Constant Struggle With Opposing Elements

How much anguish of soul this needed severity cost the faithful worker for God, the judgment alone will reveal. Only by fasting, humiliation, and prayer was advancement made.SS 349.4

Many who had married idolaters chose to go with them into exile and join the Samaritans. Some who had occupied high positions in the work of God cast in their lot fully with them. The Samaritans promised to adopt more fully the Jewish faith, and the apostates, determined to outdo their former brethren, erected a temple on Mount Gerizim in opposition to the house of God at Jerusalem. Their religion continued to be a mixture of Judaism and heathenism, and their claim to be the people of God was the source of enmity between the two nations from generation to generation.SS 349.5

In the work of reform today, there is need of men who, like Ezra and Nehemiah, will not excuse sin, men who will not hold their peace when wrong is done, nor cover evil with a false charity. Severity to a few may prove mercy to many. They will remember also that in the one who rebukes evil the spirit of Christ should ever be revealed.SS 350.1

Ezra and Nehemiah confessed their sins and the sins of their people as if they themselves were the offenders. Patiently they toiled and suffered. That which made their work most difficult was the secret opposition of pretended friends who lent their influence to the service of evil. These traitors furnished the Lord's enemies with material to use in their warfare on His people. Their rebellious wills were ever at war with the requirements of God.SS 350.2

Nehemiah's success shows what prayer, faith, and wise action will accomplish. Nehemiah was not a priest; he was not a prophet. He was a reformer. It was his aim to set his people right with God. As he came into contact with evil and opposition to right he took so determined a stand that the people could not but recognize his loyalty, his patriotism, and his deep love for God. Seeing this, they were willing to follow where he led.SS 350.3

Industry in a God-appointed duty is an important part of true religion. Decisive action at the right time will gain glorious triumphs, while delay and neglect result in failure and dishonor to God. If the leaders show no zeal, if they are indifferent, the church will be indolent and pleasure-loving; but if they are filled with a holy purpose to serve God and Him alone, the people will be united, hopeful, eager. The pages of God's Word that describe the hatred, falsehood, and treachery of Sanballat and Tobiah, describe also the devotion and self-sacrifice of Ezra and Nehemiah. We are left free to copy either, as we choose.SS 350.4