The Desire of Ages--20--Except Ye See Signs and Wonders

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon!!

Life is a lot like a mosaic. While we may not see it at the time, the different experiences, trials, and blessings all have their part in the Master Artist's design to woo us to Him so our hearts will gladly, fully surrender to the constraint of His infinite love. In the case of the nobleman in Capernaum, he may have only seen the immediate piece of the life puzzle as a situation in which his son with a fever desperately needed healing. In his mind, if Christ should heal his son, then he would believe in Him as the Messiah. Jesus, who read his heart as an open book, wanted to give him something even more--the gift of salvation and a surrendered heart in which all of the fruits of the Spirit are revealed without one missing as the life is brought into true obedience to God's law. God in His infinite wisdom and love saw this experience as an opportunity to convert the nobleman's heart AND convert his whole family! Praise God!! If we would but allow God to work out what He designs in each experience and really believe that He loves us, we could have a lot happier pilgrimage in our earthly life on our way to our heavenly home! Let's start singing glory to His name!!

"The nobleman wanted to see the fulfillment of his prayer before he should believe; but he had to accept the word of Jesus that his request was heard and the blessing granted. This lesson we also have to learn. Not because we see or feel that God hears us are we to believe. We are to trust in His promises. When we come to Him in faith, every petition enters the heart of God. When we have asked for His blessing, we should believe that we receive it, and thank Him that we have received it. Then we are to go about our duties, assured that the blessing will be realized when we need it most. When we have learned to do this, we shall know that our prayers are answered. God will do for us 'exceeding abundantly,' 'according to the riches of His glory,' and 'the working of His mighty power.' Ephesians 3:20, 16; 1:19." {The Desire of Ages, page 200, paragraph 4}

[Richard Myers]

Amen my dear brothers!!   Faith is indeed the victory!   Once again we find ourselves in not only unity of the Spirit, but unity of doctrine also.

  He who blessed the nobleman at Capernaum is just as desirous of blessing us. But like the afflicted father, we are often led to seek Jesus by the desire for some earthly good; and upon the granting of our request we rest our confidence in His love. The Saviour longs to give us a greater blessing than we ask; and He delays the answer to our request that He may show us the evil of our own hearts, and our deep need of His grace. He desires us to renounce the selfishness that leads us to seek Him. Confessing our helplessness and bitter need, we are to trust ourselves wholly to His love. 

Many years ago I had an interesting experience. I had an infection in my throat. I was very bad. Dr. Thrash had been helping me treat it with natural remedies. They were not working. I refused to take a drug. I still have my tonsils and they had swollen so much I feared I might not be able to breathe. In treating my self, with a hot shower, I about passed out. I cried out to Jesus and my hand automatically turned off the hot water and the cold quickly kept me from falling. I realized I needed  help, but there was not one in my community who were practicing natural remedies. But, I had met a brother who had been trained by Uchee Pines and he was not far away. He came down and did a full fomentation which turned the corner toward my recovery. As I was contemplating the course of events, knowing God has used the fomentations to heal me, even though I was not totally healed. I prayed that He would miraculously heal me fully. The Holy Spirit, revealed to me that I did not need to see God do this in order to prove His ability to do a miracle. I already had saving faith and He had allowed the disease to disable me that I would know of this faith. This was the great miracle that I would trust in Him with my life. We see this in today's lesson.

Even more than God using natural remedies, we see that in coming to Jesus prior to conversion, it is selfishness that causes one to come to Jesus to begin with. We are selfish by nature and thus we can only come to Him for selfish reasons. But, as we learn of Him, our faith is strengthened. We love Him with all of the heart because we see His great love for us. "We love Him, because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19

[Philip T]

Yet the nobleman had a degree of faith; for he had come to ask what seemed to him the most precious of all blessings. Jesus had a greater gift to bestow. He desired, not only to heal the child, but to make the officer and his household sharers in the blessings of salvation, and to kindle a light in Capernaum, which was so soon to be the field of His own labors. But the nobleman must realize his need before he would desire the grace of Christ. This courtier represented many of his nation. They were interested in Jesus from selfish motives. They hoped to receive some special benefit through His power, and they staked their faith on the granting of this temporal favor; but they were ignorant as to their spiritual disease, and saw not their need of divine grace.   

