DISAPPOINTED BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
The Adventists who expected Jesus to come were disappointed again. The time passed and their Saviour did not appear. These people had looked forward to Jesus' coming with complete confidence. Now they felt as Mary felt when she came to the Saviour's grave and found it empty. Mary said with tears, "They have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid Him" (John 20:13).SRme 1.1631
Up to this time the people who did not believe Jesus was coming had not made fun of the people waiting for Jesus' second coming. These unbelieving people feared that the message might be true. After October 22, 1844, these peoples' fear did not quickly disappear. They were afraid to rejoice about the disappointment of the Adventists. But later, when the unbelievers saw no sign of God's judgment, their fear left them. They began to make fun of God's people.SRme 1.1632
Large numbers of people who had said they believed in the Lord's soon return gave up their faith. Some people whose pride was deeply hurt, wanted to hide. The same as Jonah, they complained to God and said they would rather die than live. Many other people had based their belief on the ideas of people instead of on the Word of God. Now these people were ready to change their beliefs. The weak and cowardly believers were won to the side of the people who made fun of God's people. Together they said that people did not need to worry about Jesus coming. They said the time had passed and Jesus had not come. They said there was nothing to be afraid of; the world might remain the same for thousands of years.SRme 1.1633
The earnest, sincere believers had given up everything for Jesus and had felt His presence closer than before. These people believed they had given the last warning to the world. They expected soon to be with their divine Master and heavenly angels. These believers had given the message and had almost quit associating with unbelievers. With strong desire these people had prayed, "Come, Lord Jesus, and come quickly!" But Jesus had not come. And now to once again have life's cares and problems and to endure the laughs of the world, was a terrible trial of their faith and patience.SRme 1.1634
This disappointment was not as great as the disappointment of the disciples of Jesus. When Jesus rode triumphantly into Jerusalem, the disciples believed Jesus was to become king. They believed Jesus would deliver Israel from Roman rule. With hopes high, each disciple tried to show his King more honor than anyone else showed. Many of Jesus' followers spread out their coats in His path. Other followers waved leafy branches before Jesus and in joy united in the glad song, "Hosanna to the Son of David!"SRme 1.1635
The Pharisees were troubled and angered by this rejoicing. The Pharisees asked Jesus to scold His disciples. "Jesus answered, 'I tell you that if they keep quiet, the stones themselves will start shouting'" (Luke 19:40). Prophecy must be fulfilled. The disciples were fulfilling the purpose of God.SRme 1.1636
But the disciples were to have a bitter disappointment. That very week they were to watch Jesus' terrible death on the cross. They would lay Jesus in the tomb. The disciples' hopes died with Jesus, and not one of the things they thought would happen did happen. Only after Jesus arose from the grave in victory could the disciples understand that this experience had been foretold in prophecy. Only then did the disciples realize "that Christ had to suffer, and rise from the dead " (Acts 17:3). In the same way prophecy was fulfilled in the first and second angels' messages. These messages were given at the right time and did the work God wanted them to do.SRme 1.1637
The world was watching the Adventists. People thought if Jesus did not come, the teachings of Adventism would be given up. Many believers did give up their faith under strong temptation. But some Adventists stood firm. The believers who kept their faith could find no error in the counting of the prophetic time. The wisest people who were against the Adventists found no error. True, Jesus had not come, but this could not destroy the true believers' faith in the Word of God.SRme 1.1638
God did not forget His people. The Holy Spirit stayed with believers who did not give up God's message and leave the Advent movement. The apostle Paul, looking down through the ages, had written words of encouragement and warning for these waiting people: "Do not lose your courage, then, because it [courage] brings with it [courage] a great reward. You need to be patient, in order to do the will of God and receive what He promises. For, as the scripture says, 'Just a little while longer, and He who is coming will come; He will not delay. My righteous people, however, will believe and live; but if any of them turns back, I will not be pleased with him.' We are not people who turn back and are lost. Instead, we have faith and are saved" (Heb. 10:35-39).SRme 1.1639
The only safety for the disappointed Adventists was to still believe the message they had received from God. The Adventists held to God's promises and continued to carefully study the Bible. Patiently the believers waited and watched to receive more truth from God.SRme 1.1640