Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein (Jeremiah 6:16, KJV).

ABSTRACT

This article delves into a historical call for reformation within the church, drawing parallels with biblical directives to seek foundational truths, exploring visions of revival, the need for discerning leadership, tests of faithfulness, prophetic legacies, and God’s merciful love in correction, while emphasizing the community’s ongoing journey toward spiritual renewal and readiness for the Lord’s return.

THE WHISPERING WARNING OF 1913: A CRY FOR REFORMATION

This blog explores the 1913 call for reformation within the Church, drawing parallels with Jeremiah 6:16 and examining its relevance for various faith traditions. We will delve into the historical context, and the enduring message for today. This exploration will be guided by biblical principles, aiming for clarity, thoroughness, and personal application. Reformation begins with recognizing our need for divine guidance in returning to core truths. Scripture affirms that the community must seek God’s direction, as evidenced by the call to examine spiritual heritage and find rest in obedience. Through inspired counsel we are told, “A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs. To seek this should be our first work” (Selected Messages Book 1, 121, 1958). In The Great Controversy we read, “When the testing time shall come, those who have made God’s word their rule of life will be revealed. In summer there is no noticeable difference between evergreens and other trees; but when the blasts of winter come, the evergreens remain unchanged, while other trees are stripped of their foliage. So the falsehearted professor may not now be distinguished from the real Christian, but the time is just upon us when the difference will be apparent” (The Great Controversy, 602, 1911). Moreover, “Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth” (Psalm 119:142, KJV). And “Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths” (Psalm 25:4, KJV). This sets the foundation for understanding how the community can apply these principles today. But what cry echoes when the church stands at a pivotal crossroads?

PROPHET’S CRY: IS THE CHURCH AT A CROSSROADS?

In 1913, the Church faced a critical juncture. A prominent figure in the church’s history, emphasized the need for “men of ‘clear understanding’” guided by the Holy Spirit. This wasn’t merely a call for individual piety, but for collective reformation led by wise and discerning leadership. It was a time that called for more than just personal devotion. The church needed leaders who could guide them through a time of crisis. The need for this leadership was like a beacon in the night showing the church the correct path. This reminds us that we need to support our leaders and pray for them. This wasn’t just a church issue. Any organization, religious or secular, needs strong leadership to navigate difficult times. Leadership thrives when guided by the Holy Spirit, as seen in the community’s response to divine direction during trials. A prophetic voice once wrote, “God calls for men of decision, who will be true as steel to principle, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, 136, 1889). Through inspired counsel we learn, “The greatest want of the world is the want of men—men who will not be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall” (Education, 57, 1903). Furthermore, “Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light” (Ephesians 5:14, KJV). And “But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day” (Proverbs 4:18, KJV). Thus, strong leadership remains essential for guiding the community through challenges. Yet, what vision offers hope amid such warnings?

VISION OF REVIVAL: DOES HOPE COME WITH WARNING?

Sr. White’s vision of widespread revival painted a vivid picture of what could be achieved if the church responded to God’s call. This vision, like a sunrise after a dark night, offered hope and encouragement. This vision was not just a picture of hope, it was also a warning of what could happen if they did not respond to the call for reformation. The call to “trim their lamps” is a call to action. It is a call to be ready for the Lord’s return. It is a call that I take to heart. I must be ready for the Lord’s return. Revival awakens the community to God’s power, evident in the transformation that follows sincere seeking. The inspired pen describes, “Revival signifies a renewal of spiritual life, a quickening of the powers of mind and heart, a resurrection from spiritual death. Reformation signifies a reorganization, a change in ideas and theories, habits and practices” (Selected Messages Book 1, 128, 1958). A passage from Testimonies to Ministers reminds us, “When trees without fruit are cut down, others are planted in their stead. When a house is built for the Lord, it is not built to be destroyed, but to be a temple wherein His name shall be honored” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 164, 1923). Additionally, “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions” (Joel 2:28, KJV). And “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19, KJV). Therefore, this vision inspires the community to prepare diligently. But how does responsibility weigh in this test of faithfulness?

WEIGHT OF RESPONSIBILITY: TESTING FAITHFULNESS?

