Marked for Death

[devotional at egwlists.whiteestate.org]

-----------------------------------------------------------
Ellen G. White Estate, Devotional for September 18
Visit us at http://www.whiteestate.org
-----------------------------------------------------------

Marked for Death

The letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to
destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old,
little children and women, in one day. Esther 3:13. 


The decree that will finally go forth against the remnant people of God
will be very similar to that issued by Ahasuerus against the Jews. 

When the protection of human laws shall be withdrawn from those who
honor the law of God, there will be, in different lands, a simultaneous
movement for their destruction. As the time appointed in the decree
draws near, the people will conspire to root out the hated sect. It will
be determined to strike in one night a decisive blow, which shall
utterly silence the voice of dissent and reproof. 

The decree will go forth that they must disregard the Sabbath of the
fourth commandment, and honor the first day, or lose their lives; but
they will not yield, and trample under their feet the Sabbath of the
Lord, and honor an institution of papacy. Satan's host and wicked men
will surround them, and exult over them, because there will seem to be
no way of escape for them. 

When this time of trouble comes, every case is decided; there is no
longer probation, no longer mercy for the impenitent. The seal of the
living God is upon His people. This small remnant, unable to defend
themselves in the deadly conflict with the powers of earth that are
marshaled by the dragon host, make God their defense. The decree has
been passed by the highest earthly authority that they shall worship the
beast and receive his mark under pain of persecution and death. 

I saw the saints suffering great mental anguish. They seemed to be
surrounded by the wicked inhabitants of the earth. Every appearance was
against them. Some began to fear that God had at last left them to
perish by the hand of the wicked. . . . 

It was an hour of fearful, terrible agony to the saints. Day and night
they cried unto God for deliverance. To outward appearance, there was no
possibility of their escape. The wicked had already begun to triumph,
crying out, "Why doesn't your God deliver you out of our hands? Why
don't you go up and save your lives?" But the saints heeded them not.

>From Maranatha - Page 269