The Desire of Ages--70-- "The Least of These My Brethren"

[Richard Myers]

Amen my dear brothers!  As always we are reproved and encouraged. When we realize God has entrusted to us His sacred oracles, our hearts do indeed burn. And as  Brother Beacon has pointed out, one does not need to go to seminary to know and serve God. Some who have never heard the name of Jesus will be found in heaven! When we find those who love the Lord our God with all of the heart, what will the discussion be about?

The great topic of interest will be, how to save the souls that are ready to perish. Social intercourse will be profitable. The love of the Redeemer will draw hearts together in unity.
     When we realize that we are workers together with God, His promises will not be spoken with indifference. They will burn in our hearts, and kindle upon our lips. To Moses, when called to minister to an ignorant, undisciplined, and rebellious people, God gave the promise, "My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." And He said, "Certainly I will be with thee." Exodus 33:14; 3:12. This promise is to all who labor in Christ's stead for His afflicted and suffering ones.
     Love to man is the earthward manifestation of the love of God. It was to implant this love, to make us children of one family, that the King of glory became one with us. And when His parting words are fulfilled, "Love one another, as I have loved you" (John 15:12); when we love the world as He has loved it, then for us His mission is accomplished. We are fitted for heaven; for we have heaven in our hearts.

[Philip T]

  Those who minister to others will be ministered unto by the Chief Shepherd. They themselves will drink of the living water, and will be satisfied. They will not be longing for exciting amusements, or for some change in their lives. The great topic of interest will be, how to save the souls that are ready to perish. Social intercourse will be profitable. The love of the Redeemer will draw hearts together in unity.
     When we realize that we are workers together with God, His promises will not be spoken with indifference. They will burn in our hearts, and kindle upon our lips. To Moses, when called to minister to an ignorant, undisciplined, and rebellious people, God gave the promise, "My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." And He said, "Certainly I will be with thee." Exodus 33:14; 3:12. This promise is to all who labor in Christ's stead for His afflicted and suffering ones.

Wow! These two paragraphs, what a wonderful promise. When we minister to others, Christ is ministering unto us. We will drink of the living water - What is the living Water, Jesus is the living water - the woman at the well, accepted this by faith, and a vast number of people from the town were saved as she entered the city and worked for the Lord. The demoniacs accepted Jesus and did as he instructed them and witnessed what Jesus had done for them, when Jesus returned many came to see Him and gave their lives to Him. So, we should go forward with the last commission from Jesus to us, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, Iam with ou always, to the end of the age. Mat. 28 19-20 The Apologetics Bible. The love in the promise when we do God's work we do not go alone, He goes with us.

[Beacon]

"Those who minister to others will be ministered unto by the Chief Shepherd. They themselves will drink of the living water, and will be satisfied."

"They will not be longing for exciting amusements, or for some change in their lives. The great topic of interest will be, how to save the souls that are ready to perish. Social intercourse will be profitable. The love of the Redeemer will draw hearts together in unity."

"When we realize that we are workers together with God, His promises will not be spoken with indifference. They will burn in our hearts, and kindle upon our lips."

"To Moses, when called to minister to an ignorant, undisciplined, and rebellious people, God gave the promise, "My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." And He said, "Certainly I will be with thee." Exodus 33:14; 3:12." "This promise is to all who labor in Christ's stead for His afflicted and suffering ones."

Are "WE" willing to act upon the promises of God?? Jesus said...You are either with Me of against Me. Which will it be for you --- for me ??

=============================
1
So lawless runs the fallen earth,
Pursuing sin for all it’s worth—
We’ll turn and take another way, another way.
Lord, reign in us! With open heart
We welcome You in every part;
Your kingdom come in us today, in us today.
 
