra 8:21, 23: “Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way; because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him. So we fasted and besought our God for this, and he was entreated of us.” RH June 25, 1861, par. 17

Ezra 8:21, 23: “Kemudian aku menyatakan puasa di sana, di tepi sungai Ahava, supaya kami merendahkan diri di hadapan Allah kami, memohon kepada-Nya jalan yang benar bagi kami, bagi anak-anak kami, dan bagi seluruh harta benda kami. Sebab aku malu meminta kepada raja pasukan tentara dan penunggang kuda untuk membantu kami melawan musuh di jalan; karena kami telah berkata kepada raja, ‘Tangan Allah kami ada pada semua orang yang mencari Dia untuk kebaikan; tetapi kuasa dan murka-Nya menimpa semua orang yang meninggalkan Dia.’ Maka kami berpuasa dan memohon kepada Allah kami untuk hal ini, dan kami mengabulkannya.” RH 25 Juni 1861, par. 17

The prophet and these fathers did not consider them the worshipers of the true God, and though they professed friendship and wished to help them, they dare not unite with them in anything relating to his worship. When going up to Jerusalem, to build the temple of God and to restore his worship, they would not ask help of the king to assist them in the way, but by fasting and prayer sought the Lord for help. They believed God would defend and prosper his servants in their efforts to serve him. The Creator of all things needeth not the help of his enemies to establish his worship. He asks not the sacrifice of wickedness, nor accepts the offerings of those who have other gods before the Lord. RH June 25, 1861, par. 18

Nabi dan para bapa gereja ini tidak menganggap mereka sebagai penyembah Allah yang sejati, dan meskipun mereka mengaku berteman dan ingin membantu mereka, mereka tidak berani bersatu dengan mereka dalam hal apa pun yang berkaitan dengan penyembahan-Nya. Ketika pergi ke Yerusalem, untuk membangun bait Allah dan memulihkan penyembahan-Nya, mereka tidak meminta bantuan raja untuk membantu mereka di jalan, tetapi dengan berpuasa dan berdoa memohon pertolongan Tuhan. Mereka percaya bahwa Allah akan membela dan memberkati hamba-hamba-Nya dalam upaya mereka untuk melayani-Nya. Pencipta segala sesuatu tidak membutuhkan bantuan musuh-musuh-Nya untuk menegakkan penyembahan-Nya. Ia tidak meminta pengorbanan kejahatan, dan tidak menerima persembahan dari mereka yang mempunyai allah lain di hadapan Tuhan. RH 25 Juni 1861, par. 18

We often hear the remark, You are too exclusive. As a people we would make any sacrifice to save souls, or lead them to the truth. But to unite with them, to love the things that they love, and have friendship with the world, we dare not, for we should then be at enmity with God. RH June 25, 1861, par. 19

Kita sering mendengar ucapan, "Kalian terlalu eksklusif." Sebagai suatu bangsa, kita akan melakukan pengorbanan apa pun untuk menyelamatkan jiwa-jiwa, atau menuntun mereka kepada kebenaran. Tetapi untuk bersatu dengan mereka, untuk mencintai hal-hal yang mereka cintai, dan menjalin persahabatan dengan dunia, kita tidak berani, karena jika demikian kita akan bermusuhan dengan Tuhan. RH 25 Juni 1861, par. 19

By reading the following scriptures we shall see how God regarded his ancient Israel: RH June 25, 1861, par. 20

Dengan membaca ayat-ayat berikut, kita akan melihat bagaimana Allah memandang Israel kuno-Nya: RH 25 Juni 1861, par. 20

Psalm 135:4: “For the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.” RH June 25, 1861, par. 21

Mazmur 135:4: “Karena TUHAN telah memilih Yakub bagi diri-Nya sendiri, dan Israel sebagai harta milik-Nya yang istimewa.” RH 25 Juni 1861, par. 21

Deuteronomy 14:2: “For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.” RH June 25, 1861, par. 22

Deuteronomy 7:6, 7: “For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God; the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people.” RH June 25, 1861, par. 23

Exodus 33:16: “For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? Is it not in that thou goest with us? So shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.” RH June 25, 1861, par. 24

How frequently ancient Israel rebelled, and how often were they visited with judgments, and thousands slain because they would not heed the commands of God who had chosen them. RH June 25, 1861, par. 25

