Friday: Further Thought – The Call of a Prophet
Daily Lesson for Friday 9th of October 2026
Called to Prophetic Ministry
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.”
Image © Stan Myers from GoodSalt.com
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.
The call of Ellen G. White as a morden prophet is an illustration of how God calls even young individuals to fulfil a prophetic mission despite human weakness, opposition, and unexpected circumstances. As a young woman, Ellen Harmon White experienced a life-changing call after the Great Disappointment of 1844, when many believers struggled to understand their faith and the promises of Christ’s return. Though physically frail and initially reluctant, she accepted what she understood as God’s call to share a message of encouragement, correction, and preparation for Christ’s second coming. Her is a reminder that when God declares, “I have put my words in thy mouth” (Jeremiah 1:9) He means Business. Her ministry also reflects Joel’s prophecy that God would pour out His Spirit upon both sons and daughters, who would prophesy (Joel 2:28–29; Acts 2:17–18). Thus it is clear that prophetic call is not determined by gender, social status, or personal strength, but by God’s purpose and the willingness to respond. As Ellen G. White’s life demonstrates, those whom God calls must be willing to serve faithfully, even when the path is difficult. In this last days, the church must recognise and support consecrated women and men in using their spiritual gifts to proclaim the everlasting gospel and prepare a people for the soon coming of Jesus (Revelation 14:6–12).
Maurice, I have no difficulty affirming that Ellen G. White possessed the prophetic gift and that her writings carry authority as inspired counsel from God. Recognizing her as a prophet does not mean elevating her above Scripture or regarding her as infallible. Rather, it acknowledges that God, who has always communicated with His people through prophets, can still impart the prophetic gift for the guidance and edification of His church. The Bible itself points to the prophetic gift in the last days (Joel 2:28–29; Revelation 12:17; 19:10).
Her writings are authoritative, not because she was perfect, but because of the divine source of the messages entrusted to her. Her humanity does not negate her calling, just as the human weaknesses of biblical prophets did not invalidate theirs. Her writings must, of course, be understood in harmony with Scripture, which remains the ultimate standard of faith and practice.
As a church, we can confidently affirm her prophetic gift, respect the authority of her writings, and, above all, keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.
There is a danger when studying this type of lesson of making the syllogistic argument:
Anyone who has done anything to do with logic knows the danger of such arguments, and it is probably a good reason to follow her example and describe her simply as a messenger.
Ellen White’s messages provided hope and encouragement when folk were struggling with their faith and disappointed that their worldview had been overturned. She became influencial in both church doctrine and governance. In the early 1890s she went to Australia, somewhat against her wishes. In fact she wrote to Olsen, the General Conference President at the time:
Her stay in Australia was notable because during that time she wrote “Desire of Ages” and was instrumental in establishing Avondale (now University). Perhaps more importantly, she interacted with people, including members of my own family, in a way that was encouraging. She condemned the playing of Cricket, but her being an American, we can forgive her for that.
I do not think that Ellen White wants us to venerate her as an oracle, treating her as the last word on doctrine or church structure. (compare how the Church of the Latter Day Saint treat Jospeh Smith) She would have wanted us to have our own dynamic relationship with Jesus.
Dear bro. Maurice, in view of your remarks above and the following statement from selected messages book 1. Why then does the church regard Ellen White as a prophet? Is it a matter of semantics? Or policy or an error of judgment?
Is Ellen White being a messenger means she is a prophet+ or does it mean being a messenger is a lesser status than a prophet?
Or a different calling altogether?
‘I have had no claims to make, only that I am instructed that I am the Lord’s messenger; that He called me in my youth to be His messenger, to receive His word, and to give a clear and decided message in the name of the Lord Jesus. – {1SM 32.1}
Early in my youth I was asked several times, Are you a prophet? I have ever responded, I am the Lord’s messenger. I know that many have called me a prophet, but I have made no claim to this title. My Saviour declared me to be His messenger. “Your work,” He instructed me, “is to bear My word.
