When Ellen White was encouraged to visit the holy land, what was her response?
"I am told that before finishing the life of Christ I ought to visit Jerusalem, the holy land. What made it holy? The Majesty of heaven clothed His divinity with humanity, and dwelt upon our earth. He was despised and rejected of men; in Jerusalem He was crucified by wicked hands. I have not the slightest inclination to visit Jerusalem, to see where it is thought probable that Jesus trod, where He may have labored, and where He may have been crucified."
* These are imaginary statistics we hope to one day be able to publish.
Places where the money saved (by canceling your tour) might go:
"Brethren, do you believe that you will soon see Jesus? Then do not needlessly expend
means that is of so great value to save precious souls...." -
Ellen White's Counsel on Visiting the Holy Land
Among our workers are some who feel that a great object would be gained if their feet could tread the soil of old Jerusalem. But God's cause and work will never be advanced by His workers wandering about to find where Jesus traveled and wrought His miracles. Would you trace the footsteps of Christ, behold Him in that hovel, ministering to the poor; see Him at that sick bed, comforting the suffering, and speaking hope and courage to the desponding. Those who walk in the footsteps of Jesus will do as He did. "Whosoever will come after me," He said, "let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
The city of Jerusalem is no longer a sacred place. The curse of God is upon
it because of the rejection and crucifixion of Christ. A dark blot of guilt rests
upon it, and never again will it be a sacred place until it has been cleansed by
the purifying fires of heaven. At the time when this sin-
There is a work to do for God all around us. There is a world to save, and God
calls upon us to be co-
How many there are who feel that it would be a good thing to tread the soil of old
Jerusalem, and that their faith would be greatly strengthened by visiting the scenes
of the Saviour's life and death! But old Jerusalem will never be a sacred place until
it is cleansed by the refining fire from heaven. The darkest blot of guilt rests
upon the city that refused the light of Christ. Do we want to walk in the footsteps
of Jesus? We need not seek out the paths in Nazareth, Bethany, and Jerusalem. We
shall find the footprints of Jesus by the sick-
I am told that before finishing the life of Christ I ought to visit Jerusalem, the holy land. What made it holy? The Majesty of heaven clothed His divinity with humanity, and dwelt upon our earth. He was despised and rejected of men; in Jerusalem He was crucified by wicked hands. I have not the slightest inclination to visit Jerusalem, to see where it is thought probable that Jesus trod, where He may have labored, and where He may have been crucified. The means which might be expended thus I would prefer to treasure, that I may point souls to the Saviour risen from Joseph's tomb, and proclaiming, "I am the resurrection and the life." I can trace His footprints in the sure word of prophecy, and can obtain a better idea of His works and of His ways, than I could by visiting Jerusalem, defiled with unholy feet and unholy deeds. I could not expend money to visit these places when the living interests of Christ's kingdom are to be presented to the people. We are to teach the word of God, and to be doers of that word, which is represented as building upon the rock; the structure thus built will withstand the storm and the tempest, because it is founded on the eternal Rock.
I wish to see Jerusalem when the fires of the last great day shall have cleansed it from all sinful defilement. Jerusalem is now no more sacred to me that any other place on the globe. Wherever by his Holy Spirit Jesus makes known His presence, wherever his righteousness shines forth in bright and glorious beams, wherever his divine love illuminates the humble places of the earth, wherever his honor dwells, there I am pleased to be. Christ looks with sadness upon the delusions that ensnare human minds who are so eager to behold the place where His feet are supposed once to have trodden, and yet who do not heed His command, "Follow me," who do not walk in the light as He is in the light. A shadow is resting over Jerusalem, a terrible shadow, which I have no desire to come under. Everywhere a curse is visible, which I have no desire to look upon. I can see marks of the curse everywhere. To be able to say I have visited Jerusalem would not shed a distinct ray of light upon one soul. It would not enable me better to tell men and women what they must do to be saved. I present the word of God in truth. I listen to the precious lessons which Christ gave His disciples. In my mind the scenes of His ministry, the places where He taught by the lake side, and clothed with the solemnity and beauty which nature and the word of God have given them. I am content: I would not have darker pictures. I do not wish to look upon the desecrated shrines, with all the repulsive features that would meet my view. I would not be hired to behold the traces of the curse so evidently resting upon Jerusalem. I hope to see this spot when the earth shall be made new, when I shall behold Him whom my soul loveth, in His majesty and glory crowned as King of kings and Lord of lords.
