Sacred history provides many illustrations of the results of true education. It presents many noble examples of people whose lives were a blessing to others and who stood in the world as representatives of God. Among these are Joseph, Daniel, Moses, Elisha, and Paul.
In early life, just as they were passing from youth to manhood, Joseph and Daniel were separated from their homes and carried as captives to heathen lands. Especially was Joseph subject to the temptations that attend great changes of fortune. In his father's home he was a tenderly cherished child, in the house of Potiphar a slave, in Pharaoh's dungeon a prisoner of state, condemned unjustly. Finally, at a time of great crisis, he was called to leadership in the nation of Egypt. What enabled him to preserve his integrity?
No one can stand on a lofty height without danger. Fierce temptations that leave untouched the lowly in life assail those who stand in the world's high places of success and honor. But Joseph stood both the tests of adversity and of prosperity. The same fidelity was manifest in the palace of the Pharaohs as in the prisoner's cell.
In his childhood, Joseph had been taught the love and fear of God. Often he had been told the story of the night vision at Bethel, of the ladder from heaven to earth, the descending and ascending angels, and of Him who from the throne above revealed Himself to Jacob. He had been told the story of the conflict beside the Jabbok River, when, renouncing cherished sins, Jacob stood conqueror and received the title of a prince with God.
As a shepherd boy tending his father's flocks, Joseph's pure and simple life had favored the development of both physical and mental power. By communion with God through nature and study of the great truths handed down as a sacred trust from father to son, he had gained strength of mind and firmness of principle.
In the crisis of his life, when making that terrible journey from his childhood home in Canaan to the bondage that awaited him in Egypt, Joseph remembered his father's God. He remembered the lessons of his childhood, and his soul thrilled with the resolve to ever act as a subject of the King of heaven.
In the bitter life of a stranger and a slave, amidst the sights and sounds of vice and the allurements of heathen worship, Joseph was steadfast. He had learned the lesson of obedience to duty.
When he was called to the court of Pharaoh, Egypt was the greatest of nations. In civilization, art, learning, it was unequaled. Through a period of utmost difficulty and danger, Joseph administered the business of the kingdom, and this he did in a manner that won the confidence of the king and the people. Pharaoh "made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance: to bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom." Psalm 105:21, 22.
Inspiration has set the secret of Joseph's life before us. In words of divine power and beauty, Jacob, in the blessing pronounced upon his children, spoke of his best-loved son:
"Joseph is a fruitful bough,
A fruitful bough by a well;
His branches run over the wall.
The archers have bitterly grieved him,
Shot at him and hated him.
But his bow remained in strength,
And the arms of his hands were made strong
By the hands of the mighty God of Jacob."
Genesis 49:22-24.
Loyalty to God, faith in the Unseen, was Joseph's anchor. In this lay his power.
Daniel, an Ambassador of Heaven
Daniel and his companions in Babylon were, in their youth, apparently more fortunate than was Joseph in the earlier years of his life in Egypt, yet they were subjected to tests of character scarcely less severe. From the simplicity of their Judean home these youth of royal line were transported to the most magnificent of cities, to the court of its greatest monarch, and were singled out to be trained for the king's special service. Strong temptations surrounded them in that corrupt and luxurious court. The fact that they, the worshipers of Jehovah, were captives to Babylon, that the vessels of God's house had been placed in the temple of the gods of Babylon, that the king of Israel was himself a prisoner in the hands of the Babylonians, was boastfully cited by the victors as evidence that their religion and customs were superior to the religion and customs of the Hebrews. Under such circumstances, through the very humiliations that Israel's departure from His commandments had invited, God gave Babylon evidence of His supremacy, of the holiness of His requirements, and of the sure result of obedience. This testimony He gave through those who still held fast their loyalty.
To Daniel and his companions, at the very outset of their career, came a decisive test. The order that their food should be supplied from the royal table was an expression both of the king's favor and of his interest in their welfare. But a portion of the food had been offered to idols, and by partaking of the king's bounty these young men would be regarded as uniting in homage to false gods. Loyalty to Jehovah forbade them to participate in such homage.
Daniel and his companions had been faithfully instructed in the principles of the Word of God. They had learned to sacrifice the earthly to the spiritual, and they reaped the reward. At the end of their training, in their examination with other candidates for the honors of the kingdom, "none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah." Daniel 1:19.
At the court of Babylon were gathered talented representatives from all lands, with the highest culture this world could bestow. Yet amidst them all, the Hebrew captives were without a peer. In physical strength and beauty, in mental vigor and literary attainment, they stood unrivaled. "In all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm." Daniel 1:20.
