to discern the signs of the times , and therefore know not the day of our visitation . It was not alone upon the hills of Judea , not among the lowly shepherds only , that angels found the watchers for Messiah ' s coming . In the land of the heathen also were those that looked for Him ; they were wise men , rich and noble , the philosophers of the East . Students of nature , the Magi had seen God in His handiwork . From the Hebrew Scriptures they had learned of the Star to arise out of Jacob , and with eager desire they awaited His coming , who should be not only the " Consolation of Israel ," but a " Light to lighten the Gentiles ," and " for salvation unto the ends of the earth ." Luke 2:25 , 32 ; Acts 13:47 . They were seekers for light , and light from the throne of God illumined the path for their feet . While the priests and rabbis of Jerusalem , the appointed guardians and expounders of the truth , were shrouded in darkness , the Heaven-sent star guided these Gentile strangers to the birthplace of the newborn King .
It is " unto them that look for Him " that Christ is to " appear the second time without sin unto salvation ." Hebrews 9:28 . Like the tidings of the Saviour ' s birth , the message of the second advent was not committed to the religious leaders of the people . They had failed to preserve their connection with God , and had refused light from heaven ; therefore they were not of the number described by the apostle Paul : " But ye , brethren , are not in darkness , that that day should overtake you as a thief . Ye are all the children of light , and the children of the day : we are not of the night , nor of darkness ." 1 Thessalonians 5:4 , 5 .
The watchmen upon the walls of Zion should have been the first to catch the tidings of the Saviour ' s advent , the first to lift their voices to proclaim Him near , the first to warn the people to prepare for His coming . But they were at ease , dreaming of peace and safety , while the people were asleep in their sins . Jesus saw His church , like the barren fig tree , covered with pretentious leaves , yet destitute of precious fruit . There was a boastful observance of the forms of religion , while the spirit of true humility , penitence , and faith-which alone could render the service acceptable to God- -was lacking . Instead of the graces of the Spirit there were manifested pride , formalism , vainglory , selfishness , oppression . A backsliding church closed their eyes to the signs of the times . God did not forsake them , or suffer His faithfulness to fail ; but they departed from Him , and separated themselves from His love . As they refused to comply with the conditions , His promises were not fulfilled to them .
Such is the sure result of neglect to appreciate and improve the light and privileges which God bestows . Unless the church will follow on in His opening providence , accepting every ray of light , performing every duty which may be revealed , religion will inevitably degenerate into the observance of forms , and the spirit of vital godliness will disappear . This truth has been repeatedly illustrated in the history of the church . God requires of His people works of faith and obedience corresponding to the blessings and privileges bestowed . Obedience requires a sacrifice and involves a cross ; and this is why so many of the professed followers of Christ refused to receive the light
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