Why have I not claimed to be a prophet?—Because in these days many who boldly claim that they are prophets are a reproach to the cause of Christ; and because my work includes much more than the word “prophet” signifies.’ – {1SM 32.4}
Would Ellen White’s numerous critics both within and outside the SDA church be diminished if the church ‘described her simply as à messenger’ instead? What more theological/doctrinal problems – if any – would be solved?
Finally l totally agree that there is a fringe who tend to venerate her and preface every remark with ‘sister White said’. But those are very much in the minority these days.
l am however unclear of the point you are making and would appreciate some clarification.
Marcia, I think the issue is that when we attach a label to someone, we stereotype them, and if there is one lesson we should have probably picked up from this week’s lesson is that there is no prophetic stereotype. Secondly, I owe at least some of my Adventist heritage to her visit to our extended family in New Zealand in the 1890s and joined in their activities. She had a very human side and we lose part of her message if we concentrate on her spiritual writing without understanding her as a person. I am grateful for the book by my friend and colleague, Marion de Berg, “Stories from Sunnyside: Ellen White in Australia, 1891–1900”, which she wrote while she was the secretary to the E G White Research Centre at Avondale. (This book may be available at Adventist Book Centres and from Amazon.com – I can only get the Australian link to this) Marion’s stories give a little glimpse into Ellen White, the person.
She was human, made mistakes, asked for advice, and accepted correction. There were also times when she was asked for advice on big questions, to which she replied that she had no light on the matter.
I don’t know if I have clarified my comment or added to the confusion, but I want readers to think of Ellen White as something more than just a final answer on doctrinal questions.
Great.
Thank you
Yes, her life of humble faithful obedience to our Lord testifies to her walk with God. Put aside all the semantics and pray for Gods blessing as you read her writings and when your heart is open to the illumination from the Holy Spirit you will be blessed.
Marcia, I think we may put undue burdens on the word “prophet.” When we examine the “prophets” in the Bible, we find that they are God’s messengers. They are inspired to speak to the people what God needs them to hear.
By those criteria, Ellen White is certainly a “prophet.” I believe there are various people who have clearly spoken God’s truth to people since that time. But it’s not necessary to call them “prophets. And sometimes it is better for them not to call themselves “prophets.”
You quoted Ellen White’s explanation of why she preferred not to be called a prophet:
(Follow the link above for context of the quotation you selected.)
Ellen White’s work, as well as that of biblical prophets, included much more than most people imagine when they hear the word “prophet” (people who foretell the future).
According to a browser search, here are some of the folks who were regarded as “prophets” around Ellen White’s time:
Does that help to explain why Ellen White did not wish to call herself a “prophet”?
Yet a “messenger of the Lord” is a prophet.
My beloved brethren, I feel comfortable with you, therefore I am persuaded that you would “forgive” me for being myself.
I have never ceased to be amazed at the term – “the Great Disappointment” utilized by our brethren, when Jesus did not return to the Earth on October 22nd 1844.
The Scriptures are crystal clear concerning Jesus’s return.” But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no , not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” Matthew 24:36 kjv. ” For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.” 1 Thessalonians 5 :2
What if Jesus had really come on October 22nd 1844. Wouldn’t He have to apologize for the previous Biblical statements ?
To a “watching world” they became the object of ridicule and laughter. As a Church who claims to be the “Remnant” we have to be especially careful to ensure the Biblical support for our beliefs are accurate and be honest enough to state where necessary; that we are uncertain.
I don’t think we were a church at the time of “the great disappointment “. The smaller percentage of the disappointed who put their faith in God’s word, went back to His word in humble, earnest study to learn what God’s messages in Daniel and Revelation actually meant. Out of that group the SDA Church was born. God blesses people when there is a sincere and humble desire to know His will.
In case you missed the “Further Study” link above, here is the content:
This week’s resources explore Ellen Harmon’s [White] calling to serve as God’s “messenger.” At just 17 years old, accepting the prophetic gift was not without significant personal struggles. In Early Writings, she recounts her first vision, followed by another depicting the new earth. These visions, received in the wake of the Great Disappointment, were intended to encourage and uplift the disheartened Millerites.
