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

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon and Brother Richard! I, too, was impressed by the same paragraph, Brother Richard!!

What a faith journey Mary, the earthly mother of Jesus, experienced!

"From the day when she heard the angel's announcement in the home at Nazareth Mary had treasured every evidence that Jesus was the Messiah. His sweet, unselfish life assured her that He could be no other than the Sent of God. Yet there came to her also doubts and disappointments, and she had longed for the time when His glory should be revealed. Death had separated her from Joseph, who had shared her knowledge of the mystery of the birth of Jesus. Now there was no one to whom she could confide her hopes and fears. The past two months had been very sorrowful. She had been parted from Jesus, in whose sympathy she found comfort; she pondered upon the words of Simeon, 'A sword shall pierce through thy own soul also' (Luke 2:35); she recalled the three days of agony when she thought Jesus lost to her forever; and with an anxious heart she awaited His return." {The Desire of Ages, page 145, paragraph 1}

Apparently having faith in Jesus does not always mean a smooth road. At times we may suffer and experience emotional struggles as we are seeking to grasp the meaning of the word of God and His specific will for us. As Mary had to battle through doubts and disappointments, and even though she did not grasp before His crucifixion His mission, she did trust Him completely. Things became clearer with subsequent events in Jesus' life and ministry. He was ever seeking to prepare her and His disciples for what He would face at the cross, but they did not grasp it as it was so out of harmony with the purposes and thoughts that they had about Christ as the Messiah, expecting Him to reign as a temporal king in Jerusalem. Yet all the same, Jesus faithfully fulfilled His mission and did so right on prophetic time (see Daniel 9:24-27). As we learn to trust Christ completely and let Him guide our lives in the path He knows is best, let us remember that God will help us to depend upon Him and overcome sin by His divine grace, purifying the heart fully surrendered to Him, and enabling us to reflect His character with all of the fruit of the Spirit in the life without one trait of His divine nature missing. Christ guiding us will enable us to be obedient up the light of God's law that we understand! Let us talk and speak faith because Jesus is truly our Savior and He who came the first time will come again in the clouds of heaven very soon!

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

What an Example! Jesus shows us a godly way of interacting with people, while being true to His Father's will at each step. While He Himself chose to remain single, Jesus attended the wedding feast with His disciples and offers us a beautiful witness of how we can interact with others in a way that points their thoughts up to heaven! Praise God for the gift of salvation in Jesus and the experience He gives us in serving the Lord in all circumstances.

"Jesus reproved self-indulgence in all its forms, yet He was social in His nature. He accepted the hospitality of all classes, visiting the homes of the rich and the poor, the learned and the ignorant, and seeking to elevate their thoughts from questions of commonplace life to those things that are spiritual and eternal. He gave no license to dissipation, and no shadow of worldly levity marred His conduct; yet He found pleasure in scenes of innocent happiness, and by His presence sanctioned the social gathering. A Jewish marriage was an impressive occasion, and its joy was not displeasing to the Son of man. By attending this feast, Jesus honored marriage as a divine institution." {The Desire of Ages, page 150, paragraph 5}

As we surrender all to Jesus, all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing will be seen in our lives. We will be enabled to live in true obedience to God's law as the new heart Jesus gives us expands in union and communion with Him! Let us choose to reflect Christ to others by abiding in Him!

[Richard Myers]

Amen Pastor Sean. The love we have for Jesus enables Him to take possession of the heart. We then are partakers of His divine nature and are set free from the bondage of sin within.

  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. 

[Richard Myers]

"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."

The Word of God says. " We are to be "IN" the world but not "Of The World." The Jewish nation was practicing a policy of "Isolationism " but Jesus made it clear that it was His policy to take His message of Salvation to ALL THE WORLD. In His Word it says in Matthew 24:14"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." We should be praying every day that God will lead us and guide us to people who need to know our Wonderful Jesus and the Great Plan that has been executed so that  " Whosoever " may come and find the Joy of Our Salvation.

[Beacon]

"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."

