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The King of Kings => The Desire of Ages => Topic started by: R Myers on April 14, 2001, 09:12:00 AM

Title: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: R Myers on April 14, 2001, 09:12:00 AM

Chap. 74 - Gethsemane

Listen to Gethsemane

In company with His disciples, the Saviour slowly made His way to the garden of Gethsemane. The Passover moon, broad and full, shone from a cloudless sky. The city of pilgrims' tents was hushed into silence.
Jesus had been earnestly conversing with His disciples and instructing them; but as He neared Gethsemane, He became strangely silent. He had often visited this spot for meditation and prayer; but never with a heart so full of sorrow as upon this night of His last agony. Throughout His life on earth He had walked in the light of God's presence. When in conflict with men who were inspired by the very spirit of Satan, He could say, "He that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him." John 8:29. But now He seemed to be shut out from the light of God's sustaining presence. Now He was numbered with the transgressors. The guilt of fallen humanity He must bear. Upon Him who knew no sin must be laid the iniquity of us all. So dreadful does sin appear to Him, so great is the weight of guilt which He must bear, that He is tempted to fear it will shut Him out forever from His Father's love. Feeling how terrible is the wrath of God against transgression, He exclaims, "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death."
As they approached the garden, the disciples had marked the change that came over their Master. Never before had they seen Him so utterly sad and silent. As He proceeded, this strange sadness deepened; yet they dared not question Him as to the cause. His form swayed as if He were about to fall. Upon reaching the garden, the disciples looked anxiously for His usual place of retirement, that their Master might rest. Every step that He now took was with labored effort. He groaned aloud, as if suffering under the pressure of a terrible burden. Twice His companions supported Him, or He would have fallen to the earth.
Near the entrance to the garden, Jesus left all but three of the disciples, bidding them pray for themselves and for Him. With Peter, James, and John, He entered its secluded recesses. These three disciples were Christ's closest companions. They had beheld His glory on the mount of transfiguration; they had seen Moses and Elijah talking with Him; they had heard the voice from heaven; now in His great struggle, Christ desired their presence near Him. Often they had passed the night with Him in this retreat. On these occasions, after a season of watching and prayer, they would sleep undisturbed at a little distance from their Master, until He awoke them in the morning to go forth anew to labor. But now He desired them to spend the night with Him in prayer. Yet He could not bear that even they should witness the agony He was to endure. {DA 686.1}
"Tarry ye here," He said, "and watch with Me."
He went a little distance from them--not so far but that they could both see and hear Him--and fell prostrate upon the ground. He felt that by sin He was being separated from His Father. The gulf was so broad, so black, so deep, that His spirit shuddered before it. This agony He must not exert His divine power to escape. As man He must suffer the consequences of man's sin. As man He must endure the wrath of God against transgression.
Christ was now standing in a different attitude from that in which He had ever stood before. His suffering can best be described in the words of the prophet, "Awake, O sword, against My shepherd, and against the man that is My fellow, saith the Lord of hosts." Zechariah 13:7. As the substitute and surety for sinful man, Christ was suffering under divine justice. He saw what justice meant. Hitherto He had been as an intercessor for others; now He longed to have an intercessor for Himself.
As Christ felt His unity with the Father broken up, He feared that in His human nature He would be unable to endure the coming conflict with the powers of darkness. In the wilderness of temptation the destiny of the human race had been at stake. Christ was then conqueror. Now the tempter had come for the last fearful struggle. For this he had been preparing during the three years of Christ's ministry. Everything was at stake with him. If he failed here, his hope of mastery was lost; the kingdoms of the world would finally become Christ's; he himself would be overthrown and cast out. But if Christ could be overcome, the earth would become Satan's kingdom, and the human race would be forever in his power. With the issues of the conflict before Him, Christ's soul was filled with dread of separation from God. Satan told Him that if He became the surety for a sinful world, the separation would be eternal. He would be identified with Satan's kingdom, and would nevermore be one with God.
And what was to be gained by this sacrifice? How hopeless appeared the guilt and ingratitude of men! In its hardest features Satan pressed the situation upon the Redeemer: The people who claim to be above all others in temporal and spiritual advantages have rejected You. They are seeking to destroy You, the foundation, the center and seal of the promises made to them as a peculiar people. One of Your own disciples, who has listened to Your instruction, and has been among the foremost in church activities, will betray You. One of Your most zealous followers will deny You. All will forsake You. Christ's whole being abhorred the thought. That those whom He had undertaken to save, those whom He loved so much, should unite in the plots of Satan, this pierced His soul. The conflict was terrible. Its measure was the guilt of His nation, of His accusers and betrayer, the guilt of a world lying in wickedness. The sins of men weighed heavily upon Christ, and the sense of God's wrath against sin was crushing out His life.
Behold Him contemplating the price to be paid for the human soul. In His agony He clings to the cold ground, as if to prevent Himself from being drawn farther from God. The chilling dew of night falls upon His prostrate form, but He heeds it not. From His pale lips comes the bitter cry, "O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me." Yet even now He adds, "Nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt."
The human heart longs for sympathy in suffering. This longing Christ felt to the very depths of His being. In the supreme agony of His soul He came to His disciples with a yearning desire to hear some words of comfort from those whom He had so often blessed and comforted, and shielded in sorrow and distress. The One who had always had words of sympathy for them was now suffering superhuman agony, and He longed to know that they were praying for Him and for themselves. How dark seemed the malignity of sin! Terrible was the temptation to let the human race bear the consequences of its own guilt, while He stood innocent before God. If He could only know that His disciples understood and appreciated this, He would be strengthened.
Rising with painful effort, He staggered to the place where He had left His companions. But He "findeth them asleep." Had He found them praying, He would have been relieved. Had they been seeking refuge in God, that satanic agencies might not prevail over them, He would have been comforted by their steadfast faith. But they had not heeded the repeated warning, "Watch and pray." At first they had been much troubled to see their Master, usually so calm and dignified, wrestling with a sorrow that was beyond comprehension. They had prayed as they heard the strong cries of the sufferer. They did not intend to forsake their Lord, but they seemed paralyzed by a stupor which they might have shaken off if they had continued pleading with God. They did not realize the necessity of watchfulness and earnest prayer in order to withstand temptation.
Just before He bent His footsteps to the garden, Jesus had said to the disciples, "All ye shall be offended because of Me this night." They had given Him the strongest assurance that they would go with Him to prison and to death. And poor, self-sufficient Peter had added, "Although all shall be offended, yet will not I." Mark 14:27, 29. But the disciples trusted to themselves. They did not look to the mighty Helper as Christ had counseled them to do. Thus when the Saviour was most in need of their sympathy and prayers, they were found asleep. Even Peter was sleeping.
And John, the loving disciple who had leaned upon the breast of Jesus, was asleep. Surely, the love of John for his Master should have kept him awake. His earnest prayers should have mingled with those of his loved Saviour in the time of His supreme sorrow. The Redeemer had spent entire nights praying for His disciples, that their faith might not fail. Should Jesus now put to James and John the question He had once asked them, "Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" they would not have ventured to answer, "We are able." Matthew 20:22.
The disciples awakened at the voice of Jesus, but they hardly knew Him, His face was so changed by anguish. Addressing Peter, Jesus said, "Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak." The weakness of His disciples awakened the sympathy of Jesus. He feared that they would not be able to endure the test which would come upon them in His betrayal and death. He did not reprove them, but said, "Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation." Even in His great agony, He was seeking to excuse their weakness. "The spirit truly is ready," He said, "but the flesh is weak."
Again the Son of God was seized with superhuman agony, and fainting and exhausted, He staggered back to the place of His former struggle. His suffering was even greater than before. As the agony of soul came upon Him, "His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground." The cypress and palm trees were the silent witnesses of His anguish. From their leafy branches dropped heavy dew upon His stricken form, as if nature wept over its Author wrestling alone with the powers of darkness.
A short time before, Jesus had stood like a mighty cedar, withstanding the storm of opposition that spent its fury upon Him. Stubborn wills, and hearts filled with malice and subtlety, had striven in vain to confuse and overpower Him. He stood forth in divine majesty as the Son of God. Now He was like a reed beaten and bent by the angry storm. He had approached the consummation of His work a conqueror, having at each step gained the victory over the powers of darkness. As one already glorified, He had claimed oneness with God. In unfaltering accents He had poured out His songs of praise. He had spoken to His disciples in words of courage and tenderness. Now had come the hour of the power of darkness. Now His voice was heard on the still evening air, not in tones of triumph, but full of human anguish. The words of the Saviour were borne to the ears of the drowsy disciples, "O My Father, if this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done."
