The Blessed Hope

A few weeks ago, Chelsea and I had the opportunity to visit many of our Adventist pioneer sites in the Northeast with ministerial directors from all across the North American Division. We visited the birthplace of Ellen White, the childhood homes of Joseph Bates and Annie and Uriah Smith, and the Washington, New Hampshire, Adventist Church. But one of the highlights had to have been visiting the farm of William Miller. Our guide for the trip was Merlin Burt, director of the Ellen White Estate, who shared many stories of events that happened on that farm. This was where William Miller, while studying his Bible, discovered the time prophecy about the cleansing of the sanctuary. This was where he wrestled with God in the maple grove, finally surrendering to Him and becoming a preacher. This is where he and his family and friends waited for Jesus to come on October 22, 1844. Contrary to the popular myth, they did not stand on Ascension Rock while they waited. But we stood there for a while. It provides a good view of the sky and a welcome place to ponder and pray. And looking out over the valley I couldn’t help but feel the disappointment those Millerites experienced. But I also couldn’t help but catch a glimpse of the hope that still persisted through that disappointment, a hope that was articulated by William Miller scarcely 2 months afterward. “Brethren, hold fast; let no man take your crown. I have fixed my mind upon another time, and here I mean to stand until God gives me more light.–And that is To-day, To-day, and To-day, until He comes, and I see Him for whom my soul yearns.”

This hope persists even now, 179 years later. It’s a hope that clings to promises such as this one found in the book of Habakkuk: “This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed” (Habakkuk 2:3). Jesus is coming soon! There’s an old Southern Gospel song that says: “Years of time have come and gone / Since I first heard it told, / How Jesus would come again someday; / If back then it seemed so real, / Then I just can’t help but feel, / How much closer His coming is today.” You don’t need to stand on Ascension Rock to catch a glimpse of the hope that they had. Find a quiet place today! Spend some time in prayer and His Word. Rediscover the hope that we have and recommit your life to serving and sharing for as long as we have left, because everyone deserves to hear what truly is the blessed hope!