May "WE" all be willing to say...."Lord I Belive ---Help Thou My Unbelief !! 

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

1
When we walk with the Lord
  In the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way;
  While we do His good will,
  He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
    Trust and obey,
For there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
  But to trust and obey.
2
Not a shadow can rise,
  Not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
  Not a doubt or a fear,
  Not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
3
Not a burden we bear,
  Not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
  Not a grief or a loss,
  Not a frown or a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey.
4
But we never can prove
  The delights of His love,
Until all on the altar we lay;
  For the favor He shows,
  And the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
5
Then in fellowship sweet
  We will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
  What He says we will do;
  Where He sends, we will go,
Never fear, only trust and obey.

Lyrics:John Henry Sammis (1846-1919)
Music:Daniel Brink Towner (1850-1919)

[Richard Myers]

Amen Brother Beacon, we ought never fear, only trust and obey.

     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....
     
     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]

Amen, Brother Beacon and Brother Richard!!

Praise the Lord for the life and character of Jesus as a perfect Example for us to follow, especially in how to be "social to save." Christ mingled with people because He loved them and desired to bless them, not only desiring to bless them temporally, but most of all, with salvation! As we learn of Him, spending "a thoughtful hour" with Jesus each day in contemplation of His life and great sacrifice for us, we partake of His grace that makes it possible for us to partake of the divine nature which is reflected in all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing in affectionate obedience to God's commandments, eager to do God's will!

"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." {The Desire of Ages, page 151, paragraph 2}

Christ's invitation is open to us today to come and learn of Him. If we will, we will be truly blessed, and in turn go forth to bless others! "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).

[Beacon]

'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."

"We should never give to the world the false impression that Christians are a gloomy, unhappy people. If our eyes are fixed on Jesus, we shall see a compassionate Redeemer, and shall catch light from His countenance.

"Wherever His Spirit reigns, there peace abides. And there will be joy also, for there is a calm, holy trust in God."

Are "WE" willing to minister as Christ did??

==========================
1
Come, every soul by sin oppressed,
  There’s mercy with the Lord;
And He will surely give you rest
  By trusting in His Word.
    Only trust Him! Only trust Him!
  Only trust Him now!
He will save you! He will save you!
    He will save you now!
2
For Jesus shed His precious blood
  Rich blessings to bestow;
Plunge now into the crimson flood
  That washeth white as snow.
3
Yes, Jesus is the Truth, the Way,
  That leads you into rest;
Believe in Him without delay,
  And you are fully blest.
4
Come then, and join the holy band,
  And on to glory go;
In Christ’s redemption take your stand,
  And all His goodness know.

Lyrics:John Hart Stockton (1813-1877)
Music:John Hart Stockton (1813-1877)

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon!

Why did Jesus do what He did? It was all out of love! Jesus loves to see happy, godly marriages and happy families experiencing His will in their lives. Yet in all of His interactions with people in various life seasons, including when He was at the marriage feast, He sought to point their thoughts up to heavenly things that are eternal. As we surrender our whole heart to Jesus, all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing will flow in our lives as are empowered by God to live in true obedience to God's commandments! What a blessing it is to look to Jesus and grow more like Him day by day!

"Jesus reproved self-indulgence in all its forms, yet He was social in His nature. He accepted the hospitality of all classes, visiting the homes of the rich and the poor, the learned and the ignorant, and seeking to elevate their thoughts from questions of commonplace life to those things that are spiritual and eternal. He gave no license to dissipation, and no shadow of worldly levity marred His conduct; yet He found pleasure in scenes of innocent happiness, and by His presence sanctioned the social gathering. A Jewish marriage was an impressive occasion, and its joy was not displeasing to the Son of man. By attending this feast, Jesus honored marriage as a divine institution." {The Desire of Ages, page 150, paragraph 5}

If we value what God values, then we get to experience the joy of the Lord! While the world seeks to corrupt and confuse the very things God gave for our happiness (especially marriage and the Sabbath, both established in Eden), Jesus sets the perfect example to keep things in their proper perspective! He hallowed the marriage relation by His presence at the wedding as recorded in John 2 and showed that He is Lord of the Sabbath by keeping it according to God's word! While we can gladly look forward to heaven, God desires us in this life to be happy, peaceful and obedient as the kind of witnesses that reflect His character in a way to make His kingdom and service appear attractive--as it really is! Loving and lovable Christians are a some of the most powerful witnesses in favor of the reality of true Christianity!

