The Desire of Ages--25--The Call by the Sea

[Richard Myers]

The Call by the Sea

     Day was breaking over the Sea of Galilee. The disciples, weary with a night of fruitless toil, were still in their fishing boats on the lake. Jesus had come to spend a quiet hour by the waterside. In the early morning He hoped for a little season of rest from the multitude that followed Him day after day. But soon the people began to gather about Him. Their numbers rapidly increased, so that He was pressed upon all sides. Meanwhile the disciples had come to land. In order to escape the pressure of the multitude, Jesus stepped into Peter's boat, and bade him pull out a little from the shore. Here Jesus could be better seen and heard by all, and from the boat He taught the multitude on the beach. 
     What a scene was this for angels to contemplate; their glorious Commander, sitting in a fisherman's boat, swayed to and fro by the restless waves, and proclaiming the good news of salvation to the listening throng that were pressing down to the water's edge! He who was the Honored of heaven was declaring the great things of His kingdom in the open air, to the common people. Yet He could have had no more fitting scene for His labors. The lake, the mountains, the spreading fields, the sunlight flooding the earth, all furnished objects to illustrate His lessons and impress them upon the mind. And no lesson of Christ's fell fruitless. Every message from His lips came to some soul as the word of eternal life. 
     Every moment added to the multitude upon the shore. Aged men leaning upon their staffs, hardy peasants from the hills, fishermen from their toil on the lake, merchants and rabbis, the rich and learned, old and young, bringing their sick and suffering ones, pressed to hear the words of the divine Teacher. To such scenes as this the prophets had looked forward, and they wrote:


          "The land of Zebulon and the land of Naphtali,
           Toward the sea, beyond Jordan,
           Galilee of the Gentiles,
           The people which sat in darkness
           Saw a great light,
           And to them which sat in the region and shadow of death,
           To them did light spring up." R. V.

