"Response Sister White, The testimony I received yesterday I look upon as a well-merited rebuke for which I feel truly thankful to you. I earnestly hope to be an overcomer. I am fully sensible of the magnitude of the work I have to do, yet I trust that by God's assisting grace I shall be able to conquer. 2T 165"
"It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes."
The individual's response expresses thankfulness for a rebuke and a desire to overcome, aligning with the sentiment in Psalm 119:71 that affliction can lead to learning God's statutes. The connection is thematic, focusing on the positive outcome of correction.
"His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:"
The EGW passage criticizes the individuals for being 'slothful' and not bearing burdens, which thematically aligns with the parable of the talents in Matthew 25, where the 'wicked and slothful servant' is rebuked for not using his talents. The connection is thematic, focusing on the consequences of inactivity and lack of responsibility.
It is important that all now come up to the work and act as though they were living men, laboring for the salvation of souls who are perishing. If all in the church would come up to the help of the Lord, we would see such a revival of His work as we have not hitherto witnessed. God requires this of you and of each member of the church. It is not left with you to decide whether it is best for you to obey the call of God. Obedience is required; and unless you obey you will stand on worse than neutral ground. Unless you are favored with the blessing of God you have His curse. He requires you to be willing and obedient, and says that you shall eat the good of the land. A bitter curse is pronounced on those who come not to the help of the Lord. “Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the Lord, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.” Satan and his angels are in the field to oppose every advance step tha…
"Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the Lord’s side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him."
The EGW passage calls for active participation in God's work and warns against neutrality, echoing the call to choose sides in Exodus 32:26. While not a direct quote, the underlying principle of commitment and alignment with God's cause is strongly present in both passages. The reference to the curse of Meroz further strengthens this connection.