www.thenkomos.

com

PRISONERS OF HOPE Aug 2009

EDITORIAL..BR N. NKOMO
This edition of PoH almost did not happen. My family and I have been through an awful lot over the last
couple of weeks and the travelling has taken its toll on us. We considered not sending out an edition this
month but given that we are due to leave for the mission field in Tanzania over the next couple of days, and
we are not sure how good our internet connectivity will be, we decided to send a newsletter out, even if it is
reduced in content.
I had intended to write about missions in this month‘s editorial as it is something very close to my heart,
but the passing away of seven family members, including my father, in the last two or so months has made
me shelve that topic.
I will admit that the loss of my father, albeit unexpected, hit me hard, but the fact that my dad introduced
me to our advent message, and that he continually encouraged me in my Christian walk, gives me courage
that we shall meet on that great day in the near future. What, however, has left me close to depression, is
the lack of assurance about some of my other family members that are now asleep. I fully understand that
the decision of whether they will be on the left or the right is not mine. I fully comprehend that I have no
way of knowing what decisions they may have made in the last few days of their lives. I fully appreciate that
I do not know by what amount of light they will be judged by. I full well realize that no amount of dwelling
on the past has the ability to change anything as far as they are concerned. But, I cannot help but ask my-
self the question; ―Did I do enough in my life and speech to rightly represent God, and to remind them of
their duty to Him?‖
I have no idea for how long this question is going to haunt me. One thing I do know for sure is that it will
shape the way that I ―deal‖ with my family members. What the deaths in our family have made me realize
more than ever, aside from the ravages of sin, is more strongly that I want to be with my entire family in
heaven. The problem though, is that from a personal point of view, it seems that I tend to treat my family
members differently from the way I would treat others. It is as though I am more willing to tolerate my
family‘s indiscretions for one reason or the other instead of ―pushing‖ for truth at all times. Maybe it is be-
cause they are so close to me and I have no desire to see them hurt, but the question is, ―Is it better to hurt
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
them now and help them to gain eternal life or to keep them happy and play a part in possibly spending an
eternity without them?‖ Editorial ....................... ……1
Your Remembrance ..... .….2
As I pondered my own life I found myself asking the question of whether or not I am on an island in terms Upside Down World ..... .….3
of my behaviour. I found myself analysing various situations that I have come across, and sadly, I believe Who Will Teach Us? ..... ..…4
that many of us are in the same boat. It is a strange situation in that it is to those that matter the most to us Lift Up Your Heads ...... …..6
to whom we tend to be more accommodating of error. It is an inconvenient truth to us that we could be do- Eli Failed God .............. …..7
ing our family members eternal harm, for which we will not be guiltless, by our actions and acquiescence to Ministerial Support ...... …..9
their improprieties. It is indeed sad, that, our families being our primary mission field, that we are neglect-
ful of our duty in correcting their wrongs and doing all we can, with the aid of the Holy Spirit to lead them
into eternal life.
The thought that keeps running through my mind is that while it would be a joyful occasion when we meet
our Lord in the air, to meet with those whom we have led to Christ, it would be even more thrilling to meet
with our entire families. Congregating around the throne with our households would definitely make the
pain that we feel while on this earth at their resting in the ground dissipate. I do not even want to begin to
contemplate the possible second heartbreak of searching in vain for those with whom I have grown up
when we are caught up in the clouds. O that we all would be there.
My challenge to us is that we would all evaluate our dealings with our family members. My desire is that we
would all do what is right at all times with reference to them regardless of the consequences. We need to
purpose in our hearts to do all that we can to meet together as families on that bright and glorious day. We
need to ask God to truly be with us so that we are never left asking ourselves the question ―Did I do enough
in my life and speech to rightly represent God, and to remind them of their duty to Him?‖
 WHAT WILL THEY REMEMBER YOU FOR?... BY SR T NKOMO
I‘ve had the privilege of meeting my father in law a few times, talking and listening to him over the phone. He had
a wonderful sense of humour. By the time I met him, he was in quite a lot of joint pain, but he always had a smile
for me. He never made me feel bad/shy and he and his wife always made me feel so welcome in their home. I did-
n‘t mind the 5am family worship (with all the little children sleepily sitting on the floor!) where they insisted that I
sit on a chair even though I would have been perfectly ok on the floor with everyone else.
