The Desire of Ages--22--Imprisonment and Death of John

[Richard Myers]

Amen Sister Dorine!! What a blessing to share Jesus with those who want to hear.

What is the most weighty trust and highest honor God can give to you and me? This chapter illustrates this in the life and suffering of John the Baptist.

  To many minds a deep mystery surrounds the fate of John the Baptist. They question why he should have been left to languish and die in prison. The mystery of this dark providence our human vision cannot penetrate; but it can never shake our confidence in God when we remember that John was but a sharer in the sufferings of Christ. All who follow Christ will wear the crown of sacrifice. They will surely be misunderstood by selfish men, and will be made a mark for the fierce assaults of Satan. It is this principle of self-sacrifice that his kingdom is established to destroy, and he will war against it wherever manifested.

Have you experienced this? If so, look up for your redemption draweth nigh.

As Brother Beacon has shared:

God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him. Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon. "Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake." Philippians 1:29. And of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon, Sister Dorine, and Brother Richard! What unity we find in beholding the loveliness of Jesus and surrendering our whole heart to Him!

When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him by union and communion with Him in constant prayer, meditation upon His word, and sharing what Christ has done and is doing for us accompanied by the living witness of the Holy Spirit who manifests through us all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing, we not only obey the law of God from a heart and mind renewed by divine grace, but we also consider it a privilege to suffer for the sake of Christ and to be led in the specific path His providence assigns us!

"God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him. Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon. 'Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.' Philippians 1:29. And of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor." {The Desire of Ages, page 224, paragraph 5}

Those who will be martyred right before Jesus comes and suffer deeply, those who will go through fierce and fiery persecution because they refuse to renounce the pure faith of the Bible and violate the fourth commandment enjoining worship and rest on the seventh day Sabbath, and those who will live through the time of Jacob's trouble and be translated without seeing death will all know the joy of fellowship with Christ in suffering by a personal experience. Today we face trials that God allows for our good in the development of character and the opportunity to be a living witness of His grace in every situation. "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it" (1 Corinthians 10:13). Strength is always available in every situation through the only way to remain uncontaminated by the world, the flesh and the devil in each temptation: total surrender of the heart to "the Way" (John 14:6), Christ Jesus!

Every blessing is a trial, for it is a test as to whether we will use it for the glory of God; every trial is a blessing, for in the unique experience gained in that time, the Holy Spirit desires to teach us precious lessons of trust and obedience that better prepare us for greater trials to come. We need not fear for the future if we choose to keep our eyes steadfastly upon Jesus Christ and Him crucified, "who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2). This very experience--the faith of Jesus--He offers us today as we surrender unreservedly to His will being wrought out in our lives!

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

How does divinity really reveal itself? What was seen in Jesus' life? "The evidence of His divinity was seen in its adaptation to the needs of suffering humanity. His glory was shown in His condescension to our low estate." {The Desire of Ages, page 217, paragraph 1}

And Jesus offers us this same character! This is His promise: "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).

When the Holy Spirit takes full possession of the heart and mind that is surrendered unreservedly to Christ, Christ's blood atones for the sin of the soul, a new heart and mind is given! Thus, there is such healing and transformation when we live by faith on the Son of God so that all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing is seen in a life of true, affectionate obedience to all of the commandments of God! Let us go forth to bless others as God provides for all our needs and leads us to bless others!

[Beacon]

"..The Baptist did not surrender his faith in Christ. The memory of the voice from heaven and the descending dove, the spotless purity of Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit that had rested upon John as he came into the Saviour's presence, and the testimony of the prophetic scriptures,--all witnessed that Jesus of Nazareth was the Promised One."

I believe that just ahead of us there is coming a time, when we also, if faithful to Jesus will be tested in ways whereby we may be tempted to feel forsaken by Jesus. No wonder the devil wants to keep us so distracted!! We must not let this happen. It is "NOW" that we must be preparing for the testing time by the study of the WORD,,,By Reflecting and Remembering how Jesus has led us into a glorious personal relationship with Him. Remembering how many times He has forgiven us and picked us up and restored us to the "Path" that leads to eternal life. We must remember this story and example of what John experienced.

1 Corinthians 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

[Richard Myers]

Imagine John sitting in the dungeon and then hearing he was going to be executed. How did John feel about it all? By then he understood that Jesus was not going to sit on an earthly throne. He knew Jesus was not going to establish an earthly kingdom, but a heavenly one. He understood the Lamb was going to die. He did not fear death. How do we look at suffering? How does God look at it?