     Beside the throng on the shores of Gennesaret, Jesus in His sermon by the sea had other audiences before His mind. Looking down the ages, He saw His faithful ones in prison and judgment hall, in temptation and loneliness and affliction. Every scene of joy and conflict and perplexity was open before Him. In the words spoken to those gathered about Him, He was speaking also to these other souls the very words that would come to them as a message of hope in trial, of comfort in sorrow, and heavenly light in darkness. Through the Holy Spirit, that voice which was speaking from the fisherman's boat on the Sea of Galilee, would be heard speaking peace to human hearts to the close of time.
     The discourse ended, Jesus turned to Peter, and bade him launch out into the sea, and let down his net for a draught. But Peter was disheartened. All night he had taken nothing. During the lonely hours he had thought of the fate of John the Baptist, who was languishing alone in his dungeon. He had thought of the prospect before Jesus and His followers, of the ill success of the mission to Judea, and the malice of the priests and rabbis. Even his own occupation had failed him; and as he watched by the empty nets, the future had seemed dark with discouragement. "Master," he said, "we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at Thy word I will let down the net." 
     Night was the only favorable time for fishing with nets in the clear waters of the lake. After toiling all night without success, it seemed hopeless to cast the net by day; but Jesus had given the command, and love for their Master moved the disciples to obey. Simon and his brother together let down the net. As they attempted to draw it in, so great was the quantity of fish enclosed that it began to break. They were obliged to summon James and John to their aid. When the catch was secured, both the boats were so heavily laden that they were in danger of sinking. 
     But Peter was unmindful now of boats or lading. This miracle, above any other he had ever witnessed, was to him a manifestation of divine power. In Jesus he saw One who held all nature under His control. The presence of divinity revealed his own unholiness. Love for his Master, shame for his own unbelief, gratitude for the condescension of Christ, above all, the sense of his uncleanness in the presence of infinite purity, overwhelmed him. While his companions were securing the contents of the net, Peter fell at the Saviour's feet, exclaiming, "Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord." 
     It was the same presence of divine holiness that had caused the prophet Daniel to fall as one dead before the angel of God. He said, "My comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength." So when Isaiah beheld the glory of the Lord, he exclaimed, "Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts." Daniel 10:8; Isaiah 6:5. Humanity, with its weakness and sin, was brought in contrast with the perfection of divinity, and he felt altogether deficient and unholy. Thus it has been with all who have been granted a view of God's greatness and majesty. 
     Peter exclaimed, "Depart from me; for I am a sinful man;" yet he clung to the feet of Jesus, feeling that he could not be parted from Him. The Saviour answered, "Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men." It was after Isaiah had beheld the holiness of God and his own unworthiness that he was entrusted with the divine message. It was after Peter had been led to self-renunciation and dependence upon divine power that he received the call to his work for Christ.
     Until this time none of the disciples had fully united as colaborers with Jesus. They had witnessed many of His miracles, and had listened to His teaching; but they had not entirely forsaken their former employment. The imprisonment of John the Baptist had been to them all a bitter disappointment. If such were to be the outcome of John's mission, they could have little hope for their Master, with all the religious leaders combined against Him. Under the circumstances it was a relief to them to return for a short time to their fishing. But now Jesus called them to forsake their former life, and unite their interests with His. Peter had accepted the call. Upon reaching the shore, Jesus bade the three other disciples, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left all, and followed Him. 
     Before asking them to leave their nets and fishing boats, Jesus had given them the assurance that God would supply their needs. The use of Peter's boat for the work of the gospel had been richly repaid. He who is "rich unto all that call upon Him," has said, "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over." Romans 10:12; Luke 6:38. In this measure He had rewarded the disciple's service. And every sacrifice that is made in His ministry will be recompensed according to "the exceeding riches of His grace." Ephesians 3:20; 2:7.
     During that sad night on the lake, when they were separated from Christ, the disciples were pressed hard by unbelief, and weary with fruitless toil. But His presence kindled their faith, and brought them joy and success. So it is with us; apart from Christ, our work is fruitless, and it is easy to distrust and murmur. But when He is near, and we labor under His direction, we rejoice in the evidence of His power. It is Satan's work to discourage the soul; it is Christ's work to inspire with faith and hope. 
     The deeper lesson which the miracle conveyed for the disciples is a lesson for us also,--that He whose word could gather the fishes from the sea could also impress human hearts, and draw them by the cords of His love, so that His servants might become "fishers of men." 
     They were humble and unlearned men, those fishers of Galilee; but Christ, the light of the world, was abundantly able to qualify them for the position for which He had chosen them. The Saviour did not despise education; for when controlled by the love of God, and devoted to His service, intellectual culture is a blessing. But He passed by the wise men of His time, because they were so self-confident that they could not sympathize with suffering humanity, and become colaborers with the Man of Nazareth. In their bigotry they scorned to be taught by Christ. The Lord Jesus seeks the co-operation of those who will become unobstructed channels for the communication of His grace. The first thing to be learned by all who would become workers together with God is the lesson of self-distrust; then they are prepared to have imparted to them the character of Christ. This is not to be gained through education in the most scientific schools. It is the fruit of wisdom that is obtained from the divine Teacher alone. 
     Jesus chose unlearned fishermen because they had not been schooled in the traditions and erroneous customs of their time. They were men of native ability, and they were humble and teachable,--men whom He could educate for His work. In the common walks of life there is many a man patiently treading the round of daily toil, unconscious that he possesses powers which, if called into action, would raise him to an equality with the world's most honored men. The touch of a skillful hand is needed to arouse those dormant faculties. It was such men that Jesus called to be His colaborers; and He gave them the advantage of association with Himself. Never had the world's great men such a teacher. When the disciples came forth from the Saviour's training, they were no longer ignorant and uncultured. They had become like Him in mind and character, and men took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus. 
     It is not the highest work of education to communicate knowledge merely, but to impart that vitalizing energy which is received through the contact of mind with mind, and soul with soul. It is only life that can beget life. What privilege, then, was theirs who for three years were in daily contact with that divine life from which has flowed every life-giving impulse that has blessed the world! Above all his companions, John the beloved disciple yielded himself to the power of that wondrous life. He says, "The life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us." "Of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace." 1 John 1:2; John 1:16. 
     In the apostles of our Lord there was nothing to bring glory to themselves. It was evident that the success of their labors was due only to God. The lives of these men, the characters they developed, and the mighty work that God wrought through them, are a testimony to what He will do for all who are teachable and obedient.  {DA 250.3} 
     He who loves Christ the most will do the greatest amount of good. There is no limit to the usefulness of one who, by putting self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his heart, and lives a life wholly consecrated to God. If men will endure the necessary discipline, without complaining or fainting by the way, God will teach them hour by hour, and day by day. He longs to reveal His grace. If His people will remove the obstructions, He will pour forth the waters of salvation in abundant streams through the human channels. If men in humble life were encouraged to do all the good they could do, if restraining hands were not laid upon them to repress their zeal, there would be a hundred workers for Christ where now there is one.
     God takes men as they are, and educates them for His service, if they will yield themselves to Him. The Spirit of God, received into the soul, will quicken all its faculties. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the mind that is devoted unreservedly to God develops harmoniously, and is strengthened to comprehend and fulfill the requirements of God. The weak, vacillating character becomes changed to one of strength and steadfastness. Continual devotion establishes so close a relation between Jesus and His disciple that the Christian becomes like Him in mind and character. Through a connection with Christ he will have clearer and broader views. His discernment will be more penetrative, his judgment better balanced. He who longs to be of service to Christ is so quickened by the life-giving power of the Sun of Righteousness that he is enabled to bear much fruit to the glory of God. 
     Men of the highest education in the arts and sciences have learned precious lessons from Christians in humble life who were designated by the world as unlearned. But these obscure disciples had obtained an education in the highest of all schools. They had sat at the feet of Him who spoke as "never man spake."