One day all knees will bow;
Jesus, we confess You now—
We proclaim You Lord today.
Though there’s darkness all around,
With Your sons the light abounds,
And we’ll praise You, praise You on our way.
2
Usurped and under Satan’s sway,
God’s will opposed in every way—
This age pulls like a mighty tide, a mighty tide.
O Lord, our every thought renew,
Our eyes keep drawing unto You,
Our feet plant firmly on Your side, Lord, on Your side.
3
O King of glory, come, we pray!
Transform us more, Lord, day by day
That life on earth would not be vain, would not be vain.
Oh, make us those who meet Your need,
Provide a beachhead that will speed
Your coming back to rule and reign, to rule and reign!

Lyrics:P. J.
Music:H. J.

[Richard Myers]

Amen Brother Beacon!  King of glory, come, we pray! I am never amazed when I see that my friends choose the very same truth to share The Holy Spirit is leading us into unity of Spirit and doctrine.

      Those who minister to others will be ministered unto by the Chief Shepherd. They themselves will drink of the living water, and will be satisfied. They will not be longing for exciting amusements, or for some change in their lives. The great topic of interest will be, how to save the souls that are ready to perish. Social intercourse will be profitable. The love of the Redeemer will draw hearts together in unity.
     When we realize that we are workers together with God, His promises will not be spoken with indifference. They will burn in our hearts, and kindle upon our lips. To Moses, when called to minister to an ignorant, undisciplined, and rebellious people, God gave the promise, "My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." And He said, "Certainly I will be with thee." Exodus 33:14; 3:12. This promise is to all who labor in Christ's stead for His afflicted and suffering ones. 

[Dorine]

When we realize that we are workers together with God, His promises will not be spoken with indifference. They will burn in our hearts, and kindle upon our lips. To Moses, when called to minister to an ignorant, undisciplined, and rebellious people, God gave the promise, "My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." And He said, "Certainly I will be with thee." Exodus 33:14; 3:12. This promise is to all who labor in Christ's stead for His afflicted and suffering ones.      

Love to man is the earthward manifestation of the love of God. It was to implant this love, to make us children of one family, that the King of glory became one with us. And when His parting words are fulfilled, "Love one another, as I have loved you" (John 15:12); when we love the world as He has loved it, then for us His mission is accomplished. We are fitted for heaven; for we have heaven in our hearts.

To love others self must be dead and buried by a surrender of our hearts completely to God. We read this over and over but it's repetition that keeps it fresh in our minds. It is love in action, not just a nice thought. Jesus makes it very plain that if we do not have love in our hearts for all we are not His. I may hate the actions of some but like Jesus I will look beyond the actions and see potential for the kingdom of heaven and will do all in my power with the help of the Holy Spirit to reveal Jesus and His grace to them. I can look back on situations where I failed miserably but we learn by those mistakes and if at all possible do everything to make them right.

[Beacon]

"Jesus had told His disciples that they were to be hated of all men, to be persecuted and afflicted."

"Many would be driven from their homes, and brought to poverty."

"Many would be in distress through disease and privation."

"Many would be cast into prison."

 "To all who forsook friends or home for His sake He had promised in this life a hundredfold."

"Now He assured a special blessing to all who should minister to their brethren. In all who suffer for My name, said Jesus, you are to recognize Me. As you would minister to Me, so you are to minister to them." " This is the evidence that you are My disciples."

"All who have been born into the heavenly family are in a special sense the brethren of our Lord. The love of Christ binds together the members of His family, and wherever that love is made manifest there the divine relationship is revealed."

"Everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God." 1 John 4:7"

"Those whom Christ commends in the judgment may have known little of theology, but they have cherished His principles. Through the influence of the divine Spirit they have been a blessing to those about them."

Are "WE" a blessing to those around us??

==========================
1
There shall be showers of blessing:
  This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
  Sent from the Savior above.
 
