“Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” (Matthew 24:42, KJV)
ABSTRACT
This article explores the profound significance of faithfulness, watchfulness, and preparation in light of the three angels’ messages, emphasizing God’s love, personal responsibility, and the urgency of living out these truths in daily life.
ANGEL’S ALERT
The Bible teaches us about two classes of servants: the faithful and the unfaithful. “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing” (Matthew 24:45-46, KJV). Faithful servants are marked by diligence and readiness. They remain steadfast in their responsibilities, trusting in God’s timing. In contrast, the evil servant, as seen in Matthew 24:48-49, delays in heart, saying, “My lord delayeth his coming.” Such a servant reveals a life out of harmony with God’s will, allowing complacency to take root. Christ, as our High Priest, ministers in the true tabernacle pitched by the Lord, not by man (Hebrews 8:2, KJV). Clearly, he who is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much (Luke 16:10, KJV). Ellen G. White writes, “Very many who profess to be servants of Christ are none of His” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 2, p. 442, 1871). She also states, “The faithful servant is the one who is ever ready for his Lord’s coming” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 101, 1889). Which servant am I? Which are we? This question challenges us to examine our own readiness and faithfulness. What does it mean to live as watchful servants in these last days?
PERIODS OF WATCHFULNESS: THREE STEPS REVEALED!
The journey of faithful servants is likened to periods of watching described in Luke 12:37-38. Here, Jesus calls His followers to be vigilant, with their lamps burning and loins girded. These periods correspond to the first, second, and third angels’ messages of Revelation 14. Scripture reveals that we should be ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not (Luke 12:40, KJV). Scripture further supports this with the admonition to watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is (Mark 13:33, KJV). Sr. White emphasizes, “The three angels’ messages are to be combined, giving their threefold light to the world in these last days” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 17, 1900). She also declares, “These messages are to prepare a people to stand in the day of the Lord’s coming” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 455, 1889). Each step represents a progression in God’s work: the proclamation of the everlasting gospel, the fall of Babylon, and the final warning against the mark of the beast. We are tasked to uphold these messages without compromise. Are our lamps burning bright?
SPIRIT OF 1843: HEARTS TURNED TO CHRIST!
In 1843, under the first angel’s message, a revival swept through us, as “all who found peace in Christ longed to see others share the blessing” (The Great Controversy, p. 369). Family bonds strengthened, and heartfelt confessions abounded. This spiritual awakening mirrors the reconciliation God desires in our homes and churches today. Scripture reveals that if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14, KJV). Revealing His role clearly, repent, 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). Sr. White recounts, “There was a general breaking down before God. Hearts were melted under the influence of the Holy Spirit” (The Great Controversy, p. 369, 1911). She also writes, “Earnest appeals were made to others, and many were awakened to seek God and prepare for His coming” (The Great Controversy, p. 368, 1911). If parents turned to children and children to parents then, can we not do the same now? True watchfulness means laboring for the salvation of those nearest and dearest. What role does revival play in preparing our hearts for Christ’s return?
SECOND ANGEL’S MESSAGE: SOLEMN PRAYER CALL!
When the Lord did not return in 1844, the saints entered a period of deep intercession. “A spirit of solemn and earnest prayer was everywhere felt by the saints. A holy solemnity was resting upon them” (Early Writings, p. 239). Revealing His role clearly, let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16, KJV). Clearly, continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving (Colossians 4:2, KJV). Sr. White explains, “They humbled their hearts before the Lord and with unwavering faith claimed His promises” (The Great Controversy, p. 400, 1911). She further notes, “Angels were watching with deep interest the effect of the message and were elevating those who received it” (Early Writings, p. 239, 1882). This reflected their readiness to “stand in the sight of a holy God without a mediator” (The Great Controversy, p. 425, 1911). Their robes were spotless, purified by the blood of Christ. Today, are we engaged in similar earnest prayer, preparing to meet our Lord? How can solemn prayer strengthen us for the challenges ahead?
THIRD ANGEL’S MESSAGE: MERCY’S LAST CALL!
