Gods Sabbath

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E NTERING INTO G OD ’ S S ABBATH R EST

Thoughts and fears such as these harassed John while he was doomed to inactivity in his lonely dungeon. His disciples, who had access to him, behaved like Job’s comforters when they brought him news about the activities of Jesus, which they cast in a doubtful or unfavorable light. Their attitude revealed a de ficiency that is a common tendency in human nature: they fail ed to see how their master could serve God through suffering or death. This was particularly understandable in their case be cause of the false concepts they cherished in regard to Christ’s kingdom. Consistent with their ideas about the anticipated Messianic reign, was their expectation that Christ would deliv er John from prison, since they could see He had the power to do so. If they had been receptive to divine light on this subject, John’s disciples would have encouraged him by assuring him that the only reason God had permitted Satan to place him in a Roman dungeon, was to work out a very wonderful purpose in advancing the cause they loved so much. Instead of being rest less with doubt, fears, uncertainty, and troublesome questions about the character and mission of Christ, they would have rest ed peacefully in God’s will, revealing the Sabbath rest principles in operation. John had to struggle against the temptation of yielding to the negative thoughts that arose in his imagination. “The life of John had been one of active labor, and the gloom and inaction of his prison life weighed heavily upon him. As week after week passed, bringing no change, despondency and doubt crept over him. His disciples did not forsake him. They were allowed access to the prison, and they brought him tid ings of the works of Jesus, and told how the people were flock ing to Him. But they questioned why, if this new teacher was the Messiah, He did nothing to effect John’s release. How could He permit His faithful herald to be deprived of liberty and per haps of life? “These questions were not without effect. Doubts which oth erwise would never have arisen were suggested to John. Satan rejoiced to hear the words of these disciples, and to see how they bruised the soul of the Lord’s messenger. Oh, how often those who think themselves the friends of a good man, and who are ea