God calls prophets at specific times for special purposes. They were there with the messages needed for that time. In this context, Seventh-day Adventists believe that Ellen G. White was one such person who demonstrated a modern manifestation of the prophetic gift, functioning much like a noncanonical prophet (more on this in the lessons to come). Ellen Harmon (White) received her first call in December 1844, a few weeks after Millerite Adventists had expected Jesus to return based on Daniel 8:14: “Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.”
Although William Miller never set an exact date, his followers eventually looked to October 22, 1844, based on the biblical time reckoning for the Day of Atonement as the date Christ would return to the earth. This belief brought tremendous anticipation to thousands upon thousands in North America and other regions of the world. Soon they would be united with their Savior in heaven. Miller, too, became filled with excitement and enthusiasm as the expected Advent approached.
But Christ did not appear, and the Millerite believers experienced one of the most devastating historical events, the Great Disappointment.
This is the setting in which God gave Ellen Harmon (White) her first vision. Its primary message was to encourage both her and the disappointed believers that God was still with them in spite of their mistaken interpretation. The vision pointed to a path heading from this earth to the heavenly Jerusalem. On this path were Advent believers traveling to the Holy City. And “if they kept their eyes fixed on Jesus, who was just before them, leading them to the city, they were safe.”—Ellen G. White, Spiritual Gifts, vol. 2, p. 31.
This vision was good news. God was beginning to create a new movement out of the confusion of the disappointment. Jesus was still with them. He was still returning. He was still leading them on the path of salvation. They just had to keep their eyes “fixed on” Him. They had great reasons not to give up hope, even amid so much turmoil and disappointment.
Thus, Ellen G. Harmon (White), a 17-year-old teenager, was called to her prophetic ministry. Hers was not an easy path, especially in the beginning.
Although this gift was gradually accepted as genuine, Ellen G. White was fearful to be God’s messenger. Being a prophet of God had never been easy or prestigious. So, how would she submit to God’s call?
Next week we will take a closer look at the special work and challenges faced by Old Testament prophets, some of which are also echoed in the life and ministry of Ellen G. White, as we will learn next Friday.
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Supplemental EGW Notes
Lift Him Up, “The Divine Shepherd,” July 7, p. 202.
Reflecting Christ, “God Answers Daniel’s Fervent Prayer,” March 17, p. 90.\
The above quotations are taken from Ellen G. White Notes for the Sabbath School Lessons, published by Pacific Press Publishing Association. Used by permission.