The following posts were made in 2007-2008
Richard Myers
Re: Re: Desire of Ages! chapter 7
« on: August 20, 2007, 08:37:00 AM »
The childhood and youth of Jesus were spent in a little mountain village. There was no place on earth that would not have been honored by His presence. The palaces of kings would have been privileged in receiving Him as a guest. But He passed by the homes of wealth, the courts of royalty, and the renowned seats of learning, to make His home in obscure and despised Nazareth. {DA 68.1}
Wonderful in its significance is the brief record of His early life: "The child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon Him." In the sunlight of His Father's countenance, Jesus "increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." Luke 2:52. His mind was active and penetrating, with a thoughtfulness and wisdom beyond His years. Yet His character was beautiful in its symmetry. The powers of mind and body developed gradually, in keeping with the laws of childhood.
Liane H
Re: Re: Re: Desire of Ages! 7+
« Reply #1 on: August 21, 2007, 09:41:00 AM »
If there is any example of what parents should do and follow to raise their children can be learned from reading of Joseph and Mary with Jesus. There were so many places in that day God could have planted Jesus to live, but He did it in such a way to protect both the parents and Jesus while He grew.
Sometimes parents do not have a choice in that goal, but they can make the home as near to heaven as can be done even in the cities. Not the ideal, but it can be done. It all depends in when the walk with God that they create a place of holiness and faith within the walls so that the children have a haven in which to live in and come into when they are out in the world.
I see this with my friends Heidi and Darrell. They live out in the middle of nowhere and the world they have given their children is so pleasant and peaceful.
I see this with my Pastor and his family. They are nearer to the world of our town, but have given in their home a place for God to dwell and the children are blessed by that haven.
Even someday in a lonely prison cell we can make for ourselves a haven with God that no man can touch or take away from us. Where God plants us we will be safe in Him.
All we have to do is reach up to Him and He will bring the whole host of heaven to be with us no matter where we are.
Richard Myers
« Reply #2 on: August 22, 2007, 02:15:00 PM »
quote:Originally posted by Liane H:
Sometimes parents do not have a choice in that goal, but they can make the home as near to heaven as can be done even in the cities.
This is true, but in most cases, parents have sacrificed their children as did the mother of Lot's children. We have been given a message to call all out of the cities. If mothers and fathers desired to leave the cities, God would open a way for most.
Liane H
« Reply #3 on: August 22, 2007, 02:56:00 PM »
Well for example Pastor's must go where the church and God calls them to go. It would be nice if the church would let the pastor's with little ones to stay out of the cities, but it may not always be so.
"Whenever possible, it is the duty of parents to make homes in the country for their children." {AH 141.1}
The first words is clear "whenever possible."
At the same time she also says:
"So long as God gives me power to speak to our people, I shall continue to call upon parents to leave the cities and get homes in the country, where they can cultivate the soil and learn from the book of nature the lessons of purity and simplicity. The things of nature are the Lord's silent ministers, given to us to teach us spiritual truths. They speak to us of the love of God and declare the wisdom of the great Master Artist." {AH 146.3}
She spoke often as she was able to encourage them to move to the country.
Here is a statement that I think few have seen or read before. It is interesting that those of us that are in the country make it possible for others to leave the cities:
"Believers who are now living in the cities will have to move to the country, that they may save their children from ruin. Attention must be given to the establishment of industries in which these families can find employment. Those who have charge of the school-work at---and---should see what can be done by these institutions to establish such industries, so that our people desiring to leave the cities, can obtain modest homes without a large outlay of means, and can also find employment. In both ---- and ---- there are favorable and encouraging features for the development of this plan. Study what these features are. {CL 19.4}
I have yet to see this taking place by my own church or by others. Has anyone else seen such efforts made?
More and more, as time advances, our people will have to leave the cities. For years we have been instructed that our brethren and sisters, and especially families with children, should plan to leave the cities as the way opens before them to do so. Many will have to labor earnestly to help open the way. But until it is possible for them to leave, so long as they remain, they should be most active in doing missionary work, however limited their sphere of influence may be.-- Review and Herald, Sept. 27, 1906. {CL 24.4}
The question is how close are we to needing to move to the country? Are the times so near that we should do and help as many as we can to leave the cities?