[Richard Myers]

Peter exclaimed, "Depart from me; for I am a sinful man;" yet he clung to the feet of Jesus, feeling that he could not be parted from Him. The Saviour answered, "Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men." It was after Isaiah had beheld the holiness of God and his own unworthiness that he was entrusted with the divine message. It was after Peter had been led to self-renunciation and dependence upon divine power that he received the call to his work for Christ.

Amen! But, at this point in his life, he did not understand he could not walk on water looking back at his friends. It took awhile for the disciples to learn of their continual need of Jesus and how it was that they could obtain this connection daily. Where are we in this process? Are we before, at, or after Peter's place when he clung to the feet of Jesus?

[Richard Myers]

In the culture of "Adventism" there are many traditional beliefs that have no foundation in the Word of God. One such belief is the disciples were not converted until after the cross. It is common to hear the human reasoning for this. "And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." Luke 22:31,32.

This is the argument to oppose the fact that Peter had been previously converted, baptized, and ordained an apostle. It is true, he did not understand the Lamb had to die, but then neither did John the Baptist. Deception ran deep in God's church then, as it does today. But, there is clear light that all of the disciples except Judas had been converted prior to this statement made by Jesus regarding the re-conversion of Peter.

Why is this important to understand? Because there is another tradition in the Advent culture. It is not the same as once saved always saved, but it partakes of the same error. Often we will hear arguments that when one is converted it is not an "on again, off again experience." We understand why this would be said, but it is not true in the way many see it. Thus the issue is important for many do not understand what it means to be converted. This allows the great deception brought into the church to continue on. Here is the great error being taught and accepted by many in the church: When one sins a known sin, he does not have to be re-justified (re-converted). In other words, sin does not reveal a separation between man and God. One may sin a known sin and retain salvation (justification).

We need to clearly understand what it means to be converted. While the deception about Peter not being converted until after the cross may appear to be arguing for victory over sin in the convert, it is just the opposite. Because it does not depend upon Scripture for its support, it is just another deception working against the truth of the simplicity of the gospel message. Each of the disciples except for Jesus had been converted prior to the cross. Jesus chose the eleven to be apostles. He did not choose Judas. It is true they did not understand their continual need of Jesus in order to retain salvation, but as we see in today's reading, Peter had acknowledged his sinfulness and his need of Jesus when he exclaimed "depart from me; for I am a sinful man."

We are told he then "clung to the feet of Jesus, feeling that he could not be parted from Him. The Saviour answered, 'Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.' It was after Isaiah had beheld the holiness of God and his own unworthiness that he was entrusted with the divine message. It was after Peter had been led to self-renunciation and dependence upon divine power that he received the call to his work for Christ." This is what it means to be in a converted state. To renounce self and to trust in divine power. Divine power for what? To be a Christian. It is one thing to profess to follow Christ, it is altogether another matter to be actually walk after Him.

There are many today who are in a similar condition to the disciples prior to the cross. Having fallen in love with Jesus, they wander in and out of conversion. Why? Because they do not understand their continual need of Jesus in order be converted. Like the apostles prior to the cross, they have been deceived about their continual need of Christ and what it means to be converted. In simple terms, being converted means that self is kept under by the power of an indwelling Savior. When we make a full surrender to Jesus, the Holy Spirit takes possession of the heart and we become partakers of God's divine nature and escape the corruption that is in our flesh. Paul put it this way: "I keep under my body, and bring [it] into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." 1 Corinthians 9:27.This can only be done when we are fully surrendered to Jesus and are partakers of His divine nature. "Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." 2 Peter 1:4.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen and praise the Lord! I appreciate your thorough exploration of the important topic of conversion and justification. Humanity (self, the sinful nature, the carnal mind) is never going to "get better"--rather, it needs to be constantly crucified, constantly subordinated by the power of divinity made available to the weakest, most sinful of God's children--that comes to us through beholding Jesus Christ's loveliness, seeing our unlikeness to Him, and despairing of all self-dependence, allowing Him to give us a new heart and uphold us by His divine power! It is by the Holy Spirit that we are to live the Christian converted/justified life!

