The Desire of Ages--14--We Have Found the Messias

[Philip T]

  And he who seeks to give light to others will himself be blessed. "There shall be showers of blessing." "He that watereth shall be watered also himself." Proverbs 11:25. God could have reached His object in saving sinners without our aid; but in order for us to develop a character like Christ's, we must share in His work. In order to enter into His joy,--the joy of seeing souls redeemed by His sacrifice,--we must participate in His labors for their redemption.


     This paragraph jumped off the page as I read this chapter today. To be watered from heaven ourselves we must be willing to water others around us. We grow our characters to be like Christ character by reaching out to those around us and saying, "come and see Jesus for yourself". The only thing we will take into heaven at the 2nd Advent and the new world with us in a character like Jesus. So, the question to answer is are we planting seeds in those around us, are we preparing ourselves for the 2nd advent by helping other understand the truth we have with the invitation come and see Jesus?

[Beacon]

"The teaching of Christ was the expression of an inwrought conviction and experience, and those who learn of Him become teachers after the divine order."

"The word of God, spoken by one who is himself sanctified through it, has a life-giving power that makes it attractive to the hearers, and convicts them that it is a living reality."
 
"When one has received the truth in the love of it, he will make this manifest in the persuasion of his manner and the tones of his voice. He makes known that which he himself has heard, seen, and handled of the word of life, that others may have fellowship with him through the knowledge of Christ. His testimony, from lips touched with a live coal from off the altar, is truth to the receptive heart, and works sanctification upon the character."

"He who seeks to give light to others will himself be blessed."

 "There shall be showers of blessing and "He that watereth shall be watered also himself." Proverbs 11:25.

"God could have reached His object in saving sinners without our aid; but in order for us to develop a character like Christ's, we must share in His work."

"In order to enter into His joy,--the joy of seeing souls redeemed by His sacrifice,--we must participate in His labors for their redemption."

Just think --- "WE" have been invited to be Team Members of the army of Our Savior--What an awesome Privilege and Responsibility. Are "YOU & I willing to team up with the Angles of Heaven.??

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

1
All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.
 
I surrender all,
  I surrender all.
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
    I surrender all.
2
All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.
3
All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.
4
All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me.
5
All to Jesus I surrender,
Now I feel the sacred flame.
Oh, the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory to His name!

Lyrics:Judson W. Van de Venter (1855-1939)
Music:Winfield Scott Weeden (1847-1908)

[Richard Myers]

Amen Brother Beacon! I chose the very same truth! Glory, glory to His name!

    The teaching of Christ was the expression of an inwrought conviction and experience, and those who learn of Him become teachers after the divine order. The word of God, spoken by one who is himself sanctified through it, has a life-giving power that makes it attractive to the hearers, and convicts them that it is a living reality. When one has received the truth in the love of it, he will make this manifest in the persuasion of his manner and the tones of his voice. He makes known that which he himself has heard, seen, and handled of the word of life, that others may have fellowship with him through the knowledge of Christ. His testimony, from lips touched with a live coal from off the altar, is truth to the receptive heart, and works sanctification upon the character.
     And he who seeks to give light to others will himself be blessed. "There shall be showers of blessing." "He that watereth shall be watered also himself." Proverbs 11:25. God could have reached His object in saving sinners without our aid; but in order for us to develop a character like Christ's, we must share in His work. In order to enter into His joy,--the joy of seeing souls redeemed by His sacrifice,--we must participate in His labors for their redemption. 

[Dorine]

  The teaching of Christ was the expression of an inwrought conviction and experience, and those who learn of Him become teachers after the divine order. The word of God, spoken by one who is himself sanctified through it, has a life-giving power that makes it attractive to the hearers, and convicts them that it is a living reality. When one has received the truth in the love of it, he will make this manifest in the persuasion of his manner and the tones of his voice. He makes known that which he himself has heard, seen, and handled of the word of life, that others may have fellowship with him through the knowledge of Christ. His testimony, from lips touched with a live coal from off the altar, is truth to the receptive heart, and works sanctification upon the character.      And he who seeks to give light to others will himself be blessed. "There shall be showers of blessing." "He that watereth shall be watered also himself." Proverbs 11:25.