[rahab]

Nice testimony Richard about using natural remedies instead of drugs.

[Beacon]

"The nobleman wanted to see the fulfillment of his prayer before he should believe; but he had to accept the word of Jesus that his request was heard and the blessing granted."

"This lesson we also have to learn."

"Not because we see or feel that God hears us are we to believe."

 "We are to trust in His promises."

"When we come to Him in faith, every petition enters the heart of God."

"When we have asked for His blessing, we should believe that we receive it, and thank Him that we have received it."

"Then we are to go about our duties, assured that the blessing will be realized when we need it most."

"When we have learned to do this, we shall know that our prayers are answered."

"God will do for us 'exceeding abundantly, according to the riches of His glory, and the working of His mighty power."Ephesians 3:20, 16; 1:19."

Many are the promises that men & women make regarding just about everything! However, as we all have experienced, it's only the promises made by Jesus & Our Heavenly Father that come with a solid Iron Clad guarantee. I'm so very glad that we know by experience found in His Word & In our Daily lives that what God promises He is capable of delivering according to our best interest. Remember... Sometime God says, NO - YES or Wait for it..!! because His timing is always with our best interest in mind. Trust Him!!

===========================
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)

[Dorine]

"The nobleman wanted to see the fulfillment of his prayer before he should believe; but he had to accept the word of Jesus that his request was heard and the blessing granted. This lesson we also have to learn. Not because we see or feel that God hears us are we to believe. We are to trust in His promises. When we come to Him in faith, every petition enters the heart of God. When we have asked for His blessing, we should believe that we receive it, and thank Him that we have received it. Then we are to go about our duties, assured that the blessing will be realized when we need it most. When we have learned to do this, we shall know that our prayers are answered. God will do for us "exceeding abundantly," "according to the riches of His glory," and "the working of His mighty power." Ephesians 3:20, 16; 1:19.

These promises mean so much to our family right now. So many prayers are ascending to the courts above for loved ones and friends who are in distress and trouble. Satan is angry and the more anguish and torment he can bring upon humanity the more his evil heart enjoys. But he is a defeated foe and our hope is in our loving Saviour who is mediating in our behalf. May we never become discouraged because of trials. They will soon be over and we will look back and think..."Heaven is cheap enough."

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!! Hallelujah!!

Patience is so important. Jesus was patient with the nobleman. He initially came to Jesus with a conditional faith, but after Jesus revealed to him the selfishness of his motive in making his faith in Jesus conditional on the granting of his request for his son to be healed, he was moved by the love of God in Christ to make a full surrender. Learning more of Jesus, not only he, but his whole household became believers in Jesus! Aren't you thankful for how patient God is with you?

"The nobleman longed to know more of Christ. As he afterward heard His teaching, he and all his household became disciples. Their affliction was sanctified to the conversion of the entire family. Tidings of the miracle spread; and in Capernaum, where so many of His mighty works were performed, the way was prepared for Christ's personal ministry." {The Desire of Ages, page 200, paragraph 2}

It would be well to consider to "account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation" (2 Peter 3:15), and as we surrender the whole heart to Christ, all of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives without one missing as we are empowered to obey God's law of love up to the light He has revealed to us in our life experience! Be noble--accept God's patience with your and yield all you have and are to Him! Praise God!

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Happy Sabbath! If you read John 4:43-54, you find Jesus heals a nobleman's son. But Jesus does not do it immediately. He tests the nobleman's faith--as to whether the man will accept Christ as the Messiah, and whether the faith the man has in Christ is conditional on the granting of the request for the healing of his son.

God desires us to trust His love not because we will get things from Him, but because of who He is to us. All our blessings flow from God not because we deserve them, but because He loves us. Let us surrender fully to Christ and have that trusting, converted union and communion with God whereby all of the fruits of the Spirit are manifest in our lives without one missing!

