"If Joseph and Mary had stayed their minds upon God by meditation and prayer, they would have realized the sacredness of their trust, and would not have lost sight of Jesus. By one day's neglect they lost the Saviour; but it cost them three days of anxious search to find Him. So with us; by idle talk, evilspeaking, or neglect of prayer, we may in one day lose the Saviour's presence, and it may take many days of sorrowful search to find Him, and regain the peace that we have lost. DA 83.1"
"Pray without ceasing."
The EGW passage illustrates the principle of constant communion with God, as encouraged by Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5:17. The loss of Jesus' presence due to neglect of prayer directly reflects the need to 'pray without ceasing'.
"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."
The EGW passage emphasizes the importance of prayer and meditation to maintain a connection with God, and warns of the consequences of neglecting these practices. Matthew 6:6 encourages private prayer. The EGW passage expands on the principle of prayer, explaining the potential consequences of neglecting it.
"In our association with one another, we should take heed lest we forget Jesus, and pass along unmindful that He is not with us. When we become absorbed in worldly things so that we have no thought for Him in whom our hope of eternal life is centered, we separate ourselves from Jesus and from the heavenly angels. These holy beings cannot remain where the Saviour's presence is not desired, and His absence is not marked. This is why discouragement so often exists among the professed followers of Christ. DA 83.2"
"For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
The EGW passage directly expands on the principle that Christ's presence is with those gathered in His name, and that neglecting Him leads to spiritual discouragement.
"Many attend religious services, and are refreshed and comforted by the word of God; but through neglect of meditation, watchfulness, and prayer, they lose the blessing, and find themselves more destitute than before they received it. Often they feel that God has dealt hardly with them. They do not see that the fault is their own. By separating themselves from Jesus, they have shut away the light of His presence. DA 83.3"
"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."
The EGW passage echoes the sentiment of drawing near to God and the consequences of separating oneself from Him, leading to a loss of blessing. It's a direct application of the principle.
"It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ. We should take it point by point, and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones. As we thus dwell upon His great sacrifice for us, our confidence in Him will be more constant, our love will be quickened, and we shall be more deeply imbued with His spirit. If we would be saved at last, we must learn the lesson of penitence and humiliation at the foot of the cross. DA 83.4"
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Both passages emphasize the importance of focusing on Jesus' sacrifice. Hebrews 12:2 speaks of Jesus enduring the cross, while the EGW passage encourages contemplation of Christ's life and sacrifice. The connection is thematic, focusing on the cross and its significance.
"For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ."
The EGW passage discusses being imbued with Christ's spirit, which aligns with the concept of having the 'mind of Christ' mentioned in 1 Corinthians 2:16. Both passages suggest a deep connection with Christ's character and thoughts.
"As we associate together, we may be a blessing to one another. If we are Christ's, our sweetest thoughts will be of Him. We shall love to talk of Him; and as we speak to one another of His love, our hearts will be softened by divine influences. Beholding the beauty of His character, we shall be “changed into the same image from glory to glory.” 2 Corinthians 3:18 . DA 83.5"
"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."
EGW directly quotes 2 Corinthians 3:18 and uses it to explain the transformative power of beholding Christ's character. This is a clear and intentional reference.
"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name."
Both passages emphasize the importance of believers speaking to one another about their faith and the positive impact this has. Malachi 3:16 speaks of those who feared the Lord speaking often to one another, and EGW speaks of believers talking of Christ's love and being softened by divine influences. The connection is strong and meaningful.