The first impulse of the disciples was to go to Him; but He had bidden them tarry there, watching unto prayer. When Jesus came to them, He found them still sleeping. Again He had felt a longing for companionship, for some words from His disciples which would bring relief, and break the spell of darkness that well-nigh overpowered Him. But their eyes were heavy; "neither wist they what to answer Him." His presence aroused them. They saw His face marked with the bloody sweat of agony, and they were filled with fear. His anguish of mind they could not understand. "His visage was so marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men." Isaiah 52:14.
Turning away, Jesus sought again His retreat, and fell prostrate, overcome by the horror of a great darkness. The humanity of the Son of God trembled in that trying hour. He prayed not now for His disciples that their faith might not fail, but for His own tempted, agonized soul. The awful moment had come--that moment which was to decide the destiny of the world. The fate of humanity trembled in the balance. Christ might even now refuse to drink the cup apportioned to guilty man. It was not yet too late. He might wipe the bloody sweat from His brow, and leave man to perish in his iniquity. He might say, Let the transgressor receive the penalty of his sin, and I will go back to My Father. Will the Son of God drink the bitter cup of humiliation and agony? Will the innocent suffer the consequences of the curse of sin, to save the guilty? The words fall tremblingly from the pale lips of Jesus, "O My Father, if this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done."
Three times has He uttered that prayer. Three times has humanity shrunk from the last, crowning sacrifice. But now the history of the human race comes up before the world's Redeemer. He sees that the transgressors of the law, if left to themselves, must perish. He sees the helplessness of man. He sees the power of sin. The woes and lamentations of a doomed world rise before Him. He beholds its impending fate, and His decision is made. He will save man at any cost to Himself. He accepts His baptism of blood, that through Him perishing millions may gain everlasting life. He has left the courts of heaven, where all is purity, happiness, and glory, to save the one lost sheep, the one world that has fallen by transgression. And He will not turn from His mission. He will become the propitiation of a race that has willed to sin. His prayer now breathes only submission: "If this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done."
Having made the decision, He fell dying to the ground from which He had partially risen. Where now were His disciples, to place their hands tenderly beneath the head of their fainting Master, and bathe that brow, marred indeed more than the sons of men? The Saviour trod the wine press alone, and of the people there was none with Him.
But God suffered with His Son. Angels beheld the Saviour's agony. They saw their Lord enclosed by legions of satanic forces, His nature weighed down with a shuddering, mysterious dread. There was silence in heaven. No harp was touched. Could mortals have viewed the amazement of the angelic host as in silent grief they watched the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory from His beloved Son, they would better understand how offensive in His sight is sin.
The worlds unfallen and the heavenly angels had watched with intense interest as the conflict drew to its close. Satan and his confederacy of evil, the legions of apostasy, watched intently this great crisis in the work of redemption. The powers of good and evil waited to see what answer would come to Christ's thrice-repeated prayer. Angels had longed to bring relief to the divine sufferer, but this might not be. No way of escape was found for the Son of God. In this awful crisis, when everything was at stake, when the mysterious cup trembled in the hand of the sufferer, the heavens opened, a light shone forth amid the stormy darkness of the crisis hour, and the mighty angel who stands in God's presence, occupying the position from which Satan fell, came to the side of Christ. The angel came not to take the cup from Christ's hand, but to strengthen Him to drink it, with the assurance of the Father's love. He came to give power to the divine-human suppliant. He pointed Him to the open heavens, telling Him of the souls that would be saved as the result of His sufferings. He assured Him that His Father is greater and more powerful than Satan, that His death would result in the utter discomfiture of Satan, and that the kingdom of this world would be given to the saints of the Most High. He told Him that He would see of the travail of His soul, and be satisfied, for He would see a multitude of the human race saved, eternally saved.
Christ's agony did not cease, but His depression and discouragement left Him. The storm had in nowise abated, but He who was its object was strengthened to meet its fury. He came forth calm and serene. A heavenly peace rested upon His bloodstained face. He had borne that which no human being could ever bear; for He had tasted the sufferings of death for every man.
The sleeping disciples had been suddenly awakened by the light surrounding the Saviour. They saw the angel bending over their prostrate Master. They saw him lift the Saviour's head upon his bosom, and point toward heaven. They heard his voice, like sweetest music, speaking words of comfort and hope. The disciples recalled the scene upon the mount of transfiguration. They remembered the glory that in the temple had encircled Jesus, and the voice of God that spoke from the cloud. Now that same glory was again revealed, and they had no further fear for their Master. He was under the care of God; a mighty angel had been sent to protect Him. Again the disciples in their weariness yield to the strange stupor that overpowers them. Again Jesus finds them sleeping.
Looking sorrowfully upon them He says, "Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners."
Even as He spoke these words, He heard the footsteps of the mob in search of Him, and said, "Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray Me."
No traces of His recent agony were visible as Jesus stepped forth to meet His betrayer. Standing in advance of His disciples He said, "Whom seek ye?" They answered, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus replied, "I am He." As these words were spoken, the angel who had lately ministered to Jesus moved between Him and the mob. A divine light illuminated the Saviour's face, and a dovelike form overshadowed Him. In the presence of this divine glory, the murderous throng could not stand for a moment. They staggered back. Priests, elders, soldiers, and even Judas, fell as dead men to the ground.
The angel withdrew, and the light faded away. Jesus had opportunity to escape, but He remained, calm and self-possessed. As one glorified He stood in the midst of that hardened band, now prostrate and helpless at His feet. The disciples looked on, silent with wonder and awe.
But quickly the scene changed. The mob started up. The Roman soldiers, the priests and Judas, gathered about Christ. They seemed ashamed of their weakness, and fearful that He would yet escape. Again the question was asked by the Redeemer, "Whom seek ye?" They had had evidence that He who stood before them was the Son of God, but they would not be convinced. To the question, "Whom seek ye?" again they answered, "Jesus of Nazareth." The Saviour then said, "I have told you that I am He: if therefore ye seek Me, let these go their way"--pointing to the disciples. He knew how weak was their faith, and He sought to shield them from temptation and trial. For them He was ready to sacrifice Himself. {DA 695.1}
Judas the betrayer did not forget the part he was to act. When the mob entered the garden, he had led the way, closely followed by the high priest. To the pursuers of Jesus he had given a sign, saying, "Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is He: hold Him fast." Matthew 26:48. Now he pretends to have no part with them. Coming close to Jesus, he takes His hand as a familiar friend. With the words, "Hail, Master," he kisses Him repeatedly, and appears to weep as if in sympathy with Him in His peril.
Jesus said to him, "Friend, wherefore art thou come?" His voice trembled with sorrow as He added, "Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?" This appeal should have aroused the conscience of the betrayer, and touched his stubborn heart; but honor, fidelity, and human tenderness had forsaken him. He stood bold and defiant, showing no disposition to relent. He had given himself up to Satan, and he had no power to resist him. Jesus did not refuse the traitor's kiss.
The mob grew bold as they saw Judas touch the person of Him who had so recently been glorified before their eyes. They now laid hold of Jesus, and proceeded to bind those precious hands that had ever been employed in doing good.
The disciples had thought that their Master would not suffer Himself to be taken. For the same power that had caused the mob to fall as dead men could keep them helpless, until Jesus and His companions should escape. They were disappointed and indignant as they saw the cords brought forward to bind the hands of Him whom they loved. Peter in his anger rashly drew his sword and tried to defend his Master, but he only cut off an ear of the high priest's servant. When Jesus saw what was done, He released His hands, though held firmly by the Roman soldiers, and saying, "Suffer ye thus far," He touched the wounded ear, and it was instantly made whole. He then said to Peter, "Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He shall presently give Me more than twelve legions of angels?"--a legion in place of each one of the disciples. Oh, why, the disciples thought, does He not save Himself and us? Answering their unspoken thought, He added, "But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?" "The cup which My Father hath given Me, shall I not drink it?"
The official dignity of the Jewish leaders had not prevented them from joining in the pursuit of Jesus. His arrest was too important a matter to be trusted to subordinates; the wily priests and elders had joined the temple police and the rabble in following Judas to Gethsemane. What a company for those dignitaries to unite with--a mob that was eager for excitement, and armed with all kinds of implements, as if in pursuit of a wild beast!
Turning to the priests and elders, Christ fixed upon them His searching glance. The words He spoke they would never forget as long as life should last. They were as the sharp arrows of the Almighty. With dignity He said: You come out against Me with swords and staves as you would against a thief or a robber. Day by day I sat teaching in the temple. You had every opportunity of laying hands upon Me, and you did nothing. The night is better suited to your work. "This is your hour, and the power of darkness."
The disciples were terrified as they saw Jesus permit Himself to be taken and bound. They were offended that He should suffer this humiliation to Himself and them. They could not understand His conduct, and they blamed Him for submitting to the mob. In their indignation and fear, Peter proposed that they save themselves. Following this suggestion, "they all forsook Him, and fled." But Christ had foretold this desertion, "Behold," He had said, "the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave Me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me." John 16:32.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Joan on April 15, 2001, 10:27:00 AM