As my life was down in Los Angeles there was no way I could have left the city. I dreamed about leaving the city, but in my heart I never believed it would be possible. I was blessed by God in His own time and way to make that possible.
I had to suffer much before it was possible, even was given the option at my employment that I had to choose between my job and my faith and though I new in my head that they could not because of state laws, but in my heart the fear was real when they told me I had to make that choice.
One step led to another, though difficult as they were and a way was made for me to leave and now God has made an even better way for me to be even further out in the country than I am now.
Neither experience was easy, but happened despite all that took place. God does take care of us when we let Him do so.
This is the first step for some:
"As God's commandment-keeping people, we must leave the cities. As did Enoch, we must work in the cities but not dwell in them."-- Evangelism, pp. 78, 79. (1899) {CL 30.4}
I saw this by a pastor of mine that moved his family many miles out in the country, commuted to work in the church in the city each day. That was 25 years ago, how much more should it be done today.
Richard Myers
« Reply #4 on: August 22, 2007, 04:46:00 PM »
Yes, it is not Biblical to live in the city because one is working in the city, even as a pastor. And, for some pastors, they even ought not be working in the city.
But, the important thing is to be truly converted, then God can work in ways that He would not otherwise work. And, then His children will understand and want the blessings God has promised.
Richard Myers
« Reply #5 on: September 12, 2007, 09:57:00 AM »
The child Jesus did not receive instruction in the synagogue schools. His mother was His first human teacher. From her lips and from the scrolls of the prophets, He learned of heavenly things. The very words which He Himself had spoken to Moses for Israel He was now taught at His mother's knee. As He advanced from childhood to youth, He did not seek the schools of the rabbis. He needed not the education to be obtained from such sources; for God was His instructor.
The question asked during the Saviour's ministry, "How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?" does not indicate that Jesus was unable to read, but merely that He had not received a rabbinical education. John 7:15. Since He gained knowledge as we may do, His intimate acquaintance with the Scriptures shows how diligently His early years were given to the study of God's word. And spread out before Him was the great library of God's created works. He who had made all things studied the lessons which His own hand had written in earth and sea and sky. Apart from the unholy ways of the world, He gathered stores of scientific knowledge from nature. He studied the life of plants and animals, and the life of man. From His earliest years He was possessed of one purpose; He lived to bless others. For this He found resources in nature; new ideas of ways and means flashed into His mind as He studied plant life and animal life. Continually He was seeking to draw from things seen illustrations by which to present the living oracles of God. The parables by which, during His ministry, He loved to teach His lessons of truth show how open His spirit was to the influences of nature, and how He had gathered the spiritual teaching from the surroundings of His daily life.
That parents would learn from this example and pattern their lives in such a manner.
Mimi
Re: Re: Re: Desire of Ages! 7+
« Reply #6 on: October 05, 2007, 04:43:00 PM »
Thus to Jesus the significance of the word and the works of God was unfolded, as He was trying to understand the reason of things. Heavenly beings were His attendants, and the culture of holy thoughts and communings was His. From the first dawning of intelligence He was constantly growing in spiritual grace and knowledge of truth.
Every child may gain knowledge as Jesus did. As we try to become acquainted with our heavenly Father through His word, angels will draw near, our minds will be strengthened, our characters will be elevated and refined. We shall become more like our Saviour. And as we behold the beautiful and grand in nature, our affections go out after God. While the spirit is awed, the soul is invigorated by coming in contact with the Infinite through His works. Communion with God through prayer develops the mental and moral faculties, and the spiritual powers strengthen as we cultivate thoughts upon spiritual things.
The life of Jesus was a life in harmony with God. While He was a child, He thought and spoke as a child; but no trace of sin marred the image of God within Him. Yet He was not exempt from temptation. The inhabitants of Nazareth were proverbial for their wickedness. The low estimate in which they were generally held is shown by Nathanael's question, "Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?" John 1:46. Jesus was placed where His character would be tested. It was necessary for Him to be constantly on guard in order to preserve His purity. He was subject to all the conflicts which we have to meet, that He might be an example to us in childhood, youth, and manhood.
