The Desire of Ages--15--At the Marriage Feast

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon!

Let Jesus animate you with His very life, His very character--all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing as you abide in Him in total surrender!

"Christ is pleased with His followers when they show that, though human, they are partakers of the divine nature. They are not statues, but living men and women. Their hearts, refreshed by the dews of divine grace, open and expand to the Sun of Righteousness. The light that shines upon them they reflect upon others in works that are luminous with the love of Christ." {The Desire of Ages, page 153, paragraph 1}

When we shed the light of a cheerful piety upon the life path of others, they are blessed and we are also blessed in being a blessing! Trust the Lord to lead you in His plans each day as you keep your eyes fixed on Christ!

[Richard Myers]

   Amen my dear brothers.


We should all become witnesses for Jesus. Social power, sanctified by the grace of Christ, must be improved in winning souls to the Saviour. Let the world see that we are not selfishly absorbed in our own interests, but that we desire others to share our blessings and privileges. Let them see that our religion does not make us unsympathetic or exacting. Let all who profess to have found Christ, minister as He did for the benefit of men.

[Philip T]

  Jesus saw in every soul one to whom must be given the call to His kingdom. He reached the hearts of the people by going among them as one who desired their good. He sought them in the public streets, in private houses, on the boats, in the synagogue, by the shores of the lake, and at the marriage feast. He met them at their daily vocations, and manifested an interest in their secular affairs. He carried His instruction into the household, bringing families in their own homes under the influence of His divine presence. His strong personal sympathy helped to win hearts. He often repaired to the mountains for solitary prayer, but this was a preparation for His labor among men in active life. From these seasons He came forth to relieve the sick, to instruct the ignorant, and to break the chains from the captives of Satan.


Jesus met people where they were in their daily lives, at work, at home, socializing, and showed interest in them on a personal basis, we should be using this same approach when doing God's work; however, it must also be noted that he also withdrew from the people to pray and commune with His Father. So how much more do we need to withdraw from the world and recharge our batteries and then return to the field of labor, we see this is Patriarchs and Prophets  p86,4 also.
"In the midst of a life of active labor, Enoch steadfastly maintained his communion with God. The greater and more pressing his labors, the more constant and earnest were his prayers. He continued to exclude himself, at certain periods, from all society. After remaining for a time among the people, laboring to benefit them by instruction and example, he would withdraw, to spend a season in solitude, hungering and thirsting for that divine knowledge which God alone can impart. Communing thus with God, Enoch came more and more to reflect the divine image. His face was radiant with a holy light, even the light that shineth in the face of Jesus. As he came forth from these divine communings, even the ungodly beheld with awe the impress of heaven upon his countenance."

[Beacon]

"Jesus saw in every soul one to whom must be given the call to His kingdom."

"He reached the hearts of the people by going among them as one who desired their good."

"He sought them in the public streets, in private houses, on the boats, in the synagogue, by the shores of the lake, and at the marriage feast."

"He met them at their daily vocations, and manifested an interest in their secular affairs."

"He carried His instruction into the household, bringing families in their own homes under the influence of His divine presence."

"His strong personal sympathy helped to win hearts."

"He often repaired to the mountains for solitary prayer, but this was a preparation for His labor among men in active life. From these seasons He came forth to relieve the sick, to instruct the ignorant, and to break the chains from the captives of Satan."

Once again "WE" see Jesus setting an exemplary course for us ----Are "WE" Willing to Follow??

=======================

1
Living for Jesus a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.
 
O Jesus, Lord and Savior,
I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy [redemption],*
Didst give Thyself for me;
I own no other Master,
My heart shall be Thy throne,
My life I give, henceforth to live,
O Christ, for Thee alone.
2
Living for Jesus who died in my place,
Bearing on Calv’ry my sin and disgrace;
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.
3
Living for Jesus wherever I am,
Doing each duty in His holy name;
Willing to suffer affliction and loss,
Deeming each trial a part of my cross.
4
Living for Jesus through earth’s little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.

Lyrics:Thomas Obediah Chisholm (1866-1960)
Music:Carl Harold Lowden (1883-1963)

[Richard Myers]

Amen dear Brother Beacon!! It is our joy to seek for the lost!

  The example of Christ in linking Himself with the interests of humanity should be followed by all who preach His word, and by all who have received the gospel of His grace. We are not to renounce social communion. We should not seclude ourselves from others. In order to reach all classes, we must meet them where they are. They will seldom seek us of their own accord. Not alone from the pulpit are the hearts of men touched by divine truth. There is another field of labor, humbler, it may be, but fully as promising. It is found in the home of the lowly, and in the mansion of the great; at the hospitable board, and in gatherings for innocent social enjoyment.
     As disciples of Christ we shall not mingle with the world from a mere love of pleasure, to unite with them in folly. Such associations can result only in harm. We should never give sanction to sin by our words or our deeds, our silence or our presence. Wherever we go, we are to carry Jesus with us, and to reveal to others the preciousness of our Saviour. But those who try to preserve their religion by hiding it within stone walls lose precious opportunities of doing good. Through the social relations, Christianity comes in contact with the world. Everyone who has received the divine illumination is to brighten the pathway of those who know not the Light of life.