Desire of Ages
Chapter 74
G e t h s e m a n e

The Pesach meal was over. The Sabbath of Pesach had begun. The 11 and Jesus went to the garden of Gethsemane. Deeply sadden by the burden he carried, He asked the others to wait while he went further away with James, John, and Peter. These ones he had received much comfort from for their receptiveness to things of the Kingdom. He desired now for them to spend the night in prayer with Him. Having someone on watch with you, when struggling against the attacks of Satan, is encouragement all humans could do with. The mental anguish by the suggestive negativism's of the enemy, which were being bombarded at Jesus in that very moment, should not be underestimated. Inspiration of SOP has these devilish mental assaults listed in this chapter. His agony in prayer while alone caused a yearning for human sympathy in His suffering. Words of comfort were desirious by Jesus from his friends, but He instead sighed out "O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me. Nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt."

Hoping to find steadfast faith in action, Jesus got up and went to where the three had stayed as he told them to wait there and be on 'watch'. Earlier He had taught them about the power of breaking down evil fortresses when one is linked to God in prayer. Now in Gethsemane they had seen him a stone's throw away agonizing in prayer. Was that not enough of an example for them to sympathize and pray to fight invisible foes with Him? But what did Jesus discover when he got up from His knees and went to them ? Three brethren who went to sleep on praying. The warning to 'watch and pray' blown to the wind. They had let themselves be overcome. "They did not realize the necessity of watchfulness and earnest prayer in order to withstand temptation." This teaches us how willing the spirit of our is to serve our fleshly weakness when temptation woos us.

Going back to pray, Jesus experienced agony of soul affliction. "He sees that the transgressors of the law, if left to themselves, must perish. .......He sees the power of sin. He accepts His baptism of blood, that through Him perishing millions may gain everlasting life. ...His prayer now breathes only submission : If this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done."

A most interesting event occured. The divine spiritual strengthening of Jesus from His Father was such, after having been so intensely interacting with the presence of God in prayer, that the mob with evil intent approached not knowing what was going to happen or who He was.

"Whom seek ye ?"
"Jesus of Nazareth."
"I am He."

The mob moved forward to arrest Him. The Angel of comfort ministering to Jesus just a few minutes before rushed between Him and the mob. "A divine light illuminated the Saviour's face, and a dovelike form overshadowed Him. In the presence of this divine glory, the murderous throng could not stand for a moment. They staggered back, priests, elders, soldiers and even Judas fell as dead men to the ground."

The reality was that they had confronted the power of God while being sinners.
The false counterfeit of today being imitated by suggestive trans-hypnotic words is called 'slain in the spirit'. What we see on TV or in certain modern theology meetings is pyschology methods applied for glorification of an one man show.

The fallen men came out of the stupor and stood up. The same question game came up again.
"Whom seek ye ?"
"Jesus of Nazareth"
"I have told you that I am He. If therefore ye seek Me, let these go their way."

That meaning the disciples present. Judas did not identify with the disciples anymore so to make matters clear with the religious leaders whom he accompanied to do Jesus in, he proceeded to give the arranged sign. The famous 'Judas-kiss'. He had fallen so far in his apostasy that all honor, fidelity and human tenderness when showing affection in greeting didn't touch his stubborn cold heart to repentance from his treacherous quisling act. "He stood bold and defiant, showing no disposition to relent. He had given himself up to Satan, and he had no power to resist him."

Alarmed at the cords tightening the arms of his beloved Rabbi, Peter draws impulsively his sword in a rash moment of defense. The high Priest's servant ducked at the right angle to avoid death but got his ear cut off nevertheless. All were shocked. Jesus moved in and touched the ear. A miracle was preformed. All was whole again. In his words He indicated that violence to solve problems will only bring more violence. What went as arrows piercing the heart were the words of rebuke to the mob. They had had every opportunity publicly to arrest him. But they instead were doing their arrest away from the eyes of public consent in an act of cowardly force. This showed the work of darkness in the hour of darkness.

Seeing that Jesus was not going to exert force to reveal his power as king, the disciples all took off and fled to hide from personal persecution. As hurting as that must have been for our Lord, He was not left alone. The Father was with Him.

~~~
Joan
~~~

[This message has been edited by Joan (edited 04-15-2001).]

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on April 15, 2001, 08:33:00 PM

Sister Joan, I believe Jesus felt He was alone. He did in fact hurt, but the fact that His disciples left Him was not as great a pain as the separation that had taken place between Him and His Father. This is the great struggle and it began and had its most painful impact in the garden. This is too important a happening to be mistaken. Jesus is suffering at this point on account of my sins and yours sins and this means that He is separated from His Father. Yes, His Father is there, but Jesus cannot know this. His Father has separated Himself from His innocent Son. Jesus became sin for us and when He took upon Himself any sin, it separated Him from the Father, just as it does us. Jesus trod the winepress alone. :( He was bore our guilt and by His stripes we are healed.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Joan on April 15, 2001, 11:54:00 PM

As I read my bible's account of the Gethsemane event I could visualize the human reaction of aloneness as he prayed, as the disciples slept without watchfully sharing the fight or giving comfort to his sorrow almost unto death. I see Jesus in anticipation of the task, Him weighing up the possibility of failing because of the awfulness of experiencing the unbearable burden of everyones guilt put to Him. I can also imagine the anguish of his knowing that a moment of separation from the Father for even a minute would be the result. Yes, I understood that He was going through anxiety for what was coming soon.

But I can not see in my bible that the sin of mankind was laid on Him in Gethsemane and that there the Father turned His back on His son.

Joan

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on April 17, 2001, 05:15:00 AM

"My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death." Matt. 26:38 is as they are entering the garden and here we hear Jesus discussing His death because of the His separation from His Father. The words of Zechariah best describe what Jesus is going through as He prays for His Father to remove the cup if it be possible. "Awake, O sword, against My shepherd, and against the man that is My fellow, saith the Lord of hosts." Zech. 13:7. The blood that flowed from Christ in the garden reveals the agony of mind as the Father has separated Himself from His Son because of our sins.

Re-read the chapter, my sister, and you will see more clearly the separation. "Jesus had been earnestly conversing with His disciples and instructing them; but as He neared Gethsemane, He became strangely silent. He had often visited this spot for meditation and prayer; but never with a heart so full of sorrow as upon this night of His last agony. Throughout His life on earth He had walked in the light of God's presence. When in conflict with men who were inspired by the very spirit of Satan, He could say, 'He that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him.' John 8:29. But now He seemed to be shut out from the light of God's sustaining presence. Now He was numbered with the transgressors. The guilt of fallen humanity He must bear. Upon Him who knew no sin must be laid the iniquity of us all."

"Having made the decision, He fell dying to the ground from which He had partially risen. Where now were His disciples, to place their hands tenderly beneath the head of their fainting Master, and bathe that brow, marred indeed more than the sons of men? The Saviour trod the wine press alone, and of the people there was none with Him.

But God suffered with His Son. Angels beheld the Saviour's agony. They saw their Lord enclosed by legions of satanic forces, His nature weighed down with a shuddering, mysterious dread. There was silence in heaven. No harp was touched. Could mortals have viewed the amazement of the angelic host as in silent grief they watched the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory from His beloved Son, they would better understand how offensive in His sight is sin."

Richard

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Joan on April 17, 2001, 01:22:00 PM

Yes, I did read these words. More than a few times because I was looking for clearness that the guilt of humanity was laid upon him as He was in Gethsemane. I approached this part of description of his sadness and apparent physical change as being due to the 'anxiety of anticipation' due to:
1. The gamble of possibly failing and the most horrible envisionment what would take place if He himself failed with this mission
2. The foreknowledge of his prophetic sight envisioning the agony of the cross with the soul wrenching torment of being separated from the Father 'when' the burden of guilt is put upon Him there and then on the cross.

