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

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Had <strong>the</strong> disciples rightly appreciated <strong>the</strong> exalted character <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />

Master, <strong>the</strong>y would have considered no sacrifice too costly to <strong>of</strong>fer to <strong>the</strong><br />

Son <strong>of</strong> God. The wise men <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> East understood more definitely his true<br />

position, and <strong>the</strong> honor due him, than his own followers, who had received<br />

his instruction and beheld his mighty miracles. They brought precious gifts<br />

to <strong>the</strong> Saviour, and bent in homage before him, while he was but a babe, and<br />

cradled in a manger.<br />

The look which Jesus cast upon <strong>the</strong> selfish Judas convinced him that <strong>the</strong><br />

Master penetrated his hypocrisy and read his base, contemptible character.<br />

He was stirred with resentment. His heart burned with envy that Jesus should<br />

be <strong>the</strong> recipient <strong>of</strong> an <strong>of</strong>fering suitable to <strong>the</strong> monarchs <strong>of</strong> earth. He went<br />

directly from that supper to <strong>the</strong> chief priests, and agreed to betray him into<br />

<strong>the</strong>ir hands. The priests were greatly rejoiced at this, and "<strong>the</strong>y covenanted<br />

with him for thirty pieces <strong>of</strong> silver, and from that time he sought opportunity<br />

to betray him."<br />

In <strong>the</strong> case <strong>of</strong> Judas we see <strong>the</strong> fearful result <strong>of</strong> covetousness and unholy<br />

anger. He begrudged <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fering made to Jesus, and although not personally<br />

rebuked, he was irritated to combine revenge with his avarice, and sell his<br />

Lord for a few pieces <strong>of</strong> silver. Mary showed how highly she prized <strong>the</strong><br />

Saviour when she accounted <strong>the</strong> most precious gift none too costly for him;<br />

but Judas valued Jesus at <strong>the</strong> price for which he sold him; his niggardly soul<br />

balanced <strong>the</strong> life <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Son <strong>of</strong> God against a paltry sum <strong>of</strong> money. The same<br />

cold, calculating spirit is manifested by many who pr<strong>of</strong>ess Christ today.<br />

Their <strong>of</strong>ferings to his cause are grudgingly bestowed or withheld altoge<strong>the</strong>r<br />

under various plausible excuses. A pretense <strong>of</strong> wide philanthropy, unlimited<br />

by church or creed, is not unfrequently one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m, and <strong>the</strong>y plead, like<br />

Judas, It is better to give it to <strong>the</strong> poor. But <strong>the</strong> true Christian shows his faith<br />

by investing in <strong>the</strong> cause <strong>of</strong> truth; he is known by his works, for "faith<br />

without works is dead."<br />

509

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