The 1913 crisis was a test of the church’s faithfulness to its divine commission. The call for reformation wasn’t simply an internal matter; it was crucial for fulfilling the church’s mission. The church was at a pivotal crossroads. This crossroads was like a fork in the road. One path led to faithfulness and the other led to destruction. The church had to choose which path to take. This is a choice that we all face in our lives. We must choose to follow God’s path or our own path. Faithfulness demands commitment to God’s mission, as demonstrated by the community’s response to divine calls during critical times. Ellen G. White wrote, “The work of God in this earth can never be finished until the men and women comprising our church membership rally to the work and unite their efforts with those of ministers and church officers” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, 116, 1909). In Patriarchs and Prophets we read, “God had chosen Israel. He had called them to preserve among men the knowledge of His law, and of the symbols and prophecies that pointed to the Saviour. He desired them to be as wells of salvation to the world” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 314, 1890). Moreover, “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2, KJV). And “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10, KJV). Hence, embracing this responsibility strengthens the community. What roots anchor us in this prophetic legacy?

HISTORICAL ROOTS: LEGACY OF PROPHECY UNLEASHED?

The church movement’s roots in the 1844 prophecy of Daniel 8:14 shaped its identity and prepared it for the challenges of 1913. This prophecy, like a seed planted in fertile ground, grew into a movement that changed the world. This foundation was essential for the church to navigate the challenges that lay ahead. This foundation is still essential for us today. We must know our history and understand our roots. Prophetic roots provide stability, illustrated by how historical truths equip the community for future trials. Through inspired counsel we are told, “We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history” (Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 196, 1915). A prophetic voice once wrote, “In reviewing our past history, having traveled over every step of advance to our present standing, I can say, Praise God! As I see what God has wrought, I am filled with astonishment, and with confidence in Christ as leader” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 31, 1923). Furthermore, “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent” (Revelation 2:5, KJV). And “Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:7, KJV). Accordingly, these roots fortify our path forward. How does God’s love manifest in this call for reformation?

GOD’S LOVE IN REFORMATION: MERCIFUL CALL REVEALED?

God’s call for reformation, even in the face of crisis, is an act of profound love. The call to “Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls” (Jeremiah 6:16, KJV), is not a condemnation, but an invitation to return to a path of blessing. As states, “God is love, and His love is manifested in His dealings with His erring children”. This shows that God’s love is always reaching out to us, even when we are far from Him. This love is like a lifeline thrown to a drowning person. It is a love that never gives up. Therefore, the call for reformation is a demonstration of God’s unwavering love, offering us a chance to return to Him and experience true rest. This is a call that I have personally experienced in my life. God’s love has always been there to guide me and to bring me back to Him. As a church, we must share this love with the world. Divine love motivates reformation, revealed in God’s patient dealings with the community amid shortcomings. Sr. White noted, “God is love. Like rays of light from the sun, love and light and joy flow out from Him to all His creatures. It is His nature to give. His very life is the outflow of unselfish love” (Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, 77, 1896). In The Desire of Ages we read, “It is the love of God that draws the soul to Christ, to be graciously received, and presented to His Father. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, the divine relationship between God and the sinner is renewed” (The Desire of Ages, 176, 1898). Besides, “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee” (Jeremiah 31:3, KJV). And “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, KJV). Consequently, this love invites continual return. What call resonates for the community today?

CALL FOR TODAY: CONTINUING THE JOURNEY NOW?

The lessons of 1913 resonate even today. We, like the church then, are called to examine our paths, seek God’s guidance, and embrace reformation. This is a journey that we must all take. It is a journey that requires constant vigilance and a willingness to change. The call to “trim our lamps” is a constant call. We must always be ready for the Lord’s return. This is a call that we must take seriously. We must be ready to meet our Lord when He comes. This is a call that we must answer together. We must work together to spread the gospel to the world. Today’s call urges ongoing reformation, shown in the community’s pursuit of God’s will amid modern challenges. A passage from Evangelism emphasizes, “A revival and a reformation must take place, under the ministration of the Holy Spirit. Revival and reformation are two different things. Revival signifies a renewal of spiritual life…. Reformation signifies a reorganization, a change in ideas and theories, habits and practices” (Evangelism, 324, 1946). The inspired pen affirms, “There must be a renovation of the entire being, a circumcision of the heart, a putting away of sin, a putting on of righteousness” (Review and Herald, February 7, 1893). Likewise, “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come” (Matthew 24:42, KJV). And “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:6, KJV). Thus, this journey unites us in purpose.

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I deepen my understanding of reformation in my daily devotions, letting it transform my priorities and character?

How can we present these themes of revival accessibly to varied groups, maintaining biblical integrity while engaging newcomers?

What misunderstandings about church reformation exist in our circles, and how can Scripture and Sr. White’s writings clarify them gently?

How can we as individuals and congregations embody this call for reformation, becoming sources of hope and truth in anticipation of Christ’s return?