"Ebenezer." We make Prophet Samuel’s words our own concerning 2016: "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us" (1 Samuel 7:12).
Another year of our earthly existence is approaching its end. One more year adds another chapter to our history. For some, it may be that 2016 has been marked by anguish, sadness or loss. For others, it has been a year of joys and victories. For Christians, it means one less year of waiting, a year closer to Heaven. We must thank our God for allowing us to live another year, even if it has been full of trials. Trials prepare us for great victories.
Considering the current world events, we are apprehensive. We have heard the word "crisis" a lot. Financial Crisis, Political Crisis, World Crisis ... This year was particularly hectic in Brazil, a country which in 2016 experienced change of government, elections, corruption, insecurity and unemployment. We experience the feeling that our lives have worsened. On the world stage, alarming situations have also arisen. Catastrophes, famines, and wars result in millions of refugees looking for a new home. Men who cause insecurity, both political and economic, have risen to power in várious nations. And in the religious world we have also seen movements that seek the union of the churches around a single purpose, to follow only a leader. What do these facts tell us? That the end is near.
Instead of leaving us worried or desperate, these things should produce great joy. "Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption is at hand" (Luke 21:28). Through these words Jesus encouraged His disciples, and His words can also bring us comfort. In rejecting the Word of God, the inhabitants of this world made their choices and the degradation of the Earth is a consequence of this. "But we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" (2 Peter 3:13). "Arise, and walk, for your place of rest is not here …" (Micah 2:10). Our meeting with Jesus in glory is fast approaching, and this is a source of great joy.
Preparation is needed for this meeting. Jesus will come to seek His chosen ones and put an end to this vast world of confusion. But He will take only those who await Him. We must here become like Christ, and know Him as the present and personal Savior.
“We cannot now see the glory of God, but it is only by receiving Him here that we shall be able by and by to see Him face to face. God would have us keep our eyes fixed on Him, that we may lose sight of the things of this world. We have . . . no time for any of us to delay that preparation which will enable us to see the face of God. . . .
"Only by looking to Jesus, the Lamb of God, and following in His steps, can you prepare to meet God. . . . We shall see Him face to face if we now give ourselves up to be molded and fashioned by Him and prepared for a place in the kingdom of God.”—Our Father Cares, pp. 141, 142.
In addition to personal preparation, it depends on us, as a church and as individuals, to tell others about this great event. Many people still do not know that Jesus' return is real and they think of it as fiction. Through our lives and our commitment, they can make their decision while the door of grace is still open.
“The weighty obligation of warning a world of its coming doom is upon us. . . . A world, perishing in sin, is to be enlightened. The lost pearl is to be found. The lost sheep is to be brought back in safety to the fold. Who will join in the search? Who will bear the light to those who are wandering in the darkness of error?”—Evangelism, p. 16.
The work of personal, individual evangelism is now of vital importance for the salvation of the unrepentant, as well as of our own salvation. We are greatly blessed when we work for others. We should not just be "sermon listeners". We cannot sit back and trust others to do the work. Pastors and workers cannot do the work of the members. Everyone has their responsibility.
"Instead of keeping pastors working for churches that already know the truth, tell the members of the churches to these workers: 'Go to work for the souls that perish in the darkness. We ourselves will carry forward the works of the church. We will hold the meetings, and, being in Christ, we will maintain spiritual life. We will work for the souls around us, and we will raise our prayers and send our offerings to keep the laborers in the most needy and helpless fields.”—Evangelism, p. 382.
A new year is open before us. We have created many expectations for 2017. Personal, family, and professional projects are important and necessary, but spiritual decisions are the most important. I want to propose two essential targets for next year:
1. That all church members engage in studying the prophecies to strengthen their own faith and that of new converts. "Where there is no vision, the people perish; But he that keepeth the law, he is blessed "(Proverbs 29:18).
2. That every member of the church be a missionary, testifying of Jesus, speaking of the love of God and of the prophecies that are fulfilling. "Those who are wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; And those who many teach righteousness, as the stars always and forever" (Daniel 12:3).
Dear brethren, great is our privilege! Knowing this wonderful message of salvation in Christ Jesus and being sure of His return to find us should fill us with tremendous joy. Our struggles will end and a life of eternal happiness will be before us.
“How great will be the joy when the redeemed of the Lord shall all meet—gathered into the mansions prepared for them! O, what rejoicing for all who have been impartial, unselfish laborers together with God in carrying forward His work in the earth! What satisfaction will every reaper have, when the clear, musical voice of Jesus shall be heard, saying, ‘Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.’ ‘Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord’ (Matthew 25:34 and 21).”—Counsels on Stewardship, p. 348.
May God bless each one of you and may 2017 be full of spiritual victories!
Pastor Aroldo Gessner
President of the SDARM South Brazilian Union