Satan was unwearied in his efforts to overcome the Child of Nazareth. From His earliest years Jesus was guarded by heavenly angels, yet His life was one long struggle against the powers of darkness. That there should be upon the earth one life free from the defilement of evil was an offense and a perplexity to the prince of darkness. He left no means untried to ensnare Jesus. No child of humanity will ever be called to live a holy life amid so fierce a conflict with temptation as was our Saviour. 71
Mimi
Re: Re: Re: Desire of Ages! 7+
« Reply #7 on: October 05, 2007, 04:52:00 PM »
No child of humanity will ever be called to live a holy life amid so fierce a conflict with temptation as was our Saviour.
Jesus, as God incarnate, continued to battle against Satan - it is quoted here as "fierce." Imagine, a little child, with the thoughts of a child, ever learning, standing firm against Satan.
Young, tender, guarded by angels - He was able to stand. Beautiful thoughts to contemplate. Mixed in with the movements of the Spirit, along with the presence of holy angels, was a mother and an earthly father to contstantly guide this holy Child.
Richard Myers
« Reply #8 on: October 05, 2007, 09:59:00 PM »
Amen! Holy parents! Such a blessing!! Especially the mother, whose responsibility was mainly the rearing of the child Jesus. Sad, to contemplate the role of many mothers today who do not see their most important role as mother. Imagine if Mary had not seen this as her most important job! There was one time when she took her eyes off of her Son. It took her three days to find Him again.
Mimi
« Reply #9 on: October 11, 2007, 03:17:00 AM »
Heaven knew the importance of chosing His earthly parents. Oh, to have that dedication in raising our young.
The parents of Jesus were poor, and dependent upon their daily toil. He was familiar with poverty, self-denial, and privation. This experience was a safeguard to Him. In His industrious life there were no idle moments to invite temptation. No aimless hours opened the way for corrupting associations. So far as possible, He closed the door to the tempter. Neither gain nor pleasure, applause nor censure, could induce Him to consent to a wrong act. He was wise to discern evil, and strong to resist it.
Christ was the only sinless one who ever dwelt on earth; yet for nearly thirty years He lived among the wicked inhabitants of Nazareth. This fact is a rebuke to those who think themselves dependent upon place, fortune, or prosperity, in order to live a blameless life. Temptation, poverty, adversity, is the very discipline needed to develop purity and firmness.
Jesus lived in a peasant's home, and faithfully and cheerfully acted His part in bearing the burdens of the household. He had been the Commander of heaven, and angels had delighted to fulfill His word; now He was a willing servant, a loving, obedient son. He learned a trade, and with His own hands worked in the carpenter's shop with Joseph. In the simple garb of a common laborer He walked the streets of the little town, going to and returning from His humble work. He did not employ His divine power to lessen His burdens or to lighten His toil. 72
Mimi
Re: Re: Re: Desire of Ages! 7+
« Reply #10 on: October 11, 2007, 03:25:00 AM »
To choose poverty and to experience privation goes against the grain of the world's experience of gain. Yet it was this exact condition that set the very atmosphere for the God of heaven incarnate to flourish spiritually.
What are we doing to our children? to ourselves?
Mimi
Re: Re: Re: Desire of Ages! 7+
« Reply #11 on: October 11, 2007, 03:28:00 AM »
As Jesus worked in childhood and youth, mind and body were developed. He did not use His physical powers recklessly, but in such a way as to keep them in health, that He might do the best work in every line. He was not willing to be defective, even in the handling of tools. He was perfect as a workman, as He was perfect in character. By His own example He taught that it is our duty to be industrious, that our work should be performed with exactness and thoroughness, and that such labor is honorable. The exercise that teaches the hands to be useful and trains the young to bear their share of life's burdens gives physical strength, and develops every faculty. All should find something to do that will be beneficial to themselves and helpful to others. God appointed work as a blessing, and only the diligent worker finds the true glory and joy of life. The approval of God rests with loving assurance upon children and youth who cheerfully take their part in the duties of the household, sharing the burdens of father and mother. Such children will go out from the home to be useful members of society. 72
Mimi
Re: Re: Re: Desire of Ages! 7+
« Reply #12 on: January 09, 2008, 05:55:18 AM »
Throughout His life on earth, Jesus was an earnest and constant worker. He expected much; therefore He attempted much. After He had entered on His ministry, He said, "I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work." John 9:4. Jesus did not shirk care and responsibility, as do many who profess to be His followers. It is because they seek to evade this discipline that so many are weak and inefficient. They may possess precious and amiable traits, but they are nerveless and almost useless when difficulties are to be met or obstacles surmounted. The positiveness and energy, the solidity and strength of character, manifested in Christ are to be developed in us, through the same discipline that He endured. And the grace that He received is for us.