The last time we saw him, we told him about our mission plans. He was extremely excited about it. He was one of
two family members that was positive about our venture. His question was ―So, how soon can you go?‖ I guess I
shouldn‘t be surprised, he was also a missionary in his village too. Sometimes you think someone will go unnoticed
to the grave, but this time his work was appreciated. We all assumed the pastor of his church would conduct the
funeral, but lo and behold, the preacher was sent from the Conference, in recognition of the good evangelistic work
he did. I felt so proud to know that my Dad was honoured in that way. I look forward to telling him about it when
we meet again someday. But I am expecting that he‘ll say something witty and downplay the honour bestowed on
him by the Conference men. One of the speakers mentioned that some people even called my Dad ‗Pastor‘ He was-
n‘t a pastor, he was a medical doctor and a herbalist. When we had been diagnosed with infertility, he sent us some
herbs, that gift, meant a lot to me. Besides my loving husband, his positive regard, that‘s the one thing he gave me.
And that‘s the important thing I want to dwell on. He never made me feel less-than. He cared and listened and
never made one feel as if they were a failure. My sister in law, his daughter, mentioned that she felt that he was
proud of her. How many of us can say that about our parents? Did they praise our achievements or did they harp
on about our inadequacies? When we improved our marks, did they say ―Well, done, you made a great effort?‖ or
did they say ―You can do better than that. When I was your age I was always first in my class.‖ What do you, as
parents, guardians and caretakers, say to those you have an influence over? I‘m not saying that you must use flat-
tery, but we must guard against always making them feel as if they‘re not worthy of your attention. Are we gentle
and patient in our speech?
Those of us with little children-do you play with your children? Or do they just see you as a disciplinarian? Do you
spend time talking with them? Not LECTURING them, but talking about your life, your dreams for them-which
should be about how you want them to be the best that they can be. If they are accountants, tell them you want
them to be the best that God can help them to be. If they are to be domestic workers, tell them that God wants
them to clean that house as if they‘re cleaning it for Him directly. Remember, the Father of your children is a King,
make them feel that they are worthy of being princes and princesses. They are special, to you, and to their Creator.
Acknowledge the good they do, so that when you chastise them, the know full well that you do it out of love. We
will not all be alive when God comes. Strive to ensure that at your funeral, your loved one will weep because of the
wonderful parent/friend/sibling you were. Give them fond memories.

2
 UPSIDE DOWN WORLD (SERMON NOTES)…..BY SR K NARANJO
A friend when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye
had a gift also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes
card for 2 of Israel.
free din-
29: And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or
ners.
sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for
When he
my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall in-
went to
herit everlasting life.
pay for the
dinners Unless we are fully surrendered the Holy spirit cannot do the
and gave work because we are still filled with self. Buried Alive—
them the symbolic but spiritual baptism of mind did not take place.
gift card Must be fallen on the Rock Jesus Christ.
he was Leopard & Spots: recently had a conversation and when
surprisedreferring to a person‘s personality they said, Jer 13:23, 25.
to find out that it had expired. There was no warning of this. 23. Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his
Businesses love gift cards because people lose them and
spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do
never cash them in and the business makes a profit. And evil. (inferring that this person will never change) (I was
then again, others don‘t realize that there is a expiration sad… this cannot be so..)Once again, the world says that if we
date. are struggling with addictions, we are to pull ourselves up by
1) We live in a world that doesn’t deliver- How many of you our boot straps. Implying that we can fix ourselves. Coun-
have bought something thinking it would do something for seling programs train people to control their own will
us or perform a certain task only to find that it failed? The through will power. But we cannot change ourselves and if
ads promise amazing results but it falls short. The longer we we could, this would be salvation by works. 25: This is thy
live, the more we begin to expect to be let down. lot, the portion of thy measures from me, saith the LORD;
because thou hast forgotten me, and trusted in falsehood.
EGW says that our promises are like ropes of sand!
