I no longer call you servants, because servants don’t know what their master is doing. But now I call you friends, because I have told you everything that my Father told me. (John 15:15, ERV)
Wow! Jesus calls ME Friend!
Good Morning God.
This morning I am struck with amazement. Gratitude.
Who on earth am I that you are even mindful of me when I call? That you hear me? When I call? And every time too?
This morning, I rejoice that I am a friend of God! How Jesus would want to love me is so amazing! Jesus calls ME His friend! I am a friend of God! Jesus wants to make ME salt and Light, drawing others to His infinite heart of love, mercy, and grace. Its so amazing! I am a friend of God! Jesus calls ME His friend!
At the cross, Jesus loved me and brought ME back to Him!
I will be lifted up from the earth. When that happens, I will draw all people to myself.” (John 12:32, ERV)
“The LORD alone led him; no foreign god was with him.” (Deut 32:12)
Christ alone
The hill was steep, but cheered along the way
By converse sweet, I mounted on the thought
That so it might be till the height was reached;
But suddenly a narrow winding path
Appeared, and then the Master said, ’’My child,
Here thou wilt safest walk with Me alone.’’
“I trembled, yet my heart’s deep trust replied,
’so be it, Lord.’’ He took my feeble hand
In His, accepting thus my will to yield Him
All, and to find all in Him.
One long, dark moment,
And no friend I saw, save Jesus only.
“But oh! so tenderly He led me on
And up, and spoke to me such words of cheer,
Such secret whisperings of His wondrous love,
That soon I told Him all my grief and fear,
And leaned on His strong arm confidingly.
“And then I found my footsteps quickened,
And light ineffable, the rugged way
Illumined, such light as only can be seen
In close companionship with God.
“A little while, and we shall meet again
The loved and lost; but in the rapturous joy
Of greetings, such as here we cannot know,
And happy song, and heavenly embraces,
And tender recollections rushing back
Of pilgrim life, methinks one memory
More dear and sacred than the rest, shall rise,
“And we who gather in the golden streets,
Shall oft be stirred to speak with grateful love
Of that dark day when Jesus bade us climb
Some narrow steep, leaning on Him alone.”
Moses gives particular instances of God’s kindness and concern for them. The eagle’s care for her young is a beautiful emblem of Christ’s love, who came between Divine justice and our guilty souls, and bare our sins in his own body on the tree. And by the preached gospel, and the influences of the Holy Spirit, He stirs up and prevails upon sinners to leave Satan’s bondage. In Deut 32:13, Deut 32:14, are emblems of the conquest believers have over their spiritual enemies, sin, Satan, and the world, in and through Christ. Also of their safety and triumph in him; of their happy frames of soul, when they are above the world, and the things of it. This will be the blessed case of all God’s children today.
Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools.(Psalms 84:5-6, NIV)
“living waters”
In Bible times, the pilgrimage to the Temple passed through the barren Valley of Weeping. No specific valley has been definitively identified. But “Baca” properly means “dry valley.” The “weeping” may have been a symbolic reference to the times of struggles and tears through which people must pass on their way to meet God.
To experience God’s comfort. Growing strong in God’s presence is often preceded by a journey through the terror and barren places in our lives. The person who loves to spend time with God will see his or her adversity as an opportunity to experience God’s faithfulness even more deeply. If you are walking through your own Dry Valley, The Valley of Weeping today, be sure your pilgrimage leads toward God, not away from Him.
Comfort does not come to us who may be happy and hopeful and experiencing no disappointment. As mere mortals we must sometimes wander into the “depths” before we can experience the most precious of God’s gifts – comfort. This experience in receiving comfort from God Himself is what prepares us to be co-workers together WITH HIM. Not “for Him” but with Him.
The night time of our experiences may be fearful, unwanted even, yet night is necessary in the physical world, because sun and light are sure to follow. Similarly, when the needed night time of our lives gathers threateningly over the garden of our souls, when the leaves close up, and the flowers no longer hold any sunlight within their beautiful petals, there shall never be wanting. For even in the thickest darkness. The most frightening clouds, there will be drops of morning dew which cannot fall except that the sun goes down.
In our opening text for today, the phrase “whose heart is set on pilgrimage” refers those who make their way to the God, not out of obligation, but out of a wellspring of joy. Out of the express anticipation of God’s comfort. God’s guidance. The Valley of Baca, or “Valley of Weeping,” refers to the various difficulties that one might face on a pilgrimage. The person on a pilgrimage might discover that the once-dark, dry valley is filled with springs, rain, and pools—all signs of God’s blessing. From strength to strength. From glory to glory. (2 Cor 3:18) As we journey nearer to God, the rigors of the journey, the tortuous path of the dry valley become tolerable. For the joy of our approaching arrival strengthens the soul.
We, God’s sons and daughters are on a pilgrimage to the Heavenly City. We may have to pass through many a valley of weeping, and many a thirsty desert; and fearful dark, thick clouds, but wells of salvation shall be opened for us, and consolations sent for their support. Those that press forward in their Christian course and in divine providence, shall find God add grace to their graces. And those who grow in grace, shall be perfect in glory.
grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! (2 Pet 3:18, NIV)
It was Jesus Himself who said that it is eternal life to know Him (John 17:3)
Peter concludes this brief letter as he began,(2 Pet 3:18)urging his readers to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; that is, they were to get to know him better and better. This is the best way to discern false teaching. By knowing Jesus. No matter where we are in our spiritual journey, no matter how mature we are in our faith, the sinful world, our own dry dark experiences will always challenge our faith. We all still have much room for growth. (Rom 3:23) Every day we need to draw closer to Christ so that we will be prepared to stand for truth in any and all circumstances.
Friends, growing strong in God’s presence is often preceded by a journey through many barren places in our lives. The person who loves to spend time with God will see his or her adversity as an opportunity to experience God’s faithfulness even more deeply. To see God’s promises become alive and living right in their own Dry valley. If you are walking through your personal Valley of Weeping today, be sure your pilgrimage leads toward God, not away from him.
Jesus said: “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” (John 4:10)
“Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (John 7:38)
And when we are done our pilgrimage through the Dry Valley, Jesus promises
For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.'” (Rev 7:17)
God will provide for his children’s needs in their eternal home where there will be no hunger, thirst, or pain, and he will wipe away all tears. When you are suffering or torn apart by sorrow, take comfort in this promise of complete protection and relief.
All who have been faithful through the ages are singing before God’s throne. Their tribulations and sorrows are over. No more tears for sin, for all sins are forgiven; no more tears for suffering, for all suffering is over; no more tears for death, for all believers have been resurrected (1 Thes 4:15-17) to die no more.
