Divine Example, March 7

“The Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”—Luke 12:12JNN 75.1

The servants of Christ will be brought before the great men and women of the world, who, but for this, might never hear the gospel. The truth has been misrepresented to these persons. They have listened to false charges concerning the faith of Christ’s disciples. Often their only means of learning its real character is the testimony of those who are brought to trial for their faith. Under examination these are required to answer, and their judges to listen to the testimony borne. God’s grace will be dispensed to His servants to meet the emergency. “It shall be given you,” says Jesus, “in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.” As the Spirit of God illuminates the minds of His servants, the truth will be presented in its divine power and preciousness. Those who reject the truth will stand to accuse and oppress the disciples. But under loss and suffering, even unto death, the Lord’s children are to reveal the meekness of their divine Example. Thus will be seen the contrast between Satan’s agents and the representatives of Christ. The Saviour will be lifted up before the rulers and the people.JNN 75.2

The disciples were not endowed with the courage and fortitude of the martyrs until such grace was needed. Then the Saviour’s promise was fulfilled. When Peter and John testified before the Sanhedrin council, people “marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). Of Stephen it is written that “all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.” People “were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake” (Acts 6:15, 10)....JNN 75.3

The servants of Christ were to prepare no set speech to present when brought to trial. Their preparation was to be made day by day in treasuring up the precious truths of God’s word, and through prayer strengthening their faith. When they were brought into trial, the Holy Spirit would bring to their remembrance the very truths that would be needed.—The Desire of Ages, 354, 355.JNN 75.4

Further Reflection: The thought of going unprepared into trial fills most people with dread. How does trusting God in the small things in life prepare me to trust Him in the big moments of life?JNN 75.5