Author Topic: The Desire of Ages--71--A Servant of Servants  (Read 22778 times)

0 Members and 2 Guests are viewing this topic.

Beacon

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 1843
Re: The Desire of Ages--71--A Servant of Servants
« Reply #40 on: May 07, 2019, 09:17:46 PM »
"Christ would have His disciples understand that although He had washed their feet, this did not in the least detract from His dignity. "Ye call Me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am." And being so infinitely superior, He imparted grace and significance to the service. No one was so exalted as Christ, and yet He stooped to the humblest duty. That His people might not be misled by the selfishness which dwells in the natural heart, and which strengthens by self-serving, Christ Himself set the example of humility. He would not leave this great subject in man's charge. Of so much consequence did He regard it, that He Himself, One equal with God, acted as servant to His disciples. While they were contending for the highest place, He to whom every knee shall bow, He whom the angels of glory count it honor to serve, bowed down to wash the feet of those who called Him Lord. He washed the feet of His betrayer."

There's another important point that Richard brought out in November of last year on this subject. Here is his quote:

"The disciples all were not in a converted state when they entered the upper room. Self was alive in each one. It is not that they had never been converted. We do not believe in once saved always saved, but many believe in a form of it. They believe they still have eternal life (salvation) when they sin a known sin. In other words, they believe their profession of faith is enough. But, this is not Biblical. God requires that we love Him with the whole heart, not part of it."

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

And those who would partake of His divine attributes, and share with Him the joy of seeing souls redeemed, must follow His example of unselfish ministry. All this was comprehended in the words of Jesus, "I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you." This was the intent of the service He established. And He says, "If ye know these things," if you know the purpose of His lessons, "happy are ye if ye do them." [/b]

As I looked at this chapter for today, I am so vividly reminded of my great need of having a more non-judgemental spirit that is open to "all of God's children". How about you?

Look up and listen for the shout.

Dorine

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 2703
Re: The Desire of Ages--71--A Servant of Servants
« Reply #41 on: May 08, 2019, 07:04:31 AM »
"Like Peter and his brethren, we too have been washed in the blood of Christ, yet often through contact with evil the heart's purity is soiled. We must come to Christ for His cleansing grace. Peter shrank from bringing his soiled feet in contact with the hands of his Lord and Master; but how often we bring our sinful, polluted hearts in contact with the heart of Christ! How grievous to Him is our evil temper, our vanity and pride! Yet all our infirmity and defilement we must bring to Him. He alone can wash us clean. We are not prepared for communion with Him unless cleansed by His efficacy.  Jesus said to the disciples, "Ye are clean, but not all." He had washed the feet of Judas, but the heart had not been yielded to Him. It was not purified. Judas had not submitted himself to Christ."

Only Jesus knows the heart. Judas had the same opportunities that the other disciples had but the spirit that he allowed to dwell within him would not allow him to submit his heart to Jesus. We all have choices to make. Jesus continually stands at our hearts door and knocks until we let Him in or we cut ourselves off from the influence of the Holy Spirit.

With Jesus we are free, happy and selfless. Jesus promises that if we wear His yoke we will find it easy and His burden is light. I know that to be true. His promises are sure.
But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press  toward the mark. Phil. 3:13,14

Pastor Sean Brizendine

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 3001
  • Following the Lamb
Re: The Desire of Ages--71--A Servant of Servants
« Reply #42 on: May 08, 2019, 08:59:16 AM »
Amen, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!!

What a joy we can have in beholding Jesus who was willing to leave heaven to save us, and who washed the feet of His disciples as a selfless example of what true greatness is: the greatness of humility and willingness to serve in any way the Father in Heaven leads. Jesus knew that rebuking the disciples for their unconverted, selfish state (as they had been contending for the highest place) was not going to have the effect like a living example of washing the feet of the men who were to be light of the world. Jesus loves us and He considers it a privilege to minister to the cleansing and transforming of our hearts that become soiled by sin if we let go of Him. As we yield the whole heart to Christ, we again find the joy (and all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing) that we inevitably lose if we let our minds wander from Christ to self and sin. Christ has such a wonderful way of reaching our hearts; and all the hearts of the disciples--except Judas, who would not yield--were reconverted on that night because they let Jesus' love again fill their hearts by the Holy Spirit!