The sweat as drops of blood showed broken capillaries mingling blood with persiration from great stress. Then came the angelic comfort. He was composed as He met with the
arrest and showed composure as he approached his interegation. There at that time was no evidence that he was carrying the guilt of the whole human race. I see no possibility of Jesus even walking a few steps in normalcy if his precious pure sinless soul carried for the next 12-15 hours the sin-guilt of billions from the prayer in Gethsemane to Calvary. One would have to break down and die from such a soul wrenching burden (not even mentioning going crazy from such an experience)

I see the Father with Him until that moment when God actually did place the whole of every sin mankind committed past-present-future onto the Lamb while He was on the cross and then the pitch-black darkness came in the afternoon. Then came the cry of "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me."

Joan

[This message has been edited by Joan (edited 04-17-2001).]

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on April 17, 2001, 09:23:00 PM

My dear sister, I am not saying anything past the fact that He did not have the Father's presence to comfort Him. "But now He seemed to be shut out from the light of God's sustaining presence." He had to tred the wine press alone. In another place we are told that His greatest suffering was in Gethsemane. There the cup trembled in His hand. And none were there to comfort Him. :(

Richard

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Joan on April 17, 2001, 11:44:00 PM

Yes, it is an awful moment when we become aware how lightly we as believers overlook the passion of suffering our Lord took upon himself. To study regulary those last days of Christ softens the heart, breaks pride of independnt living apart from God, and deepens the gratitude to Jesus in our hearts.

I am looking forward to posting impressions of what I become while reading the next two chapters....
Joan

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on May 20, 2001, 06:43:00 AM

Amen. It would be well to spend a thoughtful hour each contemplating the life of Jesus, especially the closing scenes. It is here that we learn of God's great love and sacrifice for us. Here we see and experience grace. Here is where self may die, at the foot of the cross.

Richard

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on May 20, 2001, 06:49:00 AM

In reading this chapter again this morning I was impressed again with the light we have been given in regards to overcoming temptations. In this chapter we are given an important insight into what we must do in order to withstand temptation. Many times we think we can summon up enough will power to resist sin in and of ourselves. We shall always fail. It is not in ourselves that we find this power, but rather in Christ.

"Rising with painful effort, He staggered to
the place where He had left His companions.
But He "findeth them asleep." Had He found
them praying, He would have been relieved. Had they been seeking refuge in God, that satanic agencies might not prevail over them, He would have been comforted by their steadfast faith. But they had not heeded
the repeated warning, "Watch and pray." At
first they had been much troubled to see their Master, usually so calm and dignified, wrestling with a sorrow that was beyond
comprehension. They had prayed as they heard
the strong cries of the sufferer. They did not intend to forsake their Lord, but they seemed paralyzed by a stupor which they might have shaken off if they had continued pleading with God. They did not realize the necessity of watchfulness and earnest prayer in order to withstand temptation."

It appears that God has left something for us to do in our fight with evil.

In His love and grace, Richard

[This message has been edited by Richard Myers (edited 12-13-2001).]

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Mr David T Battler on December 13, 2001, 10:00:00 AM

It is often the case, where church members today who have grievous trials to bear, cannot trust the details to human ears; for fear of being misunderstood, or further discouraged.

Other people sometimes let us down, disappoint us, and diminish our hope.

Let us look at a good example of this, where Ellen White has a similar experience, and then I would like to continue, and look in more detail, at the Savior, coming to the Garden alone:

1T.016.001
"Arriving at home, I spent most of the long hours of darkness in prayer and tears. One reason that led me to conceal my feelings from my friends was the dread of hearing a word of discouragement.

My hope was so small, and my faith so weak, that I feared if another took a similar view of my condition, it would plunge me into despair. Yet I longed for someone to tell me what I should do to be saved, what steps to take to meet my Saviour and give myself entirely up to the Lord.

I regarded it a great thing to be a Christian, and felt that it required some peculiar effort on my part."

(to be continued).

------------------
"..The foundation of God stands sure..."
(2 Tim.2:19).

Mr. DavidTBattler

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on December 13, 2001, 05:57:00 PM

Good point, Brother David. Jesus desired human sympathy and we too, will find ourselves desiring others to understand our trials. Like Jesus there will be times when we shall not be comforted by human friends. We are too look to Jesus as our example and our Comforter. He is well able!

We should also be concerned that there is opportunity to give this "human" sympathy to those that are experiencing great trial. Let us ask Jesus to reveal this that we may be human channels that He may work through to bless others.

Richard

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Mr David T Battler on December 17, 2001, 10:07:00 PM

Brother Richard

Even though your post was brief; it spoke to my heart; and I thank you.

It is said that perhaps Jesus' greatest suffering, may have been in Gesthemane.

Where does the "greatest suffering" occur in the believer's life?

"His experience is to be our's." (DA 363).

I am working on some ideas for my question and will come back soon.

------------------
"..The foundation of God stands sure..."
(2 Tim.2:19).

Mr. DavidTBattler

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on December 18, 2001, 09:48:00 AM

While we are waiting, here is a short statement that may be encouraging along these lines. "When the servants of God are tried and tempted, and are disappointed in obtaining human sympathy, let them remember Jesus in His hour of greatest agony in Gethsemane. His disciples did not watch with Him one hour. Sleep over-powered their senses. The King of glory, the Son of the everlasting Father, left His royal throne, clothed His divinity with humanity, and became 'a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.' No man's trials or sacrifice could compare with those which His suffering spirit endured. The Majesty of heaven walked through midnight blackness, and for what? 'Who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame.' It was to redeem fallen man. He endured the overwhelming weight of woe in order that He might bring many sons and daughters unto glory. He suffered rejection, coldness, contempt, from those He came to bless: persecution, betrayal, crucifixion, from those He humiliated Himself to save. The whole flood-tide of human woe beat upon His soul."

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Joan on December 19, 2001, 12:16:00 AM

Knowing from experience what it means to be in a situation where I needed help, comfort and assistance from fellow believers,I know what it means to have so called friends turn-tail and leave me along to fend for myself. It took a while to overcome accusing them of lovelessness and selfishness. Thanks to the Lord all is well with my soul about those times.

I rather have a soft pliable heart for His influence than a harden heart stiff with resistance. So I dare not be unforgiving.

Joan

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Mr David T Battler on December 20, 2001, 10:28:00 PM

Hello Richard & Joan

Please forgive me..I have built in a bit of UBB Code, but it doesn't appear to be working here at TRO??

I think you have both hit the nail on the head, in your own, respective ways.

I believe that the greatest point of suffering in the believer's life, is when professed loved ones, or friends turn on you.

Imagine...if Jesus was made that aspect of sin for us...how heavy must that have been on our Redeemer's shoulders; how sweltering upon His mind?

May God bless someone in His Word, as I enclose the following thoughts. It's a bit longer than usual; however there is still much more to say about it...all in good time... :)

I Come To The Garden Alone
By DavidTBattler

JESUS IN GESTHEMANE

In this devotional, I will be discussing Jesus, in the Garden Of Gesthemane.

When I contemplate this scene; I find myself deeply moved...and I feel this tugging at my heart strings..

I want to start out, by simply asking an open ended question; and thenI will say more about Jesus in the Garden Of Obedience.

What really happened in the following Scripture passage, and how might it impact the believer today?

Here are the verses:

Luke 22: 39 "And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him.

40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation.

41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,

42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. {willing, remove: Gr. willing to remove}

43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,"

Let God's Word be true.

We all have times where we get a small "taste" of what Jesus experienced in Gesthemane.
One of the things that hit me the most about this scene in the Garden Of Gesthemane, was how the disciples fell asleep, and left Jesus to continue alone in his trial.
It is often the case, where church members today who have grievous trials to bear, cannot trust the details to human ears; for fear of being misunderstood, or further discouraged.
Other people sometimes let us down, disappoint us, and diminish our hope.

Let us look at a good example of this, where Jesus has a similar experience, and then we will look in more detail, at the Savior, coming to the Garden alone:

BE.1892-08-15.007
“He was betrayed by a kiss into the hands of his enemies; He was hurried to the judgment hall of an earthly court, by sinful men to be derided and condemned to death. There the glorious Son of God "was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities." He bore insult, mockery, and shameful abuse, until his "visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men."