(but if we return to the Lord we can change but only from the
But the bible says, God‘s promises are true & we are to trust inside can we be transformed)
that He will deliver 100%! We know it intellectually– we
What we need is a deeper devotional life. I‘m going to
claim to believe it but when the storms come - today in the
illustrate this with Ps. 51 but you can do it with almost any
form of economic disaster and political confusion --we fail to
Psalm and many of the NT books. Open a dialogue with God
trust God. It is hard for us to even imagine such perfect de-
when you read the Word…
liverance.
Ps. 51 after the fall of David and Nathan has just told him
2) The media focuses on others—their problems & what they
of his sin.
do wrong & we are encouraged to judge them & be critical &
to think that we are better than they are, but the bible says, 1: Have mercy upon me, O God, (we need God’s mercy &
we are not to be critical of others & not to esteem ourselves love towards us)
above our brethren but to love them and help them. according to thy loving kindness: according unto the multi-
3) The media focuses on disasters & the evil in this world tude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. (Isn’t
which is discouraging & brings darkness into our minds. But this what we all want? Wash me like a dirty shirt with Clo-
the bible says, we are to focus & concentrate on the things of rox bleach that I have no spot; iron me that I have no wrin-
heaven & enjoy the nature around us that reflects His good kle)
works. 2: Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me
from my sin.
4) The world says that if a person has a troubled, low -
3: For I acknowledge my transgressions:(confession) and my
achieving life he is lacking in self-esteem. But the bible says,
sin is ever before me.
we are to empty of self… & selfishness is our root problem.
4: Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in
5) When you hear the word ‗surrender‘ what do you nor- thy sight: (God sees all) that thou mightest be justified when
mally think of? The worldly definition is to give up, we’re thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. (God will be a
losers, the fight is over,..give self to the enemy. But the bible fair judge in righteousness)
says, surrender is a good thing. Remember the story of the 5: Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; (we were born this
rich young ruler. Matt 19:27, 28, 29 (Jesus did not say, ―hey way..) and in sin did my mother conceive me.
wait a minute… only 50% is okay or 90% is okay….‖ Would- 6: Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts:(in my
n‘t that be so much easier for us if we only had to surrender mind & heart I want to have discernment & wisdom) and in
50% of self? )v 27: Then answered Peter and said unto him, the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall
7: Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I
we have therefore? (this is almost like saying, hey, what‘s in
shall be whiter than snow. (at the close of probation all sins
it for us?)28: And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto
blotted out)
you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration

3
 WHO WILL TEACH US...BY SR T NKOMO
Consider this passage
―The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as be-
cometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much
wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the
young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love
their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home,
good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of
God be not blasphemed.‖ Titus 2:3-5
I grew up too late. When I was a child I looked forward to
growing up, and joining Dorcas Society and doing good for
the less fortunate. But by the time I grew up, all that had
changed. We now have Women Ministries and it is very
different to what the old Dorcas used to do. I remember my
mother meeting every Sunday at 10am with the other la-
dies, preparing food parcels, collecting clothes…I had fan-
tasies of discussing motherhood with a group of like-
minded women. I imagined us having sewing lessons,
learning how to witness to families in the community.
Instead, when I was overseas, the Women‘s Ministries di-
rector spoke about going away on retreats. She mentioned
dressing up for evening banquets ‗Because all women love
to look good‘ She came in her make-up, spoke about wear-
ing dresses with long slits where men are allowed to attend
‗so that we have someone to admire us.‘ She spoke about
Leadership seminars and this sounded more like a sort of
Women‘s Liberation Movement than it did a ministry de-
signed to teaching us how to serve, like Dorcas of old did. I
used to think that the older women would teach the
8: Make me to hear joy and gladness; (Isn’t this what we
want – that inner joy)
that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. (fallen
on the Rock that we may be free)
17: The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a
contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Back in the mid 1800s (American Civil War), when the
civil war was over and the slaves were declared free, it was
kept from them. They were not told and the plantation
owners were trying to figure out what they were going to
do. So, even though there was a proclamation of freedom,
they did not know they were free. Soon however some
learned this and it spread to many by word of mouth.
Some left the plantations immediately to enjoy their free-
dom. But there were others that did not know what to do.
