Ellen White and the Prophetic Calling
Sabbath School
The Gift of Prophecy
The Call of a Prophet
Lesson 2 - Friday Further Thought
God calls prophets at specific times to deliver messages people need. Seventh-day Adventists believe Ellen G. White was called to a similar prophetic ministry in modern times, serving as a noncanonical prophet.
Ellen Harmon received her first vision in December 1844, shortly after the Great Disappointment. Many Millerite Adventists had expected Jesus to return on October 22, 1844, based on their understanding of Daniel 8:14 and the biblical Day of Atonement. When Jesus did not return, thousands of believers were deeply disappointed and confused. Many wondered whether they had been completely wrong and whether they had misunderstood God’s leading.
It was during this difficult time that God gave 17-year-old Ellen Harmon her first vision. Its message was one of hope and encouragement. The believers were shown as traveling toward the heavenly Jerusalem, with Jesus leading them. As long as they kept their eyes fixed on Him, they were safe.
The vision reminded the disappointed believers that God had not abandoned them. Jesus was still with them, still leading them, and still returning. Ellen White’s prophetic calling was not easy, especially at first. She was young, fearful, and uncertain about accepting such a difficult responsibility. Yet her ministry began with a message that remains important today: even when we do not understand what God is doing, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.