One of the issues with conversion is often the idea that it happened at one point, and it seems humiliating to think that one needs to be daily converted--but for the Apostle Paul it was a living reality! He declared plainly: "I die daily" (1 Corinthians 15:31).

Richard, you said: "We need to clearly understand what it means to be converted. While the deception about Peter not being converted until after the cross may appear to be arguing for victory over sin in the convert, it is just the opposite. Because it does not depend upon Scripture for its support, it is just another deception working against the truth of the simplicity of the gospel message. Each of the disciples except for Judas had been converted prior to the cross. Jesus chose the eleven to be apostles. He did not choose Judas. It is true they did not understand their continual need of Jesus in order to retain salvation, but as we see in today's reading, Peter had acknowledged his sinfulness and his need of Jesus when he exclaimed 'depart from me; for I am a sinful man.'" How true it is, though, that we are in CONTINUAL NEED of Jesus to retain conversion/salvation/abiding in Christ (and the evidence of that abiding, living faith is that He fills the new heart with all the fruits of the Spirit--not one will be missing.)

As I read this chapter this morning, a number of new songs came to my heart from a number of key paragraphs. One that especially spoke to me was the following:

"Beside the throng on the shores of Gennesaret, Jesus in His sermon by the sea had other audiences before His mind. Looking down the ages, He saw His faithful ones in prison and judgment hall, in temptation and loneliness and affliction. Every scene of joy and conflict and perplexity was open before Him. In the words spoken to those gathered about Him, He was speaking also to these other souls the very words that would come to them as a message of hope in trial, of comfort in sorrow, and heavenly light in darkness. Through the Holy Spirit, that voice which was speaking from the fisherman's boat on the Sea of Galilee, would be heard speaking peace to human hearts to the close of time." {DA 245.3}

Is it not phenomenal that we can have these very words spoken to our hearts in our most trying moments? What a treasure we have in the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy! With such broad resources of inspiration and light, why need we drink of the fountains of the world, when the words of life are before us and inviting us to a continually higher experience! Truly it can be said, "Higher than the highest human thought can reach is God's ideal for His children. Godliness--godlikeness--is the goal to be reached." {Education, 18.3} And the words we need to ignite and encourage us in this heavenward way are provided us by His Spirit working upon our hearts. He gives us the very strength we need most at the times we most clearly realize our helplessness. Our only safety is in constant dependence upon Jesus! Hallelujah!

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

I just love this chapter! I was blessed again in beholding Jesus this morning, and love the encouragement to advance in character today:

God takes men as they are, and educates them for His service, if they will yield themselves to Him. The Spirit of God, received into the soul, will quicken all its faculties. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the mind that is devoted unreservedly to God develops harmoniously, and is strengthened to comprehend and fulfill the requirements of God. The weak, vacillating character becomes changed to one of strength and steadfastness. Continual devotion establishes so close a relation between Jesus and His disciple that the Christian becomes like Him in mind and character. Through a connection with Christ he will have clearer and broader views. His discernment will be more penetrative, his judgment better balanced. He who longs to be of service to Christ is so quickened by the life-giving power of the Sun of Righteousness that he is enabled to bear much fruit to the glory of God.{DA 251.1}

What is that "much fruit"? It is the fruits of the Spirit--so that not one will be missing, leading to souls converted, and saved! If today you have love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance, know that Jesus wants to increase these in your experience, making them more abundant!

A few days ago, the Holy Spirit taught me something about the Christian character as manifested in all the fruits of the Spirit in the life. We read in Romans: "So then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17). Faith is one of the fruits of the Spirit. What about love? "But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him." (1 John 2:5). True as well--we will receive more love by hearing the word of God that reveals the loveless of Jesus. We will have an increased joy in eating God's word like Jeremiah did: "Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts." (Jeremiah 15:16). How true for all the fruits of the Spirit!

We need to behold the character of Christ to see these fruits manifested aright, and it is in personal, intimate communion with Jesus continually that our lives come to reflect Him more and more! I love Jesus, He is so wonderful, so kind, good, and pure! I pray that we may all be like Him and be in heaven soon.

[Richard Myers]

Amen, Pastor Sean!! I love Jesus too!! His love for us is past our ability to comprehend. But, each day we may learn of Him, more and more.