Those whom the Lamb shall lead by the fountains of living waters, and from whose eyes He shall wipe away all tears, will be those now receiving the knowledge and understanding revealed in the Bible, the Word of God. {7BC 970.8}
We are to copy no human being. There is no human being wise enough to be our criterion. We are to look to the man Christ Jesus, who is complete in the perfection of righteousness and holiness. He is the author and finisher of our faith. He is the pattern man. His experience is the measure of the experience that we are to gain. His character is our model. Let us, then, take our minds off the perplexities and the difficulties of this life, and fix them on Him, that by beholding we may be changed into His likeness. We may behold Christ to good purpose. We may safely look to Him; for He is all-wise. As we look to Him and think of Him, He will be formed within, the hope of glory. {7BC 970.9}
They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures. For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light. (Psalms 36:8-9)
God Himself “will swallow up death forever, And the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces; The rebuke of His people He will take away from all the earth; For the LORD has spoken.” (Isa 25:8)
And it will be said in that day: “Behold, this is our God; We have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the LORD; We have waited for Him; We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.” (Isa 25:9)
“…he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29)
our neighbor
Any human being who needs our sympathy and our kind efforts is our neighbor. The suffering and destitute of all classes are our neighbors; and when their wants are brought to our knowledge, it is our duty to relieve them as far as possible. By this parable our duty to our fellow mankind is forever settled. We are to care for every case of suffering and to look upon ourselves as God’s agents to relieve the needy to the very uttermost of our ability. We are to be laborers together with God.
There are some who manifest great affection for their relatives, for their friends and favorites, who yet fail to be kind and considerate to those who need tender sympathy, who need kindness and love. With earnest hearts let us inquire, Who is my neighbor? Our neighbors are not merely our associates and special friends; they are not simply those who belong to our church, or who think as we do. Our neighbors are the whole human family. We are to do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. We are to give to the world an exhibition of what it means to carry out the law of God. We are to love God supremely and our neighbor as ourselves. {WM 45.2-3}
In all the work you are given, do the best you can. Work as though you are working for the Lord, not any earthly master. (Col 3:23,ERV)
Since the Creation, God has given us work to do. If we could regard our work as an act of worship or service to God, such an attitude would take some of the drudgery and boredom out of it. We could work without complaining or resentment if we would treat our job problems as the cost of discipleship.
As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. (John 9:4, NIV)
Think of our Lord Jesus being under the necessity of working:
“I must work.” (John 9:4)
Some people say that the word “must” in the verse is “just for the king;” but here is the King of kings declaring that the work is, by the most urgent necessity, laid upon Him. In return will not you, beloved brethren and sisters in Christ, come under this same divine necessity? Why would we not feel that we also must be doing all we can with and for our Divine Lord and Master?
Christ cured many who were blind by disease or accident; here he cured one born blind. Thus he showed his power to help in the most desperate cases, and the work of his grace upon the souls of sinners, which gives sight to those blind by nature. This poor man could not see Christ, but Christ saw him. And if we know or apprehend anything of Christ, it is because we were first known of him.
A lot of people do not have the “I must Work” mind set. I recently encountered a young lady passed out in the hot sun and the cement sidewalk at a drive through fast food place. Her legs were actually resting on the pavement where cars were driving through. Everyone just kept driving past her, ignoring her completely! I was shocked to see so many people do that. But I thanked God that I got there when I did and was able to give her the help she needed.
“As long as I am in the world,” Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.” Then having anointed the eyes of the blind man, He sent him to wash in the pool of Siloam, and the man’s sight was restored. Thus Jesus answered the question of the disciples in a practical way, as He usually answered questions put to Him from curiosity. The disciples were not called upon to discuss the question as to who had sinned or had not sinned, but to understand the power and mercy of God in giving sight to the blind. It was evident that there was no healing virtue in the clay, or in the pool wherein the blind man was sent to wash, but that the virtue was in Christ. {DA 471.4}
“Dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy…(Jude 1:17-23)
Although they were to build themselves up, and to pray in the Holy Ghost, and keep themselves in the love of God, yet this building, praying, and keeping, cannot merit heaven; for, after all their diligence, earnestness, self-denial, watching, obedience, etc., they must look for the Mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ, to bring them to Eternal Life.
Don’t be like all those who drove past that young lady in acute distress and then try to justify yourself by calling yourself a “christian.” Jesus won’t accept such hypocrisy. As Jude says: “Keep yourselves in the main current of God’s love. Build your character after the likeness of Christ. Pray in the Holy Spirit; keep at the open door/window of hope in Christ.
Remember that at one time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Eph 2:12-13)
It seems that a special revelation was needed to teach people about God’s love. Nature alone cannot teach it, because of its uniformity; Providence alone cannot, because of its perplexity; Judaism could not, because of the sternness of its law; and heathenism could not, because of its coarse polytheistic and sensual associations.
The difficulty of receiving it lies in our own natures, enfeebled and degraded by sin. Our consciousness of sin makes us think God unloving, just as the erring child thinks the father cruel, and the faithless person with the one talent thought their master hard and unjust. As revealed, the love of God is no mere statement; it is an exhibited love, exhibited in a recovering purpose, in a priceless gift, in a mysterious sacrifice. But, as revealed, it needs appropriation by us. When appropriated it becomes a power to change our spirit and our life. It changes our views of God, life, duty, eternity, etc. We see all in the light of “crucified love.”
In our earthly life we know the help and the joy of keeping in the love of mother, wife, or friend. It must be more helpful and more blessed to keep in the love of God. To lose the light of God’s love is more—far more—than losing the sunlight off the flowers. How shall we keep ourselves in the love of God?
Cherish every loving thought of God that may be suggested to you.
Walk in righteousness, and you will ever be in the smiles of the love.
Watch over all your opportunities of heart-fellowship with Christ, for friendship needs communion.
Cultivate the child-spirit. Illustrate by our Lord putting the child in the midst of the people. No doubting in the child-heart. But can this counsel apply to all, “keep in the love”? Do we all believe the love which God hath unto us? Are any living on in sin, because they do not believe the love? Have you felt how God’s love to sinners shines forth from Calvary? I beseech you then, Come into the love, that we may be able to say also unto you, “Keep yourselves in the love of God.”
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom. (Eccl 9:10, NIV)
In His ministry, Jesus would often reveal the total sinfulness of “every nation, tongue, tribe, and people,” and yet, Jesus offers His salvation to all. Only Jesus breaks down the walls of prejudice, reconciles all believers to God, and unifies us in one body. No matter who we are, we are only “one in Christ” because of the cross. (Gal 6:14). There is nothing for us without Christ and his cross. Jesus has paved us a new and living way to the throne of God’s grace by his own most precious blood.
O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works. Psalms 105:1-2.
God blesses each day
The dealings of God with His people should be often repeated. How frequently were the waymarks set up by the Lord in His dealings with ancient Israel! Lest they should forget the history of the past, He commanded Moses to frame these events into song, that parents might teach them to their children.
They were to gather up memorials and to lay them up in sight. Special pains were taken to preserve them, that when the children should inquire concerning these things, the whole story might be repeated. Thus the providential dealings and the marked goodness and mercy of God in His care and deliverance of His people were kept in mind. We are exhorted to “call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions” (Heb 10:32).
For His people in this generation the Lord has wrought as a wonder-working God. We need often to recount God’s goodness and to praise Him for His wonderful works.
Let us not cast away our confidence, but have firm assurance, firmer than ever before.
“Hitherto hath the Lord helped us,” and He will help us to the end (1 Sam 7:12).
Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. (Heb 10:35)
Let us look to the monumental pillars, reminders of what the Lord has done to comfort us and to save us from the hand of the destroyer. Let us keep fresh in our memory all the tender mercies that God has shown us-the tears He has wiped away, the pains He has soothed, the anxieties removed, the fears dispelled, the wants supplied, the blessings bestowed-thus strengthening ourselves for all that is before us through the remainder of our pilgrimage.
We cannot but look forward to new perplexities in the coming conflict, but we may look on what is past as well as on what is to come, and say,
“Hitherto has the Lord helped us.”
“As thy days, so shall thy strength be” (Deut 33:25).
The trial will not exceed the strength that shall be given us to bear it. Then let us take up our work just where we find it, believing that whatever may come, strength proportionate to the trial will be given.
In reviewing our past history, having traveled over every step of advance to our present standing, I can say, Praise God! As I see what the Lord has wrought, I am filled with astonishment, and with confidence in Christ as leader. We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history.{LDE 72.1}
“So don’t lose the courage that you had in the past. Your courage will be rewarded richly. You must be patient. After you have done what God wants, you will get what he promised you. He says, “Very soon now, the one who is coming will come and will not be late.” (Heb 10:35-37, ERV)
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. (1 Pet 4:12-13)
fiery trials
At the time I am putting together this message, it seems like the areas all around me are on fire here in Northern Alberta. Perhaps, because I had 50% of my body burned in a house fire, it all effects me differently than it does for most people. But I can’t imagine anyone not being concerned. One thing I learned from my personal experience is how we can draw life lessons from all such tragedies. I am reminded of one news story in particular where a lady led some other hikers out of the back country to safety from the fires. The courage, resilience, and heroism of people comes to the forefront in all of this fire and disaster we face. It gives us hope to carry on. To rebuild. And I like to think that God has a hand in that.
The love of Christ is not a fitful feeling, but a living principle, which is to be made manifest as an abiding power in the heart. If the character and deportment of the shepherd is an exemplification of the truth they advocate, the Lord will set the seal of His approval to the work. The shepherd and the flock will become one, united by their common hope in Christ. {AA 516.1}
Like Daniel and his friends of old, God’s people can pray the following prayer:
“I have suffered much. Preserve my life Lord. According to your Word. My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end.” (Psalms 119:107,112)
Centuries ago. Not far from the present city of Bagdad,a mighty Behemoth was seen rising on the horizon of an ancient Babylonian plains called Dura. From this site, our message for today unfolds, a story of intrigue, conspiracy, drama and excitement. These events of the past point to another statue that is rising on the 21st century plains of Dura. From the book of Daniel, the story I am about to portray has a deep, figurative significance. And very real implications for this our day and age. In The Book of Heaven, the prophetic Scripture foreshadows a future episode in the history of our planet. A time of envy and religious bigotry, a day when we may be personally tried by fire.
The scene takes place in the land of Iraq. The site of the ancient city of Babylon. Three actors walk across the stage. They face a fierce confrontation with a mighty monarch. An invincible general who never lost a battle. The heroes of the story are three Jewish youth whose master was King Nebuchadnezzar. Thirteen times their names ring out in this chapter. Sounding like the pealing of a mighty bell. Shadrach Meshack and Abednigo.
But today’s message is much more than just a children’s story. Today, we are discussing the revelation of God’s power to deliver his servants who put their trust in him.
The Book of Heaven says in Daniel 3:1
“Nebuchadnezzar,the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits and the bread thereof six cubits. He set it up in the plains of Durah in the province of Babylon.”
Twenty years before, in the second chapter of Daniel Nebuchadnezzar was given a powerful lesson through Daniel’s interpretation of his dream. So impressed was he that he declared
“Of a truth. It is that your God is a God of gods and a Lord of Kings and a revealer of secrets. Seeing you could reveal this secret.” (Dan 2:47)
In his dream, he had seen a mighty image with a head of gold. Arms and breastplates of silver. Thighs of brass. Legs of iron. Feet of iron mixed with clay. The image was a vivid representation, depicting the panorama of history yet to be. Each section of the image here represented a phase in the sweep of human history. The head of the image represented Babylon. The king had been pleased by Daniel’s words when he said, thou art this head of gold. (Daniel 2:38).
It was the remainder of the interpretation of the dream that bothered him. More and more, he became increasingly resentful of the words “After thee shall rise another.” Nebuchadnezzar decided that the dream needed to be reinterpreted. He decided to rewrite the prophecy. Daniel’s interpretation was to be set aside, to make room for his new theology.
Like many people today, Nebuchadnezzar decided to make God’s word fit his interests. Rather than to direct his life in conformity with the living word, he would make an image somewhat similar to the one he had seen in his dream. His image, however, would be a supposed improvement. It would not have feet of clay. It would not deteriorate in value from the head to the feet. It would be entirely of gold, suggesting that his kingdom would stand forever!
What would it cost to plate an image this side, this size, with pure gold? It didn’t matter. Pagans were often more generous with their religions than are many Christians today. We all know professing Christians who are miserly and give grudgingly to the cause of God. This monarch lavished an immense amount of wealth in creating his colossal image. The Chaldeans had never before produced anything so imposing and majestic as this resplendent statue. It was visible for miles around its gold plated surface. Blinding people’s eyes as the sun struck it. Nebuchadnezzar, the king, invited all the very important people in the then known world for the inauguration of his golden statue.
When the king said, come, people came by the thousands. He had no trouble drawing a large crowd. A herald cries aloud to you. It is commanded to all people, nations and languages. (Daniel 3:4) But no one can command or coerce worship. Certain things cannot be forced. You can’t command love, and you can’t command faith. I guess we can command performance. We can decide to pretend. But real worship is more than performance. Its not a show. It comes from the deep instincts of life. From the very soul of the worshipper. It’s more than standing up at the right time and bowing down at the right time. It’s more than bowing down in the direction of Mecca or Jerusalem or the rising of the sun. It’s more than cutting the throat of a lamb.
What was the message of the heralds?
Let’s read it there in Daniel 3:5
“at the time ye hear the sound of the cornet, the flute, the harp, the sultry, the dulcimer and all kinds of music, you fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up. Listen to the royal symphony orchestra of Babylon. Or listen to the music that comes from God. Heavenly music belongs to the angels. The soul of the Christian overflows in gratitude and worship in strains of heavenly music.
Lucifer, one of heaven’s greatest musicians, fell from grace and from loyalty to God. In his fall, he has desecrated God’s beautiful gift. His off beat music is a prostitution of God’s gift. And to day it forms a background to permissiveness, darkness, folly and sin. It has become a part of the drug culture and many other horrible things.
The next verse says:
“and whoso falls not down and worships shall at the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace”
Now this is compelling language. How could any one differ with a despot, who could back up his arguments with a burning fiery furnace, or with a threat to cut you to pieces and make your house of dunghill?
All the people bowed down?