God could have reached His object in saving sinners without our aid; but in order for us to develop a character like Christ's, we must share in His work. In order to enter into His joy,--the joy of seeing souls redeemed by His sacrifice,--we must participate in His labors for their redemption.

If we are not working in some way to spread the good news of salvation in bringing souls to Christ we will be like a log taken out of the fire to burn alone. It soon goes out and dies. Let's never tire of burning for Jesus by being where the people are (within our ability) ready to assist the needy and bring hope to the lost. Angels go before us to prepare the way and the Holy Spirit gives us words to speak that will lead them to Christ. What joy there is in witnessing a person give their life to God.

[Richard Myers]

Amen dear sister!  What Joy we have in sharing truth with those who truly are seeking truth!

[Beacon]

"When one has received the truth in the love of it, he will make this manifest in the persuasion of his manner and the tones of his voice. He makes known that which he himself has heard, seen, and handled of the word of life, that others may have fellowship with him through the knowledge of Christ."

"His testimony, from lips touched with a live coal from off the altar, is truth to the receptive heart, and works sanctification upon the character and he who seeks to give light to others will himself be blessed."

"There shall be showers of blessing." "He that watereth shall be watered also himself." Proverbs 11:25. God could have reached His object in saving sinners without our aid; but in order for us to develop a character like Christ's, we must share in His work."

"In order to enter into His joy,--the joy of seeing souls redeemed by His sacrifice,--we must participate in His labors for their redemption.

The Big Question is -----Are "WE" willing to participate??

==========================
1
Serve Him! Serve Him! We can serve Him!
In this age and in the next!
For eternity we’ll serve Him!
How we’ll serve Him, He knows best!
What a privilege! What an honor!
As His priests we are so blessed!
2
As His priests we must come forward,
To enjoy our precious Lord!
As we spend time in His presence,
Oh what grace He does afford!
So that when we serve together,
We will serve in one accord!
3
As the basis of our service,
His blood is our surety!
It shuts up the mouth of Satan,
Giving us full liberty!
Christ is now our priestly clothing,
“Stately robes” for service, He!
4
Now the key for all our service,
Is not our ability.
To “Serve Him!” we must in spirit,
Come to Him continually!
Spirit with our spirit working,
Joined as one eternally!

Lyrics: A. C.
Music: Henry Thomas Smart (1813-18

 

[Dorine]

If Nathanael had trusted to the rabbis for guidance, he would never have found Jesus. It was by seeing and judging for himself that he became a disciple. So in the case of many today whom prejudice withholds from good. How different would be the result if they would "come and see"!

Looking to man will lead us astray. We need to feast on the word of God that we may know for ourselves that what we believe is truth. We will have knowledge and wisdom from on high and will speak with humble authority because we have 'tasted and seen' for ourselves.

[JimB]

Of one purpose only were they conscious. One presence filled their thought. They exclaimed, "Rabbi, . . . where dwellest Thou?" In a brief interview by the wayside they could not receive that for which they longed. They desired to be alone with Jesus, to sit at His feet, and hear His words.

So I've read this over and over before but it didn't really click with me before. Not that this is some deep revelation in the least but I had always thought that the question from the disciples was a bit odd but here she explains it. They weren't really interested in where He lived. They wanted a longer and deeper conversation. I can't blame them what a privilege to talk with our Messiah face to face!

[Richard Myers]

It is such a joy  to see others rejoicing over what they have received from reading the day's chapter! Today's reading is a long one. So much to learn. It is like being in a gold mine and every day finding nuggets of gold! The only way this can happen is to have prayed for the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to what we are reading. It is sad that so many can read and never see the bright light shining on every page.

    Many of those gathered at the Jordan had been present at the baptism of Jesus; but the sign then given had been manifest to but few among them. During the preceding months of the Baptist's ministry, many had refused to heed the call to repentance. Thus they had hardened their hearts and darkened their understanding. When Heaven bore testimony to Jesus at His baptism, they perceived it not. Eyes that had never been turned in faith to Him that is invisible beheld not the revelation of the glory of God; ears that had never listened to His voice heard not the words of witness. So it is now. Often the presence of Christ and the ministering angels is manifest in the assemblies of the people, and yet there are many who know it not. They discern nothing unusual. But to some the Saviour's presence is revealed. Peace and joy animate their hearts. They are comforted, encouraged, and blessed. 