“Suffering” from loneliness is a much different thing; when compared to “being” alone; making the choice to “be” alone.
Mat.26: 40 “And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?”

In looking at Christ, in the Garden of Gesthemane; I am reminded of the fact of life, that being lonely, is never the same thing, as being alone. Jesus had special times when He chose to be alone; and His people today, will also have poignant times when they make a choice to be alone:

Luke 6:12 “And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.”

I believe that Jesus speaks to His lonely, and hurting people today through the well-known song:“I come to the Garden alone while the dew is still on the roses…”

Jesus, in His Garden, was THE Rose….

“Lo, how a Rose e’r blooming
from tender stem has sprung
Of Jesse’s lineage coming
As men of old have sung

It came a flower bright
Amid the cold of winter
When half spent
Was the winter.”

(taken from hymn #131).

I speak here, as one who has suffered acutely from loneliness; and the difference between being alone, and suffering from loneliness, is that loneliness is the feeling of being alone and feeling despondent and rejected about it. That is why I specifically called it “suffering” from loneliness.

And sadly, Christmas is a time of excruciating loneliness for many. Trapped by poverty, whipped with abuse, imprisoned by drugs or booze, shunned in their church, heart-broken by death or illness; perplexed with doubt, frozen by fear.

The church is not exempt from the pressures that everyone in the world faces today. There are too many churches, and not enough Truth. There are seven days in a week, and churches are only open one. How will the holidays be for those whom we have shunned and rejected, because they were not perfect enough? Some have been openly ridiculed and betrayed by those who they thought were friends.

The Prophet of the Lord knows what that was like:

RH.1883-10-16.017 “My trust is in God. I have learned not to be surprised at opposition in any form or from almost any source. I expect to be betrayed, as was my Master, by professed friends.”

The kiss of Judas is freely doled out to many an undeserving soul, making their Christmas a nightmare.

Jesus truly suffered in His Garden. All his closest disciples deserted Him, and left Him alone. He truly felt the human suffering of jagged emotions nurtured with despondence; and lavished by rejection.

All of us feel lonely some of the time. But, it is only when we seem trapped in our loneliness that it becomes a real problem. Then, it becomes the “suffering” of loneliness:

If you are “suffering” when everyone else is rejoicing; take heart; and go to the Garden alone. Jesus will have you. Just as you are. (Jo.6:37).

Isaiah 58:11 “And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden…”

What is the solution to our “suffering?”

RH.1889-03-19.008
When I was in Europe, a sister wrote to me in the deepest distress. She was in despair, and she wrote, "Can't you say a word of encouragement to me? Can't you tell me of anything I could do to be relieved of my burden?" The night after I had read her letter, I dreamed that I was in a garden, and a stately personage was conducting me through its paths. I was picking the flowers and enjoying the fragrance, when this sister, who was walking by my side, called my attention to some unsightly thistles that were impeding her way. There she was, mourning and grieving. She was not walking in the pathway, following the guide, but was walking among the briers and thorns.

"Oh," she mourned, "is it not a pity that this beautiful garden is spoiled with thorns?" Then the guide turned, and said, "Let the thistles alone, for they will only wound you. Gather the roses, and the lilies, and the pinks;" and now she is doing this. Why not have something pleasant to think about? "Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

What does Ellen G White specifically mean by “The Garden Of God,” and all the lilies, the roses, and the pinks?

RH.1889-03-19.010
”The precious Bible is the garden of God, and his promises are the lilies, and the roses, and the pinks. Why do you not gather the fragrant flowers, and leave the thistles alone? Why do you not dwell on the love of Jesus? Why do you not bring gratitude into your life for all the benefits you have received from your Heavenly Father? The more thankfulness you express, the more you will have to express. The whole universe is looking upon us; and see what efforts God has made for our salvation.

He has given his only begotten Son to die for us. He was willing to come to our world, to leave the royal throne, that he might save the fallen race of men. Says the prophet, "He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God and afflicted.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." He made an infinite sacrifice on Calvary's cross for us. Then why is it that we are always talking of our bruises? Why are we not healed? He died to pardon our sins, and to become our righteousness. When Satan comes to tell you that you are sinner, tell him that you know you are, but that Christ came into the world to save sinners, and that makes him your Saviour. I love him; I believe in him to-day.”

DA.829.002
“ As the place of His ascension, Jesus chose the spot so often hallowed by His presence while He dwelt among men. Not Mount Zion, the place of David's city, not Mount Moriah, the temple site, was to be thus honored. There Christ had been mocked and rejected. There the waves of mercy, still returning in a stronger tide of love, had been beaten back by hearts as hard as rock. Thence Jesus, weary and heart-burdened, had gone forth to find rest in the Mount of Olives. The holy Shekinah, in departing from the first temple, had stood upon the eastern mountain, as if loath to forsake the chosen city; so Christ stood upon Olivet, with yearning heart overlooking Jerusalem. The groves and glens of the mountain had been consecrated by His prayers and tears. Its steeps had echoed the triumphant shouts of the multitude that proclaimed Him king.

On its sloping descent He had found a home with Lazarus at Bethany. In the garden of Gethsemane at its foot He had prayed and agonized alone. From this mountain He was to ascend to heaven. Upon its summit His feet will rest when He shall come again. Not as a man of sorrows, but as a glorious and triumphant king He will stand upon Olivet, while Hebrew hallelujahs mingle with Gentile hosannas, and the voices of the redeemed as a mighty host shall swell the acclamation, "Crown Him Lord of all!”

May God bless you as you go to the Garden alone.

“Isaiah ‘twas foretold it
The Rose I have in mind
With Mary, we beheld it
The virgin mother kind

To show God’s love aright
She bore to them a Savior
When half-spent was
The night…”

(Hymn #131, concluded).

------------------
"..The foundation of God stands sure..."
(2 Tim.2:19).

Mr. DavidTBattler

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on January 12, 2002, 08:56:00 AM

Amen, Brother David!

Oh for a church as it was at the time of Pentecost! Soon! Soon! Until then we shall indeed suffer most from those closest to us. We shall indeed be betrayed by those we trust or should have been able to trust. But....as we read in this most beautiful chapter, we have One who left heaven and the adoration of the angels to come and feel our pain and to be tempted as we are. He has gone before us and as we contemplate His yearning for human sympathy and not getting any, does it not lift us up above our trials? Yes, it does! While painful, we know that Jesus is in perfect control of all that happens. He will not allow us to be tempted beyond that which we can bear. There is a day of judgment coming and all will be settled there. In this world we shall know tribulation, but we are to be of good cheer for our Redeemer liveth!

Is it not amazing that those who knew Jesus the best, His disciples....and after witnessing the angel ministering to Christ and seeing the mob fall as dead men could yield to "unbelief" and desert Christ? So many today in a similar deception as they continue on blindly doing the Lord's work without the Lord.

Lord, open our eyes that we may see!

Richard

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on June 27, 2003, 12:57:00 PM

Just finished reading Gethsemane again. I know that there are many who take no special joy in reading such, but there really is a blessing in beholding Christ. There is no better place than this chapter for me. The cost of our salvation is presented in unmistakble terms. We ought to be so one with our God. We would if we would take the time to learn of Him!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on March 02, 2004, 08:00:00 AM

In the "Protestant" and Catholic world there appears to be many that desire to hear of Gethsemane and our Lord's suffering. Do we spend that thoughtful hour contemplating these closing scenes of our Lord's life?

Do we do this daily or are we happy with watching a movie once in awhile. If we limited our intake of temporal food to that which we feed ourselves with Spiritual, would we still live?

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Sister Marie on March 02, 2004, 09:58:00 AM

What a huge thought! If our body would die in that case, then our Spiritual self is dying now. As a man thinks, so is he. What we place in our minds by hearing, sight, etc... is how we will think. That determans who we will be and are. Do we desire the food of life or only the food of this world?

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on March 03, 2004, 07:17:00 AM

Amen, Sister Marie.

There is a feast prepared for us. Jesus said "As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever." John 6:57, 58.

The story of Gethsemane and Calvary are food indeed. What shall we do with it? And, if we eat shall we not share with others?

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on August 20, 2004, 06:57:00 AM

It is very sad to contemplate that we can help Jesus and many times do not. When we sin we mis-represent Him to those who watch. Jesus longed for human sympathy when His disciples slept. Do we do the same today?

