November 2025 - Magazine - Page 34
Mi n i str i es
OUT of TIME
THE SIGNAL FOR FLIGHT FROM THE CITIES
The time is not far distant when, like the early disciples, we shall be forced to seek a refuge
in desolate and solitary places. As the siege of Jerusalem by the Roman armies was the signal for flight to the Judean Christians, so the assumption of power on the part of our nation,
in the decree enforcing the papal sabbath, will be a warning to us. It will then be time to
leave the large cities, preparatory to leaving the smaller ones for retired homes in secluded
places among the mountains.
In the time of trouble we all fled from the cities and villages but were pursued by the wicked, who entered the houses of the saints with a sword.
As the saints left the cities and villages they were pursued by the wicked, who sought to slay
them. But the swords that were raised to kill God9s people broke and fell as powerless as a
straw. Angels of God shielded the saints.
Though a general decree has fixed the time when commandment-keepers may be put to
death, their enemies will in some cases anticipate the decree, and before the time specified will endeavor to take their lives. But none can pass the mighty guardians stationed
about every faithful soul. Some are assailed in their flight from the cities and villages, but the
swords raised against them break and fall as powerless as a straw. Others are defended by
angels in the form of men of war.
Is this counsel contradicting the counsel to flee the cities as soon as possible?
Like the Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy does not contradict itself and one portion cannot be
used to undermine another. So these counsels have to harmonize.
There are Adventists who move to the country and get established. God provides for them
to do so. There are other Adventists who because of their age and/or their finances do not
move to the country but they have arranged to live with an Adventist family who have already moved. It is this group that moves out of the city when the Sunday law is enacted.
Adventists who can move and do not move will not be saved.