It is interesting to read that Israel had expected Elijah to come, and they thought Moses would come from  the grave, and they thought their Messiah would rule as a king.  John the Baptist was studying and he too thought Jesus would rule from an earthly throne and throw off the Roman rule. Do we not see the same errors today? How many professing Christians think the Jews will build a temple and make sacrifices again? How many who are among the chosen people reject that God sent one more than a prophet in our day? How many today believe they are rich and increased with goods, but know not they are miserable, wretched, and are poor, and blind, and naked?

I would be well to spend a thoughtful hour a day contemplating the life of Jesus. By beholding His glory we would be transformed into His character day by day. The only thing that will prepare a people to receive Jesus is that His church reaches the point where Jesus can say "let him who is holy be holy still." Then Jesus  will stand up and walk out of the Most Holy Place in Heaven. His work of cleansing the sanctuary will be finished.

[Dorine]

The teaching of Christ was the expression of an inwrought conviction and experience, and those who learn of Him become teachers after the divine order. The word of God, spoken by one who is himself sanctified through it, has a life-giving power that makes it attractive to the hearers, and convicts them that it is a living reality. When one has received the truth in the love of it, he will make this manifest in the persuasion of his manner and the tones of his voice. He makes known that which he himself has heard, seen, and handled of the word of life, that others may have fellowship with him through the knowledge of Christ. His testimony, from lips touched with a live coal from off the altar, is truth to the receptive heart, and works sanctification upon the character.

Unless the truth spoken is from a heart that has tasted and seen the power of God in their lives it will not hold them firm in the truth. It's the love of the truth that anchors the Christian so that they can not be moved from it. And in order to have a love of the truth Christ must be the Master of our lives.

[JimB]

But as the people looked upon Him, they saw a face where divine compassion was blended with conscious power. Every glance of the eye, every feature of the countenance, was marked with humility, and expressive of unutterable love. He seemed to be surrounded by an atmosphere of spiritual influence. While His manners were gentle and unassuming, He impressed men with a sense of power that was hidden, yet could not be wholly concealed. Was this the One for whom Israel had so long waited?

What a wonderful description of our Savior and so it can be with us as we spend more and more time with Him.

[Richard Myers]

Amen my dear brother and sister!  It is our joy to tell others about our Savior!

     There are many who need the ministration of loving Christian hearts. Many have gone down to ruin who might have been saved if their neighbors, common men and women, had put forth personal effort for them. Many are waiting to be personally addressed. In the very family, the neighborhood, the town, where we live, there is work for us to do as missionaries for Christ. If we are Christians, this work will be our delight. No sooner is one converted than there is born within him a desire to make known to others what a precious friend he has found in Jesus. The saving and sanctifying truth cannot be shut up in his heart.
     All who are consecrated to God will be channels of light. God makes them His agents to communicate to others the riches of His grace. His promise is, "I will make them and the places round about My hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing." Ezekiel 34:26. 

[Beacon]

"Many are waiting to be personally addressed. In the very family, the neighborhood, the town, where we live, there is work for us to do as missionaries for Christ." "If we are Christians, this work will be our delight. No sooner is one converted than there is born within him a desire to make known to others what a precious friend he has found in Jesus."

"The saving and sanctifying truth cannot be shut up in his heart."

 "All who are consecrated to God will be channels of light"."

 "God makes them His agents to communicate to others the riches of His grace. His promise is, "I will make them and the places round about My hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing." Ezekiel 34:26."

I want to be a messenger for Jesus - How about "YOU"

1
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)


 

[Richard Myers]

Amen dear Brother Beacon!  Multitudes are seeking truth. Let us prayerfully find them. We will be greatly blessed!

      The teaching of Christ was the expression of an inwrought conviction and experience, and those who learn of Him become teachers after the divine order. The word of God, spoken by one who is himself sanctified through it, has a life-giving power that makes it attractive to the hearers, and convicts them that it is a living reality. When one has received the truth in the love of it, he will make this manifest in the persuasion of his manner and the tones of his voice. He makes known that which he himself has heard, seen, and handled of the word of life, that others may have fellowship with him through the knowledge of Christ. His testimony, from lips touched with a live coal from off the altar, is truth to the receptive heart, and works sanctification upon the character.
     And he who seeks to give light to others will himself be blessed. "There shall be showers of blessing." "He that watereth shall be watered also himself." Proverbs 11:25. God could have reached His object in saving sinners without our aid; but in order for us to develop a character like Christ's, we must share in His work. In order to enter into His joy,--the joy of seeing souls redeemed by His sacrifice,--we must participate in His labors for their redemption. 