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Ele Holmes on August 20, 2004, 07:23:00 AM

Yes Richard, over and over we hurt Jesus because of our care-less attitude to others in their trials. Jesus experienced this. In His trials and pain He was much alone. Through this example we learn to trust in Him during our trials, but we are never alone...He is there to bring us through the fiery trials in this ugly world we live in. Our own trials seem so big until we go to Gethsemane. He is our example.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Mimi on December 28, 2007, 05:21:24 AM

Quote

I believe Jesus felt He was alone. He did in fact hurt, but the fact that His disciples left Him was not as great a pain as the separation that had taken place between Him and His Father. This is the great struggle and it began and had its most painful impact in the garden.

Imagine it. He was the Creator of the universe. He was on the cusp of giving up His life. The Father had separated Himself from Him - He was suffering mentally and physically. The disciples could not stay awake. He was utterly alone in the universe. He was drinking the bitter cup. In this experience, He literally had no one.

We cannot begin to comprehend the singular aloneness Jesus was experiencing. Does this give us an idea as to how Jesus could literally sweat blood?

Does this also give us an idea of Hebrews 12:3 & 4's statement? Heb 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Heb 12:4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on December 28, 2007, 06:57:04 PM

And, how can we not love our Saviour more when we contemplate such love?

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: JimB on April 04, 2016, 05:15:33 AM

Quote from: JimB on April 01, 2016, 06:25:35 PM

"Tarry ye here," He said, "and watch with Me."
He went a little distance from them--not so far but that they could both see and hear Him--and fell prostrate upon the ground. He felt that by sin He was being separated from His Father. The gulf was so broad, so black, so deep, that His spirit shuddered before it. This agony He must not exert His divine power to escape. As man He must suffer the consequences of man's sin. As man He must endure the wrath of God against transgression.
Christ was now standing in a different attitude from that in which He had ever stood before. His suffering can best be described in the words of the prophet, "Awake, O sword, against My shepherd, and against the man that is My fellow, saith the Lord of hosts." Zechariah 13:7. As the substitute and surety for sinful man, Christ was suffering under divine justice. He saw what justice meant. Hitherto He had been as an intercessor for others; now He longed to have an intercessor for Himself.

What a loving Savior we have to suffer such for us! This time around in reading the Desire of Ages I've been much more aware of His humanity for some reason. So just look at the last bolded sentence. He longed to have an intercessor for Himself!! And yet He was denied even this small thing. How I wish time travel was possible so I give a Peter, James, and John and extra warning to be vigilant and keep awake and pray.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on July 01, 2016, 06:52:34 AM

Amen, Jim. One of the saddest things I have ever considered. Jesus longed for human sympathy in His great trial, but received none. :(

This chapter is one of the most important messages ever written throughout all time. It reveals the wrath of God against sin, and by so doing reveals God's great love for us while we were yet sinners. God allowed His innocent Son to suffer in our place. Such love the world has never seen!

Read this chapter over and over for a few months and you will be blessed.

Behold Him contemplating the price to be paid for the human soul. In His agony He clings to the cold ground, as if to prevent Himself from being drawn farther from God. The chilling dew of night falls upon His prostrate form, but He heeds it not. From His pale lips comes the bitter cry, "O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me." Yet even now He adds, "Nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt."
The human heart longs for sympathy in suffering. This longing Christ felt to the very depths of His being. In the supreme agony of His soul He came to His disciples with a yearning desire to hear some words of comfort from those whom He had so often blessed and comforted, and shielded in sorrow and distress. The One who had always had words of sympathy for them was now suffering superhuman agony, and He longed to know that they were praying for Him and for themselves. How dark seemed the malignity of sin! Terrible was the temptation to let the human race bear the consequences of its own guilt, while He stood innocent before God. If He could only know that His disciples understood and appreciated this, He would be strengthened.
Rising with painful effort, He staggered to the place where He had left His companions. But He "findeth them asleep." Had He found them praying, He would have been relieved. Had they been seeking refuge in God, that satanic agencies might not prevail over them, He would have been comforted by their steadfast faith. But they had not heeded the repeated warning, "Watch and pray." At first they had been much troubled to see their Master, usually so calm and dignified, wrestling with a sorrow that was beyond comprehension. They had prayed as they heard the strong cries of the sufferer. They did not intend to forsake their Lord, but they seemed paralyzed by a stupor which they might have shaken off if they had continued pleading with God. They did not realize the necessity of watchfulness and earnest prayer in order to withstand temptation.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on July 01, 2016, 07:29:27 AM

Oh, I thank the Lord for bearing my sin in Gethsemane--the realization that Jesus bore all this for me is a humbling thought, but I am motivated to want to share and reflect in some degree the grace of God that has made it possible for me to have a new heart.

It is by beholding this immense sacrifice that my heart and mind are softened and subdued to appreciate more fully what Jesus has borne, how much the Father suffered in giving His Son to bear our sin, and how great is the condescension of the Holy Spirit who is willing to move upon our hearts unseen to behold the infinite love of God in Christ.

I love this thought:

Turning away, Jesus sought again His retreat, and fell prostrate, overcome by the horror of a great darkness. The humanity of the Son of God trembled in that trying hour. He prayed not now for His disciples that their faith might not fail, but for His own tempted, agonized soul. The awful moment had come--that moment which was to decide the destiny of the world. The fate of humanity trembled in the balance. Christ might even now refuse to drink the cup apportioned to guilty man. It was not yet too late. He might wipe the bloody sweat from His brow, and leave man to perish in his iniquity. He might say, Let the transgressor receive the penalty of his sin, and I will go back to My Father. Will the Son of God drink the bitter cup of humiliation and agony? Will the innocent suffer the consequences of the curse of sin, to save the guilty? The words fall tremblingly from the pale lips of Jesus, "O My Father, if this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done."
Three times has He uttered that prayer. Three times has humanity shrunk from the last, crowning sacrifice. But now the history of the human race comes up before the world's Redeemer. He sees that the transgressors of the law, if left to themselves, must perish. He sees the helplessness of man. He sees the power of sin. The woes and lamentations of a doomed world rise before Him. He beholds its impending fate, and His decision is made. He will save man at any cost to Himself. He accepts His baptism of blood, that through Him perishing millions may gain everlasting life. He has left the courts of heaven, where all is purity, happiness, and glory, to save the one lost sheep, the one world that has fallen by transgression. And He will not turn from His mission. He will become the propitiation of a race that has willed to sin. His prayer now breathes only submission: "If this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done."

Even as we are called to behold the loveliness of Jesus, and see how horrible sin is, we see that in Gethsemane Jesus beheld our horrific fate if He did not take our sin upon Himself, and bear the wrath of God against sin in His soul. Wow! What love! Oh, for eternity we will never tire of singing this amazing love and sacrifice! For eternity we will ever appreciate more fully the science and song of redemption seen in Gethsemane, Calvary, and the character of our God! Praise the Lord!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on September 26, 2016, 05:55:57 AM

Again, this chapter is such a powerful revelation of the love of God for a lost race. When you and I may be tempted to discouragement or feel overwhelmed by what may lie before us, let us afresh contemplate what Christ experienced and remember that any trial or difficulty that we are allowed to bear must first come through Christ, and that He will give us the grace sufficient in our time of need.

And what was to be gained by this sacrifice? How hopeless appeared the guilt and ingratitude of men! In its hardest features Satan pressed the situation upon the Redeemer: The people who claim to be above all others in temporal and spiritual advantages have rejected You. They are seeking to destroy You, the foundation, the center and seal of the promises made to them as a peculiar people. One of Your own disciples, who has listened to Your instruction, and has been among the foremost in church activities, will betray You. One of Your most zealous followers will deny You. All will forsake You. Christ's whole being abhorred the thought. That those whom He had undertaken to save, those whom He loved so much, should unite in the plots of Satan, this pierced His soul. The conflict was terrible. Its measure was the guilt of His nation, of His accusers and betrayer, the guilt of a world lying in wickedness. The sins of men weighed heavily upon Christ, and the sense of God's wrath against sin was crushing out His life.

There may come times when Satan will try to do this with us, too. But what did Christ do in that trying hour? He continued to watch and pray, submitting entirely to the Father even though the conflict was terrible. We find that for us, the way is not necessarily around the trial, but through it. And no trial we will be called to bear will ever compare to what Christ bore for us in Gethsemane. We see a divine-human Savior bearing unutterable agony, and we can take courage that the darkest and most perplexing times of our lives are but invitations to see Christ bearing our sin and suffering, so we can have everlasting life! What wondrous love is this!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on September 26, 2016, 05:57:55 AM

Amen, Pastor Sean! What wondrous love!!