No, no, not quite. All the princes and the potentates of his world wide dominion gathered around the image, and they bowed down. But three men stood tall, ignoring the music, ignoring the dazzling image. Only they had the courage to be different. How conspicuous to be standing when every one else was bowing down. Three young men had learned from the history of their fathers, that disobedience to god results in dishonor, disaster and death, and that the fear of the lord is the beginning of the wisdom, the foundation of all true prosperity. They had been tested before. They had broken the laws of the court when they refused the king’s wine and the flesh. They had passed the test when at the end of their ten days of trial themselves, their countenance appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all of the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat. (Daniel 1:15) Having stood firm for the right before they were made bolder to face a more terrible ordeal, these three despised persons of the Jewish race couldn’t be coerced by the then master of the world.
Going back now to Daniel, the third chapter, verse eight:
“Wherefore, at that time, CERTAIN Chaldeans came near and accused the Jews.”
The word translated accused literally means ate to pieces. A metaphor of fierce devouring malice.
“Oh Mother! Johnny didn’t have his eyes closed during prayer” sister Mary complained. “Well, how did you notice if your eyes were closed?” asked Mother.
CERTAIN CHALDEANS?
Though they were supposed to bow down to the ground, somehow they noticed that three people remained standing? Evidently, they weren’t concentrating on their worship of the golden image either! Twenty years before, the prayer of these three men had saved their lives when king Nebuchadnezzar had pronounced a death sentence upon them. Smooth murderers as they were. They were now stabbing their delivers in the back. These jealous predators rejoice in pointing to these CERTAIN Hebrews. The foreigners these slaves imported from Judea now showing their sheer insubordination, their dark and heinous ingratitude. Certainly, their disloyalty deserves a severe consequence?
How did the king react? Just as they hoped? He would. He was in a fit of rage. He was furious. He was livid. He was out of control, intoxicated with power. He could not brook disobedience or contradiction, let his expressed authority be resisted on however good grounds. And he exhibits his weakness flying into a passion of rage, ruler of the world. He was not equal to the more difficult task of ruling his own spirit. Nebuchadnezzar calls the three young people on the carpet. Is it true Shadrac, Meshak and Abednigo, that ye did not serve my gods nor worship the golden image which I have set up? He asks in disbelief. Can it be true that in this whole empire, there’s any one who dares to dispute my word or disobey my commandment? And of all people to defy him was his three favorites guilty of such? After all, Nebuchadnezzar was their despotic lord. Their employer. Their benefactor. Their friend. It was in their interest to please him. In his hands, rested their liberties and their lives. If they would prosper, they must earn his smile.
The 16th verse, Shadrack Meshak and Abednigo answered the king and said to the king:
“Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. The translation transmits an inaccurate idea. The word careful here means full of care. They answered carefully, but they weren’t anxious about the answer. They knew exactly what they were going to say. They did not deliberate. There was no hesitation. They were so calm and collected that they did not talk to him as king, but rather as Nebuchadnezzar, the man. It was a man to man conversation. In essence, they were saying, it’s not for us to answer you. There is another that will do that. They threw the onus unto God himself.
What grand language. What a noble resolve. What a marvellous example of faith in the living God. They rested their case with him more than 100 years earlier. The prophet Isaiah had penned the promise, when you pass through the waters, I will be with thee. When you walk through the fire, thou shalt not be burned. Neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. (Isaiah 43:2) Wrapped in such a promise, they could give their witness. Confidently never had any one spoken to him as these men did facing the threat of the burning fiery furnace. They had no excuses to offer, no fancy discourses, just a plain and simple avowal of loyalty to God. And they made it grandly with no sign of flurry or fluster.
They showed the very calmness and dignity that Nebuchadnezzar lacked. They had just talked to God Almighty. And when humans see the face of God, they’re not intimidated by the face of any person, no matter how important that person may be. They had been brought up to obey the ten commandments. They could repeat them by memory. Thou shalt not make unto thee any grave and image. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them nor serve them. Exodus twenty verse four,the ten commandments are not negotiable,king or no king mandate or no mandate custom or no custom, furnace or no furnace,we will not bow down. They didn’t parley
with iniquity.
Now, in verse nineteen, Nebuchadnezzar is full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshak and Abednigo. Therefore he spake and commanded that they should heat the furnace seven times more than it was normally supposed to be heated. Dressed in their trousers, shirts and mantles and turbans,they were picked up,and like living logs, they were hurled into the blazing furnace. The fire was so hot that the Book of Heaven says that the flame killed those men who took up Shadrak Meshak in Abednego (Daniel 32:2) Into the fire they went. And the king thought that he had put an end to the matter. But when man has done his worst, God can still do His best and lovingly add a final chapter.
And what a chapter it was. In his theory, Nebuchadenezzar had challenged Jehovah by saying, who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? (Daniel 2:15), but he did not realize the power he was opposing in a matter of minutes, this autocratic king got the revelation of his life. He saw the God that he had defied walking in the fire with his faithful servants.
And now Daniel 3:24-25 – Then Nebuchadnezzar, the king, was astonished and arose up in haste and spake and said unto his counsellors,did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, true o king. He answered and said, lo, I see four men loose walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt. And the form of the 4th is like the Son of God. Here we have what theologians call a theophane,a pre incarnate appearance of the Son of God. He had come down to walk with Enoch. He had visited Abraham and talked with Moses from the burning bush. Now he came to walk with Shadrach, Meshak and Abednego in the fire to the Lord. Fire is nothing to God. He is the lord of heat and cold. For Jesus, and by extension to the three men cast into the furnace, that furnace was as comfortable as the Garden of Eden.
Those living coals were as soft as silk to walk upon the fire couldn’t singe a single hair of their heads. They came out of the fire without even the smell of smoke. How did the king know what the Son of God looked like here? The Hebrew captives filling the positions of trust in Babylon had in life and character represented before him the truth they had told him, of Christ the redeemer to come. And in the form of the 4th, in the midst of the fire, the king recognized the Son of God.
Now, the great colossus faded into insignificance. The authority and the importance of king Nebuchadnezzar was completely forgotten. Nebuchadnezzar descended from the throne, and going to the mouth of the furnace, cried out “ye servants of the most high God. Come forth and come hither. (Dan 3:26) Then Shadrach, Meshak and Abednego came forth before the vast multitude showing themselves unhurt. The presence of their Savior had guarded them from harm. And only their fetters had been burned!
All the multitudes who came from far and near to admire and worship the great image which had been set up with such foul pomp! Had there attention directed to the God of Heaven. The king gave his testimony,blessed, be the god of Shadrach, Meshack and Abednigo who hath sent his angel and delivered his servants that trusted in him. Dan 3:28, the king made a public confession, seeking to exalt the god of heaven above all other gods. It was a position that he would soon forget. Now, he repeated his mistake. Human beings don’t learn easily. He made a new decree trying to enforce the Hebrew religion.
It is on this very point that prophecy reveals that human despots will repeat. The mistake of the ancient king. Religion is not something that can be enforced. When those in authority attempt to legislate human conscience, they always raise the ugly head of persecution. That day on the Plain of Dura, two invisible Powers met head on, the power of earthly ambition, inspired by the prince of darkness and the power of love, as revealed in the lives of men dedicated to truth and righteousness.
The Book of Revelation tells of another image that will soon be raised in the final days of the history of this earth as we know it. It’s called an image to the beast. Rev 13:15 It’s another behemoth on the 21st century Plain of Durah it’s already standing, waiting for it’s appointed time, demanding the worship of the multitudes. It’s an image to the beast in that many of its teachings and doctrines are identical. In order to honor this image, it will be necessary to disregard the ten commandments. Once again, we face the test.