Unwavering in allegiance to God, unyielding in the mastery of himself, Daniel's noble dignity and courteous deference won for him the "favor and tender love" of the heathen officer who was in charge of him. The same characteristics marked all aspects of his life. Soon he rose to the position of prime minister of the kingdom. Throughout the reign of successive monarchs, the downfall of the nation, and the establishment of a rival kingdom, such were his wisdom and statesmanship, so perfect his tact, courtesy, and genuine goodness of heart, combined with fidelity to principle, that even his enemies were forced to say that "they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful." Daniel 6:4.
While Daniel clung to God with unwavering trust, the spirit of prophetic power came upon him. He was honored by God as His ambassador and taught to read the mysteries of ages to come. Heathen monarchs, through association with Heaven's representative, were constrained to acknowledge the God of Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar declared, "Your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets." Daniel 2:47.
True and Honest Men
By their wisdom and justice, by the purity and benevolence of their daily life, by their devotion to the interests of the people, Joseph and Daniel proved themselves true to the principles of their early training, true to Him whose representatives they were. The whole nation honored these men, both in Egypt and in Babylon. In them a heathen people saw an illustration of the goodness and kindness of God, an illustration of the love of Christ.
What a lifework was that of these noble Hebrews! As they bade farewell to their childhood home, little did they dream of their high destiny! Faithful and steadfast, they yielded themselves to divine guidance so that God could fulfill His purpose through them.
The same mighty truths that were revealed through these men, God desires to reveal through young people today.
The greatest want of the world is the want of those men and women who will not be bought or sold, those who in their inmost souls are true and honest, those who do not fear to call sin by its right name, those whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, those who will stand for the right though the heavens fall.
But such a character is not the result of accident. It is not due to special favors or endowments of Providence. A noble character is the result of self-discipline, of the subjection of the lower to the higher nature--the surrender of self for the service of love to God and humanity.
Young people need to be impressed with the truth that their endowments are not their own. Strength, time, intellect belong to God, and should be put to the highest use. Youth are branches from which God expects fruit, stewards whose capital must yield increase. Every young person has a work to do for the honor of God and the uplifting of humanity.
Elisha, Faithful in Little Things
The early years of the prophet Elisha were passed in the country, under the teaching of God and nature and the discipline of useful work. In a time of almost universal apostasy his father's household were among those who had not bowed the knee to Baal. Theirs was a home where God was honored and where faithfulness to duty was the rule of daily life.
The son of a wealthy farmer, Elisha possessed the capabilities of a leader. But he received a training in life's common duties. In order to direct wisely, he must learn to obey. By faithfulness in little things, he was prepared for weightier trusts.
Of a meek and gentle spirit, Elisha also possessed energy and steadfastness. He cherished the love and fear of God, and in the humble round of daily toil he gained strength of purpose and nobleness of character, growing in divine grace and knowledge.
The prophetic call came to Elisha while he was plowing in the field. Elijah, divinely directed in seeking a successor, threw his mantle over the young man's shoulders. Elisha recognized and obeyed the summons. He "arose and followed Elijah, and served him." 1 Kings 19:21. No great work was at first required of Elisha. Commonplace duties still constituted his discipline. As the prophet's personal attendant, he continued to prove faithful in little things. With daily strengthening of purpose he devoted himself to the mission appointed by God.
When he was first called, his commitment had been tested. As he turned to follow Elijah he was ordered by the prophet to return home. But Elisha understood the value of his opportunity. Not for any worldly advantage would he forgo the possibility of becoming God's messenger.
As time passed, and Elijah was prepared for translation, so Elisha was prepared to become his successor. And again his faith and commitment were tested. As he accompanied Elijah in his round of service at each place, he was invited by the prophet to turn back. But in his early labor of guiding the plow, Elisha had learned not to fail or become discouraged, and now that he had set his hand to the plow in another line of duty, he would not be diverted from his purpose.
"The two of them stood by the Jordan. Now Elijah took his mantle, rolled it up, and struck the water; and it was divided this way and that, so that the two of them crossed over on dry ground. And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, 'Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?' And Elisha said, 'Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.' So he said, 'You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so.' Then it happened, as they continued on and talked, that suddenly a chariot of fire appeared with horses of fire, and separated the two of them; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
"Now Elisha saw it, and he cried out, 'My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!' So he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces. He also took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan. Then he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, and said, 'Where is the Lord God of Elijah?' And when he also had struck the water, it was divided this way and that; and Elisha crossed over.
"Now when the sons of the prophets who were from Jericho saw him, they said, 'The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.' And they came to meet him, and bowed to the ground before him." 2 Kings 2:6-15.
Henceforth Elisha stood in Elijah's place. And he who had been faithful in that which was least, proved himself faithful also in much.