They remained with the master because they did not real-
ize what this meant and they were afraid to move out on
their own.
Is this where we are? The war is over Satan has been de-
feated! But the battle continues!
Daniel 9:24 ―70 weeks are determined upon they people &
upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, & to make
an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity and
younger ones how to run a home. As the last part of Titus 2
says, they are to teach us how to be good homemakers.
Imagine my sadness at reading that two of the subjects in
the Women Ministry Leadership Course is ―PS 307 Balanc-
ing Home and Career and LS 507 Relating to Colleagues‖
That is in total contrast to teaching us to be ‗keepers at
home‘ as the Word of God dictates.
So my question is. Who will teach the young women what
God wants? Specifically, who will teach the young mothers,
as scripture demands? Not only teach them, but teach
them ‗GOOD things.‘ ―Woman should fill the position
which God originally designed for her, as her husband's
equal. The world
needs mothers who
are mothers not
merely in name but in
every sense of the
word. We may safely
say that the distinc-
tive duties of woman
are more sacred, more
holy, than those of
man. Let woman real-
ize the sacredness of
her work and in the
strength and fear of
God take up her life
mission. Let her educate her children for usefulness in this
world and for a home in the better world. {CCh 143.2}
to bring in everlasting righteousness, (and to seal up the
vision & prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.) ―
We have been declared free but yet we still cling to the old
master and all the comforts of that home. We have a hard
time surrendering the past to take on a new life in Christ.
This is not easy. EGW says that the toughest battle to fight
is the battle with self. And, Satan will tempt you and scare
you into thinking that if you leave the life you have now
that some how what God has for you won‘t be as good as
what you have now. This is a lie.
Luke 14: 26: If any man come to me, and hate not his fa-
ther, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren,
and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my dis-
ciple. 27: And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come
after me, cannot be my disciple.
33: So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not
all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
What key phrase is in all 3 verses? Our families are not
really ours… they are God‘s and we are to put God as num-
ber one. If we put Him in charge and trust Him 100% then
He will watch over us and do what is best in all cases.
Do you see that it takes a full surrender before Christ can
enter in and transform us? How many of you today desire
true conversion, transformation, a new clean heart?
4
The decision to educate and raise my children myself, was Who will teach the young women about homemaking?
first made because of the many frightening events that one Who will tell them that regularity in eating and sleeping is
heard about happening in schools. Abuse by teachers, the best habit to teach the young child? Who will warn the
abuse by other pupils…And so, even before I knew that God young mother that she will have backache, that being alone
Himself said that mothers should teach their own children with a little one is one of the loneliest jobs around, how it is
until at least the ages of 8-10, I knew that that is what I having no-one to converse with, doing the same round of
would do. But not everyone has access to Child Guidance, duties each and every day? Who will tell her about newborn
to The Adventist Home, Fundamentals of Christian Educa- skincare? Who will tell the mother that as soon as she
tion et al. Who will teach the young mothers what they are cleans a certain room, her growing toddler(s) will be spill-
to do? ing water/paint/herbs in another room and therefore the
task of cleaning the home will take up much of the day,
The world hails the late Dr Raymond Moore as an innova- every day? Who will give her sleep-training methods, baby
tive educational pioneer. They revere ‗his‘ Delayed Aca- massage tips, ways to soothe a colicky baby that cries for at
demics programme, not realizing that God proclaimed it in least 19 hours of a 24 hour period? Who will tell her that
the Spirit of Prophecy and that he just expanded on it. she should make scripture memorization fun for the child?