Some may at times may wonder if God loves them. Does God love you? Does God love me? By God's grace, I do not wonder about this. I know He loves me. How do I know? Because I have gotten to know Him personally. Over 30 years, I have talked with Him, read about Him, pleaded with Him, asked for forgiveness over and over, and had prayers answered, even before I prayed. More than that, I have studied His character daily for 30 years. In this book, especially in this chapter, I have seen His great love for me. It causes me to sorrow over my sins, and my sinful nature. When seeing His character of love and mercy it causes me to fall on my face. How much does God love you and me? Listen to this:

As Christ felt His unity with the Father broken up, He feared that in His human nature He would be unable to endure the coming conflict with the powers of darkness. In the wilderness of temptation the destiny of the human race had been at stake. Christ was then conqueror. Now the tempter had come for the last fearful struggle. For this he had been preparing during the three years of Christ's ministry. Everything was at stake with him. If he failed here, his hope of mastery was lost; the kingdoms of the world would finally become Christ's; he himself would be overthrown and cast out. But if Christ could be overcome, the earth would become Satan's kingdom, and the human race would be forever in his power. With the issues of the conflict before Him, Christ's soul was filled with dread of separation from God. Satan told Him that if He became the surety for a sinful world, the separation would be eternal. He would be identified with Satan's kingdom, and would nevermore be one with God. This was so very true.

Some think Jesus was just like us, He was not. Some think they are just like Jesus, they are not. He is our example, but He is God. He could have failed, He could have sinned, but He did not. Can you carry your own sins? No. Jesus carried the sins of the world. Was He sure He could do it? No, He was not. He was tempted far greater than we shall ever be.

Satan in heaven had hated Christ for His position in the courts of God. He hated Him the more when he himself was dethroned. He hated Him who pledged Himself to redeem a race of sinners. Yet into the world where Satan claimed dominion God permitted His Son to come, a helpless babe, subject to the weakness of humanity. He permitted Him to meet life's peril in common with every human soul, to fight the battle as every child of humanity must fight it, at the risk of failure and eternal loss.
The heart of the human father yearns over his son. He looks into the face of his little child, and trembles at the thought of life's peril. He longs to shield his dear one from Satan's power, to hold him back from temptation and conflict. To meet a bitterer conflict and a more fearful risk, God gave His only-begotten Son, that the path of life might be made sure for our little ones. "Herein is love." Wonder, O heavens! and be astonished, O earth!

Now, think about what we just read. If you contemplate this for 30 years, you too will know just as I do, that God loves you! Matter of fact, it does not take 30 years, it only takes one reading when you allow it into your heart and mind.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on December 22, 2016, 08:34:26 AM

Amen, Richard! This is one of the most powerfully revealing chapters of the love of God and the cost of our salvation.

Christ's agony did not cease, but His depression and discouragement left Him. The storm had in nowise abated, but He who was its object was strengthened to meet its fury. He came forth calm and serene. A heavenly peace rested upon His bloodstained face. He had borne that which no human being could ever bear; for He had tasted the sufferings of death for every man.

I am so thankful that we can look to Jesus and live, and realize that He tasted our sufferings and death, so that we, through an entire surrender of our lives and will to Him, may have everlasting life. What a gift! Praise the Lord!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on December 22, 2016, 10:40:37 PM

Amen, Pastor Sean. Jesus loves us. He has proved it.

Three times has He uttered that prayer. Three times has humanity shrunk from the last, crowning sacrifice. But now the history of the human race comes up before the world's Redeemer. He sees that the transgressors of the law, if left to themselves, must perish. He sees the helplessness of man. He sees the power of sin. The woes and lamentations of a doomed world rise before Him. He beholds its impending fate, and His decision is made. He will save man at any cost to Himself. He accepts His baptism of blood, that through Him perishing millions may gain everlasting life. He has left the courts of heaven, where all is purity, happiness, and glory, to save the one lost sheep, the one world that has fallen by transgression. And He will not turn from His mission. He will become the propitiation of a race that has willed to sin. His prayer now breathes only submission: "If this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done."

How can we not love Him!!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on December 23, 2016, 06:35:42 AM

I love Jesus with my whole heart as I behold Him! What wondrous love is this! Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Thank you Father in heaven for sending Jesus! Jesus, we adore You for all you endured for us! And we are so thankful that the Holy Spirit moves our hearts to desire to behold and experience the transformation of such grace! Hallelujah! This is my story and song for evermore!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on March 19, 2017, 08:50:25 AM

The joy of beholding Jesus continues, knowing that all my depression and discouragement that I have ever suffered or indulged was laid upon Him:

Christ's agony did not cease, but His depression and discouragement left Him. The storm had in nowise abated, but He who was its object was strengthened to meet its fury. He came forth calm and serene. A heavenly peace rested upon His bloodstained face. He had borne that which no human being could ever bear; for He had tasted the sufferings of death for every man.

Christ was not naturally a depressed or discouraged Man; He suffered OUR DEPRESSION AND DISCOURAGEMENT because He suffered on account of the sin that has separated us from God. There is enough here for infinite meditation--that God, the Son who is one with the Father, should be permitted by His beloved Father to come and suffer thus, to taste death for us that we might gain everlasting life--oh, how can we not be ETERNALLY GRATEFUL and praise God in ALL CIRCUMSTANCES! Whatever we may face today, we are to remember that it will never be as intense as what Jesus suffered for us, and that any sin or struggle we face is to be an instant invitation to prayer and full-heart surrender. Jesus bore our sins, so why should we go on in sin and suffer ourselves when that only compounds the pain of our God? Let us turn from sin as we see how heinous it is to a holy God:

But God suffered with His Son. Angels beheld the Saviour's agony. They saw their Lord enclosed by legions of satanic forces, His nature weighed down with a shuddering, mysterious dread. There was silence in heaven. No harp was touched. Could mortals have viewed the amazement of the angelic host as in silent grief they watched the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory from His beloved Son, they would better understand how offensive in His sight is sin.

God has the power to keep us from falling into sin today and each day (1 Corinthians 10:13 promises this to us). Our great need is revealed even in this chapter--to "watch and pray"--to behold the loveliness of Jesus revealed in His life (especially the closing scenes) for a thoughtful hour ("watch") and then to continue to have those scenes before us in our daily labor and service as we abide in Him bearing the fruits of the Spirit ("pray"). Only as we realize more fully how great God's love is for us and how weak we are will we be willing to heed the invitation. Let us behold Jesus throughout this day and be a blessing to those around us!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on March 19, 2017, 10:43:25 PM

Quote from: Pastor Sean Brizendine on March 19, 2017, 08:50:25 AM

Christ's agony did not cease, but His depression and discouragement left Him. The storm had in nowise abated, but He who was its object was strengthened to meet its fury. He came forth calm and serene. A heavenly peace rested upon His bloodstained face. He had borne that which no human being could ever bear; for He had tasted the sufferings of death for every man.

The joy of beholding Jesus continues, knowing that all my depression and discouragement that I have ever suffered or indulged was laid upon Him.

Amen, Pastor Sean! And, my sins were place upon Christ when He was bearing the sins of the world! Such a painful thought, yet it is the glory of God to take my sins upon Himself!! Such love! This is the grace that transforms a sinner into a saint!

Will the innocent suffer the consequences of the curse of sin, to save the guilty? The words fall tremblingly from the pale lips of Jesus, "O My Father, if this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done."
Three times has He uttered that prayer. Three times has humanity shrunk from the last, crowning sacrifice. But now the history of the human race comes up before the world's Redeemer. He sees that the transgressors of the law, if left to themselves, must perish. He sees the helplessness of man. He sees the power of sin. The woes and lamentations of a doomed world rise before Him. He beholds its impending fate, and His decision is made. He will save man at any cost to Himself. He accepts His baptism of blood, that through Him perishing millions may gain everlasting life. He has left the courts of heaven, where all is purity, happiness, and glory, to save the one lost sheep, the one world that has fallen by transgression. And He will not turn from His mission. He will become the propitiation of a race that has willed to sin. His prayer now breathes only submission: "If this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done."
Having made the decision, He fell dying to the ground from which He had partially risen. Where now were His disciples, to place their hands tenderly beneath the head of their fainting Master, and bathe that brow, marred indeed more than the sons of men? The Saviour trod the wine press alone, and of the people there was none with Him.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: JimB on June 14, 2017, 06:16:20 AM

But now He seemed to be shut out from the light of God's sustaining presence. Now He was numbered with the transgressors. The guilt of fallen humanity He must bear. Upon Him who knew no sin must be laid the iniquity of us all. So dreadful does sin appear to Him, so great is the weight of guilt which He must bear, that He is tempted to fear it will shut Him out forever from His Father's love. Feeling how terrible is the wrath of God against transgression, He exclaims, "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death."

