Ellen White's First Vision-2

February 20  Ellen White's First Vision-2

 

And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy. Acts 2:17, RSV.

Surprisingly, Ellen White's first vision did not deal with the sanctuary or its cleansing. Rather, its intent was to encourage the disappointed Millerite Adventists by offering them assurance and comfort. More specifically, it provided instruction along several lines.

First, it indicated that the October 22 movement had not been a mistake. To the contrary, October 22 had witnessed a fulfillment of prophecy. As such, it was a "bright light" behind them to help the disappointed Adventists get their bearings and guide them in the future. It is of interest that Ellen Harmon had given up her belief in the October message during the month before her first vision. Thus the vision reversed her own thinking.

Second, the vision indicated that Jesus would continue to lead them, but they needed to keep their eyes fixed on Him. Thus Adventism had two foci for its guidance-the October event in its past history and Jesus' continuing direction in the future.

Third, the vision seemd to imply that it would be longer than expected before Jesus would come again.

Fourth, that it was a serious mistake to give up their past experience in the 1844 movement and claim that it had not been from God. Those who made that conclusion would drift into spiritual darkness and lose their way.

Ellen White's first vision provided a number of positive lessons. But please knowledge would become clear through Bible study. Rathert than providing specific explanations, Ellen's first vision merely highlighted the fact that God was indeed still leading a people in spite of their disappointment and confusion. It was the first sign of His prophetic care and guidance through Ellen Harmon.

The theme of God's directing His people through the perils and pitfalls of history would become the central theme of her ministry. It would come to its maturity in the five important volumes tracing the history of God's leading from the entrance of sin in Patriarchs and Prophets up through the completion of God's plan in The Great Controversy.

Thank God today for His continuing guidance.

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