[Dorine]

We should all become witnesses for Jesus. Social power, sanctified by the grace of Christ, must be improved in winning souls to the Saviour. Let the world see that we are not selfishly absorbed in our own interests, but that we desire others to share our blessings and privileges. Let them see that our religion does not make us unsympathetic or exacting. Let all who profess to have found Christ, minister as He did for the benefit of men.

Praise God that we have the example of Christ that helps us in our daily walk with Him and in blessing others. That's why it is so important that we constantly lift up Jesus in our own lives and to all we come in contact with. We are selfish by nature but in daily walking with Jesus we see a life that is totally void of self and He says "Follow me."

[Beacon]

"We should not seclude ourselves from others. In order to reach all classes, we must meet them where they are. They will seldom seek us of their own accord. Not alone from the pulpit are the hearts of men touched by divine truth."

"There is another field of labor, humbler, it may be, but fully as promising. It is found in the home of the lowly, and in the mansion of the great; at the hospitable board, and in gatherings for innocent social enjoyment."

"As disciples of Christ we shall not mingle with the world from a mere love of pleasure, to unite with them in folly." "Such associations can result only in harm."

 "We should never give sanction to sin by our words or our deeds, our silence or our presence. Wherever we go, we are to carry Jesus with us, and to reveal to others the preciousness of our Saviour."

"But those who try to preserve their religion by hiding it within stone walls lose precious opportunities of doing good. Through the social relations, Christianity comes in contact with the world. Everyone who has received the divine illumination is to brighten the pathway of those who know not the Light of life."

Are "WE" willing to take heed to this counsel??


==================

1
Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
2
Take my hands, and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love;
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee,
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
3
Take my voice, and let me sing
Always, only, for my King;
Take my lips, and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee,
Filled with messages from Thee.
4
Take my silver and my gold;
Not a mite would I withhold;
Take my intellect, and use
Every power as Thou shalt choose,
Every power as Thou shalt choose.
5
Take my will, and make it Thine;
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart; it is Thine own;
It shall be Thy royal throne,
It shall be Thy royal throne.
6
Take my love; my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure-store.
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.

Lyrics:Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879)
Music:Henri Abraham Cesar Malan (1787-1864)

[Dorine]

  Jesus saw in every soul one to whom must be given the call to His kingdom. He reached the hearts of the people by going among them as one who desired their good. He sought them in the public streets, in private houses, on the boats, in the synagogue, by the shores of the lake, and at the marriage feast. He met them at their daily vocations, and manifested an interest in their secular affairs. He carried His instruction into the household, bringing families in their own homes under the influence of His divine presence. His strong personal sympathy helped to win hearts. He often repaired to the mountains for solitary prayer, but this was a preparation for His labor among men in active life. From these seasons He came forth to relieve the sick, to instruct the ignorant, and to break the chains from the captives of Satan.

It is vital to our spiritual health to take quality time each morning to spend with God for a fresh supply of His Spirit. But if we are only doing it for ourselves and not going forth as Jesus did to bless others then we are deceived and we will not have the peace of Jesus in our hearts. We may feel very close to Jesus while in solitude with Him and His word but if when we leave that space we do not take Him with us through out the day we will lose Him. We will not be prepared to face the challenges of the day nor will we be in an attitude of serving others.  Seventh-day Adventist doesn't mean we only have room for Jesus on Sabbath. It's a moment by moment abiding in Jesus every day. Oh may we be learning day by day to follow Jesus fully and the example He has left for us.

[JimB]

The feast that He provides for the soul never fails to give satisfaction and joy. Each new gift increases the capacity of the receiver to appreciate and enjoy the blessings of the Lord. He gives grace for grace. There can be no failure of supply. If you abide in Him, the fact that you receive a rich gift today insures the reception of a richer gift tomorrow.

Amen Beacon, and Dorine! Wow... what a promise! If we abide we can expect not only a new gift every day but a greater gift and there will be no failure of supply. Unlike the supply chains in this world that we know can be disrupted, Jesus never fails.

[Richard Myers]

Amen, amen, and amen! We covered such important truths!

