And I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues; Revelation 18:4
Soon, after the third angel's message becomes the loud cry, we shall be given instruction to leave the cities. But before this occurs we are given advice on what we should do now.
Let’s return for a moment to Sodom and Gomorrah.
When Lot entered Sodom he fully intended to keep himself free from iniquity and to command his household after him. But he signally failed. The corrupting influences about him had an effect upon his own faith, and his children's connection with the inhabitants of Sodom bound up his interest in a measure with theirs. The result is before us. *1
Perhaps many of us have thought the same. But the corrupting influences around us make us lose sight of the reality of the time in which we live.
"The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar." The bright rays of the morning seemed to speak only prosperity and peace to the cities of the plain. The stir of active life began in the streets; men were going their various ways, intent on the business or the pleasures of the day. The sons-in law of Lot were making merry at the fears and warnings of the weak-minded old man. *1
Are these not the words we hear? Are the leaders of nations not claiming that everything will get better? The routine of life, the commotion of the cities and the control displayed by the hosts of darkness are all reasons why we analyzed the place in which we live.
It was not God's purpose that His people should be crowded into cities, huddled together in terraces and tenements. In the beginning He placed our first parents in a garden amidst the beautiful sights and attractive sounds of nature, and these sights and sounds He desires men to rejoice in today. *2
What better than nature to speak to us about creation and keep us focused on our God, creator of the heavens and earth.
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Psalms 19:1
I urge our people to make it their lifework to seek for spirituality. Christ is at the door. This is why I say to our people, "Do not consider it a privation when you are called to leave the cities and move out into the country places. Here there await rich blessings for those who will grasp them. By beholding the scenes of nature, the works of the Creator, by studying God's handiwork, imperceptibly you will be changed into the same image." *3
There are other reasons why we should consider leaving the cities.
Light has been given me that the cities will be filled with confusion, violence, and crime, and that these things will increase till the end of this earth's history. *2
It is time for our people to take their families from the cities into more retired localities, else many of the youth, and many also of those older in years, will be ensnared and taken by the enemy. *2
The things to which people, especially youth, are exposed in the cities are alarming. Lot’s experience provides us a great lesson will be repeated. That city of the plain had encouraged in his daughters love for earthly possessions and when the warning was given to them they mocked their own father.
"Out of the cities; out of the cities!"--this is the message the Lord has been giving me. *2
As a people who keep the commandments of God, we leave the cities. As did Enoch, we must work in the cities but live in them. *5
These warnings are not given so that the faithful in one day sell everything they own and go and live in the mountains. Enoch lived away from the city because he maintained a close relationship with God. We must do the same.
More and more, as time advances, our people will have to leave the cities. For years we have been instructed that our brethren and sisters, and especially families with children, should plan to leave the cities as the way opens before them to do so. Many will have to labor earnestly to help open the way. But until it is possible for them to leave, so long as they remain, they should be most active in doing missionary work, however limited their sphere of influence may be *4
Do not forget that as children of God, we have been promised a Comforter, a guide which will help us when considering these issues. If the Lord gives us the opportunity and we receive instruction from the Holy Spirit then we should move away from cities while continuing our proclamation of the last warning.
I saw that if any held on to their property and did not inquire of the Lord as to their duty, He would not make duty known, and they would be permitted to keep their property, and in the time of trouble it would come up before them like a mountain to crush them, and they would try to dispose of it, but would not be able. I heard some mourn like this: "The cause was languishing, God's people were starving for the truth, and we made no effort to supply the lack; now our property is useless. Oh, that we had let it go, and laid up treasure in heaven!" I saw that a sacrifice did not increase, but it decreased and was consumed. I also saw that God had not required all of His people to dispose of their property at the same time; but if they desired to be taught, He would teach them, in a time of need, when to sell and how much to sell. Some have been required to dispose of their property in times past to sustain the Advent cause, while others have been permitted to keep theirs until a time of need. Then, as the cause needs it, their duty is to sell. *6
The objective is to remove all that binds us to this world from our hearts, so that we focus on earning treasures in heaven. That way when the call is made for all to leave the cities we will do so without delay.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21
The cities are to be worked from outposts. Said the messenger of God, "Shall not the cities be warned? Yes; not by God's people living in them, but by their visiting them, to warn them of what is coming upon the earth." *5
As noted, we should not completely abandon the city dwellers. The angels came to Sodom to affirm if at least 10 righteous could be found there. But in deciding where you will live these warnings should be considered under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Houses and lands will be of no use to the saints in the time of trouble, for they will then have to flee before infuriated mobs, and at that time their possessions cannot be disposed of to advance the cause of present truth. I was shown that it is the will of God that the saints should cut loose from every encumbrance before the time of trouble comes, and make a covenant with God through sacrifice. If they have their property on the altar and earnestly inquire of God for duty, He will teach them when to dispose of these things. Then they will be free in the time of trouble and have no clogs to weigh them down. *6
Why is this important? Remember what happened to Lot’s wife.
If Lot himself had manifested no hesitancy to obey the angels' warning, but had earnestly fled toward the mountains, without one word of pleading or remonstrance, his wife also would have made her escape. The influence of his example would have saved her from the sin that sealed her doom. But his hesitancy and delay caused her to lightly regard the divine warning. While her body was upon the plain, her heart clung to Sodom, and she perished with it. *1
Furthermore, the judgments of God will be poured especially over the cities.
The end is near and every city is to be turned upside down every way. There will be confusion in every city. Everything that can be shaken is to be shaken and we do not know what will come next. The judgments will be according to the wickedness of the people and the light of truth that they have had. *4
O that God's people had a sense of the impending destruction of thousands of cities, now almost given to idolatry. *4
These things happen because just as God withdrew his protection from Jerusalem, He shall also do with our cities.
God is withdrawing His Spirit from the wicked cities, which have become as the cities of the antediluvian world and as Sodom and Gomorrah…Costly mansions, marvels of architectural skill, will be destroyed without a moment's notice when the Lord sees that the owners have passed the boundaries of forgiveness. The destruction by fire of the stately buildings, supposed to be fireproof, is an illustration of how in a short time earth's architecture will lie in ruins. *4
When God's restraining hand is removed, the destroyer begins his work. Then in our cities the greatest calamities will come. *4
The time is near when large cities will be swept away, and all should be warned of these coming judgments. *4
Allow Jesus to dwell in your heart and direct your eyes to the heavenly things. The Kingdom of God is near and soon we will dwell in heaven for all eternity.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33
JESUS IS COMING SOON, AMEN, YES, COME LORD JESUS!
1* Patriarchs and Prophets, "14. The Destruction of Sodom ", Ellen g. White
2* Maranatha, "133. Turmoil In The Cities", Ellen g. White
3* Last Day Events “7. Country Living”, Ellen g. White
4* Last Day Events, "8. Cities", Ellen g. White
5* Maranatha, "176. Work The Cities From Outposts, "Ellen g. White
6* Early Writings "The duties In the Time of Trouble", Ellen g. White
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