Showers of blessing,
  Showers of blessing we need;
Mercy-drops round us are falling,
    But for the showers we plead.
2
There shall be showers of blessing—
  Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys,
  Sound of abundance of rain.
3
There shall be showers of blessing;
  Send them upon us, O Lord!
Grant to us now a refreshing;
  Come, and now honor Thy Word.
4
There shall be showers of blessing;
  O that today they might fall,
Now as to God we’re confessing,
  Now as on Jesus we call!
5
There shall be showers of blessing,
  If we but trust and obey;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
  If we let God have His way.
 
Lyrics:Daniel Webster Whittle (1840-1901)
Music:James McGranahan (1840-1907)

[JimB]

The angels of heaven are sent forth to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation. We know not now who they are; it is not yet made manifest who shall overcome, and share the inheritance of the saints in light; but angels of heaven are passing throughout the length and breadth of the earth, seeking to comfort the sorrowing, to protect the imperiled, to win the hearts of men to Christ. Not one is neglected or passed by. God is no respecter of persons, and He has an equal care for all the souls He has created.

What a thought! God is sending help to everyone through His angles and through us if we are willing. Its not always convenient nor easy to help those in need but its almost always rewarding just knowing that you're part of the process.

Matt 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.

[Dorine]

What to post!? So many precious gems in this chapter to choose from.

All may find something to do. "The poor always ye have with you," (John 12:8 ), Jesus said, and none need feel that there is no place where they can labor for Him. Millions upon millions of human souls ready to perish, bound in chains of ignorance and sin, have never so much as heard of Christ's love for them. Were our condition and theirs to be reversed, what would we desire them to do for us? All this, so far as lies in our power, we are under the most solemn obligation to do for them. Christ's rule of life, by which every one of us must stand or fall in the judgment, is, "Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them." Matthew 7:12.

I've been there. I know the plight of the poor and the blessings of someone taking note and quietly helping where they can. It's usually those in the same position that are the most giving because they know the struggles of trying to make ends meet. May we never get stuck in a place that we are not concerned with the needs of others. They are all around us. It's a wonderful opportunity to reach their hearts for Jesus.

[Richard Myers]

Love to man is the earthward manifestation of the love of God. It was to implant this love, to make us children of one family, that the King of glory became one with us. And when His parting words are fulfilled, "Love one another, as I have loved you" (John 15:12); when we love the world as He has loved it, then for us His mission is accomplished. We are fitted for heaven; for we have heaven in our hearts.

[JimB]

I'm guessing that if I went back at looked at my other posts here that I've quoted this before but it always stands out to me how gracious He is to us who are but made of dust.

Those whom Christ commends in the judgment may have known little of theology, but they have cherished His principles. Through the influence of the divine Spirit they have been a blessing to those about them. Even among the heathen are those who have cherished the spirit of kindness; before the words of life had fallen upon their ears, they have befriended the missionaries, even ministering to them at the peril of their own lives. Among the heathen are those who worship God ignorantly, those to whom the light is never brought by human instrumentality, yet they will not perish. Though ignorant of the written law of God, they have heard His voice speaking to them in nature, and have done the things that the law required. Their works are evidence that the Holy Spirit has touched their hearts, and they are recognized as the children of God.

Rom 1:20  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

[Richard Myers]

Amen dear brother. Some truths need to be shared over and over.

  All may find something to do. "The poor always ye have with you," (John 12:8 ), Jesus said, and none need feel that there is no place where they can labor for Him. Millions upon millions of human souls ready to perish, bound in chains of ignorance and sin, have never so much as heard of Christ's love for them. Were our condition and theirs to be reversed, what would we desire them to do for us? All this, so far as lies in our power, we are under the most solemn obligation to do for them. Christ's rule of life, by which every one of us must stand or fall in the judgment, is, "Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them." Matthew 7:12.

[Dorine]

Those who minister to others will be ministered unto by the Chief Shepherd. They themselves will drink of the living water, and will be satisfied. They will not be longing for exciting amusements, or for some change in their lives. The great topic of interest will be, how to save the souls that are ready to perish. Social intercourse will be profitable. The love of the Redeemer will draw hearts together in unity.     

