Signs of the Times, Book 1 - Ellen G. White

in a measure feeling their want and weakness, and longing for a better day, a
clearer and more certain light to guide their wandering footsteps.
The Jews had listened to the voice of God, as he proclaimed his law
from Sinai, and God had selected them, and claimed them as his people; but
they had not made the most of their opportunities. He brought them forth out
of the land of Egypt, and delivered them from the oppression of the
Egyptians; and when the children of Israel were camped before the Red sea,
and the army of Pharaoh pursued them, he divided the waters and they
passed through on dry land; While their enemies that followed after them,
perished. And so they passed through Jordan at the taking of Jericho, when
God miraculously opened the path for them through the waters, and how
mightily he wrought for them at the city! They could never have repayed
God for the blessings which he had given them had they done their best in
his service; but there was an utter failure on their part. And when the very
best gift that Heaven could give, was sent to them, the gift of Jesus Christ,
they would not accept it. Pride and ambition, love of applause and display,
had so hardened their hearts, and blinded their minds that they could not
discern Jesus Christ in the Man of Nazareth.
The Jewish nation were outwardly religious, priding themselves upon
their sacred temple, the pomp of priests and the imposing ceremonies of the
morning and evening services, gorgeous synagogues and sacrificial
offerings. Here were abundant leaves, beautiful and bright, to cover the
hollow hypocrisy, malice, and oppression at the heart of all this vain display.
The Jews were privileged with the presence of Christ manifested in the flesh.
This inestimable blessing which God bestowed upon them should have
called forth their devout acknowledgments. But in blind prejudice they
refused the mercies offered them by Jesus. His love was lavished upon them
in vain, and they regarded not his wondrous works. Sorrow fled at his
approach; infirmity and deformity were healed; injustice and oppression
shrunk ashamed from his rebuke; while death and the grave humbled
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