And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (Rev 13:7-8)
We are told that God’s servants will be given over to suffer humiliation and abuse at the hands of those who, inspired by Satan are filled with envy and religious bigotry. Especially will the wrath of the disobedient be aroused against those who obey God’s commandments. Bible prophecy declares at last, and a universal decree will denounce those people as deserving of death. In earth’s final days before Jesus comes back again, God will have a people with a resolve to bear all consequences rather than to worship the idol of the hour as will be mandated by society. Defiance to the world’s threatenings from the burning embers of that fiery furnace by Shadrach Meshhak and Abednigo speak to each one of us today. Like Abel’s blood crying out from the ground, (Gen 4:10) their voices will cry out: “be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might.” (Eph 6:10)
There will be a day when the question gets asked: CHRISTIAN! CAN YOU BURN?” What will our answer be? Whatever the future holds, burn Christians, if it comes to that, but never turn from the right way. Die, but never deny the truth. May God help each one of us to have that kind of courage.
John Chrysostom was one of the great Greek Church pioneers. Born in 347 AD. He was brought before the emperor at an early age to answer for his faith. The emperor said: “if you persist in being a Christian,I will banish you from your father’s land.” Chrysostom calmly replied “your majesty. You can’t do that. The whole world is my father’s land.” “Well, then I’ll take away all your property said the emperor. “No, you can’t do that either. My treasures are in heaven.” “Well, then I’ll send you to a place where there will not be one friend to speak to you.” “You can’t do that. For I have a friend that sticks closer than a brother. And I shall have my brother Jesus Christ with me.” Then Ill just take away your life” said the Emperor. “You can’t do that either. My life is hid with Christ in God” Chrysostom replied.
I included above in this message a picture of me and the burns I sustained in that house fire years ago. That picture is taken from 2 years after the initial burns that I suffered. I should not have lived through all that terror. 32 surgeries over 7 years. If anyone had a reason to doubt God, could it be me? I am forever grateful for the heroic kindness of a few good people back then who lifted me up until I could stand again on my own. After all that I suffered, I still say with belief and confidence that I LOVE JESUS.
That was not blind obstinacy. It was the faith of Jesus! The faith of Jesus will characterize the last witnesses of God’s true church on earth when times get really brutal again. Whatever you might face in the future, no matter how terrifying the experience,you need not face it alone. The same friend who walked with the three Hebrews in the fiery furnace, the same Friend who was with me in the flames, will walk with you, through it all.
Will you join me now in prayer:
Dear Father of us all. Please, bless us to day as we go through the Christian pilgrimage, through the blistering, burning wilderness of this world, may we be strong and true. Help us to follow you all the way, in spite of trials or temptations. Help everyone who is hearing my voice to be a recipient of the crown of life that is promised to those who are faithful to the end. We ask these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Build yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, by looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. (Jude 1:20-21)
Jesus has all authority
Jude tells us how to keep ourselves in the love of God. It is clear that Jude is encouraging us in this verse to cultivate our love for Christ, for we cannot be separated from His love for us (Rom 8:35-39).
We have a great high priest who has gone to live with God in heaven. He is Jesus the Son of God. So let us continue to express our faith in him. Jesus, our high priest, is able to understand our weaknesses. When Jesus lived on earth, he was tempted in every way. He was tempted in the same ways we are tempted, but he never sinned. With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it. (Heb 4:14-16, ERV)
Jesus is superior to any priest, pastor or prelate. The priesthood of Jesus is superior to any of our religious leaders and their professed priesthood. To the Jews back in Bible times, the high priest was the highest religious authority in the land. He alone entered the Most Holy Place in the Temple once a year to make atonement for the sins of the whole nation (Leviticus 16).
Similar to the high priest of ancient Bible times, Jesus mediates between God and us. (Heb 7:25) As humanity’s representative, he intercedes for us before God. As God’s Representative, Jesus assures us of God’s forgiveness. Jesus has not just more authority than humanity’s religious leaders. Jesus has ALL AUTHORITY (Mat 28:18, Phil 2:9, 1 Pet 3:22, Phil 2;10, John 19:11) and He will never give His glory to another (Isaiah 42:8) because he is truly God and truly Man. Unlike the high priest, who could go before God only once a year, Christ is always at God’s right hand, interceding for us. He is always available to hear us when we pray. (Heb 7:25)
What a wonderful Friend we have at court as we face the coming judgment. After His resurrection Jesus spoke to His disciples, saying
“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” (Col 2:10)
These words were spoken to all who will receive them as a living assurance!
Through nature and revelation, through His providence, and by the influence of His Spirit, God speaks to us. But these are not enough; we need also to pour out our hearts to Him. In order to have spiritual life and energy, we must have actual intercourse with our heavenly Father. Our minds may be drawn out toward Him; we may meditate upon His works, His mercies, His blessings; but this is not, in the fullest sense, communing with Him. In order to commune with God, we must have something to say to Him concerning our actual life.
Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend. Not that it is necessary in order to make known to God what we are, but in order to enable us to receive Him. Prayer does not bring God down to us, but brings us up to Him.
When Jesus was upon the earth, He taught His disciples how to pray. He directed them to present their daily needs before God, and to cast all their care upon Him. And the assurance He gave them that their petitions should be heard, is assurance also to us.
Jesus Himself, while He dwelt among men, was often in prayer. Our Saviour identified Himself with our needs and weakness, in that He became a suppliant, a petitioner, seeking from His Father fresh supplies of strength, that He might come forth braced for duty and trial. He is our example in all things. He is a brother in our infirmities, “in all points tempted like as we are;” but as the sinless one His nature recoiled from evil; He endured struggles and torture of soul in a world of sin. His humanity made prayer a necessity and a privilege. He found comfort and joy in communion with His Father. And if the Savior of men, the Son of God, felt the need of prayer, how much more should feeble, sinful mortals feel the necessity of fervent, constant prayer.
Our heavenly Father waits to bestow upon us the fullness of His blessing. It is our privilege to drink largely at the fountain of boundless love. What a wonder it is that we pray so little! God is ready and willing to hear the sincere prayer of the humblest of His children, and yet there is much manifest reluctance on our part to make known our wants to God. What can the angels of heaven think of poor helpless human beings, who are subject to temptation, when God’s heart of infinite love yearns toward them, ready to give them more than they can ask or think, and yet they pray so little and have so little faith? The angels love to bow before God; they love to be near Him. They regard communion with God as their highest joy; and yet the children of earth, who need so much the help that God only can give, seem satisfied to walk without the light of His Spirit, the companionship of His presence.
The darkness of the evil one encloses those who neglect to pray. The whispered temptations of the enemy entice them to sin; and it is all because they do not make use of the privileges that God has given them in the divine appointment of prayer. Why should the sons and daughters of God be reluctant to pray, when prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence? Without unceasing prayer and diligent watching we are in danger of growing careless and of deviating from the right path. The adversary seeks continually to obstruct the way to the mercy seat, that we may not by earnest supplication and faith obtain grace and power to resist temptation.