When we realize that we are workers together with God, His promises will not be spoken with indifference. They will burn in our hearts, and kindle upon our lips. To Moses, when called to minister to an ignorant, undisciplined, and rebellious people, God gave the promise, "My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." And He said, "Certainly I will be with thee." Exodus 33:14; 3:12. This promise is to all who labor in Christ's stead for His afflicted and suffering ones.

These words have become very relevant to me in the past few weeks. Since visiting Eric (Beacon) almost everyday in the hospital I am witnessing the most heart breaking conditions of humanity in their last stages of life on this earth. How I wish I was younger that I could advocate for them. They are cared for as far as personal care is concerned but they are left alone for hours with no interaction with anyone and their little needs are never taken care of. If only the hospital would allow volunteers to circulate to each patient to fulfill those simple yet important needs. Like fixing pillows, supplying water, just talking to them and listening to their same stories over and over. I weep just typing this because I see Eric deteriorating because of it. How I want to bring him home and when he looks into my eyes and says please take me home I want to say I will. Yet I know that I can no longer care for him as he needs and we would both be in hospital not able to help each other in any way.  I spent some time with his room mate yesterday who is angry and resentful for being forsaken. He doesn't have Jesus in his heart like Eric. When I talked gently to him and listened to him, he calmed down and talked sensibly to me. I don't know his story but it seems he's waiting for a bed in the nursing home also.  I'm sharing this here only because it fits what this chapter is talking about. I am getting a glimpse of what Jesus' heart must have felt as he mingled with the desperate souls He came in contact with. I truly long for Jesus to come quickly but at the same time want all I know and meet to have an opportunity to know Jesus and accept Him into their hearts.

[Richard Myers]

Today's reading has to touch the hearts of all who have not hardened their hearts to the point of no return. Most of us have used some time in a way that does not align with what Jesus would do. As we near the soon coming of Jesus there are so many distractions that need not repent, but must consider what our dear sister has just shared. Are we choosing to do that which we feel needs to be done, but means that we leave unattended those who are crying out for attention, some of which are open to truth. We have not the wisdom to know how to use our time, but that is work of the third person of the godhead. If we seek wisdom from God, will He withhold it from us? Of course not.

As I read this morning, the Holy Spirit reminded me a those who I need to contact today. Does He not do the same for you?

     Those who minister to others will be ministered unto by the Chief Shepherd. They themselves will drink of the living water, and will be satisfied. They will not be longing for exciting amusements, or for some change in their lives. The great topic of interest will be, how to save the souls that are ready to perish. Social intercourse will be profitable. The love of the Redeemer will draw hearts together in unity.
     When we realize that we are workers together with God, His promises will not be spoken with indifference. They will burn in our hearts, and kindle upon our lips. To Moses, when called to minister to an ignorant, undisciplined, and rebellious people, God gave the promise, "My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." And He said, "Certainly I will be with thee." Exodus 33:14; 3:12. This promise is to all who labor in Christ's stead for His afflicted and suffering ones. 

We cannot care for the whole world, but we can follow the guidance we are blessed to get from that still small voice that leads us moment by moment if we care.

[Dorine]

   In that day Christ does not present before men the great work He has done for them in giving His life for their redemption. He presents the faithful work they have done for Him. To those whom He sets upon His right hand He will say, "Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was an hungered, and ye gave Me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave Me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took Me in: naked, and ye clothed Me: I was sick, and ye visited Me: I was in prison, and ye came unto Me." But those whom Christ commends know not that they have been ministering unto Him. To their perplexed inquiries He answers, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me."

This book becomes more precious to me with each reading. I am deeply touched and affected with the fact in ministering to the afflicted we are ministering to Christ. No matter how tired we are or difficult the task would we refuse to relieve Christ's needs if He were here? If we could keep that in mind our own needs would not be our focus because Jesus has promised to take care of all of them if we seek Him first.