Heavenly Visitant, December 3

He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.—John 1:10JNN 355.1

Have you not been afraid of the Holy Spirit? At times It has come with all-pervading influence into the school at Battle Creek and into the schools in other localities. Did you recognize It? Did you accord It the honor due to a heavenly Messenger? When the Spirit seemed to be striving with the youth, did you say, “Let us put aside all study; for it is evident that we have among us a heavenly Guest. Let us give praise and honor to God?” Did you, with contrite hearts, bow in prayer with your students, pleading that you might receive the blessing that the Lord was offering you?JNN 355.2

The Great Teacher Himself was among you. How did you honor Him? Was He a stranger to some of the educators? Was there need to send for someone of supposed authority to welcome or repel this Messenger from heaven? Though unseen, His presence was among you. But was not the thought expressed that in school the time ought to be given to study, and that there was a time for everything?—as if the hours devoted to common study were too precious to be given up to the working of the heavenly Messenger.JNN 355.3

If you have in this way restricted and repulsed the Holy Spirit of God, I entreat you to repent of it as quickly as possible. If any have closed and padlocked the door of your heart to the Spirit of God, I urge you to unlock the door and to pray with earnestness, “Abide with me.” ...JNN 355.4

Let me tell you what I know of this heavenly Guest. The Holy Spirit was brooding over the youth during the school hours; but some hearts were so cold and dark that they had no desire for the Spirit’s presence, and the light of God was withdrawn. The heavenly Visitant would have opened the understanding, would have given wisdom and knowledge in all lines of study that could be employed to the glory of God. He came to convince of sin and to soften the hearts hardened by long estrangement from God. He came to reveal the great love wherewith God has loved these youth.—Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 363, 364.JNN 355.5

Further Reflection: Can I recognize the presence of Jesus when He visits me through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit?JNN 355.6