5. What can we learn from Ahimaaz, the eager runner without a message? 2 Samuel 18:19-20, 22, 28-29.
NOTE: ‘For what was the great controversy permitted to continue throughout the ages? Why was it that Satan’s existence was not cut short at the outset of his rebellion? It was that the universe might be convinced of God’s justice in His dealing with evil; that sin might receive eternal condemnation. In the plan of redemption, there are heights and depths that eternity itself can never exhaust, marvels into which the angels desire to look. The redeemed only, of all created beings, have in their own experience known the actual conflict with sin; they have wrought with Christ, and, as even the angels could not do, have entered into the fellowship of His sufferings; will they have no testimony as to the science of redemption, nothing that will be of worth to unfallen beings? Even now, “unto the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places” is “made known through the church the manifold wisdom of God.” And He “hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places: ... that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 3:10, R.V.; 2:6, 7. “In His temple doth everyone speak of His glory” (Psalm 29:9), and the song which the ransomed ones will sing, the song of their experience, will declare the glory of God: “Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are Thy ways, thou King of saints. Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify Thy name? for Thou only art holy.” Revelation 15:3, 4.’ Education, page 308.
6. By contrast how does John speak of witnesses who testified faithfully for their beloved Master? Revelation 20:4. Consider John 1:6-8, then Mark 6:21-27.
NOTE: ‘They [Daniel’s three friends] sought to acquire knowledge for one purpose, that they might honour God. They realised that in order to stand as representatives of true religion amid the false religions of heathenism, they must have clearness of intellect and must perfect a Christian character. And God Himself was their teacher. Constantly praying, conscientiously studying, keeping in touch with the Unseen, they walked with God as did Enoch.’ A Call to Stand Apart, page 55.