     The example of Christ in linking Himself with the interests of humanity should be followed by all who preach His word, and by all who have received the gospel of His grace. We are not to renounce social communion. We should not seclude ourselves from others. In order to reach all classes, we must meet them where they are. They will seldom seek us of their own accord. Not alone from the pulpit are the hearts of men touched by divine truth. There is another field of labor, humbler, it may be, but fully as promising. It is found in the home of the lowly, and in the mansion of the great; at the hospitable board, and in gatherings for innocent social enjoyment.

Amen! We are to reach all classes where they are, both physically and spiritually. It is our joy to find these precious souls who are seeking truth!

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon, Sister Dorine, Brother Jim and Brother Richard!

God is so good to give us satisfaction and joy in all He provides! His grace is sufficient for us, and He fills us with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing as long as we are abiding in Him!

"As men set forth the best wine first, then afterward that which is worse, so does the world with its gifts. That which it offers may please the eye and fascinate the senses, but it proves to be unsatisfying. The wine turns to bitterness, the gaiety to gloom. That which was begun with songs and mirth ends in weariness and disgust. But the gifts of Jesus are ever fresh and new. The feast that He provides for the soul never fails to give satisfaction and joy. Each new gift increases the capacity of the receiver to appreciate and enjoy the blessings of the Lord. He gives grace for grace. There can be no failure of supply. If you abide in Him, the fact that you receive a rich gift today insures the reception of a richer gift tomorrow. The words of Jesus to Nathanael express the law of God's dealing with the children of faith. With every fresh revelation of His love, He declares to the receptive heart, 'Believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.' John 1:50." {The Desire of Ages, page 148, paragraph 3}

God keeps doing more and more for us! We are saved by grace through faith that works by love. Such an experience of surrendering fully to Christ brings all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing into the life!

[Beacon]

"The gifts of Jesus are ever fresh and new. The feast that He provides for the soul never fails to give satisfaction and joy. Each new gift increases the capacity of the receiver to appreciate and enjoy the blessings of the Lord."

"He gives grace for grace. There can be no failure of supply. If you abide in Him, the fact that you receive a rich gift today insures the reception of a richer gift tomorrow. The words of Jesus to Nathanael express the law of God's dealing with the children of faith. With every fresh revelation of His love, He declares to the receptive heart, 'Believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.' John 1:50.

Do "WE" believe this?? What JOY awaits the one who learns to Trust in Jesus!!

=========================

1
Amazing grace! how sweet the sound,
  That saved a wretch; like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
  Was blind, but now I see.
2
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
  And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
  The hour I first believed!
3
The Lord hath promised good to me,
  His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
  As long as life endures.
4
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
  Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
  Than when we first begun.

Lyrics:John Newton (1725-1807)
Music:Traditional American melody

[Richard Myers]

Amen Brother Beacon! We may have love, joy, and peace every day!

   Christ is pleased with His followers when they show that, though human, they are partakers of the divine nature. They are not statues, but living men and women. Their hearts, refreshed by the dews of divine grace, open and expand to the Sun of Righteousness. The light that shines upon them they reflect upon others in works that are luminous with the love of Christ. 

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Would you like Jesus to train you? He is happy to!

"It was by personal contact and association that Jesus trained His disciples. Sometimes He taught them, sitting among them on the mountainside; sometimes beside the sea, or walking with them by the way, He revealed the mysteries of the kingdom of God. He did not sermonize as men do today. Wherever hearts were open to receive the divine message, He unfolded the truths of the way of salvation. He did not command His disciples to do this or that, but said, 'Follow Me.' On His journeys through country and cities He took them with Him, that they might see how He taught the people. He linked their interest with His, and they united with Him in the work." {The Desire of Ages, page 152, paragraph 1}

Thankfully, Jesus is well able to train us today through the chosen, consecrated messengers He has placed in His body--the church! He has given each member its role in ministering to other members of the body (see 1 Corinthians 12). The fact that God can use the humblest instrument for the igniting of church planting movements should encourage each of us to be "all in" for whatever Jesus wants to "work in" and through our lives (see Philippians 2:13). As we take up the very work Jesus has given us in the gospel commission (Matthew 28:18-20) and give the present truth for this time (Revelation 14:6-12), it is a blessing to experience the even more personal training of Jesus through His representative, the Holy Spirit! He will guide us into all truth as we surrender fully to Him! Not only does the Holy Spirit lead us into all truth, but He brings to us all of the attributes of the divine nature, also known as the fruits of the Spirit, enabling us to reflect Christ more and more fully the more we learn of Him! Hallelujah!

[Richard Myers]

Amen pastor sean. By beholding Jesus His disciples both were transformed into His image, as we might be also.

The word of Christ supplied ample provision for the feast. So abundant is the provision of His grace to blot out the iniquities of men, and to renew and sustain the soul. 

Grace is more than a word, it is the power that transforms sinners into saints.