There are certain conditions upon which we may expect that God will hear and answer our prayers. One of the first of these is that we feel our need of help from Him. He has promised, “I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground.” Isaiah 44:3. Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, who long after God, may be sure that they will be filled. The heart must be open to the Spirit’s influence, or God’s blessing cannot be received.
Our great need is itself an argument and pleads most eloquently in our behalf. But the Lord is to be sought unto to do these things for us. He says, “Ask, and it shall be given you.” And “He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Matthew 7:7; Romans 8:32. {SC 93.1-95.2}
Jesus once said something very interesting to Mary that relates to us today just how serious He was in how to bring the cross to bear in all of our affairs in these last days:
Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’ ” (John 20:16-17)
Here we see how Jesus did not want to receive the homage of His people, His Church, until He knew that His Sacrifice had been accepted by The Father and until he had received the assurance from God the Father Himself that His atonement for the sins of His people had been full and ample, and that through His blood alone they might gain eternal life. When Jesus ascended to Heaven he presented Himself on our behalf before the Throne of God, showing the marks of shame and cruelty upon His brow, His hands, His feet. (Zech 13:6) Jesus resisted the crown of glory, the royal robe, and even the adoration of angels, until the Father had signified that His offering was accepted.
Jesus also showed a strong desire to prefer concerning His chosen ones, His church here on earth, in that he wanted to have the relationship clearly defined that His redeemed should thereafter sustain to Heaven and to His Father.
For Jesus, His Church must be justified and accepted before He could accept any sort of Heavenly honor. Jesus has declared in His Word that where He was, there also His Church should be. In the mind of Christ, if He was to have this Heavenly glory, then His people too should share in this glory. Those of us who suffer with Jesus here on earth must finally reign with Him in His kingdom. In the most explicit manner, Jesus pleaded for His Church, identifying His interests with theirs. Advocating for us with a love and constancy stronger than death for our rights, titles gained through Him.
This is what Phil 2:5 means when it says
“let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”
We should be found daily humbling ourselves before God, confessing our own individual sins, seeking the pardon of our transgressions, and cooperating with Christ in the work of preparing our souls to reflect the divine image. Unless we enter the sanctuary above, and unite with Christ in working out our own salvation with fear and trembling, (Phil 2:12) we will be weighed in the balances of the sanctuary, and shall be pronounced wanting.
We are assured in Heb 10:19 how we may have “boldness” or confidence to enter the Holiest (heavenly sanctuary in prayer) through the blood of Christ and in Eph 2:13 we know that “those who are afar off are made near the blood of Christ. We need never worry about the ever-darkening shadows of ecclesiastical authorities because ALL AUTHORITY has been given to Jesus and by His blood we share in His glory!
Some people talk about “keeping the faith” when what they should be talking about is giving it away!
My friends, sometimes our experiences, both good and bad can be powerful teachers. They shape us, help us grow in faith (for the purpose of giving more of it away) and they provide valuable lessons that we carry with us throughout our lives that we have the privilege of sharing with others in the form of our personal testimony on our own experience with Jesus. (1 John 1:1-3, Rev 12:11)
A good friend of mine shared with me a testimony about how God got her through a difficult, life-threatening pregnancy and child birth. Her baby came quite early and the situation was critical. Both her and the baby could have died. But through her faithful prayer her first daughter, a miracle baby was born. She prayed to live long enough to raise her baby, and God granted her that prayer. When she finished her story she said
“that’s how God really works His great power in my life.”
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen. (Jude 1:24-25)
Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” (Mat 24:3)
are you ready?
So joyous is the prospect of Christ’s return, that Jesus knew His followers would become almost eagerly impatient for it to happen. In such a state of mind, because of their humanity, and shortsightedness,Jesus knew that His disciples could at times fall prey to the false signs of His second coming; and to the many false teachers that were to arise, and who could entirely spoil all of their hard work in preparation. And so Jesus started out His Olivett Discourse with a warning to us against being deceived:
Mat 24:4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you.”
Jesus certainly would know the Proverb that tells us “hope deferred makes the heart sick;” (Proverbs 13:12 ). Without the assurances in God’s Word that the delay has been anticipated, and that Jesus has made provision for us to deal with any eventuality, we would feel lost and hopeless in the tirades of all of the self appointed prophets of doom.
Jesus cautioned us clearly but tactfully, that there would be a delay. He would not in fact, be coming again; at least not right away, as some were hoping for. Nor would Jesus be coming in the manner that many, including His own disciples of the day were expecting Him to.
Jesus told a story about two supervisors (masters) and one of them said the following:
“My master is delayed,” (Mat 24:48), and then in the famous parable of the talents, Jesus described the master as returning “after a long time.” (Mat 25:19). In the similarly famous parable of the ten (sleeping) virgins, Jesus likened Himself to a Bridegroom and said quite clearly:
“As the Bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.” (Mat 25:5).
Hints of this delay in the second coming are implied in other texts as well:
“you will hear of wars and rumors of wars…but the end is not yet.” (Mat 24:6).
And “Many will fall away…” (Mat 24:10).
“They that endure to the end shall be saved.” (Mat 24:13).
“This gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world; as a testimony to all nations; and then the end shall come.” (Mat 24:14).
In scripture, the delay is clear enough. BUT the “testimony to all nations is sadly lacking almost everywhere. Friends, the church is not converting the world anymore. The world has in a large part, converted the church. Its hard to tell the difference anymore because “everyone is doing whats right in their own eyes and Jesus is largely lost sight of. It would also follow that because of this, the preparation for the second coming is made even clearer. And many who profess the name of Christ show anything but His character of love, mercy and grace.
Its very important to note that the cookie-cutter evangelism that is out there has no idea what it means to say “the gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world.” They just don’t have a clue what that means. Many tritely say
“Oh the modern technology has connected everyone and there is hardly a corner anywhere in the world now where they have not heard about Jesus.”
But does hearing the doctrine professed in a worldly frenzy or the one-sided teaching of sheep in wolves clothing really mean that “the gospel has been preached?”
