Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. (Amos 3:7, KJV)

ABSTRACT

This article explores God’s loving communication with humanity through the patriarchs, Moses, prophets, and the testimony of Jesus, highlighting our responsibility to respond in faith and share this truth with others.

PATRIARCHS’ PROMISES POWER!

God’s relationship with the patriarchs demonstrates His direct and personal communication with humanity, reflecting His love through guidance, protection, and covenant promises. Genesis 12:1 (KJV) records God’s call to Abraham, “Get thee out of thy country… unto a land that I will shew thee,” illustrating God’s care in providing direction and purpose. Genesis 15:1 (KJV) reassures, “Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward,” emphasizing God’s protective love. Ellen G. White writes, “Abraham’s unquestioning obedience is one of the most striking evidences of faith to be found in all the Bible” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 126, 1890), highlighting Abraham’s faith in God’s promises. The ladder in Jacob’s dream (Genesis 28:12, KJV) demonstrates God’s connection between heaven and earth. Sr. White explains, “The ladder represents Jesus, the appointed medium of communication” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 184, 1890). Genesis 17:7 (KJV) affirms, “And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee,” underscoring God’s enduring commitment. Genesis 26:24 (KJV) states, “And the Lord appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham’s sake,” revealing God’s ongoing assurance. Sr. White notes, “God called Abraham, and prospered and honored him; and the patriarch’s fidelity was a light to the people in all the countries of his sojourn” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 134, 1890). Sr. White adds, “In order to secure the fulfillment of His promise, God called Abraham out from his idolatrous kindred, and directed him to leave his country, and dwell in Canaan” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 129, 1890). These instances reveal God’s intention to maintain close relationships with His people and guide them toward His promises.

God’s communication reflects His unwavering love and desire to lead humanity to salvation, demonstrating that His guidance is both personal and purposeful. We are called to trust and obey God, just as the patriarchs did, demonstrating faith and gratitude for His love and promises. Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV) declares, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths,” urging reliance on God’s wisdom. Deuteronomy 6:5 (KJV) commands, “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might,” calling for wholehearted devotion. Sr. White states, “Obedience is the fruit of faith” (Steps to Christ, p. 61, 1892). Sr. White emphasizes, “True obedience is the outworking of a principle within” (Steps to Christ, p. 60, 1892). We are to model God’s love by extending kindness, hospitality, and encouragement to others, showing them the path to God’s grace and salvation. We must ask ourselves, how did God continue this guidance through the call of Moses?

MOSES’ MIGHTY MISSION!

Moses’ calling reveals God’s compassion in delivering His people from bondage and providing leaders to guide them. Exodus 3:1-6 (KJV) recounts God’s appearance in the burning bush, where He declares, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people… and I am come down to deliver them” (Exodus 3:7-8, KJV). This demonstrates God’s loving concern for the oppressed. Sr. White highlights, “In their bondage the Israelites had lost the knowledge of God; His love for them is seen in the effort to restore them” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 252, 1890). Hosea 12:13 (KJV) confirms, “By a prophet the LORD brought Israel out of Egypt,” emphasizing God’s use of leaders to fulfill His plans. She states, “God selects His messengers, not based on human standards, but because He knows their hearts” (Gospel Workers, p. 13, 1915). Exodus 4:12 (KJV) promises, “Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say,” showing God’s equipping of His chosen. Deuteronomy 31:6 (KJV) encourages, “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee,” affirming God’s faithful presence. Sr. White observes, “Moses was called to the work of delivering Israel from bondage, but he felt his own insufficiency for the task” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 247, 1890). Sr. White adds, “God’s presence with him was to be the source of his strength” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 255, 1890). Moses’ leadership exemplifies God’s faithfulness in equipping those He chooses, even when they feel unqualified.

God’s call to Moses demonstrates His love through intervention, deliverance, and preparation for service, showing that He provides strength to those He calls. We must respond to God’s calling with obedience, humility, and faith, trusting Him to equip us for the tasks He assigns. Exodus 19:5 (KJV) declares, “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine,” calling for faithful obedience. Isaiah 30:21 (KJV) states, “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left,” promising divine direction. Sr. White explains, “The Lord is ever ready to instruct and guide and bless His people” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 413, 1875). Sr. White affirms, “Those who respond to the drawing of Christ will be found inquiring as to what they must do to be saved” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 370, 1901). Just as Moses interceded for Israel, we are called to advocate for justice, assist the needy, and lead others to freedom in Christ. We must ask ourselves, how does God use prophets to provide spiritual warnings and counsel?