―Their minds have been taxed with lessons, when they Who will tell her as soon as a child can talk, they should be
should not have been called out, but kept back until the taught to pray? Who will teach her to teach the children
physical constitution was strong enough to endure mental lessons of kindness, generosity and cleanliness?
effort. Small children should be left as free as lambs to run
out-of-doors, to be free and happy, and The home is the primary mission field of the
should be allowed the most favorable op- mother. But there is a greater field out
portunities to lay the foundation for sound there. A field that we have not really been
constitutions. taught to harvest. As I was visiting an expec-
tant non-Adventist neighbour, I realised
Parents should be the only teachers of how woefully inadequate our preparation
their children until they have reached eight has been to minister to these families. The
or ten years of age. As fast as their minds subject of my religions came up and she
can comprehend it, the parents should mentioned that she had once been invited
open before them God's great book of na- to an Adventist Church but that she would
ture. The mother should have less love for never go again because by the time it was
the artificial in her house, and in the midday, she was hungry. She had to stay for
preparation of her dress for display, and the afternoon service because she was under
should find time to cultivate, in herself and the impression that it is a ‗RULE‘ that we
in her children, a love for the beautiful HAVE TO stay at church till the sun sets.
buds and opening flowers. By calling the And she didn‘t have her own form of trans-
attention of her children to their different colors and vari- portation. This is a young mother who has a toddler and is
ety of forms, she can make them acquainted with God, who pregnant with twins. The discomforts of a normal preg-
made all the beautiful things which attract and delight nancy require us not to spend the whole day seated, but to
them. She can lead their minds up to their Creator, and subject a high-risk mother to such a long day leads one to
awaken in their young hearts a love for their heavenly Fa- wonder what the lady who invited her was thinking. Maybe
ther, who has manifested so great love for them. Parents if she‘d been attending parenting classes, if she‘d been
can associate God with all his created works. The only made aware of the rigours of childbearing, she‘d have been
schoolroom for children from eight to ten years of age more sensitive to her visitor‘s needs.
should be in the open air, amid the opening flowers and
nature's beautiful scenery. And their only text book should Who will teach us how to be effective evangelists in our
be the treasures of nature. These lessons, imprinted upon neighbourhoods? ―We greatly need consecrated women,
the minds of young children amid the pleasant, attractive who, as messengers of mercy, will visit the mothers and the
scenes of nature, will not be soon forgotten. p. 8, Para. 3, 4, children in their homes ―Women are needed who are not
[CE]. self-important, but gentle in manners and lowly of heart,
who will work with the meekness of Christ ―The Lord has a
Who will teach the young women how to function as part- work for women as well as for men. They may take their
ners with their husbands? ―The wife and mother should not places in His work at this crisis, and He will work through
sacrifice her strength and allow her powers to lie dormant, them. . . . They can do in families a work that men cannot
leaning wholly upon her husband. Her individuality cannot do, a work that reaches the inner life. They can come close
be merged in his. She should feel that she is her husband's to the hearts of those whom men cannot reach. Their labor
equal—to stand by his side, she faithful at her post of duty is needed.‖ —Welfare Ministry, 145, 146, 150
and he at his. Her work in the education of her chil-
dren is in every respect as elevating and ennobling May God raise up the women that are living- and have lived
as any post of duty he may be called to fill, even if it is to biblical lives- to lead by precept and example.
be the chief magistrate of the nation. {CCh 143.3}
5
 LIFT UP YOUR HEADS...
One of the things that continues to baffle me about we the those who do evil seems very clear, and the spectator or
remnant, is the seeming disregard to the dangers prevalent in reader identifies with the former. In this most recent film
just about every item that we watch on our televisions and in in particular the distinction is even clearer. It con-
the cinema. What perturbs me even more is that we let our veys to viewers that it is right to do good and makes
children watch these television items and even let them at- them realize that this sometimes demands both great effort
tend the cinema. This is all made more sinful when you hear and sacrifice.‖
people stand on the pulpit on the Lords‘ hallowed day and
quote from these worldly enactments that no Bible believing NEWS: ―Every parent out there should be on full alert, as the
Christian should ever set their eyes upon. In light of my per- latest movie in the series is entitled Harry Potter and the
plexity, I was intrigued by a headline I saw about the Vatican Half Blood Prince and is the equivalent of letting your child