"So Christ expressed His love for His disciples. Their selfish spirit filled Him with sorrow, but He entered into no controversy with them regarding their difficulty. Instead He gave them an example they would never forget. His love for them was not easily disturbed or quenched. He knew that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He came from God, and went to God. He had a full consciousness of His divinity; but He had laid aside His royal crown and kingly robes, and had taken the form of a servant. One of the last acts of His life on earth was to gird Himself as a servant, and perform a servant's part." {The Desire of Ages, page 644, paragraph 5}

May we consider it a joy to serve wherever Jesus leads us in His will--for the happiest place on earth is the place where God would have us to be moment-by-moment! 
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

Richard Myers

  • Servant
  • Posts: 44591
  • Grace, more than a word, it is transforming power
    • The Remnant Online
Re: The Desire of Ages--71--A Servant of Servants
« Reply #43 on: May 08, 2019, 08:58:42 PM »
"Like Peter and his brethren, we too have been washed in the blood of Christ, yet often through contact with evil the heart's purity is soiled. We must come to Christ for His cleansing grace. Peter shrank from bringing his soiled feet in contact with the hands of his Lord and Master; but how often we bring our sinful, polluted hearts in contact with the heart of Christ! How grievous to Him is our evil temper, our vanity and pride! Yet all our infirmity and defilement we must bring to Him. He alone can wash us clean. We are not prepared for communion with Him unless cleansed by His efficacy.  Jesus said to the disciples, "Ye are clean, but not all." He had washed the feet of Judas, but the heart had not been yielded to Him. It was not purified. Judas had not submitted himself to Christ."

Only Jesus knows the heart. Judas had the same opportunities that the other disciples had but the spirit that he allowed to dwell within him would not allow him to submit his heart to Jesus. We all have choices to make. Jesus continually stands at our hearts door and knocks until we let Him in or we cut ourselves off from the influence of the Holy Spirit.

With Jesus we are free, happy and selfless. Jesus promises that if we wear His yoke we will find it easy and His burden is light. I know that to be true. His promises are sure.

Amen Sister Dorine!  Grace allowed into the heart cleanses us from sin. Though our sins be as scarlet, He will wash them in His blood as clean as snow! What a message for a world soon to perish!!
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Pastor Sean Brizendine

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 3001
  • Following the Lamb
Re: The Desire of Ages--71--A Servant of Servants
« Reply #44 on: August 03, 2019, 03:35:27 AM »
Happy Sabbath to all!

As we contemplate what Jesus has done for us, and how His grace has power to transform our hearts, may we ever keep before us His life and lessons that we may become like Him in mind and character!

"In His life and lessons, Christ has given a perfect exemplification of the unselfish ministry which has its origin in God. God does not live for Himself. By creating the world, and by upholding all things, He is constantly ministering for others. 'He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.' Matthew 5:45. This ideal of ministry God has committed to His Son. Jesus was given to stand at the head of humanity, that by His example He might teach what it means to minister. His whole life was under a law of service. He served all, ministered to all. Thus He lived the law of God, and by His example showed how we are to obey it." {The Desire of Ages, page 649, paragraph 4}

Selfless love is the very nature of God--and that divine nature He offers us as we rely upon His exceeding great and precious promises, so that in continual union and communion with God, our lives will reveal the evidence of His abiding presence in our souls: all of the fruit of the Spirit without one of His divine attributes missing!
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