It is more blessed to give than to receive. These are the words of Paul as he was returning to Jerusalem to minister to his Pharisee friends. It led to his imprisonment and death. His fellow apostles told him to do that which was not right, to do purification rites. They feared the priests and rulers would be stirred up when Paul came to Jerusalem because he had been teaching against the ceremonial laws. They hoped that seeing Paul do the purification rites would suffice making them believe he was not teaching against the ceremonial laws. His brothers were cowards and their actions led to his death (Acts 21:20-28).  The brethren hoped that Paul, by following the course suggested, might give a decisive contradiction to the false reports concerning him. They assured him that the decision of the former council concerning the Gentile converts and the ceremonial law, still held good. But the advice now given was not consistent with that decision. The Spirit of God did not prompt this instruction; it was the fruit of cowardice. The leaders of the church in Jerusalem knew that by non-conformity to the ceremonial law, Christians would bring upon themselves the hatred of the Jews and expose themselves to persecution. The Sanhedrin was doing its utmost to hinder the progress of the gospel. Men were chosen by this body to follow up the apostles, especially Paul, and in every possible way to oppose their work. Should the believers in Christ be condemned before the Sanhedrin as breakers of the law, they would suffer swift and severe punishment as apostates from the Jewish faith.  AA 404.

In attempting to please his brethren, he gave up more than God would allow. The result was the loss to the work at that time of one of the greatest pillars of the faith.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon and Brother Richard! So many lessons to learn from inspiration unfold to us!

Happy Sabbath! Jesus is the Christ! He came in the manner foretold by prophecy, but not in the manner expected by his people who had been deceived by false teaching. Let us test all we believe by God's word that authenticates its veracity in its perfect ability to predict the future and to transform lives into the image of Christ as the word of God is received into the heart in true conversion!

"Was this the Christ? With awe and wonder the people looked upon the One just declared to be the Son of God. They had been deeply moved by the words of John. He had spoken to them in the name of God. They had listened to him day after day as he reproved their sins, and daily the conviction that he was sent of Heaven had strengthened. But who was this One greater than John the Baptist? In His dress and bearing there was nothing that betokened rank. He was apparently a simple personage, clad like themselves in the humble garments of the poor." {The Desire of Ages, page 137, paragraph 2}

Jesus came so humbly--yet so powerfully in the Spirit. He offers us His life as we behold His loveliness, yield the whole heart to Him, and then miraculously experience all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing in our lives as we gladly obey God's law of love up to the light He has revealed to us!

[Richard Myers]

Amen Pastor Sean.  As we behold Jesus we are changed into His image, His character! As the Holy Spirit reveals to us Truth, we are to give that truth  to others who are seeking truth!

  And he who seeks to give light to others will himself be blessed. "There shall be showers of blessing." "He that watereth shall be watered also himself." Proverbs 11:25. God could have reached His object in saving sinners without our aid; but in order for us to develop a character like Christ's, we must share in His work. In order to enter into His joy,--the joy of seeing souls redeemed by His sacrifice,--we must participate in His labors for their redemption. 

We will be mightily blessed as we find those who want to know truth!!

[Dorine]

The angels of God are ever passing from earth to heaven, and from heaven to earth. The miracles of Christ for the afflicted and suffering were wrought by the power of God through the ministration of the angels. And it is through Christ, by the ministration of His heavenly messengers, that every blessing comes from God to us. In taking upon Himself humanity, our Saviour unites His interests with those of the fallen sons and daughters of Adam, while through His divinity He grasps the throne of God. And thus Christ is the medium of communication of men with God, and of God with men.

Another beautiful promise to meditate upon throughout the day. I believe Lord, please help my unbelief. When trials come at you from all directions Satan takes advantage of your weak points. But with Jesus our weaknesses become strengths and victories are realized. Thank you Jesus.