supporting the latest Harry Porter movie, and decided to look snort cocaine and then go to a pornographic version of a Ozzy
into the claim. Below are two reviews, one from the official Osborne concert. The film kicks off the sinful sixth year at
newspaper of Rome, and one from an independent analyst. ‗Hogwarts‘, a church of Satan where the film‘s protagonists
learn anti-Christian chants and teachings. This naturally
NEWS: L’ Osservatore Romano Review of ‘Harry Potter serves the Hollywood atheist agenda of making our children
and the Half-Blood Prince’ by Gaetano Vallini: “Nine years disillusioned with our nation‘s Lord and Savior… This movie
have passed since his first adventure and Harry Pot- starts off in typical Wiccan fashion. Harry Potter (Daniel Rad-
ter must face challenges far be- cliffe) comes across a sorcerer‘s
yond his powers. Magic is no book that is written by a myste-
longer the intriguing pastime of rious person named the ‗Half
the early days; the perilous and Blood Prince‘ (aka Satan). In-
frightening trials to be overcome are stead of burning this book in a
no longer adventures for children, fire, just like any decent person
albeit special ones endowed with ex- should immediately do to any
ceptional powers. Now – as was the work written by Mr. JK Rowl-
case especially in the preceding in- ing, Harry Potter makes a deal
stallment – life is truly at risk and the with the devil and starts per-
stakes are very high. They must forming the book‘s magic. All of
prevent the forces of darkness his wizard friends become im-
from prevailing… In cinemas pressed with his new ‗level‘ of
across the world, released by Warner being able to perform dark arts
Bros. Pictures on 15 July, Harry and blood rituals, including a
Potter and the Half-Blood new professor on the rostrum
Prince - which also inaugurated the named Slughorn… Some scenes
Giffoni Festival on 12 July – is prov- between Harry, Ron, Hermione
ing to be the most successful and Ginny were so dirty and full
film in the series… the tone of of teen-dating/relationship in-
the narrative has, to the film’s nuendo that I nearly got up and
advantage, also matured. This is partly thanks to the left the screening several times… After enduring the 2 1/2
work of the producer David Yates who also directed the fifth hour long sin hormones fest that is Harry Potter and the Half
film in the series, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Blood Prince, I fail to see why any good parent would let their
and to the scriptwriter, Steve Kloves, who adapted the first innocent son or daughter into the theater to see this film.
four books. In the film, among other things, the mix- While the film is masterfully shot in deep, muted ways that
ture of supernatural suspense and romance achieves would make Satan feel right at home, it shines bright with the
the right balance, making the protagonists adventures – sparkling luster of sugar-coated sin. Moral Rating:S
with Harry, Ron, Hermione and the other students of Hog- (strong>Sinister) for blood rituals, sexual innuendo, teenage
warts beginning to feel the passions of youth – even more dating, magic chants, anti-Christian agenda, Wiccan witch-
credible… What with lovers quarrels and games of Quidditch, craft, teen kissing, magic, promotes homogay agenda, fan-
the story continues as Harry Potter attempts to earn the tasy violence, inappropriate rating of PG (should be R)”
teacher‘s trust and continues his quest for the secret of Volde-
mort‘s immortality. This will even lead him to a sort of de- COMMENT: As Adventists we have a higher calling than the
scent into Hades, having crossed a lake full of Inferi, which rest of the world. If independent analysts can be perceptive to
are reanimated corpses. At the end of the film we dis- the inherent dangers of such movies, what business do we
cover, as the enthusiastic readers of the saga well have watching them and worse letting our children watch
know – that the young wizard will be left alone dur- them? Let us ever weigh what we set our eyes upon by the
ing the battle after a tragic handing over of responsi- scripture: ―Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true,
bilities. But to know if he will succeed in completing whatsoever things [are] honest, whatsoever things [are] just,
his mission, we shall have to wait for the next two whatsoever things [are] pure, whatsoever things [are] lovely,
films into which Rowling‘s last book has been divided… the whatsoever things [are] of good report; if [there be] any vir-
demarcation line between those who do good and tue, and if [there be] any praise, think on these things‖
6
 ELI FAILED GOD AND HIS FAMILY.... BY SR EG WHITE
1Sa 3:11-14 . And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a
thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it
shall tingle. In that day I will perform against Eli all [things]
which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will
also make an end. For I have told him that I will judge his house
for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons
made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. And therefore
I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house
shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.