Dorine

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 2703
Re: The Desire of Ages--71--A Servant of Servants
« Reply #45 on: August 03, 2019, 06:28:39 AM »
  "To those who receive the spirit of this service, it can never become a mere ceremonial. Its constant lesson will be, "By love serve one another." Galatians 5:13. In washing the feet of His disciples, Christ gave evidence that He would do any service, however humble, that would make them heirs with Him of the eternal wealth of heaven's treasure. His disciples, in performing the same rite, pledge themselves in like manner to serve their brethren. Whenever this ordinance is rightly celebrated, the children of God are brought into a holy relationship, to help and bless each other. They covenant that the life shall be given to unselfish ministry. And this, not only for one another. Their field of labor is as wide as their Master's was. The world is full of those who need our ministry. The poor, the helpless, the ignorant, are on every hand. Those who have communed with Christ in the upper chamber will go forth to minister as He did." 

Many times we read these statements as if they were commands. If we look upon them as promises we will see them as enabling's. There are conditions to every promise. We see in this promise that it is in communion with Christ that we will do as Jesus did. The miracle of a changed heart can not be explained. We accept it by faith and we know it is true because of the changes that happen in our own lives. Instead of thinking "I've got to this or that" we will do it because the Holy Spirit will give us a passion for souls. Then in serving others they will have an opportunity to see love in action and be drawn to accept the same source of power that motivates all who are surrendered to Christ.
But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press  toward the mark. Phil. 3:13,14

Richard Myers

  • Servant
  • Posts: 44591
  • Grace, more than a word, it is transforming power
    • The Remnant Online
Re: The Desire of Ages--71--A Servant of Servants
« Reply #46 on: August 03, 2019, 08:02:25 AM »
Amen Pastor Sean and Sister Dorine!  When we love Jesus with the whole heart, we will live to bless others. The question is what must I do in order to come to the point where I will love Jesus with the whole heart? We are shown in today's reading. When the disciples came into the upper room, none of them loved Jesus with the whole heart. They needed to be brought into a converted state.

Grace is more than a word, it is the power that transforms sinners into saints. Before they left that room, all were re-converted, except Judas who had never been converted. Where did the grace come from?

 Another cause of dissension had arisen. At a feast it was customary for a servant to wash the feet of the guests, and on this occasion preparation had been made for the service. The pitcher, the basin, and the towel were there, in readiness for the feet washing; but no servant was present, and it was the disciples' part to perform it. But each of the disciples, yielding to wounded pride, determined not to act the part of a servant. All manifested a stoical unconcern, seeming unconscious that there was anything for them to do. By their silence they refused to humble themselves.   
     How was Christ to bring these poor souls where Satan would not gain over them a decided victory? How could He show that a mere profession of discipleship did not make them disciples, or insure them a place in His kingdom? How could He show that it is loving service, true humility, which constitutes real greatness? How was He to kindle love in their hearts, and enable them to comprehend what He longed to tell them? 


Grace is unmerited favor. They should have washed the feet of Jesus, but instead God washed their feet while they were yet sinning.

    Christ would have His disciples understand that although He had washed their feet, this did not in the least detract from His dignity. "Ye call Me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am." And being so infinitely superior, He imparted grace and significance to the service. No one was so exalted as Christ, and yet He stooped to the humblest duty. That His people might not be misled by the selfishness which dwells in the natural heart, and which strengthens by self-serving, Christ Himself set the example of humility. He would not leave this great subject in man's charge. Of so much consequence did He regard it, that He Himself, One equal with God, acted as servant to His disciples. While they were contending for the highest place, He to whom every knee shall bow, He whom the angels of glory count it honor to serve, bowed down to wash the feet of those who called Him Lord. He washed the feet of His betrayer. 


Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Pastor Sean Brizendine

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 3001
  • Following the Lamb
Re: The Desire of Ages--71--A Servant of Servants
« Reply #47 on: October 27, 2019, 03:02:28 AM »
Working with children is a blessing, and whenever we make crafts, we follow a template so they can pattern what they make after it. Our life is like an unfolding craft project--learning how to follow the great Pattern Man, Jesus Christ, so He can bring out the specific pattern of life that is to His glory. We are all called to selfless service, but that takes different forms for each of us based on our unique talents, station in life, calling, and purpose. Two children sitting next to each other, following the same pattern, may use different colors and make the craft in a unique way according to what makes them happy. God gives us the joy of beholding the loveliness of Jesus, yielding the whole heart to Him in true conversion, and letting Him work out the pattern He desires in our lives. Then we will not be seeking the highest place for ourselves, but seeking to be in the center of God's will for us based on who He has created us to be. Let us love and respect one another as Christ uniquely fashions us into His image, and seals us to be a part of one of the twelve tribes described in Revelation 7! I appreciate the lesson from the communion service that Christ longed to impart:

     "As they come to this ordinance, the children of God should bring to remembrance the words of the Lord of life and glory: 'Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call Me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.' There is in man a disposition to esteem himself more highly than his brother, to work for self, to seek the highest place; and often this results in evil surmisings and bitterness of spirit. The ordinance preceding the Lord's Supper is to clear away these misunderstandings, to bring man out of his selfishness, down from his stilts of self-exaltation, to the humility of heart that will lead him to serve his brother." {The Desire of Ages, page 650, paragraph 4}

Our purest joy springs from the deepest humiliation, for the strongest and noblest characters are built on the foundation of God's love--a love that gladly serves others, realizing how deeply loved we are by Jesus! What a Friend we have in Jesus! May you enjoy this day in His saving, sanctifying presence, letting His selflessness flow through you in love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, meekness, goodness, faith and temperance, with not one of His traits of the divine nature missing, even as He grows you more into His image moment by moment!
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

Dorine

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 2703
Re: The Desire of Ages--71--A Servant of Servants
« Reply #48 on: October 27, 2019, 05:03:34 AM »

When the disciples entered the supper room, their hearts were full of resentful feelings.......
The disciples made no move toward serving one another. Jesus waited for a time to see what they would do. Then He, the divine Teacher, rose from the table. Laying aside the outer garment that would have impeded His movements, He took a towel, and girded Himself. With surprised interest the disciples looked on, and in silence waited to see what was to follow. "After that He poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith He was girded." This action opened the eyes of the disciples. Bitter shame and humiliation filled their hearts. They understood the unspoken rebuke, and saw themselves in altogether a new light.


Oh the power of the grace of God. When we behold the life of Christ we too will be shown our own weaknesses. Shame will burn within us and our hearts will be broken as we view the condition of our hearts in contrast to God's. But we have a choice to make. Do we let it break us to the point of surrender or will we stubbornly hang on to the pride that separates us from our source of strength and salvation? It is presented very clearly in the life of Judas versus the rest of the disciples. Judas was deeply drawn to the love of Jesus. He was almost persuaded. But 'almost' was not enough. How thankful I am that God has recorded these experiences for our benefit.
But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press  toward the mark. Phil. 3:13,14

Beacon

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 1843
Re: The Desire of Ages--71--A Servant of Servants
« Reply #49 on: October 27, 2019, 05:11:26 AM »
"Like Peter and his brethren, we too have been washed in the blood of Christ, yet often through contact with evil the heart's purity is soiled. We must come to Christ for His cleansing grace. Peter shrank from bringing his soiled feet in contact with the hands of his Lord and Master; but how often we bring our sinful, polluted hearts in contact with the heart of Christ! How grievous to Him is our evil temper, our vanity and pride! Yet all our infirmity and defilement we must bring to Him. He alone can wash us clean. We are not prepared for communion with Him unless cleansed by His efficacy."

"Pride and self-seeking create dissension and hatred, but all this Jesus washed away in washing their feet. A change of feeling was brought about. Looking upon them, Jesus could say, "Ye are clean." Now there was union of heart, love for one another. They had become humble and teachable. Except Judas, each was ready to concede to another the highest place. Now with subdued and grateful hearts they could receive Christ's words."

May David's Prayer be Our Prayer as it says in Psalm 51.