The Israel of God in these last days are in constant danger of mixing with the world and losing all signs of their being the chosen people of God. Read again Titus 2:13-15. We are brought down to the last days, when God is purifying unto himself a peculiar people. Shall we provoke God as did ancient Israel? Shall we bring his wrath upon us by departing from him and mingling with the world, and following the abominations of the nations around us? RH June 25, 1861, par. 26

The Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself, and this consecration to God and separation from the world is plainly declared and positively enjoined in both the Old and New Testaments. There is a wall of separation which the Lord himself has established between the things of the world and the things he has chosen out of the world and sanctified unto himself. The calling and character of God’s people are peculiar. Their prospects are peculiar, and these peculiarities distinguish them from all people. All of God’s people upon the earth are one body, from the beginning to the end of time. They have one head that directs and governs the body. The same injunctions rest upon God’s people now, to be separate from the world, as rested upon ancient Israel. The great Head of the church has not changed. The experience of Christians in these days are much like the travels of ancient Israel. Please read 1 Corinthians 10, especially from the 6th to the 15th verse. RH June 25, 1861, par. 27

“Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.... Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall. There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it. Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.” RH June 25, 1861, par. 28

1 John 3:1: “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.” RH June 25, 1861, par. 29

1 John 2:15-17: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever.” RH June 25, 1861, par. 30

2 Peter 2:2: “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.” RH June 25, 1861, par. 31

James 4:4: “Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” RH June 25, 1861, par. 32

James 1:27: “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” RH June 25, 1861, par. 33

Titus 2:12-14: “Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” RH June 25, 1861, par. 34

Romans 12:2: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” RH June 25, 1861, par. 35

John 17:14, 15, 17: “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.” RH June 25, 1861, par. 36

Luke 6:22, 23: “Blessed are ye when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.” RH June 25, 1861, par. 37

John 15:16-19: “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own; but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” RH June 25, 1861, par. 38

1 John 4:4, 5: “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them.” RH June 25, 1861, par. 39

1 John 2:5, 6: “But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected; hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk even as he walked.” RH June 25, 1861, par. 40

1 Peter 2:9: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” RH June 25, 1861, par. 41

As we read the word of God, how plain that God’s people are peculiar and distinct from the unbelieving world around them. Our position is interesting and fearful; living in the last days, how important that we imitate the example of Christ, and walk even as he walked. “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.” The opinions and wisdom of men must not guide or govern us. They always lead away from the cross. RH June 25, 1861, par. 42

The servants of Christ have not their home or their treasure here. Would that all of them could understand that it is only because the Lord reigns that we are even permitted to dwell in peace and safety among our enemies. It is not our privilege to claim special favors of the world. We must consent to be poor and despised among men until the warfare is finished and the victory won. The members of Christ are called to come out and be separate from the friendship and spirit of the world, and their strength and power consists in their being chosen and accepted of God. RH June 25, 1861, par. 43

The Son of God was the heir of all things, and the dominion and glory of the kingdoms of this world were promised to him. Yet when he appeared in this world it was without riches or splendor. The world understood not his union with the Father; and the excellency and glory of his divine character were hid from them. He was therefore “despised and rejected of men,” and “we did esteem him smitten of God and afflicted.” RH June 25, 1861, par. 44

Even so the members of Christ are as he was in this world. They are the sons of God and joint heirs with Christ; and the kingdom and dominion belong to them. The world understand not their character and holy calling. They perceive not their adoption into the family of God. Their union and fellowship with the Father and the Son are not manifest to the world, and while they behold their humiliation and reproach, it does not appear what they are, or what they shall be. They are strangers. The world knows them not, and appreciate not the motives which actuate them. RH June 25, 1861, par. 45

The world is ripening for its destruction. God can bear with sinners but a little longer. They must drink the dregs of the cup of his wrath unmixed with mercy. Those who will be heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ to the immortal inheritance, will be peculiar. Yes, so peculiar that God places a mark upon them as his, wholly his. Think ye that God will receive, honor and acknowledge a people so mixed up with the world that they differ from them only in name? Read again Titus 2:13-15. It is soon to be known who is on the Lord’s side, who will not be ashamed of Jesus. Those who have not moral courage to take their position conscientiously in the face of unbelievers, and leave the fashions of the world and imitate the self-denying life of Christ, are ashamed of him, and do not love his example. RH June 25, 1861, par. 46

Ellen G. White.

a more sure word of prophecy