PROPHETS’ PERILOUS PATHS!

God’s use of prophets underscores His love in providing spiritual warnings and counsel. In 1 Samuel 9:9-10 (KJV), Saul’s servant states, “Behold, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honourable man.” Prophets were respected, but Numbers 12:1-11 (KJV) reveals the consequences of rejecting them. When Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses, “the anger of the LORD was kindled against them” (Numbers 12:9), and Miriam was struck with leprosy. Sr. White comments, “When men choose to question and criticize God’s messengers, they place themselves in peril of divine judgment” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 385, 1890). Prophets like Deborah (Judges 4:4, KJV) and Amos (Amos 7:14-15, KJV) demonstrate God’s love in appointing individuals to deliver His messages. Sr. White writes, “True prophets speak as they are moved by the Holy Spirit, not by human impulse” (The Great Controversy, p. 596, 1911). 2 Chronicles 20:20 (KJV) declares, “Believe in the Lord your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper,” urging faith in God’s messengers. Hebrews 1:1 (KJV) states, “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,” affirming God’s historical communication. Sr. White notes, “The prophecies relating to the last days demand our study” (The Great Controversy, p. 590, 1911). Sr. White adds, “The Lord has given us a divine directory in which we may learn His will” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 691, 1889). Honoring God’s prophets is essential for receiving His guidance and avoiding spiritual downfall.

God’s appointment of prophets reflects His mercy and patience, giving repeated opportunities for repentance and renewal. We must respect God’s messengers, seek His guidance through prayer, and respond with faith and obedience to His warnings. 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 (KJV) instructs, “Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things; hold fast that which is good,” calling for discernment. Proverbs 11:14 (KJV) states, “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety,” emphasizing wise guidance. Sr. White explains, “The Lord is ever ready to instruct and guide and bless His people” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, p. 413, 1875). Sr. White affirms, “Those who respond to the drawing of Christ will be found inquiring as to what they must do to be saved” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 370, 1901). We are tasked with sharing God’s truth, encouraging others to heed divine warnings, and supporting one another in remaining faithful to God’s teachings. We must ask ourselves, how does the testimony of Jesus offer guidance and hope through prophecy?

TESTIMONY’S TRIUMPHANT TRUTH!

The testimony of Jesus reflects God’s love by offering guidance and hope through prophecy. Revelation 19:10 (KJV) declares, “For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Sr. White emphasizes, “The testimony of Jesus is a call to repentance and reform” (Early Writings, p. 270, 1882). Revelation 3:14-17 (KJV) addresses the Laodicean church: “So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” Sr. White explains, “Christ’s love calls for earnest devotion, not half-hearted service” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 1, p. 188, 1855). Additionally, 2 Peter 1:19-21 (KJV) describes prophecy as “a light that shineth in a dark place,” underscoring God’s desire to illuminate the path to salvation. Proverbs 4:18 (KJV) states, “But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day,” revealing God’s progressive revelation. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (KJV) promises, “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord,” offering hope in Christ’s return. Sr. White notes, “The last book of the New Testament scriptures is full of truths that need to be understood” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 302, 1904). Sr. White adds, “The church is God’s appointed agency for the salvation of men. It was organized for service, and its mission is to carry the gospel to the world” (Acts of the Apostles, p. 9, 1911).

God’s testimonies and prophetic messages are expressions of His love, providing instruction and hope to prepare His people for Christ’s return. We must respond to Christ’s testimony with repentance, devotion, and readiness for His return, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our lives. Matthew 24:44 (KJV) warns, “Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh,” urging preparation. Colossians 3:2 (KJV) instructs, “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth,” calling for heavenly focus. Sr. White states, “The testimony of Christ is the spirit of prophecy” (Early Writings, p. 78, 1882). Sr. White emphasizes, “Those who respond to the drawing of Christ will be found inquiring as to what they must do to be saved” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 370, 1901). As recipients of God’s light, we are responsible for sharing His truth, offering encouragement, and guiding others toward repentance and preparation for Christ’s return.

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can we delve deeper into God’s guidance in our lives, allowing it to shape our character and priorities?

How can we adapt these themes of divine guidance to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned church members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about God’s guidance through prophets and testimony in our community, and how can we gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of God’s loving guidance and Christ’s soon return?