[Dorine]

But though Mary had not a right conception of Christ's mission, she trusted Him implicitly. To this faith Jesus responded. It was to honor Mary's trust, and to strengthen the faith of His disciples, that the first miracle was performed. The disciples were to encounter many and great temptations to unbelief. To them the prophecies had made it clear beyond all controversy that Jesus was the Messiah. They looked for the religious leaders to receive Him with confidence even greater than their own. They declared among the people the wonderful works of Christ and their own confidence in His mission, but they were amazed and bitterly disappointed by the unbelief, the deep-seated prejudice, and the enmity to Jesus, displayed by the priests and rabbis. The Saviour's early miracles strengthened the disciples to stand against this opposition.

We don't need to understand; we just need to hold His hand. This story may have a different ending if it had not been for the faith of Mary in her Son, the Messiah. We are each given a measure of faith. If we do not exercise what God has given to us how can He add to it ? I am learning daily what it means to exercise the faith that has been given to me. It's a 'game changer' as the saying goes today; in the way in which I trust God and in the way I face my day. God is good in every circumstance. Trust Him fully in the good times as well as the tough times.

[Dorine]

   At His visit to the temple in His boyhood, as the mystery of His lifework opened before Him, Christ had said to Mary, "Wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business?" Luke 2:49. These words struck the keynote of His whole life and ministry. Everything was held in abeyance to His work, the great work of redemption which He had come into the world to accomplish. Now He repeated the lesson. There was danger that Mary would regard her relationship to Jesus as giving her a special claim upon Him, and the right, in some degree, to direct Him in His mission. For thirty years He had been to her a loving and obedient son, and His love was unchanged; but He must now go about His Father's work. As Son of the Most High, and Saviour of the world, no earthly ties must hold Him from His mission, or influence His conduct. He must stand free to do the will of God. This lesson is also for us. The claims of God are paramount even to the ties of human relationship. No earthly attraction should turn our feet from the path in which He bids us walk.

This is one of the most difficult tests for those who must travel the Christian road alone. Human family ties are very strong and can be a cause of losing our way if we are not totally committed in our dedication to God. Many are being tested right now but it will become more intense in the times ahead. Our daily devotion and time spent with Jesus is vitally important for our eternal salvation for one day adds to another in strengthening our walk with Jesus. Hero's are not born on the battle field. They have trained with great discipline. We are in the most important battle our lives will ever see. It takes decided effort to face the constant battle that rages within each of us. We can not do it alone. With Christ as our Captain we experience victories everyday until the war is over and we will live and reign with Him forever.

[Philip T]

     As disciples of Christ we shall not mingle with the world from a mere love of pleasure, to unite with them in folly. Such associations can result only in harm. We should never give sanction to sin by our words or our deeds, our silence or our presence. Wherever we go, we are to carry Jesus with us, and to reveal to others the preciousness of our Saviour. But those who try to preserve their religion by hiding it within stone walls lose precious opportunities of doing good. Through the social relations, Christianity comes in contact with the world. Everyone who has received the divine illumination is to brighten the pathway of those who know not the Light of life.[/size]

We are to be the light of the world. Jesus says I am the light of the world, so in all our associations we having put on the character of God reflect that light to those around us, as the moon reflects the light of the son to the world. We are the work of God and as such we have that work assigned us by God to reflect and share with those around us. To keep it to oneself is not the example of Jesus.

[Richard Myers]

Amen Brother Philip!  We are to be His witnesses of the power of grace to transform sinners into saints.  When in Christ we are partakers of His divine nature since the  third Person of the godhead lives in our heart. Christ has imparted His righteousness to all who love Him supremely. Our righteousness then is not filthy rags as many believe and teach. As Sister Dorine has shared, it is a battle every day to maintain our connection with Jesus, for it is only when we are fully surrendered that we can reflect His character to a world soon to perish.

A doctrine which has been difficult to understand was cleared up for me this morning. Who is the bride of Christ? It is not the individual, it is His Church. Yes, we have that vital connection with Him, but it is all who love Him supremely that the Bible calls His bride.

In both the Old and the New Testament, the marriage relation is employed to represent the tender and sacred union that exists between Christ and His people. To the mind of Jesus the gladness of the wedding festivities pointed forward to the rejoicing of that day when He shall bring home His bride to the Father's house, and the redeemed with the Redeemer shall sit down to the marriage supper of the Lamb. He says, "As the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee." "Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; . . . but thou shalt be called My Delight; . . . for the Lord delighteth in thee." "He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing." Isaiah 62:5, 4, margin; Zephaniah 3:17. When the vision of heavenly things was granted to John the apostle, he wrote: "I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready." "Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb." Revelation 19:6, 7, 9.

We are all members of His bride.