February 7, 2025 | Silver Spring, Maryland, United States | Ted N.C. Wilson, President, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Friends, in our journey through The Great Controversy, we have now come to what seems to be the darkest time for God’s people; but even here, God sheds His light.
This time is described in Isaiah 26:20 where we read, “Come, my people, enter your chambers, and shut your doors behind you; hide yourself, as it were, for a little moment, until the indignation is past” (NKJV).
Here we see a time when God’s people are universally threatened with imprisonment and even death if they do not bow down to the false day of worship. We read in The Great Controversy:
“As the decree issued by the various rulers of Christendom against commandment keepers shall withdraw the protection of government and abandon them to those who desire their destruction, the people of God will flee from the cities and villages and associate together in companies, dwelling in the most desolate and solitary places…”
“But,” the inspired author continues, “many of all nations and of all classes, high and low, rich and poor, black and white, will be cast into the most unjust and cruel bondage. The beloved of God pass weary days, bound in chains, shut in by prison bars, sentenced to be slain, some apparently left to die of starvation in dark and loathsome dungeons. No human ear is open to hear their moans; no human hand is ready to lend them help” (p. 626).
What a horrifying picture this is. If we look to our own strength, our hearts would certainly fail us for fear! But even though no one on earth can help, God will not forget His own!
We have many encouraging examples in the Bible reminding us of how God takes care of his own—think of Noah and his family, whom God preserved in the ark; Joseph in Egypt when he was cast into prison for being faithful to God; Elijah, when Jezebel threatened to kill him; Jeremiah in the dark and dismal pit. There were the three faithful Hebrews in Babylon who would not bow down to Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image, and Jesus walked with them in the fiery furnace. And, of course, there’s Daniel in the lions’ den, who proclaimed, “My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him. . .” (Daniel 6:22, NKJV).
And besides these and many other examples, we have God’s precious promises. In Isaiah 49:15-16 He assures us: “Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands…” (NKJV). And in Zechariah 2:8 we are told, “he who touches you touches the apple of His eye” (NKJV).
No, my friends, no matter how bad things get, Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us. Listen to this beautiful description of God’s presence with His people during the time of trouble:
“Though enemies may thrust them into prison, yet dungeon walls cannot cut off the communication between their souls and Christ. One who sees their every weakness, who is acquainted with every trial, is above all earthly powers; and angels will come to them in lonely cells, bringing light and peace from heaven. The prison will be as a palace; for the rich in faith dwell there, and the gloomy walls will be lighted up with heavenly light. . .” (The Great Controversy, p. 627).
My brothers and sisters, Jesus is coming soon. When we see these things happening, we can rest assured that He is near, even “at the doors!” (Matthew 24:33, NKJV).
Let’s pray together.
Father in Heaven, thank you for the assurance that you will be with us even in the most lonely, desperate situations. That we can lean completely upon Christ and His power to deliver us. Lord, to come close to us now. Give us the courage, the faith, the hope to look towards the future, when we will rely completely upon God’s hand on your hand to carry us through in the most desperate situations. We look forward to Jesus soon coming, and we will relish the precious experience of being together with our Savior forever and ever. In Jesus name we ask it. Amen.