Brian Schwartz, MD
The Last Work – Restoring the Temple, Rebuilding the Wall
I am becoming more and more convinced that God wants to restore two things before He returns. One is a heart appreciation and love for the message of righteousness by faith and Christ our righteousness, and the second is the ministry of the right hand or the gospel of health.
Ezra was called by God to rebuild the temple and restore true worship. The corollary today is our need to reestablish the gospel foundation of our faith.
Nehemiah rebuilt the wall of protection around God’s people. In our day God purposes to restore the laws of life which govern our being as a barrier against temptation and a safeguard from disease. Now more than ever we need this wall as we seek to bless others.
Both the law and the gospel have a place in our medical missionary work. To advise our patients to stop smoking without introducing them to the only One who can help them is pure legalism.
The gospel contains the power of God and it is able to free people from every addiction, no matter how powerful. We should not hide this light under a bushel but let it shine.
I believe that our time in this world is short as evidenced by the events taking place all around us. Despite the anticipated restrictions of our liberties, the need for medical missionary work will only increase as we approach the end of time. Consider this:
“As religious aggression subverts the liberties of our nation, those who would stand for freedom of conscience will be placed in unfavorable positions. For their own sake they should, while they have opportunity, become intelligent in regard to disease, its causes, prevention, and cure. And those who do this will find a field of labor anywhere. There will be suffering ones, plenty of them, who will need help, not only among those of our own faith, but largely among those who know not the truth. The shortness of time demands an energy that has not been aroused among those who claim to believe the present truth.” — Counsels on Health, 506.
First, engaging in medical missionary work protects me from being self-absorbed.
Second, it opens my heart to receive from God, which gives me something to share with my patients.
Third, medical missionary work will protect us, because when doors are closing all around us there will still be a field of labor. Even as we are losing our civil and religious liberties, we can still help others through the simple means God has provided.
Though the work of rebuilding the wall in Nehemiah’s day had languished for decades, the final work under his steady leadership was completed rapidly. History will repeat itself. “The agencies of evil are combining their forces, and consolidating. They are strengthening for the last great crisis. Great changes are soon to take place in our world, and the final movements will be rapid ones.”—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, 11.
“Let me tell you that the Lord will work in this last work in a manner very much out of the common order of things, and in a way that will be contrary to any human planning. . . . God will use ways and means by which it will be seen that He is taking the reins in His own hands. The workers will be surprised by the simple means that He will use to bring about and perfect His work of righteousness.”—Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 300 (1885).
Theory does no good if it isn’t brought into practice. Since becoming a part of AMEN more thank 15 years ago, I felt impressed to begin praying with my patients. Most people are willing, though some are reluctant.
Such was the case with a 40-year-old patient I first met about two years ago following his heart attack. I asked if I could pray with him. He hesitated, but agreed. I’ve seen him twice since, each time with a similar response to my request.
Recently, I saw him back in the office. When I asked about prayer this time, he enthusiastically responded, “Yes!” I wondered what had happened.
He said, “Dr. Schwartz, I just wanted to tell you, when you offered to pray for me at that first office visit, I thought it was ridiculous. But since then I’ve become a believer. Thank you for believing in me.”
Often we don’t see the fruit of the seeds that are sown. Patients will seldom tell you how your ministry has impacted them. So for me, this man’s testimony was really affirming. It was as if God was letting me know I’m on the right path and that I should continue in it.
I pray God will richly bless you as you read the stories of medical missionary work in these pages. Jesus is soon to come and He needs more laborers in the world field.
“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” (3 John 2)
“The light God has given on health reform is for our salvation and the salvation of the world. Men and women should be informed in regard to the human habitation, fitted up by our Creator as His dwelling place, and over which He desires us to be faithful stewards. . . . Our bodies are wonderfully made, and the Lord requires us to keep them in order. All are under the obligation to Him to keep the human structure in a healthful, wholesome condition, that every muscle, every organ, may be used in the service of God. . . . God, who formed the wonderful structure of the body, will take special care to keep it in order, if men cooperate, instead of working at cross-purposes, with Him.
“These grand truths must be given to the world. We must reach the people where they are, and by example and precept lead them to see the beauties of the better way. The world is in sad need of instruction along these lines. The time has come when each soul must be staunch and true to every ray of light God has given, and begin in earnest to give this gospel of health to the people. We shall have strength and power to do this if we practice these truths in our own lives. . . .
“Those who are enjoying the precious blessings which come to them through obeying this message of mercy will do all in their power that others may share the same blessings. But we may rest assured that Satan will do all in his power to prevent anything like a message of reform from being given to the world at this time. Shall God’s people be found on the enemy’s side either by failing to heed it themselves, or by neglecting to give it to others? ‘He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathers not with me scattereth abroad.’ Matt. 12:30. If we would be safe, we must not fail to know on whose side we stand.”
— Review and Herald, November 24, 1901