1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. 5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. 9 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee. 14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. 15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. 16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.[/b]
Look up and listen for the shout.

Richard Myers

  • Servant
  • Posts: 44591
  • Grace, more than a word, it is transforming power
    • The Remnant Online
Re: The Desire of Ages--71--A Servant of Servants
« Reply #50 on: October 27, 2019, 10:03:15 PM »

Oh the power of the grace of God.

Amen!!  This chapter is such a blessing in that it reveals the power of grace. Sadly, many do not recognize what is the power of grace, or what grace really is. Here we see it is more than a word, it is the power that transforms sinners into saints. We are not saved by faith, but by grace. As we behold our Savior, it is by "His stripes we are healed." It would be more than well for us to spend a thoughtful hour a day contemplating the life of Christ, especially the closing scenes. Why the closing scenes? Because the closing scenes reveal Jesus suffering for our sins. This is grace, unmerited favor in that He suffered for us while we were yet sinners. As they flogged Jesus, He was taking our stripes upon Himself. We love Him because we see His love for us in this suffering. Imagine God taking upon Himself our sins!!

What did Jesus see that night in the upper room when He entered?

     On this last evening with His disciples, Jesus had much to tell them. If they had been prepared to receive what He longed to impart, they would have been saved from heartbreaking anguish, from disappointment and unbelief. But Jesus saw that they could not bear what He had to say. As He looked into their faces, the words of warning and comfort were stayed upon His lips. Moments passed in silence. Jesus appeared to be waiting. The disciples were ill at ease. The sympathy and tenderness awakened by Christ's grief seemed to have passed away. His sorrowful words, pointing to His own suffering, had made little impression. The glances they cast upon each other told of jealousy and contention.   
     There was "a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest."


He saw His disciples in an unconverted state. Self was alive in each of them. Many don't think they ever were converted, but this is not true as we see in Scripture and in this chapter. God knows all and that means He knows what can transform these unrepentant sinners into saints......in that room. As we read  in the Bible, it is grace that saves, converts sinners. It is the love of God that brings about true repentance, is it not? The "goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance." Romans 2:4.

If there is still confusion as to the salvation of these disciples prior to this meeting, then carefully study the Bible when Jesus washed their feet and you will see that they had already been washed prior to Jesus washing their feet. And, you will also see that they all were reconverted, except Judas, when He washed their feet. By understanding this truth, it will help us to understand what it means to be a converted Christian and how it is that we can be converted.....daily.

Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Beacon

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 1843
Re: The Desire of Ages--71--A Servant of Servants
« Reply #51 on: January 20, 2020, 06:17:44 PM »
"Christ gave evidence that He would do any service, however humble, that would make them heirs with Him of the eternal wealth of heaven's treasure. His disciples, in performing the same rite, pledge themselves in like manner to serve their brethren. Whenever this ordinance is rightly celebrated, the children of God are brought into a holy relationship, to help and bless each other. They covenant that the life shall be given to unselfish ministry. And this, not only for one another. Their field of labor is as wide as their Master's was. The world is full of those who need our ministry. The poor, the helpless, the ignorant, are on every hand. Those who have communed with Christ in the upper chamber will go forth to minister as He did."

What tremendous lessons Our Savior has preached and by His Life and Actions provided us with a Clear Path to show what True Christian Service really looks like.

"Like Peter and his brethren, we too have been washed in the blood of Christ, yet often through contact with evil the heart's purity is soiled. We must come to Christ for His cleansing grace. Peter shrank from bringing his soiled feet in contact with the hands of his Lord and Master; but how often we bring our sinful, polluted hearts in contact with the heart of Christ! How grievous to Him is our evil temper, our vanity and pride! Yet all our infirmity and defilement we must bring to Him. He alone can wash us clean. We are not prepared for communion with Him unless cleansed by His efficacy. Jesus, the served of all, came to be the servant of all. And because He ministered to all, He will again be served and honored by all. And those who would partake of His divine attributes, and share with Him the joy of seeing souls redeemed, must follow His example of unselfish ministry.