Elijah, the man of power, had been God's instrument for the overthrow of gigantic evils. The idolatry that had seduced the nation had been cast down. Baal's prophets had been slain. The whole people of Israel had been deeply stirred, and many were returning to the worship of God. A successor to Elijah was needed who by careful, patient instruction could guide Israel in safe paths. Elisha's early training under God's direction had prepared him for this work.
The lesson is for all. None can know what God's purpose in His discipline may be, but all may be certain that faithfulness in little things is the evidence of fitness for greater responsibilities.
Moses, Powerful Through Faith
Moses was younger than Joseph or Daniel when he was removed from the sheltering care of his childhood home, yet the same agencies that shaped their lives molded his. He spent only twelve years with his Hebrew kindred, but during these years the foundation of his greatness was laid.
Jochebed was a slave. Her lot in life was humble, her burden heavy. But through no other woman, except Mary of Nazareth, has the world received greater blessing. Knowing that her child must soon pass beyond her care to the guardianship of those who did not know God, she earnestly endeavored to implant in his heart love and loyalty to God. The work was faithfully accomplished. Nothing could induce Moses to renounce those principles of truth that were the burden of his mother's teaching and the lesson of her life.
From the humble home in Goshen the son of Jochebed passed to the palace of the Pharaohs, to be welcomed by the Egyptian princess. In the schools of Egypt, Moses received the highest civil and military training. Of great personal attractions, noble in form and stature, of cultivated mind and princely bearing, and renowned as a military leader, he became the nation's pride. Moses, though refusing to participate in the heathen worship, was initiated into all the mysteries of the Egyptian religion. As Egypt's prospective sovereign he was heir to the highest honors this world could bestow. But for the honor of God and the deliverance of His downtrodden people, Moses sacrificed the honors of Egypt. Then, in a special sense, God undertook his training.
Not yet was Moses prepared for his lifework. He had yet to learn the lesson of dependence upon divine power. He had mistaken God's purpose. It was his hope to deliver Israel by force of arms. For this he risked all, and failed. In defeat and disappointment he became a fugitive and exile in a strange land.
In the wilds of Midian Moses spent forty years as a keeper of sheep. Apparently cut off forever from his life's mission, he was receiving the discipline essential for its fulfillment. Wisdom to govern an ignorant and undisciplined multitude must be gained through self-mastery. In the care of the sheep and tender lambs he must obtain the experience that would make him a faithful, long-suffering shepherd to Israel. That he might become a representative of God, he must learn of Him.
The influences that had surrounded him in Egypt, the luxury and vice that allured in ten thousand forms, the refinement, the subtlety, and the mysticism of a false religion, had made an impression on his mind and character. In the stern simplicity of the wilderness all this disappeared.
Amidst the solemn majesty of the mountain solitudes Moses was alone with God. Moses seemed to stand in His presence and to be overshadowed by His power. Here his self-sufficiency was swept away. In the presence of the Infinite One he realized how weak, how inefficient, how short-sighted, are mortals.
Here Moses gained a sense of the personal presence of the Divine One. Not merely did he look down the ages for Christ to be made manifest in the flesh, he saw Christ accompanying the host of Israel in all their travels. When misunderstood and misrepresented, he was able to endure "as seeing Him who is invisible." Hebrews 11:27.
Moses did not merely think of God, he saw Him. God was the constant vision before him. Never did he lose sight of His face.
To Moses faith was no guesswork, it was a reality. He believed that God ruled his life in particular, and in all its details he acknowledged Him. He felt his need of help, asked for it, by faith grasped it, and in the assurance of sustaining strength went forward.
Such was the experience that Moses gained by his forty years of training in the desert. To impart such an experience, Infinite Wisdom did not count the period too long or the price too great.
The results of that training, of the lessons there taught, are bound up not only with the history of Israel but with all which from that day to this has told for the world's progress. The highest testimony to the greatness of Moses is, "Since then there has not arisen in Israel a prophet like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face." Deuteronomy 34:10.
Paul, Joyful in Service
With the faith and experience of the Galilean disciples were united the fiery vigor and intellectual power of a rabbi of Jerusalem. A Roman citizen, born in a Gentile city; a Jew, not only by descent but by lifelong training, patriotic devotion, and religious faith; educated in Jerusalem by the most eminent of the rabbis, Saul of Tarsus shared to the fullest extent the pride and prejudices of his nation. While still young, he became an honored member of the Sanhedrin. He was looked upon as a man of promise, a zealous defender of the ancient faith.