Here the neglect of Eli is brought plainly before every father and
mother in the land. As the result of his unsanctified affection or
his unwillingness to do a disagreeable duty, he reaped a harvest
of iniquity in his perverse sons. Both the parent who permitted
the wickedness and the children who practiced it were guilty be-
fore God, and he would accept no sacrifice or offering for their
transgression. There are many lessons in the Bible calculated to
impress fathers and mothers with the sin of neglecting their duty
to their children; and yet how silent are the voices of the teachers
in Israel on these important subjects. Parents allow the defects in
their children to pass uncorrected until the curse of God rests
upon both their children and themselves. Like
Eli, they do not show decision in repressing
the first appearance of evil. RH, May 4,
1886
Eli was gentle, loving, and kind, and had a
true interest in the service of God and the
prosperity of His cause. He was a man who
had power in prayer. He never rose up in re-
bellion against the words of God. But he was
wanting; he did not have firmness of character
to reprove sin and execute justice against the
sinner so that God could depend upon him to
keep Israel pure. He did not add to his faith
the courage and power to say No at the right
time and in the right place. Sin is sin; right-
eousness is righteousness. The trumpet note
of warning must be sounded. We are living in
a fearfully wicked age. The worship of God
will become corrupted unless there are wide-awake men at every
post of duty. It is no time now for any to be absorbed in selfish
ease. Not one of the words which God has spoken must be al-
lowed to fall to the ground. 4T, p517
When existing evils are not met and checked, because men have
too little courage to reprove wrong, or because they have too little
interest or are too indolent to tax their own powers in putting
forth earnest efforts to purify the family or the church of God,
they are accountable for the evil which may result in consequence
of neglect to do their duty. We are just as accountable for evils
that we might have checked in others, by reproof, by warning, by
exercise of parental or pastoral authority, as if we were guilty of
the acts ourselves. 4T, p516
Eli was priest and judge in Israel. He held the highest and most
responsible positions among the people of God. As a man di-
vinely chosen for the sacred duties of the priesthood, and set over
the land as the highest judicial authority, he was looked up to as
an example, and he wielded a great influence over the tribes of
Israel. But although he had been appointed to govern the people,
he did not rule his own household. Eli was an indulgent father.
Loving peace and ease, he did not exercise his authority to cor-
rect the evil habits and passions of his children. Rather than con-
tend with them or punish them, he would submit to their will and
give them their own way. Instead of regarding the education of
his sons as one of the most important of his responsibilities, he
treated the matter as of little consequence. The priest and judge
of Israel had not been left in darkness as to the duty of restrain-
ing and governing the children that God had given to his care.
But Eli shrank from this duty, because it involved crossing the
will of his sons, and would make it necessary to punish and deny
them. Without weighing the terrible consequences that would
follow his course, he indulged his children in whatever they de-
sired and neglected the work of fitting them for the service of
God and the duties of life. PP, p575
Eli remonstrated with his sons, but did not act promptly in re-
straining them. The ease-loving, affectionate father was warned
of God that retribution would follow his neglect, but even then he
did not feel the importance of at once putting the disgusting evil
away from Israel. He should have taken prompt measures him-
self; but instead of this he said, with remarkable submission: "It
is the Lord: let Him do what seemeth Him good." If he had been
aroused to the full guilt of his neglect, Israel might have been
saved from the humiliation of defeat, and the ark of God would
not have fallen into the enemy's hands. God
condemns the negligence that dallies with sin
and crime, and the insensibility that is slow to
detect its baleful presence in the families of
professed Christians. He holds parents ac-
countable in a great degree for the faults and
follies of their offspring. God visited with His
curse not only the sons of Eli, but Eli himself,
and this fearful example should be a warning
to the parents of this time. 4T, p199/200
The sin of Eli was in passing lightly over the
iniquity of his sons, who were occupying sa-
cred offices. The neglect of the father to re-
prove and restrain his sons, brought upon Is-
rael a fearful calamity. The sons of Eli were
slain, Eli himself lost his life, the ark of God
was taken from Israel, and thirty thousand of
their people were slain. All this was because
sin was lightly regarded, and allowed to remain in their midst.
What a lesson is this to men holding responsible positions in the
church of God! It adjures them to faithfully remove the wrongs
that dishonor the cause of truth.