"He who blessed the nobleman at Capernaum is just as desirous of blessing us. But like the afflicted father, we are often led to seek Jesus by the desire for some earthly good; and upon the granting of our request we rest our confidence in His love. The Saviour longs to give us a greater blessing than we ask; and He delays the answer to our request that He may show us the evil of our own hearts, and our deep need of His grace. He desires us to renounce the selfishness that leads us to seek Him. Confessing our helplessness and bitter need, we are to trust ourselves wholly to His love." {The Desire of Ages, page 200, paragraph 3}

God can purify our hearts, give us new motives, thoughts, feelings and actions, and help us to accept His will and plan for us unconditionally! There is such freedom in trusting and obeying God!! Hallelujah!!

[Beacon]

"He who blessed the nobleman at Capernaum is just as desirous of blessing us."

"But like the afflicted father, we are often led to seek Jesus by the desire for some earthly good; and upon the granting of our request we rest our confidence in His love."

"The Saviour longs to give us a greater blessing than we ask."

"But He delays the answer to our request that He may show us the evil of our own hearts, and our deep need of His grace."

"Soo Many Times - "WE" are our own worst enemy,"Let "US" pray and renew our commitment to Jesus' To make Him King of Kings & Lord of Lords

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

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


===========================
He desires us to renounce the selfishness that leads us to seek Him. Confessing our helplessness and bitter need, we are to trust ourselves wholly to His love.

[Richard Myers]

Amen my dear brothers! We three have chosen the same truth.

  He who blessed the nobleman at Capernaum is just as desirous of blessing us. But like the afflicted father, we are often led to seek Jesus by the desire for some earthly good; and upon the granting of our request we rest our confidence in His love. The Saviour longs to give us a greater blessing than we ask; and He delays the answer to our request that He may show us the evil of our own hearts, and our deep need of His grace. He desires us to renounce the selfishness that leads us to seek Him. Confessing our helplessness and bitter need, we are to trust ourselves wholly to His love. 

"Our deep need of His grace." Amen!  The way one becomes a true Christian is to "renounce the selfishness that leads us to seek Him."  We all were at one time truly evil and sought after God to help us. Praise Jesus that He suffered and died for us while we were yet sinners.

[Beacon]

"When we come to Him in faith, every petition enters the heart of God."

"When we have asked for His blessing, we should believe that we receive it, and thank Him that we have received it."

"Then we are to go about our duties, assured that the blessing will be realized when we need it most."

"When we have learned to do this, we shall know that our prayers are answered."

"God will do for us "exceeding abundantly," "according to the riches of His glory," and "the working of His mighty power." Ephesians 3:20, 16; 1:19."

"WE" must have Faith to Believe that God will provide that which will be the Very Best for Our Enteral Good! Even when it my seem like He is not even Hearing or Answering  "Our petitions." Faith is the Victory!!

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

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)

[JimB]

The Saviour contrasted this questioning unbelief with the simple faith of the Samaritans, who asked for no miracle or sign. His word, the ever-present evidence of His divinity, had a convincing power that reached their hearts. Christ was pained that His own people, to whom the Sacred Oracles had been committed, should fail to hear the voice of God speaking to them in His Son.

It seems as you read the gospels Christ gave commendation more often to people outside of Jewish nation than those inside. This makes me wonder that as time gets closer to the end and as His "other" sheep see and hear the message that they will come in also with an experience more deep and faithful than those already inside the church.

[Richard Myers]

Yes, Brother Jim. It is very sad that those entrusted with the sacred oracles of God have not all been converted. Many were buried alive. Jesus tells us that He would rather we be cold or hot, but  not as we are as a people. We believe as a people that we are rich the way we are, and in need of nothing. Whereas those who have never professed to believe can be reached when they hear of the love of God for the first time or come in great need of a Savior as did the nobleman at Capernaum. He had a measure of faith we are told. How is that? The Bible tells us, all are given a measure of faith (Rom. 12:3). In today's reading we get to see what a measure of faith looks like and how it is different from saving faith. As Brother Beacon has shared, saving faith is the victory we all desire.