     Though no miraculous deliverance was granted John, he was not forsaken. He had always the companionship of heavenly angels, who opened to him the prophecies concerning Christ, and the precious promises of Scripture. These were his stay, as they were to be the stay of God's people through the coming ages. To John the Baptist, as to those that came after him, was given the assurance, "Lo, I am with you all the days, even unto the end." Matthew 28:20, R. V., margin.
     God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him. Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon. "Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake." Philippians 1:29. And of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor.

[Dorine]

"God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him. Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon. "Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake." Philippians 1:29. And of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor."

Words to remember at all times. As we depend totally on Christ it is the daily trials that builds strength and muscle to Christian character. Through it all we may rejoice in knowing that Jesus tread the way before us and gives us what we need at the time we need it most. He is with us each step of our pilgrim journey. None of us know what tomorrow will bring but we know that God is already there and what ever challenges we may face He will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. Knowing His love and care for each of us, brings us joy even in our trials.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Sister Dorine!

Let us trust God's leading in our lives, even though we do not see the whole picture yet! Jesus is coming soon, and He will make the mysteries of this life plain as we abide in Him and overcome through His grace. Such an experience of complete surrender to Jesus in the most trying experiences of life allows the Holy Spirit in the converted heart to bring forth all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing in even sweeter and greater abundance! Hallelujah!!

"God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him. Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon. 'Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.' Philippians 1:29. And of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor." {The Desire of Ages, page 224, paragraph 5}

Because God loves us, He gives us what is best. Trusting in Him, let go forward today that others may find the joy of salvation no matter what their circumstances may be!

[Beacon]

What was it that kept John loyal to his calling while suffering in isolation in his loathsome prison cell?

"The memory of the voice from heaven and the descending dove, the spotless purity of Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit that had rested upon John as he came into the Saviour's presence, and the testimony of the prophetic scriptures,--all witnessed that Jesus of Nazareth was the Promised One."

John kept his mind and spirit focused on Jesus and as he reviewed his own personal experiences with Jesus he found renewed strength and courage through the great promise found in... Isaiah chapter 25:8 & 9  *He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it. And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation."

"But the Baptist did not surrender his faith in Christ.

The memory of the voice from heaven and the descending dove, the spotless purity of Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit that had rested upon John as he came into the Saviour's presence, and the testimony of the prophetic scriptures,--all witnessed that Jesus of Nazareth was the Promised One

Now is the time to focus on being ready for that which will last for eternity.  WILL "WE" BE READY?

[Richard Myers]

Amen Brother Beacon! We see here why John maintained his faith in Christ:

     John was troubled to see that through love for him, his own disciples were cherishing unbelief in regard to Jesus. Had his work for them been fruitless? Had he been unfaithful in his mission, that he was now cut off from labor? If the promised Deliverer had appeared, and John had been found true to his calling, would not Jesus now overthrow the oppressor's power, and set free His herald?
     But the Baptist did not surrender his faith in Christ. The memory of the voice from heaven and the descending dove, the spotless purity of Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit that had rested upon John as he came into the Saviour's presence, and the testimony of the prophetic scriptures,--all witnessed that Jesus of Nazareth was the Promised One.

His love and faith were based on knowing and trusting God. He suffered as he was imprisoned and did not understand that Jesus had to die. He thought Jesus was going to rule from an earthly throne. Suffering did not kill his faith. Instead it strengthened his character. As Pastor Sean and Sister Dorine have pointed out (and one of my favorite truths) that the most weighty trust and the highest honor that God can bestow upon us is to make us partakers in the sufferings of Christ. Like in polishing a stone to make it beautiful, so it is that Christ is polishing His children by allowing us to suffer for His glory and our good. Romans 3:3-5 gives us understanding from Scripture. Praise God for the light!!

[Dorine]

"The principle of the Baptist's own life of self-abnegation was the principle of the Messiah's kingdom. John well knew how foreign all this was to the principles and hopes of the leaders in Israel. That which was to him convincing evidence of Christ's divinity would be no evidence to them. They were looking for a Messiah who had not been promised. John saw that the Saviour's mission could win from them only hatred and condemnation. He, the forerunner, was but drinking of the cup which Christ Himself must drain to its dregs."

The accounts of God's servants like John bring such courage to the heart. When we fully give our lives over to Jesus we are putty in His hands to form and shape into His image. The work of reforming us may be painful with opportunities to hang our doubts but Jesus has been through it all even worse than John or anything any of us will ever face. That should wipe away any doubts we may be tempted to have concerning God's work in us and fill us with the joy and peace of Jesus.

[Richard Myers]

Amen Sister Dorine!  John had love, joy, and peace when he died. So may we even though we suffer if we abide in Christ.