[Richard Myers]

Amen my dear brothers.   

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.

[Beacon]

"From the day when she heard the angel's announcement in the home at Nazareth Mary had treasured every evidence that Jesus was the Messiah". "

"His sweet, unselfish life assured her that He could be no other than the Sent of God."

"Yet there came to her also doubts and disappointments, and she had longed for the time when His glory should be revealed. Death had separated her from Joseph, who had shared her knowledge of the mystery of the birth of Jesus. Now there was no one to whom she could confide her hopes and fears."

"The past two months had been very sorrowful."

"She had been parted from Jesus, in whose sympathy she found comfort; she pondered upon the words of Simeon, 'A sword shall pierce through thy own soul also' (Luke 2:35); she recalled the three days of agony when she thought Jesus lost to her forever; and with an anxious heart she awaited His return."

Are "WE" waiting with an anxious heart for the return of Jesus or are "WE" distracted and allured by the things of this world. Jesus told us that " No man can serve two masters." Perhaps it's time to do an honest introspection on our "OWN " relationship with Jesus.

=======================
1
Stand up! stand up for Jesus!
  Ye soldiers of the cross;
Lift high His royal banner,
  It must not suffer loss:
From vict’ry unto vict’ry
  His army shall He lead,
Till every foe is vanquished
  And Christ is Lord indeed.
    Stand up for Jesus
Ye soldiers of the cross;
Lift high His royal banner,
  It must not, it must not suffer loss.
2
Stand up! stand up for Jesus!
  The trumpet call obey;
Forth to the mighty conflict
  In this His glorious day.
Ye that are men, now serve Him
  Against unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger.
  And strength to strength oppose.
3
Stand up! stand up for Jesus!
  Stand in His strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you;
  Ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the Gospel armor,
  And, watching unto prayer,
Where duty calls, or danger,
  Be never wanting there.
4
Stand up! stand up for Jesus!
  The strife will not be long:
This day the noise of battle,
  The next the victor’s song;
To him that overcometh
  A crown of life shall be;
He, with the King of glory,
  Shall reign eternally.

Lyrics:George Duffield (1818-1888)
Music:Adam Geibel (1855-1933)

[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."

If you are wondering how you can be an effective witness for Jesus here is the answer in this short paragraph. Society today makes it much harder but if we are genuinely seeking the good of lost souls the Lord will lead us to them. One thing that stood out to me is that when Jesus went to the mountains it was not for a selfish personal retreat but to spend time in prayer with His Father for the power to work among souls that needed His healing words and touch and to face the tasks of the day. He dare not start out alone and here lies the example for us to follow. We need Jesus every step of the way to show us how to communicate with people to bring relief to their weary and burdened hearts and lead them to God.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!

Why do we spend time with Jesus? His love attracts us to Him, converting our hearts as we yield to His divine grace, enabling us to reflect all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing as we see them in His blameless life. True obedience is the fruit of knowing and loving God wholeheartedly. We daily get to spend time with Jesus so we can become like Him, experience His love, and be a blessing in life. God has so much more for us each day--so we can overflow to bless others!

"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}

New insights of His love keep our lives strong and sound. It is the perception and appreciation of God's love that works the renunciation of selfishness. As we learn that God is patient with us in our human weakness and seeks to guide us in the path that is best, our hearts and softened and subdued by divine influences in such a way that our greatest desire is for Jesus and doing His will. Such a life in blessing others is a joy!

[Richard Myers]

Amen my dear friends!

 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. 

Yes, we can become partakers of our Savior's character, even His divine nature! Such a miracle, the greatest of all miracles!