Selected Messages, book 1, discusses the role of God’s prophets and the broader scope of Ellen White’s prophetic ministry. Interestingly, she preferred the title “God’s messenger” over “prophet.” Herbert Douglass, in Understanding Ellen White, provides further insight into how her visions occurred and how her messages were received. The final resource offers eyewitness accounts of the supernatural phenomena that accompanied her visions.
Resource Links
Read Ellen G. White, Early Writings, pp. 11-20.
Read Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, book 1, pp. 31-36.
Read Herbert E. Douglass, “Ellen White as God’s Spokesperson,” in Understanding Ellen White, pp. 83-94.
Visit Web Site “Eyewitness Accounts of Ellen White in Vision” in Issues and Answers.
Watch Lesson 2 Podcast – “The Call of a Prophet” on YouTube.
I agree Inge, these resources are very useful. I’ve always found it helpful to know the cultural and historical background of the Bible, and this is no less true of Ellen White. Having grown up as a Baptist, there’s still a lot I don’t know about Ellen White or about the early history of the Adventist church pioneers. I found it fascinating and very much in line with Bible prophets that Ellen did not believe herself capable of answering God’s call.
Putting this concept into our time, how many of us use “I’m not capable enough” as an excuse to deny God’s calling for our own lives? Yet we can see all through the Bible and history that God empowers those He calls. In our weakness, God’s truth becomes more obvious.
The disciples’ mistaken expectation of Christ establishing an earthly kingdom did not mean they were not children of God. Likewise, the Millerites’ mistaken expectation of Christ’s return on October 22, 1844, did not mean God had abandoned them or that their faith was insincere.
In both instances, a mistaken understanding of God’s plan did not disqualify His people from His love or purpose. After the crucifixion, God sent the Holy Spirit to empower and guide the disciples. Following the Great Disappointment, Seventh-day Adventists believe God gave Ellen G. White the prophetic gift to encourage and guide the disappointed believers.
What a comforting reminder that God does not abandon His people when they misunderstand His plans. He lovingly leads them toward greater understanding, calling them to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus!
I believe it’s deeper than that, Beverly.
If the disciples had known that Christ would shortly be crucified, would they have joyfully welcomed the their King riding on a donkey, as was prophesied in Zechariah 9:9?
If the Millerites had known that Christ would NOT literally come to this earth on October 22, 1844, would they have urgently proclaimed the message of His coming? Would the Adventists have studied the Bible to find the “mistake” that led them to re-discover the sanctuary doctrine?
It seems to me that God purposely withheld the full understanding of prophecies so that His people could preach the message He intended them to preach. In that light, October 22, 1944 was not a mistake. It was a step on the way to full understanding.
What do you think?
I had no history associated with the Seventh Day Adventist movement until I accepted an invitation to attend a prophecy seminar sponsored by the local church – I was intrigued and read several books authored by Ellen White and found her understanding of biblical Truth very compelling.
As Maurice stated; “.. when we attach a label to someone, we stereotype them.” I had not heard about Ellen G. White or that she was considered a ‘controversial’ person; no idea about the disappointment of the Millerite movement. In my first encounter with her by her writings, she came across as one who loves God with all her heart. To me she is a person who God encouraged to share her love of Him with those wanting a closer relationship with Him.
I do not think to analyse How He revealed Himself to her; it’s non of my business. All that is important to me is that she shared her experience and dialogue with others and that it resonantes with me and a deep, spiritual level. I see her writings as a powerful Christian testimony to the Love between our heavenly Father and His children; many aspects of our Christian faith benefit from her insights.
When someone asks me about my faith I answer: “I am a Christian”. I do not say I am a follower of this or that denomination, but I accept the 7th Day as the day God has set aside for us to worship Him. Though, I also know that every day is God’s Day in which His children are called to worship Him in Spirit and Truth.
I appreciate Ellen White in the broadest sense of her calling – as a messenger to draw attention to our God; everyone who shares God’s Truth is a messenger when sharing their experiences with our heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. To me, her message is: ‘Trust and love God with all your heart, always reach out to Him in good times and in troubled times, gain greater understanding from the Holy Spirit, do not lean on your own understanding, always be grateful and forgive when confronted by adversariel forces.