Foreword It is fascinating to realize how descriptive are the writings of Ezekiel for the last days of earth’s history. Although this prophet wrote for his own day, the relevance of this inspired material for us today is amazing. Our modern-day prophet tells it straight, that “the book of Ezekiel is deeply instructive” (Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 395).Interestingly enough, the book depicts the final stages of missionary efforts to spread the three angels’ messages, including the sealing message, the latter rain, and a frequently distorted, neglected, but essential aspect of the everlasting gospel–the medical missionary work. We are told:“Study faithfully the thirty-third chapter of Ezekiel. The work which is being done in medical missionary lines is the very work which Christ commanded His followers to do. Can you not clearly see that those who are engaged in this work are fulfilling the Saviour’s commission? Can you not see that it would please your Saviour if you would lay aside all false dignity and learn in His school how to wear His yoke and carry His burdens?” –Testimonies to Ministers, p. 416.“The thirty-third chapter of Ezekiel shows that God’s government is a government of personal responsibility. Each one must stand for himself. No one can obey for his neighbor. No one is excused for neglecting his duty because of a similar neglect on the part of his neighbor.”–The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 4, p. 1164.“By pen and voice, by the circulation of literature, by the preaching of the word, by medical missionary work, by every other agency that can be employed in consecrated service, the work of warning the world is to be carried forward. Every church member is to do something. God’s people are to be laborers together with Him.”–The Review and Herald, May 5, 1904.“We see multitudes sunken in vice and ignorance, without hope and without God. Yet provision has been made that these may become children of the heavenly King. His mercy is still lingering for them. He is inviting them, weary, heavy-laden with sin, to come to Him for pardon, rest, and peace. To us He has given the message of truth, the invitation of mercy, to bear to these perishing souls. Shall we not act our part in fulfilling the divine purpose, by giving light to those who are in darkness? Let us not wait for them to come to us, but let us go out and search for them. Let us devise ways and means of reaching them and of communicating to them a knowledge of the truth for this time. Let us point them to the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world.”–Ibid., November 19, 1914.Brethren, sisters, and friends, let us therefore redeem the time and study to show ourselves approved unto God, as workmen “that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15)!
