Isaiah 58
In a world filled with many cultures, creeds, colors, and conflicts, one might wonder how Jesus can be introduced to the billions living without Him. Many denominations and religious groups have created various strategies and have worked earnestly to communicate the Gospel to different people groups all over the world. However, through the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy, we can learn Jesus’ effective method in reaching people. During His ministry on earth, Jesus spent more time ministering to the poor, sick, and suffering than in preaching; teaching us that through our lives and actions, people are pointed to Him.
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14, 16)
Sister Ellen White, who was burdened with a love for souls, wrote:
The world will be convinced not so much by what the pulpit teaches as by what the church lives. The preacher announces the theory of the gospel, but the practical piety of the church demonstrates its power (Testimonies vol. 6, p. 260).
A Bible study can be culturally relevant and a sermon can be logical and eloquently delivered, but unless Christ’s love is “lived” in our daily walk, we cannot truly share Him. “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18). Christians are to be Christ-like, and the world is to see His character and His love reflected in our lives. Jesus came “to serve—not be served,” and we are to imitate His example (Mark 10:45). During her ministry Sister White wrote many times about God’s desire for His people to follow in Christ’s footsteps, doing the work outlined in Isaiah 58.
The Twofold Reform of Isaiah 58
The work specified in these words [Isaiah 58] is the work God requires His people to do. It is a work of God's own appointment. With the work of advocating the commandments of God and repairing the breach that has been made in the law of God, we are to mingle compassion for suffering humanity. We are to show supreme love to God; we are to exalt His memorial, which has been trodden down by unholy feet; and with this we are to manifest mercy, benevolence, and the tenderest pity for the fallen race. "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." As a people we must take hold of this work. Love revealed for suffering humanity gives significance and power to the truth (Special Testimonies, series A, no. 10, pp. 3, 4; Welfare Ministry, pp 31).
One country in dire need of the Gospel is Japan. With only one percent of the entire country being Christians, some people say that it is one of the hardest mission fields in the world. Although Japan is very different from China, God is opening doors through the work of Isaiah 58. In Japan, most people have their physical needs met; however, there are people who are also outcasts and in great emotional and spiritual need.
Sister White writes:
But not all can be reached in the same way. There are many who hide their soul hunger. These would be greatly helped by a tender word or a kind remembrance. There are others who are in the greatest need, yet they know it not. They do not realize the terrible destitution of the soul. Multitudes are so sunken in sin that they have lost the sense of eternal realities, lost the similitude of God, and they hardly know whether they have souls to be saved or not. They have neither faith in God nor confidence in man. Many of these can be reached only through acts of disinterested kindness. Their physical wants must first be cared for. They must be fed, cleansed, and decently clothed. As they see the evidence of your unselfish love, it will be easier for them to believe in the love of Christ (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 387).
Several months ago, God opened the doors in Japan for several missionaries to reach out to the people in one of the largest leper colonies and to those who are blind and to those who are both deaf and blind. One of our missionaries met one middle-aged Japanese man, *Mr. Tanaka who can speak, but who is completely deaf and blind. The way people communicate with him is through Braille, Finger Braille, and writing on the palm of his hand. After several visits with Mr. Tanaka and with those helping to interpret for him, trust was built, and the missionary invited him to join the Christians for a group lunch during the New Year holiday. In Japan, New Years is the country’s biggest holiday; businesses are closed, and families enjoy time together. When Mr. Tanaka joined them, he was so thankful and shared his heart-breaking story. It had been 30 years since he had left his house for the New Year’s holiday. He shared how, as a young man, he lost his hearing, but he had heard about Jesus before his loss. He had questions about this unknown religion and went to a Christian church to ask the pastor some questions. However, the pastor was very busy and didn’t make a strong effort to meet with him. Mr. Tanaka made great efforts to meet the pastor, but since he was blind, Mr. Tanaka was continually brushed aside. He finally gave up, and for 30 years, no one ever mentioned Jesus to him again. However, God has not forgotten His child and in His providence sent one of our missionaries to meet him. This story is still in progress. The missionaries continue to keep in touch with the blind and deaf man who is interested in continuing to study the Bible.
God is not only opening doors for the Gospel to be spread all over the world through the method of Isaiah 58, He is also preparing individuals to become part of His remnant people—Christ-followers who give up all for Him and work to fulfill His Great Commission. Following Christ requires obedience to His commands, which leads us to see our spiritual destitution and then ask God for His Holy Spirit and love so that we can share Him with others. In God’s mercy He asks us to be co-laborers with Him so that He can reach the suffering and afflicted, and mold our characters at the same time. As we let God change us, we can be used by Him to fulfill prophecies and hasten His return. God is longingly waiting for people who have His love and reflect His character to proclaim the Three Angels’ Messages to the world.
G. Lee, a graduate of Southern Adventist University in Tennessee, and has been a volunteer for the Adventist lay leprosy ministry in China since 2013.