God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him. Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon. "Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake." Philippians 1:29. And of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Sister Dorine and Brother Richard!

God leads. Are you willing to let Him lead you?

"God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him. Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon. 'Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.' Philippians 1:29. And of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor." {The Desire of Ages, page 224, paragraph 4}

If you surrender to God fully, He not only leads us, but converts the heart so all of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in the life without one missing! Then we gladly obey God out of an intelligent appreciation of His true character!

[Beacon]

"Though no miraculous deliverance was granted John, he was not forsaken.

"The memory of the voice from heaven and the descending dove, the spotless purity of Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit that had rested upon John as he came into the Saviour's presence, and the testimony of the prophetic scriptures,--all witnessed that Jesus of Nazareth was the Promised One."

"These were his stay, as they were to be the stay of God's people through the coming ages."

To John the Baptist, as to those that came after him, was given the assurance, "Lo, I am with you all the days, even unto the end." Matthew 28:20, R. V., margin.

The words of this song come to my mind just now "Trust & Obey for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey."  Let us determine each day to Trust & Obey and then when our time of testing shall come it will be a natural automatic response based on personal experience to Trust & Obey.

[Philip T]

The witness borne of him after his death, by those who had heard his testimony to Jesus, was, "John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this Man were true." John 10:41. It was not given to John to call down fire from heaven, or to raise the dead, as Elijah did, nor to wield Moses' rod of power in the name of God. He was sent to herald the Saviour's advent, and to call upon the people to prepare for His coming. So faithfully did he fulfill his mission, that as the people recalled what he had taught them of Jesus, they could say, "All things that John spake of this Man were true." Such witness to Christ every disciple of the Master is called upon to bear.[/b]


This is a powerful lesson for us today as we live our lives for Christ, may we be so faithful to the mission God has selected for us that those who have contact with us may so all that they spoke and witnessed of Jesus is true, That we do not become stumbling blocks to those around us God has a mission and purpose for each one of us, may we pray, search the Scriptures, and listen to the still small voice  speaking to us and go forth to complete God's mission in our lives.

[Dorine]

"Though no miraculous deliverance was granted John, he was not forsaken. He had always the companionship of heavenly angels, who opened to him the prophecies concerning Christ, and the precious promises of Scripture. These were his stay, as they were to be the stay of God's people through the coming ages. To John the Baptist, as to those that came after him, was given the assurance, "Lo, I am with you all the days, even unto the end." Matthew 28:20, R. V., margin.

Having just gone through several weeks of intense pain these words of promise uplift and strengthen me. My Jesus means so much to me and I never want to deny Him by negative thoughts and attitude. What blessings are ours even when the going gets tough. He sees us through each trial strengthening our faith to face the next one. If I think my pain is more than I can handle all I have to do is think of Jesus hanging from the cross in torment and agony that I will never have to face. So let's praise God this Sabbath day for His love and goodness to us and show to others that they too can have peace in the midst of their storms if they surrender their hearts to Him.

[Beacon]

What was it that kept John loyal to his calling while suffering in isolation in his loathsome prison cell?

"The memory of the voice from heaven and the descending dove, the spotless purity of Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit that had rested upon John as he came into the Saviour's presence, and the testimony of the prophetic scriptures.

"All witnessed that Jesus of Nazareth was the Promised One."

John kept his mind and spirit focused on Jesus and as he reviewed his own personal experiences with Jesus he found renewed strength and courage through the great promise found in...
 
Isaiah chapter 25:8 & 9  *He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it. And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation."

"But the Baptist did not surrender his faith in Christ.

"The memory of the voice from heaven and the descending dove, the spotless purity of Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit that had rested upon John as he came into the Saviour's presence, and the testimony of the prophetic scriptures,--all witnessed that Jesus of Nazareth was the Promised One."

Now is the time to focus on being ready for that which will last for eternity.  WILL "WE" BE READY?

[Richard Myers]

Amen Brother Beacon! Today is the day of salvation, today we can give glory to God. The closing truths in this chapter explain something many refuse to accept.

Our prayers are with you Sister Dorine. We often do not think others are suffering as we, but if they are truly fully surrendered to Christ, they shall suffer for God's glory and their good.

     God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him. Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon. "Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake." Philippians 1:29. And of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor.

Amen!  It is how our character is strengthened to more perfectly reflect our Lord. Thus, we give more glory to Him who gave all for us.

    Satan was permitted to cut short the earthly life of God's messenger; but that life which "is hid with Christ in God," the destroyer could not reach. Colossians 3:3. He exulted that he had brought sorrow upon Christ, but he had failed of conquering John. Death itself only placed him forever beyond the power of temptation. In this warfare, Satan was revealing his own character. Before the witnessing universe he made manifest his enmity toward God and man.