Israel thought, in the days of Samuel, that the presence of the
ark containing the commandments of God, would gain them the
victory over the Philistines, whether or not they repented of their
wicked works. Just so the Jews, in Jeremiah's time, believed that
the divinely appointed services of the temple being strictly ob-
served, would preserve them from the just punishment of their
evil course.
The same danger exists today among that people who profess
to be the repository of God's law. They are too apt to flatter them-
selves that the regard in which they hold the commandments
should preserve them from the power of divine justice. They re-
fuse to be reproved of evil, and blame God's servants with being
too zealous in putting sin out of the camp. A sin-hating God calls
upon those who profess to keep his law to depart from all iniq-
uity. Neglect to repent and obey his word will bring as serious
consequences upon Gods people today, as did the same sin upon
ancient Israel. There is a limit beyond which he will no longer
delay his judgments. The correction of God through his chosen
instruments cannot be disregarded with impunity. The desola-
tion of Jerusalem stands as a solemn warning before the eyes of
modern Israel. ST, February 12, 1880
7

PRISONERS OF
HOPE
This newsletter is authored by
members of the SDA church
whose desire is to provide a
thought provoking newsletter
for Adventists dwelling on the
banks of Jordan; in the process
appealing to entire fidelity to
the Bible and the Spirit of
Prophecy.
SUPPORT FOR MINISTERS
What are some of the dangers of the worldly minded?
"But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which
drown men in destruction and perdition." 1 Tim. 6:9.
What charge is given to those who have much of this world?
"Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but
in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy." 1 Tim. 6:17.
Who claims the gold and silver of earth?
"The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith the Lord of hosts." Haggai 2:8.
Who owns all the cattle and fowls of the earth?
"For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the
mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine." Ps. 50:10, 11.
Man, then, really owns nothing of this world. In what capacity does he hold property?
"For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called h is own servants, and
delivered unto them his goods." Matt. 25:14.
How does man have power to get wealth?
"But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God; for it is He that giveth thee power to get wealth." Deut. 8:18.
What, then, should be one's attitude towards God?
"And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and
with all thy strength." Luke 10:27.
How may one show honor to God?
"Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the first fruits of all thine increase." Prov. 3:9.
What part of one's income does the Lord claim?
"And all the tithe [tenth] of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the
Lord's: it is holy unto the Lord." Lev. 27:30.
If one withholds from God that which belongs to Him, of what sin is he guilty?
"Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed Me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and
offerings." Mal. 3:8.
How early in the history of the world do we read of tithe paying?
"For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the
slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all." Heb. 7:1, 2.
Tithes were collected under the Melchisedec priesthood. Is that order of priesthood now in
existence?
"Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made a high priest forever after the order of Mel-
chisedec." Heb. 6:20.
If we are Abraham's children indeed, what should we do?
"Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham." John 8:39.
Did Christ, when on earth, approve of the tithing system?
"Ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judg-
ment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone." Matt. 23:23.
What did Paul say of those who ministered in the temple of the old dispensation?
"Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they
which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?" 1 Cor. 9:13.
What does he argue from this for the support of gospel ministers?
"Even so [in like manner] hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the
gospel." 1 Cor. 9:14.
Who only were allowed to minister at the altar?
"That no stranger which is not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer incense before the Lord." Num.
16:40.
What constituted the living of the Levites?
"And behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service
which they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation." Num. 18:21.
The tenth of the herds and of the increase of the field, God claims as His own. Lev. 27:30-
32. What did the Saviour command on this point?
"Then saith He unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the
things that are God's." Matt. 22:21.
Who ought to feel responsible for the support of the minister?
"If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?" Cor.
9:11.
Does Paul enforce this doctrine as a duty?
"For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto
them in carnal things." Rom. 15:27.
How much of the tithes does the Lord demand to be brought into the store-house?
"Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house." Mal. 3:10.
What will the Lord do for those who give Him His own?
"And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither
shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts." Mal. 3:11.
+27(0)21 557 4944 086 608 7075 +27(0)83 268 7575 www.thenkomos.com
poh@itshe.com  71 Villa Rustica, Chestnut Cr,, 7441, Cape Town, South Africa 8