[rahab]

Amen Dorine

[Dorine]

There are many who need the ministration of loving Christian hearts. Many have gone down to ruin who might have been saved if their neighbors, common men and women, had put forth personal effort for them. Many are waiting to be personally addressed. In the very family, the neighborhood, the town, where we live, there is work for us to do as missionaries for Christ. If we are Christians, this work will be our delight. No sooner is one converted than there is born within him a desire to make known to others what a precious friend he has found in Jesus. The saving and sanctifying truth cannot be shut up in his heart.

So many beautiful truths to share. Sometimes we are puzzled as to who, how and when to minister to those in need. I have found my world reduced to a nursing home and a floor full of all kinds of humanity whose minds are so altered they are not recognizable as the person they once were. At first my main focus was Eric but as he settles in to his new 'home' I ask the Lord what can I do to bring cheer to the staff and the residents. Eric said to me, "Everyone is happier because you are here. I am proud of you." Wow that brought tears to my eyes for all I've been able to do so far is 'smile' and say 'good morning' or 'see you tomorrow' or 'it's nice to see you today'. God chose this particular building and floor for a purpose. It has become our mission field at this time in our lives. As the staff come back and forth to his room they see a bible and spiritual books in plain view. They see him reading and notice his pleasant face and friendly smile. Such simple things God can use to bring some sunshine into someone's life and give them hope that there is something better than what they know and experience. Not that there are no challenges with nursing care and food etc. but as we deal with these issues we remember how Jesus dealt with people and using His methods we see successes.

[Richard Myers]

Amen dear Sister Dorine! One does not have to be taught to share Jesus with the world. When born of the Spirit, when filled with the  Spirit, we have Living Water to share with those who are open to  truth. Elihu, Job's fourth friend expresses this clearly: "I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me. Behold, my belly [is] as wine [which] hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles. I will speak, that I may be refreshed." Job 32:18-20. If we are filled with the Spirit, God will lead to us those who are seeking truth. Just yesterday I had a Bible study with a contractor who had given me an estimate to do some work for me. He spent 45 minutes on the estimate and then I told him it was a beautiful day. He agreed. I then said the world is falling apart. He agreed. I then told him I was a Bible student and had been studying for 40 years, and things were only going to get worse. That always opens the door to discuss what is in the  Bible. He was interested in Bible truth and we spent the next 45 minutes discussing Bible truth. Such joy!! We who love the Lord our God with the whole heart have this same experience almost daily. It is the work God has given us to do. Thank you for sharing dear sister. John the  Baptist had this same experience as he was given the same message given to us who are to prepare a people for the coming of Jesus. What a message!! Like the  woman at the well who was filled with Living Water, let us forget what we planned for the day and do as she did when forgetting her water pot!

The message was distinct and unequivocal, to be carried back to the Sanhedrin. The words of John could apply to no other than the long-promised One. The Messiah was among them! In amazement priests and rulers gazed about them, hoping to discover Him of whom John had spoken. But He was not distinguishable among the throng.

When at the baptism of Jesus, John pointed to Him as the Lamb of God, a new light was shed upon the Messiah's work. The prophet's mind was directed to the words of Isaiah, "He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter." Isaiah 53:7. During the weeks that followed, John with new interest studied the prophecies and the teaching of the sacrificial service. He did not distinguish clearly the two phases of Christ's work,--as a suffering sacrifice and a conquering king,--but he saw that His coming had a deeper significance than priests or people had discerned. When he beheld Jesus among the throng on His return from the desert, he confidently looked for Him to give the people some sign of His true character. Almost impatiently he waited to hear the Saviour declare His mission; but no word was spoken, no sign given. Jesus did not respond to the Baptist's announcement of Him, but mingled with the disciples of John, giving no outward evidence of His special work, and taking no measures to bring Himself to notice. DA 136. 

"He did not distinguish clearly the two phases of Christ's work,--as a suffering sacrifice and a conquering king." The Holy Spirit could have made it clear. We do not understand why He did not. One day by God's grace we will find out. It is the same with us, God does not show us everything, only what is  for our good and His glory. Are we not greatly blessed with what He has revealed to us, that which is made very clear!! We have been given the greatest message ever given to  man!!