You speak of the fruits of His Spirit, this is the work Jesus wants to do in each of us. When we are truly converted, we have perfection of Christian character. That is we are perfect at each stage of development. But, being perfect in moral character, while it denotes a pure and holy heart, it does not mean there is no room for growth. First the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear. When we examine the young seedling popping up through the ground, we find perfection. There is no imperfection in the seedling. As it matures, it retains its perfection. So it was with Jesus. He was always perfect, yet He was not ready for Gethsemane when He was 12. "He learned obedience through the things He suffered." So it is with each child of humanity when he gives his whole heart to Christ. His motives are perfect, pure, and holy even though he may eat the wrong food, keep the wrong day, and dress without a knowledge of heavenly modesty. Jesus will make up for our lack of understanding. And, He will continue to educate us as to what it means to be modest in dress and deportment.

As we grow daily in grace, the fruits which are already in the life will indeed become more abundant. The love we have for Jesus will deepen. The love we have for people will expand. Day by day as we behold our Savior we will be growing more and more into His image. God has revealed the plan of salvation in His Word. Consider that not only is our character perfection progressive, but so are the temptations that come to us. God has promised He will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. That is a conditional promise. We can see that because at times we are tempted beyond what we can bear. God's promises never fail. What then fails when we sin? We do. We did not remain connected to our Savior. How can He save us without our cooperation? He cannot. We must have Jesus in order to resist the smallest temptation. Who believes they can walk on water without Jesus?

So, as Pastor Sean has shared, day by day we will become more powerful in our witness of Christ, if we will continually draw strength from Christ. Then, the world will know there is a God in heaven, for they will see Him in you. There is a difference between the converted Christian and the unrepentant sinner. In the Book of Matthew, Jesus tells us:

7:13   Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide [is] the gate, and broad [is] the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 
 7:14   Because strait [is] the gate, and narrow [is] the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 
 7:15   Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 
 7:16   Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 
 7:17   Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
 7:18   A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither [can] a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 
 7:19   Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 
 7:20   Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.   

[Richard Myers]

     Peter exclaimed, "Depart from me; for I am a sinful man;" yet he clung to the feet of Jesus, feeling that he could not be parted from Him. The Saviour answered, "Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men." It was after Isaiah had beheld the holiness of God and his own unworthiness that he was entrusted with the divine message. It was after Peter had been led to self-renunciation and dependence upon divine power that he received the call to his work for Christ.
     Until this time none of the disciples had fully united as colaborers with Jesus. They had witnessed many of His miracles, and had listened to His teaching; but they had not entirely forsaken their former employment. The imprisonment of John the Baptist had been to them all a bitter disappointment. If such were to be the outcome of John's mission, they could have little hope for their Master, with all the religious leaders combined against Him. Under the circumstances it was a relief to them to return for a short time to their fishing. But now Jesus called them to forsake their former life, and unite their interests with His. Peter had accepted the call. Upon reaching the shore, Jesus bade the three other disciples, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left all, and followed Him.
     Before asking them to leave their nets and fishing boats, Jesus had given them the assurance that God would supply their needs.

Did they believe Him?   Yes, they did, all except Judas. Do we believe Him? Do we understand, as did Peter, we are sinful by nature?  They understood they were evil by nature. We come into the world aligned with sin and Satan. We must be born again of the Spirit in order to do any good thing. Nicodemus was a Laodicean when he met with Jesus under cover of darkness. A Laodicean does not understand what is being said here. Many even think they come into the world in a neutral position. Such a deception. We must be converted, and even then we retain our sinful flesh. But, because Jesus has possession of the heart, it is cleansed, purified white as snow. Let this mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus. We then being partakers of God's divine nature are able to keep the body under, lest we be castaways.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Richard! I appreciate how we can see in this chapter the sinful nature of humanity, and yet come to appreciate the power of grace to change the heart, so that the most sinful men can be transformed to become co-laborers with Christ--not by continuing in their sin, but by having the sinful nature crucified with Christ, kept under, and the mind and heart renewed and continually filled with the divine presence of the Holy Spirit! What a high and holy privilege we have in Jesus! He is the greatest educator, and we can learn of Him day by day in this wonderful "thoughtful hour" with Him!

 They were humble and unlearned men, those fishers of Galilee; but Christ, the light of the world, was abundantly able to qualify them for the position for which He had chosen them. The Saviour did not despise education; for when controlled by the love of God, and devoted to His service, intellectual culture is a blessing. But He passed by the wise men of His time, because they were so self-confident that they could not sympathize with suffering humanity, and become colaborers with the Man of Nazareth. In their bigotry they scorned to be taught by Christ. The Lord Jesus seeks the co-operation of those who will become unobstructed channels for the communication of His grace. The first thing to be learned by all who would become workers together with God is the lesson of self-distrust; then they are prepared to have imparted to them the character of Christ. This is not to be gained through education in the most scientific schools. It is the fruit of wisdom that is obtained from the divine Teacher alone. 