I can understand better now Peter's reaction when he understood the meaning of the words Jesus spoke to him,and his reaction was...."Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head. John 13:9  He response was whole hearted but Jesus assured him it was only necessary for Him to have his feet washed. It is also very important for each of us to understand that if there is some physical impossibility preventing us from taking part in the foot washing service, the Lord understands and know the intent of our heart and we should not hesitate to take part in the communion service with the Bread & the Wine.     
Look up and listen for the shout.

Pastor Sean Brizendine

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 3001
  • Following the Lamb
Re: The Desire of Ages--71--A Servant of Servants
« Reply #52 on: January 21, 2020, 06:06:39 AM »
Amen, Brother Beacon!

Jesus has SO MUCH MORE for us, and it is as we behold Him in His infinite loveliness and selfless service that He awakens in our hearts a desire for a much deeper experience with Him! Wherever you are right now in your relationship with God, Jesus wants to give you SO MUCH MORE, and that only comes by beholding Him and yielding continually to Him in the path of selfless service He has for you! When we live by faith on Jesus as the Son of God, our hearts and minds are imbued with all of the fruits of the Spirit so that not one is missing! This is the greatest joy we can have--to be totally consecrated to Him and cleansed by the efficacy of His grace to seek and save those around us!

"As the lesson of the preparatory service is thus learned, the desire is kindled for a higher spiritual life. To this desire the divine Witness will respond. The soul will be uplifted. We can partake of the Communion with a consciousness of sins forgiven. The sunshine of Christ's righteousness will fill the chambers of the mind and the soul temple. We 'behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.' John 1:29." {The Desire of Ages, page 651, paragraph 1}

Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus continually, that the focus of others may be steadfastly directed to the One who alone can make our lives the true success He wants them to be! 
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

Dorine

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 2703
Re: The Desire of Ages--71--A Servant of Servants
« Reply #53 on: January 21, 2020, 10:39:06 AM »
Jesus, the served of all, came to be the servant of all. And because He ministered to all, He will again be served and honored by all. And those who would partake of His divine attributes, and share with Him the joy of seeing souls redeemed, must follow His example of unselfish ministry.

Only the grace of God can accomplish this in my life. As I surrender my life fully to Christ and abide in Him I am kept in His will and the needs of others will be more important than my own.
But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press  toward the mark. Phil. 3:13,14

Beacon

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 1843
Re: The Desire of Ages--71--A Servant of Servants
« Reply #54 on: April 16, 2020, 06:43:30 PM »
  "As they come to this ordinance, the children of God should bring to remembrance the words of the Lord of life and glory: 'Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call Me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."

When we choose to obey the commands of our Lord & Savior we bring Honor to His Holy name and Joy to His heart.

"There is in man a disposition to esteem himself more highly than his brother, to work for self, to seek the highest place; and often this results in evil surmisings and bitterness of spirit. The ordinance preceding the Lord's Supper is to clear away these misunderstandings, to bring man out of his selfishness, down from his stilts of self-exaltation, to the humility of heart that will lead him to serve his brother."

Remember it was Satan who said...I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Isaiah 14:14 He wanted to be on the same level as God, a place that he had no right to be, and thus because of his pride and jalousie, all the inhabitants of  earth have been embroiled in this same philosophy. But God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son to pay the price of our redemption. I pray that we all will choose to say "THANK YOU JESUS" and follow in His footsteps with thankful heart and willing spirit to follow His example.   
Look up and listen for the shout.

Pastor Sean Brizendine

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 3001
  • Following the Lamb
Re: The Desire of Ages--71--A Servant of Servants
« Reply #55 on: April 17, 2020, 05:25:33 AM »
Jesus is calling us higher--to a higher, holier experience with Him. And yet He shows us how that experience is gained. To advance in the kingdom of God is to condescend, to serve, to give and to be willing to be anything or nothing as God's providence directs. Jesus, the King of the universe, would gladly wash His disciples feet to show us what true greatness is all about: it is about having a thoroughly converted heart that is willing to serve others in true humility, that others may come also to partake of the divine nature. Christ offers us His union and communion with the Father, and each time we embrace the lessons of self-sacrifice and walk in the path His providence assigns, we are blessed by being a blessing! May you diffuse the light of the loveliness of Jesus today by looking unto Him continually and inviting others to share of His character, for by beholding we become changed!

