«AUTHOR OF ETERNAL SALVATION»
«Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him» Hebrews 5:8, 9
MOST OF US KNOW James White for having been one of the founders of the Adventist Church, Ellen G. White’s husband, one of the ideologists of our Church’s organizational structure, president of the General Conference, and author of substantial articles published in denominational magazines. But what many don’t know about Pastor White’s life is that it was full of hardship and challenges.
Although he had rheumatism in one of his wrists, at times he had to cut cordwood to earn 25 cents a cord and thus be able to attend a meeting in Connecticut. Since he suffered from serious stomach problems, he was unable to retain food in his stomach. For months he worked cutting stones «until his fingers were worn through and dropped blood.» Mrs. White says that one time, her husband went through the streets of Brunswick, Maine, with a bag upon his shoulder in which were a few beans, and a little meal and rice and flour to keep us from starvation. When he entered the house singing, «l am a pilgrim and I am a stranger,» I said, «Has it come to this? Has God forgotten us? Are we reduced to this?» He lifted his hand and said, «Hush, the Lord has not forsaken us. He gives us enough for our present wants. Jesus fared no better.»*
James White was right! Jesus fared no better. Jesus dealt with the poverty of being a laborer in Nazareth, with the rejection of His people, with being betrayed by His closest associates, with the suffering of dying on a cross … Jesus definitely «fared no better,» because He experienced insults, shame, and humiliation firsthand. And since «Jesus fared no better,» His experience with human suffering prepared Him to become «the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him» (Hebrews 5:9). That eternal salvation is freely offered to you today.
«Jesus fared no better» because His intention was for you and me to fare better. Thank You, Lord, for giving us such a wonderful gift!
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Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2023
“I AM WITH YOU”
From: J. VLADIMIR POLANCO
Collaborators: Lorina Maya & Avineyda Hernández