Sadly, we have people who say they are “preaching the third angel’s message,” yet the whole world has seen how badly so many misrepresent God’s character. The everlasting gospel is NOT preached by a profession alone. The everlasting gospel is only “fully preached” “to all the world” when the world can see that we His Church, that God’s people, have been with Jesus and are His adopted sons and daughters. (John 1:12) Something in the character of the Christian that reveals Christ and Him crucified IS THE message. (2 Cor 5:17)
The change that must come to the natural, inherited, and cultivated tendencies of the human heart is that change of which Jesus spoke when He said to Nicodemus, “Except a person be born again, they cannot see the kingdom of God.” He virtually said to Nicodemus, It is not controversy that will help your case. Arguments will not bring light to your soul. You must have a new heart, or you cannot discern the kingdom of heaven. It is not greater evidence that will bring you into a right position, but new purposes, new springs of action. You must be born again. Until this change takes place, until all things are made new, the strongest evidence that could be presented would be useless.{CTr 233.2}
When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13)
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34,35)
The badge of Christianity is not an outward sign, not the wearing of a cross or a crown, but it is that which reveals the union of man with God. By the power of His grace manifested in the transformation of character the world is to be convinced that God has sent His Son as its Redeemer. No other influence that can surround the human soul has such power as the influence of an unselfish life. The strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian. {HDL 8.1}
Some pride themselves in their shiny crusades gleaming away just like our secular “social media.” Constantly creating the well-known FEAR factor that our “news” is adored for. The mark of the beast, what the Pope is up to, and all manner of evil are yapped about as if thats all there is. Presumptuously adding fuel to the frenzy of current-day events as depicted by the secular world. In the entire Bible, the mark of the beast is only mentioned 7 times. It would be safe to say that Bible writers sometimes seem to mentioned it parenthetically. It was never the main focus of a single Bible writer anywhere. That third angel’s message from Rev 14: 8-12 is really not a message, without the other two messages from the first and second angels of the same passage. (Rev 14:6-7)It is far more accurate and in proper context, when we call those three angels messages, together “the everlasting gospel,” or “the three angels MESSAGE. (Rev 14:6) All three are one, unified message. Just like all 66 books of the Bible are ONE MESSAGE. The Three Angels MESSAGE. Three angels. ONE message.
What happens if we separate one of those messages from the other two? Then it becomes less of Jesus and more of fear because we are over-emphasizing one over the other two and presenting a very unbalanced message to the world. Just like the news! It’s not that it is wrong to preach all three angels and their parts in the message. But there is a proper time and place as is often reflected upon in scripture for such things: (Eph 3:1,Prov 15:23)
A change must come to you through the moving, melting love of God, a change that will enable you to carry the credentials that you are one who loves souls. I think I have spoken so plainly that you will seek to learn of Christ His ways and methods, and seek to bring more of the sunshine and joy of the truth, the brightness of the Sun of Righteousness, into your own individual experience. Let your own heart break; let the routine and precision be broken down. Look unto Jesus, and not to men, to be told what to do…The simplicity of Christ, the melting love of Jesus, will speak to hearts when the mere reiteration of the truth will accomplish nothing. Self must not be brought in as a specialty; it must be hid with Christ in God.(2 Cor 5:17)
I have done a lot of palliative care during my nursing years. I am sure we could all picture what would happen if any nurse approached a dying patient at the bedside and tried to preach to them about “the mark of the beast.” I have seen such things happen. I have asked myself, if this “everlasting gospel” is in fact THE end time message for today, then HOW does it relate to what is happening here and now to the dying or the lost souls who do not know Jesus? Friends, the love mercy and grace of Jesus Christ in the face of our darkest hour is the three angel’s message. Rev 14:6 in the Murdock translation and a couple of others says it like this:
“And I saw another angel WITH BLOOD having the everlasting gospel to preach to dwellers on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people” Every message, every doctrine must have as its central pillar “Christ and Him crucified.” The cross is to be central to every doctrine and if its not then the doctrine is not Christian no matter how many Bible verses you holler into your message.
There is one great central truth to be kept ever before the mind in the searching of the Scriptures–Christ and Him crucified. Every other truth is invested with influence and power corresponding to its relation to this theme. The soul palsied by sin can be endowed with life only through the work wrought out upon the cross by the Author of our salvation. {FLB 50.2}
Love is more than simply warm feelings. It is an attitude that reveals itself in action. How can we love others as Jesus loves us? By helping when it’s not convenient, by giving when it hurts, by devoting energy to others’ welfare rather than our own, by absorbing hurts from others without complaining or fighting back. This kind of loving can be hard to do. That is one reason why people notice when you do it and know you are empowered by a supernatural source.
Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not brag, it is not puffed up, it does not behave inappropriately, it does not seek its own way, it is not provoked, it keeps no account of wrong, it does not rejoice over injustice but rejoices in the truth; it bears all things, it believes all things, it hopes all things, it endures all things. (1 Cor 13:4-7, TLV)
It is not the ready speaker, the sharp intellect, that counts with God. It is the earnest purpose, the deep piety, the love of truth, the fear of God, that has a telling influence. A testimony from the heart, coming from lips in which is no guile, full of faith and humble trust, though given by a stammering tongue, is accounted of God as precious as gold; while the smart speech, the eloquent oratory, of the one to whom is entrusted large talents, but who is wanting in truthfulness, in steadfast purpose, in purity, in unselfishness, are as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal. He may say witty things, he may relate amusing anecdotes, he may play upon the feelings; but the spirit of Jesus is not in it. All these things may please unsanctified hearts, but God holds in His hands the balances that weigh the words, the spirit, the sincerity, the devotion, and He pronounces it altogether lighter than vanity {6BC 1091.4}
I would just sum it all up by saying that if I cannot see Jesus, and experience His light in the darkness, (John 1:5, Micah 7:8, etc),then I don’t really know Him very well and I need to get moving on that right away. As we can read in Rev 12:11, God’s end time people,which we may very well be, shall
“overcome the devil by the blood of The Lamb, and by the Word of their testimony,” [about that blood, applied to their life today].
“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” (Eph 2:13)
While we can know something of God, and “whom He has sent,” (John 17:3) by just reading the Bible, and learning doctrines, we can only learn a very small fraction of the everlasting gospel in that way, compared to another method that is mentioned often in scripture. Consider carefully, the following verse:
Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (2 Pet 1:2-4)
The Bible is clear. Grace and peace are “multiplied” as we learn more of Jesus in whatever situation we are in today by “proving His promises.” The knowledge of Jesus gives “to us all things pertaining to life and godliness, and this is all done by His “precious promises,” to the end that we are “partakers of the divine nature.” Now the Pantheist would say: “we are little Gods” because of this verse, but it has nothing to do with physical nature of divine Substance. Nothing at all. The divine nature is the character of Christ, and as we realize fully His promises, in response to our prayers and our needs; then we really do get to experience a personal friendship with God and we will see our future as friendly, because we have taken Jesus at His express word, in divine response to our felt, living needs.
Mat 24:30 of the Olivett Discourse tells us that everyone in the world “will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” But how many of us see Jesus in the clouds of our personal experience? This message is trying to reflect on how there is light in every cloud and as God’s people, we must know Him so well that we just expect it; much like we do the sun or the rain.
I recall, sometime ago now,visiting someone on their death bed. They were dying of cancer. On the bedside table there was a shoe box. I was really curious and kept wondering what was in it. So of course, I eventually asked, and they said it like this:
“This is my promise box. When people visit me,I get them to either write one out on a scrap of paper, and put it in the box, or they can just take one from the box and read it to me. Then I asked “can I take one out and read it?”
The piece of paper I took out of that box had the following quote from The Great Controversy written on it:
“We should acquaint ourselves NOW with God, by proving His promises!” (pg 622).
My friend died just a few hours later. But what a seed was planted in my heart there in “the valley of death.” (Psalms 23:4) Even the clouds of death, do not hold any Christian in the prison of sin. I wonder, how many of us are willing to make that ultimate sacrifice, to really know God, and to make Him known? (see 1 John 1:1-3).