"As the lesson of the preparatory service is thus learned, the desire is kindled for a higher spiritual life. To this desire the divine Witness will respond. The soul will be uplifted. We can partake of the Communion with a consciousness of sins forgiven. The sunshine of Christ's righteousness will fill the chambers of the mind and the soul temple. We 'behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.' John 1:29." {The Desire of Ages, page 651, paragraph 1}   

As Jesus takes away our sins, He dispels our fear with His love and imbues us with all of the fruits of the Spirit so that not one is missing. Then we will go forth as missionaries of His character! May you join tonight at 7pm Eastern/7pm Pacific for "Hope Awakens" via hopeawakens.com, and help others come to find the true, eternal hope in Christ!
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

Richard Myers

  • Servant
  • Posts: 44591
  • Grace, more than a word, it is transforming power
    • The Remnant Online
Re: The Desire of Ages--71--A Servant of Servants
« Reply #56 on: April 17, 2020, 09:34:35 AM »
Amen Brother Beacon and Pastor Sean.  God's grace transforms sinners into saints. The footwashing revealed God's grace and reconverted all of the disciples except for Judas. It was Peter who ought to have been washing the Son of God's feet, and Peter knew it. We too often have opportunity to do good for those who do not deserve it.

 At the words, "If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with Me," Peter surrendered his pride and self-will. He could not endure the thought of separation from Christ; that would have been death to him. "Not my feet only," he said, "but also my hands and my head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit."
     These words mean more than bodily cleanliness. Christ is still speaking of the higher cleansing as illustrated by the lower. He who came from the bath was clean, but the sandaled feet soon became dusty, and again needed to be washed. So Peter and his brethren had been washed in the great fountain opened for sin and uncleanness. Christ acknowledged them as His. But temptation had led them into evil, and they still needed His cleansing grace. When Jesus girded Himself with a towel to wash the dust from their feet, He desired by that very act to wash the alienation, jealousy, and pride from their hearts. This was of far more consequence than the washing of their dusty feet. With the spirit they then had, not one of them was prepared for communion with Christ. Until brought into a state of humility and love, they were not prepared to partake of the paschal supper, or to share in the memorial service which Christ was about to institute. Their hearts must be cleansed. Pride and self-seeking create dissension and hatred, but all this Jesus washed away in washing their feet. A change of feeling was brought about. Looking upon them, Jesus could say, "Ye are clean." Now there was union of heart, love for one another. They had become humble and teachable. Except Judas, each was ready to concede to another the highest place. Now with subdued and grateful hearts they could receive Christ's words.


We are saved by grace. It is grace that cleanses the heart, makes it pure and holy. If the heart is not pure, then we are not in a saved condition. Even if the pride in the heart is unknown, we are not saved. The heart must be cleansed by the power of grace. We must be transformed from sinner to saint. It is a foundation truth of the Christian and Jewish faith.
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.

Dorine

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 2703
Re: The Desire of Ages--71--A Servant of Servants
« Reply #57 on: July 13, 2020, 04:52:16 AM »
"The world is full of those who need our ministry. The poor, the helpless, the ignorant, are on every hand. Those who have communed with Christ in the upper chamber will go forth to minister as He did."

