Noble Examples

Sacred history presents many illustrations of the results of true education. It presents many noble examples of men whose characters were formed under divine direction, men whose lives were a blessing to their fellow men and who stood in the world as representatives of God. Among these are Joseph and Daniel, Moses, Elisha, and Paul—the greatest statesmen, the wisest legislator, one of the most faithful of reformers, and except Him who spoke as never man spake, the most illustrious teacher that this world has known.

In early life, just as they were passing from youth to manhood, Joseph and Daniel were separated from their homes and carried as captives to heathen lands. Especially was Joseph subject to the temptations that attend great changes of fortune. In his father’s home a tenderly cherished child; in the house of Potiphar a slave, then a confidant and companion; a man of affairs, educated by study, observation, contact with men; in Pharaoh’s dungeon a prisoner of state, condemned unjustly, without hope of vindication or prospect of release; called at a great crisis to the leadership of the nation—what enabled him to preserve his integrity? …

Loyalty to God, faith in the Unseen, was Joseph’s anchor. In this lay the hiding of his power….

By their wisdom and justice, by the purity and benevolence of their daily life, by their devotion to the interests of the people—and they idolaters—Joseph and Daniel proved themselves true to the principles of their early training, true to Him whose representative they were….

What a lifework was that of these noble Hebrews!…

The same mighty truths that were revealed through these men, God desires to reveal through the youth and the children of today. The history of Joseph and Daniel is an illustration of what He will do for those who yield themselves to Him and with the whole heart seek to accomplish His purpose.
Conflict and Courage p. 366
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Prayer Requests
—–please pray for the Elder in charge of of prayer at my church. He has a disease that has affected his spinal cord. According his Dr if surgery is not done he can be paralyzed. Kay
—–Please pray for all affected by the fires in the west.
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Dear Friends,

When Eileen was a little girl, her favorite Bible story was Queen Esther. She loved to here me read the story to her or to pretend that she was the queen saving God’s people. When we had a baby girl, she got to name her Esther after that brave queen. Over the years, Esther grew to love the story of Queen Esther almost as much as her big sister did. The thought that God would take a poor little orphan girl and use her to save His people filled them with hope and anticipation. They wanted God to use them for some great cause whenever and wherever He willed.

Some years ago when she attended Union College, a fellow student declared that Queen Esther was a power-hungry, grasping female who used her beauty for political gain. He accused this brave girl of doing many immoralities to “gain favor.” Esther was appalled! How could he say such things? She could not keep silent. Esther had to speak in defense of this great woman of faith. In no uncertain terms she explained to him the dangers involved had the king not chosen Esther to be queen. How Esther had not desired power but had been one of the many maidens whisked away from their home and family and gathered together by the commandment of the king who wanted to replace the former Queen Vashti. The fate of the girls who did not become queen was not a pleasant one.

How important it is the we, too, speak in defense of the truth. How vital that we “stand fast in the Lord” no matter what others may think or do. 1 Thes 3:8 There are many theories, many “winds of doctrine” that are as false as the opinions of the young man in that college class. How can we know what to believe? “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isa 8:20 We must compare all that we read, all that we hear, to the Scriptures. In them only do we find the true way. In them only do we have something to hold onto.

Our Dear Saviour prayed, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” The Psalmist declares, “The entrance of thy words giveth light, it giveth understanding unto the simple.” “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.” Ps 119:130, 19:7-11

May we declare as did Jeremiah, “Thy words were found, and I did eat them, and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart.” Jer 15:16 May we “study to show [ourselves] approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Tim 2:15 May we always speak boldly in defense of the truth is my prayer.

Rose