True "higher education" only comes from Jesus. There is no elevation for the race apart from Him. I was reading today in Acts of the Apostles and it expressed a similar thought:

Jesus, whom Paul was about to present before the Greeks in Corinth as the Christ, was a Jew of lowly origin, reared in a town proverbial for its wickedness. He had been rejected by His own nation and at last crucified as a malefactor. The Greeks believed that there was need of elevating the human race, but they regarded the study of philosophy and science as the only means of attaining to true elevation and honor. Could Paul lead them to believe that faith in the power of this obscure Jew would uplift and ennoble every power of the being? {AA 244.2}

God's grace is not complicated--"Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). And yet beholding Christ, we see ever-new vistas of mental, spiritual, and moral growth. Continually we see our need of Jesus as we behold Him, and realizing that there is nothing good in us by nature, we cling to Him and desire, as did Peter, to be with Jesus. We cannot be separated from Him by sin for a moment and retain justification. We have no righteousness of ourselves--our only hope, strength, and efficacy is that which comes to us through Christ, and creates a new being in the image of God when the heart is fully yielded to Him! Such evidence that this full-faith surrender to Jesus is made will be manifest in all of the fruits of the Spirit in the life of the child of God--without one missing!

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

There is so much beauty in this chapter revealing Jesus' loveliness and our continual need of Him! When we have Him in the heart and life, we are transformed!

    Jesus chose unlearned fishermen because they had not been schooled in the traditions and erroneous customs of their time. They were men of native ability, and they were humble and teachable,--men whom He could educate for His work. In the common walks of life there is many a man patiently treading the round of daily toil, unconscious that he possesses powers which, if called into action, would raise him to an equality with the world's most honored men. The touch of a skillful hand is needed to arouse those dormant faculties. It was such men that Jesus called to be His colaborers; and He gave them the advantage of association with Himself. Never had the world's great men such a teacher. When the disciples came forth from the Saviour's training, they were no longer ignorant and uncultured. They had become like Him in mind and character, and men took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus.

Do others see Jesus in you? They will if you are beholding Him and surrendering continually to Him! That is why it would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day contemplating Him! What a blessing that we get to see Jesus in The Desire of Ages and the Gospel accounts! Hallelujah!!

[Richard Myers]

Amen, Pastor Sean.  There was something that impressed me greatly as I read this morning. There are so many false teachings surrounding the gospel that involve the sanctification and justification of repentant sinners that we need to clarify what is the power of grace to transform the repentant sinner. Is it possible to obey God all the time? We live in sinful flesh, and will until Jesus comes. But, when the repentant sinners receive a new body, they will not receive a new character. That we must obtain here and now if we want to enter heaven.

There are passages in Scripture which to many who truly want to serve God seem to contradict other passages. This is often the case because false teachers have perverted them. There are three such cases presented in today's reading.

     Peter fell at the Saviour's feet, exclaiming, "Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord."
     It was the same presence of divine holiness that had caused the prophet Daniel to fall as one dead before the angel of God. He said, "My comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength." So when Isaiah beheld the glory of the Lord, he exclaimed, "Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts." Daniel 10:8; Isaiah 6:5. Humanity, with its weakness and sin, was brought in contrast with the perfection of divinity, and he felt altogether deficient and unholy. Thus it has been with all who have been granted a view of God's greatness and majesty.
     Peter exclaimed, "Depart from me; for I am a sinful man;" yet he clung to the feet of Jesus, feeling that he could not be parted from Him. The Saviour answered, "Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men." It was after Isaiah had beheld the holiness of God and his own unworthiness that he was entrusted with the divine message. It was after Peter had been led to self-renunciation and dependence upon divine power that he received the call to his work for Christ.

In each of these cases, the men are at different stages in their experience. Peter and Isaiah are at a beginning point, Daniel is far advanced. What caused all three to fall on their faces before God? Would it ever happen again in their lives when they were not sinning? Is it just because of unrepentant sin that causes such a reaction, or is it something else that causes such a response?

This truth is perverted to teach that man cannot keep God's law no matter where he is in his experience since he lives in fallen flesh. What is the true lesson for us to learn?

[JimB]

Is it just because of unrepentant sin that causes such a reaction, or is it something else that causes such a response?

I had never considered this question before. Don't angels, although they may not claim to be a man undone, still fall before and worship Christ?

[Richard Myers]

That is a good question, Jim.   Even though they be holy, and do not live in sinful flesh, yet they see the contrast between them and God. Since the cross, they recognize the character of God more than before. They indeed do fall down and worship Him who gave His innocent Son to save sinful man.

