Gods Sabbath

J OHN THE B APTIST

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ger to show their fidelity to him, prove to be his most dangerous enemies! How often, instead of strengthening his faith, their words depress and dishearten!” Desire of Ages , 214.2, 215.1.

The Problem Solved

Like Job in his distress, John did not turn to his friends to solve his problem or find consolation. He was wise enough not to compound his difficulties by discussing them with his disci ples and expecting them to act as his problem solvers. There fore, as did Job before him, John eventually gained the victory over temptation. He entrusted two of his disciples with a mis sion to Jesus, who alone could solve his problems to full satis faction. They came and delivered his question to Christ: “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” Matthew 11:3. Christ did not answer them by declaration, but by demon stration. As they waited for His answer, they observed His work throughout the day. They watched Him ministering to the sick and preaching the gospel as the day wore on. It was such de manding, hard, strenuous work that He had to deny Himself of comfort in order to serve those in need. Everything that they saw, they brought back as a report to the lonely prisoner (see Luke 7:18–23). Just as Paul did later, John had dedicated his life to God’s service. The same spirit which actuated the messenger to the gentiles was resident in this messenger to the Jews. “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” Philippians 1:20. Such dedication had brought John deep peace and rest of spir it. But as he had allowed the suggested doubts to creep into his mind, he had lost this blessed Sabbath rest to some extent. So as he meditated on the delivered report, John saw that his own life Consecration Renewed