And, before the witnessing universe was manifest the power of God's grace to transform a sinner into a saint even though John lived in sinful flesh. This is what God is doing through His church today. Be not surprised when fiery trials come. It is the most weighty trust and the highest God gives to His faithful children. The angels wonder at how such as we great sinners could be so wonderfully transformed. Christ is working to bring and end to sin so that He can close the heavenly sanctuary and soon thereafter put an end to sin permanently.
 

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Sister Dorine, Brother Beacon, and Brother Richard! I pray the Lord will comfort you in your pain, Sister Dorine, and I, too, have found solace in realizing that the mental and emotional struggles I have faced, when I contemplate Christ's mental and emotional struggle at Calvary, are not only bearable, but become a weighty trust and high honor to better understand the value of our salvation! Only in heaven will we fully realize the value of what Jesus has given us, for we have never been there and do not realize all that He laid aside to come to this poor, dark speck of a world to ransom rebellious sinners from the pit of corruption and by His grace transform us into a revelations of His character who have a strength and capacity for intimacy with Himself that is even closer than what angels can know. Oh, what wondrous love is this!! Jesus can take the most vile sinner and transform him or her into a saint who hates sin and would rather die than sin! As such a truly converted soul bears all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing and lives a life wholly consecrated to God in affectionate obedience to His law of love, it is a miracle to live a consistent life in Christ! Praise the Lord for the testimony of John the Baptist who suffered but remained faithful to the close of his probationary life!

Happy Sabbath to all! Let God lead you!

"God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him. Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon. 'Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.' Philippians 1:29. And of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor." {The Desire of Ages, page 224, paragraph 5}

Invite God to do what He knows is best in your life--for purposes that exceed knowledge. We do not know when we are going through a trial who will be blessed by the testimony or at what time in God's providence others will need to hear that to help them heavenward. Just today I heard a testimony from a church member share that something I had shared months ago--maybe even years ago--about how I had fallen at a well and broken a glass jar by slipping on the ice (though it was a trial) was an opportunity for praising God! This apparently impacted this church member's son who shared it in a testimony in another situation. In that I am reminded that we may not immediately see the benefits of praising God in our adversity, but others will be blessed even at a much later time. Imagine if John the Baptist knew that in 2021 we were being blessed by the testimony of his life that ended in the dungeon (at least on earth), but bore witness to steadfast faith in the most difficult trial! What a joy it will be to meet him in heaven because we also have learned to count all our trials as opportunities for joy! Praise God!!

[Beacon]

John had been bitterly disappointed in the result of his mission. He had expected that the message from God would have the same effect as when the law was read in the days of Josiah and of Ezra (2 Chronicles 34; Nehemiah 8, 9); that there would follow a deep-seated work of repentance and returning unto the Lord. For the success of this mission his whole life had been sacrificed.

"Had it been in vain? "

"John was troubled to see that through love for him, his own disciples were cherishing unbelief in regard to Jesus. Had his work for them been fruitless? Had he been unfaithful in his mission, that he was now cut off from labor? If the promised Deliverer had appeared, and John had been found true to his calling, would not Jesus now overthrow the oppressor's power, and set free His herald?"[

Here we see how Satan will try to torture us! But this lesson is recorded for us so that we can be prepared to stand tall for Jesus at all times and circumstances.

"But the Baptist did not surrender his faith in Christ."

"The memory of the voice from heaven and the descending dove, the spotless purity of Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit that had rested upon John as he came into the Saviour's presence, and the testimony of the prophetic scriptures,--all witnessed that Jesus of Nazareth was the Promised One."

[Dorine]

To many minds a deep mystery surrounds the fate of John the Baptist. They question why he should have been left to languish and die in prison. The mystery of this dark providence our human vision cannot penetrate; but it can never shake our confidence in God when we remember that John was but a sharer in the sufferings of Christ. All who follow Christ will wear the crown of sacrifice. They will surely be misunderstood by selfish men, and will be made a mark for the fierce assaults of Satan. It is this principle of self-sacrifice that his kingdom is established to destroy, and he will war against it wherever manifested.

This is why we should never be surprised or discouraged when we face suffering and trials. God has a plan for each one of us and each plan is tailor made just for us. We need to let God lead and direct our lives instead of us telling God what is best for us. We may think we know but God's ways are different than ours. When we humbly submit our hearts to Him we will know the joy and peace of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit no matter what comes our way.  Like John our confidence in Jesus will not waver.