     Notwithstanding all the evidence that Jesus was the Christ, the petitioner had determined to make his belief in Him conditional on the granting of his own request. The Saviour contrasted this questioning unbelief with the simple faith of the Samaritans, who asked for no miracle or sign. His word, the ever-present evidence of His divinity, had a convincing power that reached their hearts. Christ was pained that His own people, to whom the Sacred Oracles had been committed, should fail to hear the voice of God speaking to them in His Son.
     Yet the nobleman had a degree of faith; for he had come to ask what seemed to him the most precious of all blessings. Jesus had a greater gift to bestow. He desired, not only to heal the child, but to make the officer and his household sharers in the blessings of salvation, and to kindle a light in Capernaum, which was so soon to be the field of His own labors. But the nobleman must realize his need before he would desire the grace of Christ. This courtier represented many of his nation. They were interested in Jesus from selfish motives. They hoped to receive some special benefit through His power, and they staked their faith on the granting of this temporal favor; but they were ignorant as to their spiritual disease, and saw not their need of divine grace.   
     Like a flash of light, the Saviour's words to the nobleman laid bare his heart. He saw that his motives in seeking Jesus were selfish. His vacillating faith appeared to him in its true character. In deep distress he realized that his doubt might cost the life of his son. He knew that he was in the presence of One who could read the thoughts, and to whom all things were possible. In an agony of supplication he cried, "Sir, come down ere my child die." His faith took hold upon Christ as did Jacob, when, wrestling with the Angel, he cried, "I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me." Genesis 32:26.
     Like Jacob he prevailed. The Saviour cannot withdraw from the soul that clings to Him, pleading its great need. "Go thy way," He said; "thy son liveth." The nobleman left the Saviour's presence with a peace and joy he had never known before. Not only did he believe that his son would be restored, but with strong confidence he trusted in Christ as the Redeemer. 

What do we call this experience? Many do not know what we call it, for they have never experienced it and thus they have not spiritual discernment. It is called conversion, the new birth wherein one is transformed from sinner to saint. Yes, at conversion there is a radical transformation of character as we see with the nobleman who came for a selfish reason and  seeing the grace of His Savior knowing Jesus was going to heal his son even though he did not deserve this blessing. Grace is more than a word, it is the power that turns sinners into saints. "The nobleman wanted to see the fulfillment of his prayer before he should believe; but he had to accept the word of Jesus that his request was heard and the blessing granted. This lesson we also have to learn. Not because we see or feel that God hears us are we to believe. We are to trust in His promises."

All have a measure of faith to believe there is a God in heaven who can heal the sick, raise the dead, forgive us of all of our sins, and wash our hearts as clean as fresh fallen snow! Miracle of all miracles!!

[Philip T]

 The nobleman wanted to see the fulfillment of his prayer before he should believe; but he had to accept the word of Jesus that his request was heard and the blessing granted. This lesson we also have to learn. Not because we see or feel that God hears us are we to believe. We are to trust in His promises. When we come to Him in faith, every petition enters the heart of God. When we have asked for His blessing, we should believe that we receive it, and thank Him that we have received it. Then we are to go about our duties, assured that the blessing will be realized when we need it most. When we have learned to do this, we shall know that our prayers are answered. God will do for us "exceeding abundantly," "according to the riches of His glory," and "the working of His mighty power." Ephesians 3:20, 16; 1:19.

    This is the powerful lesson of the paragraph, when we claim God's promises to us, we need to have faith in Jesus that he can grant them to us and thank Him for the granting of them before he even answers them. Go about the work he as given us, with assurance the prayer will be answered.  How often do we show are lack of faith by waiting for it to be answered to thank Him. God cannot answer prayer if we do not have the faith to believe in Him.

[Beacon]

"The nobleman wanted to see the fulfillment of his prayer before he should believe; but he had to accept the word of Jesus that his request was heard and the blessing granted."

"This lesson we also have to learn."

"Not because we see or feel that God hears us are we to believe."

"We are to trust in His promises."

"When we come to Him in faith, every petition enters the heart of God." When we have asked for His blessing, we should believe that we receive it, and thank Him that we have received it."

Then we are to go about our duties, assured that the blessing will be realized when we need it most."

"OUR" part is simply to trust !! Then leave it to God as to How & When

===========================
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!