The reason for my question is the statement in the Spirit of Prophecy concerning the deficiencies that God makes up for in the lives of repentant sinners. It has been used to excuse sin.

[Richard Myers]

There are so many made up excuses for sin, but in fact there is no excuse for sin. God has provided a remedy in His Son. One of the great deceptions to enter into professing Christianity is that the disciples were not converted until after the cross. This lie is to confuse as to what it means to be converted. We do not believe in once saved always saved, but many have been taught a form of it. They believe that when one is converted, they may sin and retain salvation (justification). Yet, many also believe the disciples were not converted when they left the upper room the night of
Christ's betrayal. There are two great deceptions working today to keep Laodiceans in their lost condition.

Peter is a good example that we might know he was converted prior to the cross, even though Satan has twisted the words of Jesus to make it appear he had not been converted.  "I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." Luke 22:32. Peter had already been converted. Jesus saw his denial and was telling Peter when he was reconverted he would still have a ministry. Peter would stumble and fall, but he would deeply repent of his denial of Christ.

"Some assert that if a soul stumbles and falls, he can never regain his position; but the case before us contradicts this. Before his denial Christ said to Peter, “When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” In committing to his stewardship the souls for whom He had given His life, Christ gave to Peter the strongest evidence of His confidence in his restoration. And he was commissioned to feed not only the sheep, but the lambs—a broader and more delicate work than had hitherto been appointed him. Not only was he to hold forth the word of life to others, but he was to be a shepherd of the flock.  5BC 1152.

In today's reading we see that Peter had made a full surrender prior to his calling into ministry. He beheld the glory of God and thus saw his own sinfulness and his dependence upon Christ.

     Peter exclaimed, "Depart from me; for I am a sinful man;" yet he clung to the feet of Jesus, feeling that he could not be parted from Him. The Saviour answered, "Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men." It was after Isaiah had beheld the holiness of God and his own unworthiness that he was entrusted with the divine message. It was after Peter had been led to self-renunciation and dependence upon divine power that he received the call to his work for Christ.
     Until this time none of the disciples had fully united as colaborers with Jesus. They had witnessed many of His miracles, and had listened to His teaching; but they had not entirely forsaken their former employment. The imprisonment of John the Baptist had been to them all a bitter disappointment. If such were to be the outcome of John's mission, they could have little hope for their Master, with all the religious leaders combined against Him. Under the circumstances it was a relief to them to return for a short time to their fishing. But now Jesus called them to forsake their former life, and unite their interests with His. Peter had accepted the call. Upon reaching the shore, Jesus bade the three other disciples, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left all, and followed Him. 

Peter had been ordained by God before Jesus laid hands on Him in a formal ordination. Here we read he was not only called, but converted. And, three others accepted the call also. As we behold the glory of God, His character, we too may be converted and filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. Grace has power to transform our very nature.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

I am so thankful that Jesus looked down the ages and speaks to us today through the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy--what a blessing to look to Jesus and have Him speak to our hearts:

 Beside the throng on the shores of Gennesaret, Jesus in His sermon by the sea had other audiences before His mind. Looking down the ages, He saw His faithful ones in prison and judgment hall, in temptation and loneliness and affliction. Every scene of joy and conflict and perplexity was open before Him. In the words spoken to those gathered about Him, He was speaking also to these other souls the very words that would come to them as a message of hope in trial, of comfort in sorrow, and heavenly light in darkness. Through the Holy Spirit, that voice which was speaking from the fisherman's boat on the Sea of Galilee, would be heard speaking peace to human hearts to the close of time.

He speaks to me--and you!

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

What a wonderful Savior who calls those who are willing to see their need, and who will imbue them mightily with His Spirit! Just think--there's NO LIMIT to what Christ can do with us when we are converted--fully surrendered to Him, experiencing a new heart and mind, and utterly dependent upon Christ continually to reveal all the fruits of the Spirit without one missing!!

He who loves Christ the most will do the greatest amount of good. There is no limit to the usefulness of one who, by putting self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his heart, and lives a life wholly consecrated to God. If men will endure the necessary discipline, without complaining or fainting by the way, God will teach them hour by hour, and day by day. He longs to reveal His grace. If His people will remove the obstructions, He will pour forth the waters of salvation in abundant streams through the human channels. If men in humble life were encouraged to do all the good they could do, if restraining hands were not laid upon them to repress their zeal, there would be a hundred workers for Christ where now there is one.

[Dorine]

How I love the heart of Jesus. I love the picture that is painted of his power to transform lives.
....."When the disciples came forth from the Saviour's training, they were no longer ignorant and uncultured. They had become like Him in mind and character, and men took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus."