This statement burns within my heart. God has given us a responsibility to care for our fellow man. We must start where we are and with what we are capable of doing. Sometimes we think we must do some great work to qualify for ministry. That is not true. It's the little, loving, caring attentions that may be noticed only by those who are being ministered to. As we put our feet into the water to be used of God, He will give us strength, open opportunities and add to our abilities to carry out the mission He requires of us. What a joy and blessing to be part of His plan in ministry for Him.
But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press  toward the mark. Phil. 3:13,14

Pastor Sean Brizendine

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 3001
  • Following the Lamb
Re: The Desire of Ages--71--A Servant of Servants
« Reply #58 on: July 13, 2020, 07:43:14 AM »
Amen, Sister Dorine!

Let us realize the unity Christ offers us and experience it today by a complete surrender to Him!

"The holy Watcher from heaven is present at this season to make it one of soul searching, of conviction of sin, and of the blessed assurance of sins forgiven. Christ in the fullness of His grace is there to change the current of the thoughts that have been running in selfish channels. The Holy Spirit quickens the sensibilities of those who follow the example of their Lord. As the Saviour's humiliation for us is remembered, thought links with thought; a chain of memories is called up, memories of God's great goodness and of the favor and tenderness of earthly friends. Blessings forgotten, mercies abused, kindnesses slighted, are called to mind. Roots of bitterness that have crowded out the precious plant of love are made manifest. Defects of character, neglect of duties, ingratitude to God, coldness toward our brethren, are called to remembrance. Sin is seen in the light in which God views it. Our thoughts are not thoughts of self-complacency, but of severe self-censure and humiliation. The mind is energized to break down every barrier that has caused alienation. Evil thinking and evilspeaking are put away. Sins are confessed, they are forgiven. The subduing grace of Christ comes into the soul, and the love of Christ draws hearts together in a blessed unity." {The Desire of Ages, page 650, paragraph 5}

While it is often at the communion service that we seek to have differences between us and others reconciled, let us not wait for that time to seek to be the Christ-like missionaries that are true peacemakers who are seeking not to exalt self, but to save souls, and bring each heart to a complete surrender to Christ. Only in Him is there true rest from self and sin, and the happiness of His presence flows forth spontaneously!
"When we live by faith on the Son of God, the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives; not one will be missing." {The Desire of Ages, 676.4}

Richard Myers

  • Servant
  • Posts: 44591
  • Grace, more than a word, it is transforming power
    • The Remnant Online
Re: The Desire of Ages--71--A Servant of Servants
« Reply #59 on: July 13, 2020, 08:57:49 AM »
What a chapter!! As I read what has been shared this morning, I was amazed as once again the Holy Spirit is touching our hearts in the same manner impressing us along the same lines. Sister Dorine was impressed as I was that we are to be about leading the lost to Christ. Sabbath I was given the opportunity to continue laboring with one who is seeking truth. She has been studying the Bible and sadly other books. She believes in reincarnation.  :(  But, what a blessing is seen when we take the conversation to the foundation of our faith. She agreed with the "milk" of our faith. And, in today's reading not only do we see the grace of God being revealed to His disciples who were not in a converted state, we also see very clearly laid out the foundation of our faith. Grace is more than a word, it is the power that changes sinners into saints. God has blessed us with an understanding that many have failed to grasp. It places a great responsibility upon us to share the gospel of grace with not only the church, but with those seeking truth in the world.

How was Christ to bring these poor souls where Satan would not gain over them a decided victory? How could He show that a mere profession of discipleship did not make them disciples, or insure them a place in His kingdom? How could He show that it is loving service, true humility, which constitutes real greatness? How was He to kindle love in their hearts, and enable them to comprehend what He longed to tell them? 

These questions were not on the mind of Christ, for He knew what would change the hearts of all but Judas, grace. So it is in the church and the world. It is by beholding the love of God, the grace revealed that night by Jesus, that we are transformed, converted. As Pastor Sean has pointed out, we need not wait for the communion service to wash another feet, we may do it today. But, unless we are filled with the Spirit, we will not have the living water we need to love others as Christ does. Let us behold the Lamb of God and He will cleanse the heart of sin and selfishness today!
Jesus receives His reward when we reflect His character, the fruits of the Spirit......We deny Jesus His reward when we do not.