   He who blessed the nobleman at Capernaum is just as desirous of blessing us. But like the afflicted father, we are often led to seek Jesus by the desire for some earthly good; and upon the granting of our request we rest our confidence in His love. The Saviour longs to give us a greater blessing than we ask; and He delays the answer to our request that He may show us the evil of our own hearts, and our deep need of His grace. He desires us to renounce the selfishness that leads us to seek Him. Confessing our helplessness and bitter need, we are to trust ourselves wholly to His love. 

[Dorine]

This thought spoke to me also.
He who blessed the nobleman at Capernaum is just as desirous of blessing us. But like the afflicted father, we are often led to seek Jesus by the desire for some earthly good; and upon the granting of our request we rest our confidence in His love. The Saviour longs to give us a greater blessing than we ask; and He delays the answer to our request that He may show us the evil of our own hearts, and our deep need of His grace. He desires us to renounce the selfishness that leads us to seek Him. Confessing our helplessness and bitter need, we are to trust ourselves wholly to His love.

[Beacon]

"The nobleman had a degree of faith; for he had come to ask what seemed to him the most precious of all blessings. Jesus had a greater gift to bestow. He desired, not only to heal the child, but to make the officer and his household sharers in the blessings of salvation, and to kindle a light in Capernaum, which was so soon to be the field of His own labors."

"But the nobleman must realize his need before he would desire the grace of Christ. This courtier represented many of his nation. They were interested in Jesus from selfish motives. They hoped to receive some special benefit through His power, and they staked their faith on the granting of this temporal favor; but they were ignorant as to their spiritual disease, and saw not their need of divine grace."
   
"Like a flash of light, the Saviour's words to the nobleman laid bare his heart. He saw that his motives in seeking Jesus were selfish. His vacillating faith appeared to him in its true character. In deep distress he realized that his doubt might cost the life of his son. He knew that he was in the presence of One who could read the thoughts, and to whom all things were possible. In an agony of supplication he cried, "Sir, come down ere my child die." His faith took hold upon Christ as did Jacob, when, wrestling with the Angel, he cried, "I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me." Genesis 32:26"

"Like Jacob he prevailed. The Saviour cannot withdraw from the soul that clings to Him, pleading its great need. "Go thy way," He said; "thy son liveth." The nobleman left the Saviour's presence with a peace and joy he had never known before. Not only did he believe that his son would be restored, but with strong confidence he trusted in Christ as the Redeemer."

Do "WE" Trust in Jesus the same way as the Nobleman ?? If not why not??

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

1
’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His word;
Just to rest upon His promise;
Just to know, Thus saith the Lord.
 
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him,
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er,
Jesus, Jesus, Precious Jesus!
  O for grace to trust Him more.
2
O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
Just in simple faith to plunge me,
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood.
3
Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life, and rest, and joy, and peace.
4
I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.

Lyrics:Louisa M. R. Stead (circa 1850-1917)
Music:William James Kirkpatrick (1838-1921

[Dorine]

Like a flash of light, the Saviour's words to the nobleman laid bare his heart. He saw that his motives in seeking Jesus were selfish. His vacillating faith appeared to him in its true character. In deep distress he realized that his doubt might cost the life of his son. He knew that he was in the presence of One who could read the thoughts, and to whom all things were possible. In an agony of supplication he cried, "Sir, come down ere my child die." His faith took hold upon Christ as did Jacob, when, wrestling with the Angel, he cried, "I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me." Genesis 32:26.

This story and promise has always given me courage, strength and peace when facing trials. Our faith at times needs to be put to the severest test for our eyes to be open to our hearts condition.

[Richard Myers]

Amen my dear friends. Jesus is so very patient with us!

     He who blessed the nobleman at Capernaum is just as desirous of blessing us. But like the afflicted father, we are often led to seek Jesus by the desire for some earthly good; and upon the granting of our request we rest our confidence in His love. The Saviour longs to give us a greater blessing than we ask; and He delays the answer to our request that He may show us the evil of our own hearts, and our deep need of His grace. He desires us to renounce the selfishness that leads us to seek Him. Confessing our helplessness and bitter need, we are to trust ourselves wholly to His love. 

So very true! How very wretched is humanity apart from Christ.