This promise is not just for the disciples. It is for everyone that will answer His invitation to follow Him.

...."Continual devotion established so close a relation between Jesus and His disciple that the Christian becomes like Him in mind and character."

[Richard Myers]

Amen Pastor Sean and Sister Dorine! What a privilege to be His disciples and to reflect His character!! By His grace we may do this today. Lord I believe, take away my "unbelief" that I would know of your presence and walk in the light of your love and grace!

When will be a reflection of His character? When we renounce our sinfulness and yield all to Him.

    It was after Peter had been led to self-renunciation and dependence upon divine power that he received the call to his work for Christ.

Here is says after he was led to "self-renunciation and dependence upon divine power" that he was called into ministry. But, it is the same requirement for eternal life. Once again, we see that prior to the cross, and prior to his ordination, he had been converted. We do not believe in once saved always saved, neither do we believe in a form of this whereby a man remains converted even though he sins. No, a man, even the man Moses, can become unconverted by letting go of the hand of God. When we sin a known sin, we are not in a converted state. This is why we must die daily so that we will be partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4)daily.

What a God we serve!! Let us allow Him to create us into His image today, tomorrow, and every day!

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

The more I have the opportunity to share the loveliness of Jesus as a disciple--as a minister of Christ--I am reminded of how important it is to help people to realize that the gospel is not merely information, it must be received as a character transformation--a transformation by grace through faith that leads Christ indwelling us to reveal all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing! Without such a transformation, we have not experienced what Jesus intends for us to know by personal experience, that we in turn may impart of His loveliness of character to others!

"It is not the highest work of education to communicate knowledge merely, but to impart that vitalizing energy which is received through the contact of mind with mind, and soul with soul. It is only life that can beget life. What privilege, then, was theirs who for three years were in daily contact with that divine life from which has flowed every life-giving impulse that has blessed the world! Above all his companions, John the beloved disciple yielded himself to the power of that wondrous life. He says, 'The life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us.' 'Of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace.' 1 John 1:2; John 1:16." {The Desire of Ages, page 250, paragraph 2}

May the vitalizing energy of "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27) give you courage to impart what you receive morning by morning through communion with Him! This is why it would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour with Jesus each day reflecting upon His love and life, so that we can share of the One who is altogether lovely! By beholding we become changed!

[Richard Myers]

Amen, Pastor Sean.  It is Christ that we need, and we need Him continually to continually do good. Without Him we can do no good thing. We find this illustrated again and again. Jesus is the answer to all of the problems in the church and in our lives:

     He who loves Christ the most will do the greatest amount of good. There is no limit to the usefulness of one who, by putting self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his heart, and lives a life wholly consecrated to God. If men will endure the necessary discipline, without complaining or fainting by the way, God will teach them hour by hour, and day by day. He longs to reveal His grace. If His people will remove the obstructions, He will pour forth the waters of salvation in abundant streams through the human channels. If men in humble life were encouraged to do all the good they could do, if restraining hands were not laid upon them to repress their zeal, there would be a hundred workers for Christ where now there is one.
     God takes men as they are, and educates them for His service, if they will yield themselves to Him. The Spirit of God, received into the soul, will quicken all its faculties. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the mind that is devoted unreservedly to God develops harmoniously, and is strengthened to comprehend and fulfill the requirements of God. The weak, vacillating character becomes changed to one of strength and steadfastness. Continual devotion establishes so close a relation between Jesus and His disciple that the Christian becomes like Him in mind and character. Through a connection with Christ he will have clearer and broader views. His discernment will be more penetrative, his judgment better balanced. He who longs to be of service to Christ is so quickened by the life-giving power of the Sun of Righteousness that he is enabled to bear much fruit to the glory of God. 

Yes, if we will allow the Holy Spirit to take possession of the heart, we will be empowered to "fulfill the requirements of God."

[Dorine]

In reference to the miracle of the fish caught in the net it is said....."But Peter was unmindful now of boats or lading. This miracle, above any other he had ever witnessed, was to him a manifestation of divine power. In Jesus he saw One who held all nature under His control. The presence of divinity revealed his own unholiness. Love for his Master, shame for his own unbelief, gratitude for the condescension of Christ, above all, the sense of his uncleanness in the presence of infinite purity, overwhelmed him. While his companions were securing the contents of the net, Peter fell at the Saviour's feet, exclaiming. "Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord."

This has left such an impression on me this morning that I had to share it. When we like Peter understand who it is that we are in the presence of we too will fall to our knees in gratitude and humility. No wonder Peter said, "depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord."


Since Jesus took on human nature we humans are in danger of taking Him for granted and treating Him in too common a way; as if we are equal to Him.