So long as He lived among men, our Saviour shared the lot of the poor. He knew by experience their cares and hardships, and He could comfort and encourage all humble workers. Those who have a true conception of the teaching of His life will never feel that a distinction must be made between classes, that the rich are to be honored above the worthy poor.
Jesus carried into His labor cheerfulness and tact. It requires much patience and spirituality to bring Bible religion into the home life and into the workshop, to bear the strain of worldly business, and yet keep the eye single to the glory of God. This is where Christ was a helper. He was never so full of worldly care as to have no time or thought for heavenly things. Often He expressed the gladness of His heart by singing psalms and heavenly songs. Often the dwellers in Nazareth heard His voice raised in praise and thanksgiving to God. He held communion with heaven in song; and as His companions complained of weariness from labor, they were cheered by the sweet melody from His lips. His praise seemed to banish the evil angels, and, like incense, fill the place with fragrance. The minds of His hearers were carried away from their earthly exile, to the heavenly home. 73
Mimi
Re: Re: Re: Desire of Ages! 7+
« Reply #13 on: January 09, 2008, 06:02:08 AM »
Jesus was the fountain of healing mercy for the world; and through all those secluded years at Nazareth, His life flowed out in currents of sympathy and tenderness. The aged, the sorrowing, and the sin-burdened, the children at play in their innocent joy, the little creatures of the groves, the patient beasts of burden,--all were happier for His presence. He whose word of power upheld the worlds would stoop to relieve a wounded bird. There was nothing beneath His notice, nothing to which He disdained to minister.
Thus as He grew in wisdom and stature, Jesus increased in favor with God and man. He drew the sympathy of all hearts by showing Himself capable of sympathizing with all. The atmosphere of hope and courage that surrounded Him made Him a blessing in every home. And often in the synagogue on the Sabbath day He was called upon to read the lesson from the prophets, and the hearts of the hearers thrilled as a new light shone out from the familiar words of the sacred text.
Yet Jesus shunned display. During all the years of His stay in Nazareth, He made no exhibition of His miraculous power. He sought no high position and assumed no titles. His quiet and simple life, and even the silence of the Scriptures concerning His early years, teach an important lesson. The more quiet and simple the life of the child,--the more free from artificial excitement, and the more in harmony with nature,--the more favorable is it to physical and mental vigor and to spiritual strength. 74
Richard Myers
Re: Re: Re: Desire of Ages! 7+
« Reply #14 on: January 12, 2008, 05:40:53 AM »
Quote from: Sybil on January 09, 2008, 06:02:08 AM
The more quiet and simple the life of the child,--the more free from artificial excitement, and the more in harmony with nature,--the more favorable is it to physical and mental vigor and to spiritual strength[/b]. 74
How different from the rearing of children today!
Mimi
Re: Re: Re: Desire of Ages! 7+
« Reply #15 on: January 13, 2008, 05:18:16 AM »
Amen, Richard!
Jesus is our example. There are many who dwell with interest upon the period of His public ministry, while they pass unnoticed the teaching of His early years. But it is in His home life that He is the pattern for all children and youth. The Saviour condescended to poverty, that He might teach how closely we in a humble lot may walk with God. He lived to please, honor, and glorify His Father in the common things of life. His work began in consecrating the lowly trade of the craftsmen who toil for their daily bread. He was doing God's service just as much when laboring at the carpenter's bench as when working miracles for the multitude. And every youth who follows Christ's example of faithfulness and obedience in His lowly home may claim those words spoken of Him by the Father through the Holy Spirit, "Behold My Servant, whom I uphold; Mine Elect, in whom My soul delighteth." Isa. 42:1.