"“Feed My lambs;” “feed My sheep,” was the commission given to Peter. “And when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” John 21:15, 16 ; Luke 22:32 . To those who hear, the gospel is made the power of God unto salvation. Present the gospel in its simplicity. Follow Christ's example, and you will have the reward of seeing your students won to Him. CT 255.2"
"But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."
Ellen White directly references Luke 22:32 in this passage.
"Sanitarium, California, July 6, 1902 ***** Our people are now being tested as to whether they will obtain their wisdom from the greatest Teacher the world ever knew, or seek to the god of Ekron. Let us determine that we will not be tied by so much as a thread to the educational policies of those who do not discern the voice of God and who will not hearken to His commandments. CT 255.3"
"For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water."
The EGW passage warns against seeking wisdom from sources that do not align with God's will, referencing the 'god of Ekron.' This is thematically similar to Jeremiah 2:13, which describes the people forsaking God, the 'fountain of living waters,' and instead relying on broken cisterns. Both passages highlight the danger of turning away from God to unreliable sources of guidance. The 'god of Ekron' is a specific example of a 'broken cistern'.
"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
The EGW passage emphasizes the importance of obtaining wisdom from God and not being influenced by those who disregard His commandments. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 commands to keep God's words in one's heart and diligently teach them to children. Both passages promote prioritizing God's teachings and resisting external influences that contradict them. The connection is valid, though not a perfect match.