In the theological schools of Judea the Word of God had been set aside for human speculations; it was robbed of its power by the interpretations and traditions of the rabbis. The rabbis gloried in their superiority, not only to the people of other nations, but to the masses of their own. With their fierce hatred of their Roman oppressors, they cherished the determination to recover their national supremacy by force of arms. The followers of Jesus, whose message of peace was so contrary to their schemes of ambition, they hated and put to death. In this persecution, Saul was one of the most bitter and relentless actors.
In the military schools of Egypt, Moses was taught the law of force, and so strong a hold did this teaching have on his character that it required forty years of quiet and communion with God and nature to fit him for the leadership of Israel by the law of love. Paul had to learn the same lesson.
At the gate of Damascus the vision of the Crucified One changed the whole current of his life. The persecutor became a disciple, the teacher a learner. The days of darkness spent in solitude at Damascus were as years in his experience. The Old Testament Scriptures stored in his memory were his study, and Christ his teacher. To him also nature's solitudes became a school. To the desert of Arabia he went, there to study the Scriptures and to learn of God. He emptied his soul of prejudices and traditions that had shaped his life, and received instruction from the Source of truth.
The greatest of human teachers, Paul accepted the lowliest as well as the highest duties. He recognized the necessity of labor for the hand as well as for the mind, and he worked at a handicraft for his own support. He pursued his trade of tentmaking while daily preaching the gospel in the great centers of civilization.
While he possessed high intellectual endowments, the life of Paul revealed the power of a rarer wisdom. Principles of deepest import, principles concerning which the greatest minds of this time were ignorant, are unfolded in his teachings and exemplified in his life. Listen to his words before the heathen Lystrians, as he points them to God revealed in nature, the Source of all good, who "gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons; filling our hearts with food and gladness." Acts 14:17.
See him in the dungeon at Philippi where, despite his pain-racked body, his song of praise breaks the silence of midnight. After the earthquake opened the prison doors, his voice is heard again in words of cheer to the heathen jailer, "Do yourself no harm, for we are all here" Acts 16:28. And the jailer, convicted of the reality of that faith which sustains Paul, inquires the way of salvation, and with his whole household unites with the persecuted band of Christ's disciples.
See Paul at Athens before the council of the Areopagus, as he meets science with science, logic with logic, philosophy with philosophy. With the tact born of divine love, he points to Jehovah as "the Unknown God" whom his hearers ignorantly worshiped, and in words quoted from a poet of their own he pictures Him as a Father whose children they are.
Hear him in the court of Festus, when King Agrippa, convicted of the truth of the gospel, exclaims, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian." With what gentle courtesy does Paul, pointing to his own chain, answer, "I would to God, that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except these chains." Acts 26:28, 29.
In service he found his joy, and at the close of his life of struggles and triumphs, he could say, "I have fought a good fight." 2 Timothy 4:7.
These histories are of vital interest. To none are they of deeper importance than to young people. Moses renounced a prospective kingdom, and Paul the advantages of wealth and honor among his people. To many the life of these men appears one of renunciation and sacrifice. Was it really so? Moses counted the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt. Paul declared: "What things were gain to me, these I also counted loss for Christ. But indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ." Philippians 3:7, 8.
Moses was offered the palace of the Pharaohs and the monarch's throne, but the sinful pleasures that make people forget God were in those lordly courts, and he chose instead the "enduring riches and righteousness." Proverbs 8:18. Instead of linking himself with the greatness of Egypt, he chose to bind up his life with God's purpose. He became God's instrument in giving to the world those principles that safeguard both the home and society, principles recognized today by the world's greatest thinkers as the foundation of all that is best in human governments.
The greatness of Egypt is in the dust. But the work of Moses can never perish. The great principles of righteousness that he lived to establish are eternal.
Moses' life of toil and heart-burdening care was irradiated with the presence of Him who is "the chiefest among ten thousand" and the One "altogether lovely." Song of Solomon 5:10, 16. His was a life on earth blessing and blessed, and in heaven honored.
Paul also was upheld by the sustaining power of Christ's presence. "I can do all things," he said, "through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13. Yet there is a future joy to which Paul looked forward as the reward of his labors--the same joy for the sake of which Christ endured the cross and despised the shame--the joy of seeing the result of his work. "What is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing?" he wrote to the Thessalonian converts, "Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy." 1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20.
Who can measure the results to the world of Paul's lifework? Of all those beneficent influences that alleviate suffering, that comfort sorrow, that restrain evil, that uplift life from the selfish and the sensual and glorify it with the hope of immortality, how much is due to the labors of Paul and his associate workers as with the gospel of the Son of God they made their unnoticed journey from Asia to the shores of Europe?
What is it worth to any life to have been God's instrument in setting in motion such influences of blessing? What will it be worth in eternity to witness the results of such a lifework?