Oh friend. How many of us see “Light In The Clouds?” How many of us see Light in our clouds? Do I, personally, see Jesus in my clouds? (Rev 1:7)
Christ submitted to crucifixion, although the heavenly host could have delivered Him. The angels suffered with Christ. God Himself was crucified with Christ; for Christ was one with the Father. Those who reject Christ, those who will not have this man to rule over them, choose to place themselves under the rule of Satan, to do his work as his bondslaves. Yet for them Christ yielded up His life on Calvary.
He who died for the sins of the world was to remain in the tomb the allotted time. He was in that stony prison house as a prisoner of divine justice. He was responsible to the Judge of the universe. He was bearing the sins of the world, and His Father only could release Him.
He identified Himself with our interests, bared His breast for the stroke of death, took man’s guilt and its penalty, and offered in man’s behalf a complete sacrifice to God. By virtue of this atonement, He has power to offer to man perfect righteousness and full salvation. Whosoever shall believe on Him as a personal Savior shall not perish, but have everlasting life.
The price of our redemption has been paid, and all we have and are should be sprinkled with the blood of Christ, dedicated to God; for it all belongs to Him. {FLB 50.4-7}
This is why the first angel says:
And I saw another angel flying in heaven: and with blood, he had the everlasting gospel, to proclaim to dwellers on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people; saying with a loud voice, Worship God, and give glory to him; because the hour of his judgment is come; and adore ye Him, who made heaven and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of water. (Rev 14:6-7, Murdock)
The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; (Song 2:12)
in the bulb
The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; (Song 2:12)
God created the world, the beauty of nature, and the gift of love and He gave us senses to enjoy them. We should not let problems, conflicts, or the ravages of time ruin our ability to enjoy God’s gifts. In every flower, we are invited to take time to enjoy the world God has created. And to listen to God’s Voice. Each thing He has created has a message from Him to us.
I love all of His beautiful flowers. They are memories of Eden, pointing to the blessed country into which, if faithful, we shall soon enter. With each blossom, Jesus is leading my mind to the health-giving properties of the flowers and trees.
I can direct my mind to the lovely birds making the air musical with their happy songs, to the spires of grass and the gloriously tinted flowers in their perfection perfuming the air. All of these, each in their own distinctive voice, proclaim the love and skill of the heavenly Artist and show forth the glory of God.
Scripture makes use of flowers in many ways:
The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; the fig tree puts forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.
No matter what weather it is outside, it may be spring-time within. If your hearts have been frost-bound and barren, may they now begin to thaw at the approach of Jesus! Many of us have asked for His company, and believe that he will be here; and when he comes, he will make our souls rejoice. They shall be as watered gardens when the summer blossoms return again.
The invitation of every flower is to fellowship in the midst of the pure loveliness of nature, where all is adapted to meet and sustain the feelings of awakened love for Jesus and one another. The emotions of the soul are blended easily with the sensations derived from the outward world. When we carefully avoid extravagance, and put the soul first and not second, then the delights of the senses may help the heart to realize the deepest experience of Divine Communion.
Fields and meadows, as well as gardens, are covered with a variety of beautiful flowers now, which make walking around them totally delightful. By these, “flowers” may be meant as either the graces of the spirit in the saints, which, when during a wintertime with them, seem to be dead. Or at least are hid. But, upon a return of the Sun of Righteousness, revival, renewal are seen again. Or,the saints themselves, when in a flourishing condition, and in the exercise of grace; who may be compared to the flowers of the field for the production of them in the spring. Which is a kind of re-creation of them. Psalms 104:30; Fitly expressing the renovation of the Holy Spirit, to which our revival of them is owing. And for the beautiful fragrance of them, their character and service being of a sweet savor through the grace and righteousness of Christ.
For their beauty and ornament to the fields in which they grow, as saints are through Christ in themselves, and to the churches and interest of Christ; and for the happiness and cheerfulness in which the flowers appear in our spring or summer season, and so a proper emblem of the joy and consolation of the saints; where grace revives, Christ returns, and they are favored by communion with Jesus.
You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; And You renew the face of the earth. (Psalms 104:30)
Since the book of nature and the book of revelation bear the impress of the same master mind, they cannot but speak in harmony. By different methods, and in different languages, they witness to the same great truths. Science is ever discovering new wonders; but she brings from her research nothing that, rightly understood, conflicts with divine revelation. The book of nature and the written word shed light upon each other. They make us acquainted with God by teaching us something of the laws through which He works. Rightly understood, both the revelations of science and the experiences of life are in harmony with the testimony of Scripture to the constant working of God in nature.
In the hymn recorded by Nehemiah, the Levites sang
“Thou, even Thou, art Lord alone; Thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and Thou preserves them all.” Neh 9:6.
The apostle Paul, writing by the Holy Spirit, declares of Christ that “all things have been created through Him, and unto Him; and He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Col 1:16-17, R.V., margin. The hand that sustains the worlds in space, the hand that holds in their orderly arrangement and tireless activity all things throughout the universe of God, is the hand that was nailed to the cross for us.
“When He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13. Only by the aid of that Spirit who in the beginning “was brooding upon the face of the waters;” of that Word by whom “all things were made;” of that “true Light, which lights every person that comes into the world,” can the testimony of science be rightly interpreted. Only by their guidance can its deepest truths be discerned. Only under the direction of the Omniscient One shall we, in the study of His works, be enabled to think His thoughts after Him.
The first voice I hear in the forest speaks directly for God—for the Divine existence and presence with us in His works.
“The fool hath said in their heart, There is no God.”
Nature says in her heart, and in every color and feature of her beautiful flowers
“There is a God, and He is here!” (Heb 13:5, Deut 31:8)
the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not be hesitate (Hab 2:3)
we have hope
Evil and injustice seem to have the upper hand in the world. Like Habakkuk, Christians often feel angry and discouraged as they see what goes on. Habakkuk complained vigorously to God about the situation. God’s answer to Habakkuk is the same answer he would give us:
“If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place.”
Though it appear to be long, do not be impatient; it will surely come; it will not tarry longer than the prescribed time, and this time is not far distant. Wait for it.
“Wait patiently.”
We must trust God even when we don’t understand why events occur as they do.
An appointed time speaks of a determined time in God’s eyes. Though it tarries, wait for it: God knows His plan and the outworking of all things in accordance with His purposes. Christians are responsible to study and proclaim His revelation while awaiting its fulfillment. it will surely come:
The assurance of fulfillment lies in God Himself. It will not tarry:
The fulfillment of the vision would not take any longer than God had planned.
The faith that strengthened Habakkuk and all the holy and the just in those days of deep trial was the same faith that sustains God’s people today. In the darkest hours, under circumstances the most forbidding, the Christian believer may keep his soul stayed upon the source of all light and power. Day by day, through faith in God, his hope and courage may be renewed. “The just shall live by his faith.” {CC 242.4}
We must cherish and cultivate the faith of which prophets and apostles have testified–the faith that lays hold on the promises of God and waits for deliverance in His appointed time and way. The sure word of prophecy will meet its final fulfillment in the glorious advent of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, as King of kings and Lord of lords.
With the prophet who endeavored to encourage Judah in a time of unparalleled apostasy, let us confidently declare, “The Lord is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.” Let us ever hold in remembrance the cheering message, “The vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come.” {CC 242.5}