I have not one word of encouragement for any person, neither have I money to
impart to any person, to visit Jerusalem. As it now is, it would be a picture I would
never wish to hang in memory's hall. Brethren, do you believe that you will soon
see Jesus? Then do not needlessly expend means that is of so great value to save
precious souls; they need never get a sight of Jerusalem under the curse, but with
inspired words you can point them to the New Jerusalem, to Jesus the Mediator of
the better covenant, who ever liveth to make intercession for us, and whose intercession
is wholly efficacious in our behalf. I know that Christ looks with sadness upon those
who are searching for the places He passed over while in the flesh, but who fail
to recognize Him as a living Saviour, on any ground, in any place. He says, "Lo,
I am with you always, even to the end of the world." Men may search in vain for the
foot-
Give to Jesus your devotion where He is in the heavenly sanctuary; seek for
the holy Spirit as His representative wherever His people bow to worship Him. It
becomes us to know Jesus by an experimental knowledge, as a personal Saviour. We
should be gathering up every ray of divine light, not looking to old Jerusalem where
Christ was once, but to the New Jerusalem where He is now. Let us be gathering from
the tree of life that God has planted, leaves that shall be for the healing of the
nations, and fruit, precious, life-
How hard men work to obtain knowledge! They expend time and money in seeking to find out things that are not essential to a life of purity, that will not aid them in building up a character that will fit them to become members of the royal family, children of the Heavenly King. Some make long journeys to Jerusalem to see the place where Christ lived and taught. They listen to traditions and tales that men have invented. They spend money for that which is not bread. Christ says: "Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you; for him hath God the Father sealed." To expend time and labor in finding the places where Jesus worked in Jerusalem, cannot bring any real benefit to soul or body. The money would better be expended in helping those who are perishing out of Christ. In doing this work, we may be assured that we are working in Christ's lines. Human guides may point to this spot or that one as a place where Jesus made his abode, and travelers may cultivate feelings of awe and reverence in looking upon various localities, and yet they have no certain knowledge that Christ ever taught there, or that his feet ever trod the soil. The only advantage that we can gain is an advantage that comes by faith in knowing and understanding the work of Christ for our soul's salvation, in knowing the will of God in our individual cases.
Men and women may study the will of God with profit. Let young men and young women, while the dew of youth is upon them, begin to study the word of God, which expresses his will. The steps of Christ are certainly marked out in the word. Go where they can be found today. Do not seek to go back to the land where Christ's feet trod ages ago. Christ says: "He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." We can know far more of Christ by following him step by step in the work of redemption, seeking the lost and the perishing, than by journeying to old Jerusalem. Christ has taken his people into his church. He has swept away every ceremony of the ancient type. He has given no liberty to restore these rites, or to substitute anything that will recall the old literal sacrifices. The Lord requires of his people spiritual sacrifices alone. Everything pertaining to his worship is placed under the superintendence of his Holy Spirit. Jesus said that the Father would send the Holy Spirit in his name to teach his disciples all things, and to bring all things unto their remembrance that he had said unto them. The curse rests upon Jerusalem. The Lord has obliterated those things which men would worship in and about Jerusalem, yet many hold in reverence literal objects in Palestine, while they neglect to behold Jesus as their advocate in the heaven of heavens.
Where is Christ? We would see Jesus, not the places where he used to make his
abode. Christ is the bread of life, and we must feed upon his word, and be a doer
of his commands. What is Christ to me? How am I related to Christ? He is in the heavens
above, and as our high priest, is offering up the incense of his own merit. His holiness
mingles with our prayers of repentance and faith. Through conversion we are brought
into close relationship with God, and the Father loves those for whom Christ has
died as he loves his own Son. Through the almighty ransom he has made, we become
sons and daughters of God. We should earnestly inquire, not in regard to old Jerusalem
and concerning the fables that are repeated for truth, but we should turn our eyes
to the loving Saviour, who ever liveth to make intercession for us. We should prostrate
the soul before the incarnate God. We are not to trust in fables, and worship places
that God has cursed, and foster idolatry in so doing. Jesus said to the Samaritan
woman: "Ye worship ye know not what; we know what we worship; for salvation is of
the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship
the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God
is a Spirit; and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."
Many visit Jerusalem, and go away cherishing ideas which they suppose represent the
truth, while in fact they have only come in contact with fables. They publish these
falsehoods as truth. -
Watch this micro-
Think of the horror of human beings dying because those placed in charge of
the means of relief proved unfaithful to their trust. It is difficult for us to realize
that man could be guilty of so terrible a sin. Yet I am instructed to say to you,
my brother, my sister, that Christians are daily repeating this sin. -
"Would you trace the footsteps of Christ, behold Him in that hovel, ministering to the poor; see Him at that sick bed, comforting the suffering, and speaking hope and courage to the desponding. Those who walk in the footsteps of Jesus will do as He did."
"To expend time and labor in finding the places where Jesus worked in Jerusalem, cannot bring any real benefit to soul or body. The money would better be expended in helping those who are perishing out of Christ."
"The darkest blot of guilt rests upon the city that refused the light of Christ.