The third angel’s message is the final proclamation of God’s truth. “Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12, KJV). Start with the action, fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters (Revelation 14:7, KJV). Scripture further supports this with the call to come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues (Revelation 18:4, KJV). Sr. White writes, “This is the last message. There are no more to follow; no more invitations of mercy to be given after this message shall have done its work” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 206, 1889). She also declares, “It is a fearful warning, closing the work of the third angel. No one will be left without a decision” (Early Writings, p. 277, 1882). This solemn truth calls us to complete our work with urgency. Do we live as if time is short? In what ways does God’s love manifest in His urgent call for preparation?
CONCEPTS REFLECTING GOD’S LOVE!
God’s love is revealed in His persistent call for humanity to prepare. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish” (2 Peter 3:9, KJV). The three angels’ messages reflect His desire for all to come to repentance. Scripture reveals that 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). Clearly, 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). Ellen G. White confirms, “His image was reflected in them” (Early Writings, p. 239, 1882). She also writes, “God’s love for His people is greater than any language can express. He gave all heaven for their redemption” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 190, 1904). God’s love invites us to reflect His character through watchfulness and faithfulness. How do these concepts reveal God’s boundless love for us?
RESPONSIBILITY TOWARD GOD!
In light of these truths, my responsibility is to remain steadfast in obedience. “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:48, KJV). To keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus is not mere duty but an act of love. Scripture reveals that if ye love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15, KJV). Clearly, thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind (Matthew 22:37, KJV). Sr. White states, “When this work shall have been accomplished, the followers of Christ will be ready for His appearing” (The Great Controversy, p. 425, 1911). She adds, “God calls for complete consecration. There is no limit to the usefulness of one who, putting self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 158, 1900). Are we striving daily to reflect His image? What does responsibility toward our neighbor entail in light of these truths?
RESPONSIBILITY TOWARD NEIGHBOR!
As watchful servants, we must labor for the salvation of others. “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2, KJV). The revival of 1843 reminds us that our homes and churches are mission fields. “Heartfelt confessions were made, and the members of the household labored for the salvation of those who were nearest and dearest” (The Great Controversy, p. 369). Scripture reveals that thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself (Matthew 22:39, KJV). Clearly, let each esteem other better than themselves (Philippians 2:3, KJV). Sr. White further exhorts, “We are to help one another in the Christian pathway by faithful words of cheer and tender regard” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 119, 1900). She also writes, “Our life should be a continual light to the world, leading others to the Lamb of God” (Steps to Christ, p. 115, 1892). Let us mirror this spirit by building bridges and sharing God’s love. What urgency lies in our preparation for the final events?
URGENCY OF PREPARATION!
The messages of Revelation are not relics of history but a living call to action. They challenge us to be faithful, earnest, and watchful. God’s love, revealed through His warnings and promises, invites us into deeper fellowship with Him. “Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching” (Luke 12:37, KJV). Scripture reveals that redeem the time, because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16, KJV). Scripture further supports this with the admonition to prepare to meet thy God (Amos 4:12, KJV). Sr. White asserts, “In the last great conflict of the controversy with Satan, those who are loyal to God will see every earthly support cut off” (The Great Controversy, p. 622, 1911). She also warns, “The work which the church has failed to do in a time of peace and prosperity, she will have to do in a terrible crisis” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 463, 1889). As we await Christ’s return, let us be found faithful, our lamps burning bright, and our hearts ready for His appearing. How do faithful servants embody God’s character in these urgent times?
Faithful servants reflect God’s character, proclaim His messages, and labor for the salvation of others. By living watchfully, praying earnestly, and acting lovingly, we align ourselves with His divine plan. May we each answer the call to faithfulness, saying with confidence, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20,KJV).
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SELF-REFLECTION
How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into these prophetic truths, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?
How can we adapt these complex themes 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 these topics in my community, and how can I 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 Christ’s soon return and God’s ultimate victory over evil?
PEOPLE OF THE BOOK 
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