Do we want to walk in the footsteps of Jesus? We need not seek out the paths in Nazareth,
Bethany, and Jerusalem. We shall find the footprints of Jesus by the sick-
SOULS FOR THE KINGDOM:
TOURS CANCELED:
MONEY SAVED/DONATED TO MISSION WORK:
18,471*
$1,345,813
1,234
ONE-
621
...."I would not be hired to behold the traces of the curse so evidently resting
upon Jerusalem." -
A Parable from the Advent Review & Sabbath Harold
Our Responsibility
There are times when a distinct view is presented to me of the condition of
the remnant church, a condition of appalling indifference to the needs of a world
perishing for lack of a knowledge of the truth for this time. Then I have hours,
and sometimes days, of intense anguish. Many to whom have been committed the saving
truths of the third angel's message fail of realizing that the salvation of souls
is dependent upon the consecration and activity of God's church. Many are using their
blessings in the service of self. Oh, how my heart aches because Christ is put to
shame by their un-
TAGS: Ellen White, Spirit of Prophecy, holy land, holy land, Jerusalem, travel, tour, trip, cruise, vacation, Adventist, footsteps of Jesus,
A group of islands lies in their course, and, though far short of their destination, they decide to call. The temptation that has already entered grows stronger. The selfish spirit of gain takes possession of their minds. Mercantile advantages present themselves. Those in charge of the fleet are prevailed on to remain on the islands. Their original purpose of mercy fades from their sight. They forget the starving people to whom they were sent. The stores entrusted to them are used for their own benefit. The means of beneficence is diverted into channels of selfishness. They barter the means of life for selfish gain, and leave their fellow beings to die. The cries of the perishing ascend to heaven, and the Lord writes in His record the tale of robbery
God has made His people stewards of His grace and truth, and how does He regard their neglect to impart these blessings to their fellow men? Let us suppose that a distant colony belonging to Great Britain is in great distress because of famine and threatened war. Multitudes are dying of starvation, and a powerful enemy is gathering on the frontier, threatening to hasten the work of death. The government at home opens its stores; public charity pours forth; relief flows through many channels. A fleet is freighted with the precious means of life and is sent to the scene of suffering, accompanied by the prayers of those whose hearts are stirred to help. And for a time the fleet sails directly for its destination. But, having lost sight of land, the ardor of those entrusted with carrying food to the starving sufferers abates. Though engaged in a work that makes them colaborers with angels, they lose the good impressions with which they started forth. Through evil counselors, temptation enters.
"I have not the slightest inclination to visit Jerusalem, to see where it is thought probable that Jesus trod, where He may have labored, and where He may have been crucified. The means which might be expended thus I would prefer to treasure, that I may point souls to the Saviour risen from Joseph's tomb, and proclaiming, 'I am the resurrection and the life.'"
"We are not to trust in fables, and worship places that God has cursed, and foster idolatry in so doing. Jesus said to the Samaritan woman: 'Ye worship ye know not what; we know what we worship; for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father seeketh such to worship him.'"
"Do not seek to go back to the land where Christ's feet trod ages ago. Christ says: "He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." We can know far more of Christ by following him step by step in the work of redemption, seeking the lost and the perishing, than by journeying to old Jerusalem."
"The city of Jerusalem is no longer a sacred place. The curse of God is upon it because of the rejection and crucifixion of Christ. A dark blot of guilt rests upon it, and never again will it be a sacred place until it has been cleansed by the purifying fires of heaven."
3ABN is a trademark of Three Angels Broadcasting Network.
Jim Gilley, President of 3ABN is urging Seventh-
Is this the way our self sacrificing Saviour would have his stewards appropriate their Lord’s goods? One participant said,
“I left with a different outlook. I slept in a comfortable bed each night, but He [Jesus] didn’t. I rode in a luxurious bus, but He didn’t. I ate the finest foods Israel had to offer, but He didn’t.”
Dear tourist, does this no tell you something? Christ is to be our example. We are to walk even as he walked. As he was in the world so are we to be.
Are Adventists called to enrich ourselves at by the needless gratification of wanderlust, comfort, luxury and fine dinning while His children are left out in the cold, naked, hungry and ignorant of the Way of Life. For everything we say “yes” to we are saying “no” to something else. If we say yes we will indulge ourselves $4000 for such a tour, we are saying we will not use that means to “mend the broken hearted”!
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What every Seventh-
Treading the Soil of Old Jerusalem & Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus.
"Among our workers are some who feel that a great object would be gained if their
feet could tread the soil of old Jerusalem. But God's cause and work will never be
advanced by His workers wandering about to find where Jesus traveled and wrought
His miracles. Would you trace the footsteps of Christ, behold Him in that hovel,
ministering to the poor; see Him at that sick bed, comforting the suffering, and
speaking hope and courage to the desponding. Those who walk in the footsteps of Jesus
will do as He did." -