As Christ felt His unity with the Father broken up, He feared that in His human nature He would be unable to endure the coming conflict with the powers of darkness. In the wilderness of temptation the destiny of the human race had been at stake. Christ was then conqueror. Now the tempter had come for the last fearful struggle. For this he had been preparing during the three years of Christ's ministry. Everything was at stake with him. If he failed here, his hope of mastery was lost; the kingdoms of the world would finally become Christ's; he himself would be overthrown and cast out. But if Christ could be overcome, the earth would become Satan's kingdom, and the human race would be forever in his power. With the issues of the conflict before Him, Christ's soul was filled with dread of separation from God. Satan told Him that if He became the surety for a sinful world, the separation would be eternal. He would be identified with Satan's kingdom, and would nevermore be one with God.

Satan does not play by rules nor does he have compassion of any kind. Even among nations who go to war there are certain rules and methods of war that are restricted. Not so with the devil outside of God's restricting power. He plays the long game and he plays for keeps. This is why he strikes when Christ's humanity was it's weakest. This is when he often takes advantage of anyone who is low and down mentally and/or physically. If he would attempt to kick Christ while He was down do we think we are any better? I'm not trying to talk up the devil's power but rather to warn of the seriousness of our situation. This is why we need Christ every moment. Look at the following.

Satan is constantly at work, but few have any idea of his activity and subtlety. The people of God must be prepared to withstand the wily foe. It is this resistance that Satan dreads. He knows better than we do the limit of his power and how easily he can be overcome if we resist and face him. Through divine strength the weakest saint is more than a match for him and all his angels, and if brought to the test he would be able to prove his superior power. Therefore Satan’s step is noiseless, his movements stealthy, and his batteries masked. He does not venture to show himself openly, lest he arouse the Christian’s dormant energies and send him to God in prayer. {5T 293.4}

I remember years ago some friends of mine had their teenage son at home dying from cancer who the year before this started had given himself to Christ. One Sabbath afternoon I went to visit them. The son had slipped into a coma and had been unresponsive for several days. However, the parents told me that sometimes they'd hear something from his room and when they enter the room they could hear their boy say.... "get away from me satan, Christ is my Lord now. Leave me alone!". Not long after he fell asleep in Christ. This may sound a little scary but that's ok. It may sound serious and it is. But if we are abiding Him and He in us we can also be victorious over the devil.

1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on June 14, 2017, 07:26:09 AM

Amen, Jim! Abiding in Christ, there is victory over Satan, sin, and temptation!

Behold Him paying the price to have freedom from sin:

Having made the decision, He fell dying to the ground from which He had partially risen. Where now were His disciples, to place their hands tenderly beneath the head of their fainting Master, and bathe that brow, marred indeed more than the sons of men? The Saviour trod the wine press alone, and of the people there was none with Him. – {DA 693.1}

He chose to save you! Rejoice in Him!!!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on June 14, 2017, 05:56:41 PM

Amen! Rejoice, and again I say rejoice!!

Satan told Him that if He became the surety for a sinful world, the separation would be eternal. He would be identified with Satan's kingdom, and would nevermore be one with God.

Rejoice that Jesus loves us enough to go ahead with the plan of salvation even if He would be eternally separated from His Father, never more one with God, even though He sinned not. The wages of sin is eternal separation from God. Thus, it makes sense that if the price was to be pain for your sin and my sin, then Jesus must be eternally separated from His Father. What a horrible thought!

Jim, I like your quote: "Through divine strength the weakest saint is more than a match for him and all his angels, and if brought to the test he would be able to prove his superior power."
How can a weak fallen man have victory over Satan who excels in strength? Because in Christ, he is a partaker of God's divine nature. It is the power of God working through the repentant sinner that gives the victory over death and Satan!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on September 09, 2017, 04:29:43 AM

I praise the Lord that Jesus was willing to pass through the agony of Gethsemane to save me from sin, and to give me power to obey out of love because I get to behold His love. Love awakens love; and we see His love so clearly in Gethsemane--He gave all for us!

"Turning away, Jesus sought again His retreat, and fell prostrate, overcome by the horror of a great darkness. The humanity of the Son of God trembled in that trying hour. He prayed not now for His disciples that their faith might not fail, but for His own tempted, agonized soul. The awful moment had come--that moment which was to decide the destiny of the world. The fate of humanity trembled in the balance. Christ might even now refuse to drink the cup apportioned to guilty man. It was not yet too late. He might wipe the bloody sweat from His brow, and leave man to perish in his iniquity. He might say, Let the transgressor receive the penalty of his sin, and I will go back to My Father. Will the Son of God drink the bitter cup of humiliation and agony? Will the innocent suffer the consequences of the curse of sin, to save the guilty? The words fall tremblingly from the pale lips of Jesus, 'O My Father, if this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done.'" {The Desire of Ages, page 690, paragraph 2}

Yes! He drinks it for us! Now, may we go forth to offer the cup of salvation to others--to present to them in word and life the loveliness of Jesus from having spent this "thoughtful hour" with Him. We will be changed by His infinite love as we yield the heart to Him!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on September 09, 2017, 03:15:00 PM

Amen, Pastor Sean! What love! What a cost which has been paid for our redemption! If only we were to keep these truths uppermost in our minds! How could we hurt the One who loves us so much!

Having made the decision, He fell dying to the ground from which He had partially risen. Where now were His disciples, to place their hands tenderly beneath the head of their fainting Master, and bathe that brow, marred indeed more than the sons of men? The Saviour trod the wine press alone, and of the people there was none with Him.
But God suffered with His Son. Angels beheld the Saviour's agony. They saw their Lord enclosed by legions of satanic forces, His nature weighed down with a shuddering, mysterious dread. There was silence in heaven. No harp was touched. Could mortals have viewed the amazement of the angelic host as in silent grief they watched the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory from His beloved Son, they would better understand how offensive in His sight is sin.

Heavenly Father, forgive us our sins! And, keep us from sinning that we might not continue to hurt you and Jesus!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: JimB on September 10, 2017, 07:20:34 AM

Gethsemane, what a scene to behold and think about. What Christ did there for us we will never fully understand but we can understand enough to see the extreme love the Savior has for the whole world. In times past I heard of stories where a person will save another person's life and the saved person out of gratitude will try to repay by doing favors and/or money etc... However, in return Jesus only wants our hearts and when He has our hearts we become His and He becomes ours. What a thought!!!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on September 10, 2017, 10:02:57 AM

Amen, Jim. What an amazing truth!! And, to think that He also has entrusted His precious truths to us as a people!! We ought to have been off this evil speck of a planet years ago!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on December 05, 2017, 05:05:34 AM

Gethsemane--what a place to behold Jesus suffering inexpressible agony for us. Did He have to go through it? No--but infinite love constrained Him. He saw our lost condition, our utter helplessness and inability to break from Satan's power (selfishness which leads to death, for sin is the transgression of law of selfless love), and after pouring out His soul three times in prayer that the cup of God's wrath against sin might pass from Him, He consents to bear suffering infinitely greater than we can even imagine, for in Gethsemane we see the Son of God for the first time in the history of ETERNITY feeling the separation that sin brings between the soul and God. Let this thought solemnize our minds to realize how horrific sin is--for no sin is small in God's sight--and at the same time may our lips be filled with praise to God who would be wiling to risk sending Jesus to come and be born in this world, to face temptation stronger than we will ever bear, at the risk of failure and eternal loss. Let us behold Jesus afresh and let that love empower us to be His ambassadors of God's amazing grace. Beholding the love of God in Christ enables us to go from being unrepentant sinners to becoming repentant, believing sinners who are truly converted, who hate sin because of what it does to Jesus, and who love God with the WHOLE heart.

"Having made the decision, He fell dying to the ground from which He had partially risen. Where now were His disciples, to place their hands tenderly beneath the head of their fainting Master, and bathe that brow, marred indeed more than the sons of men? The Saviour trod the wine press alone, and of the people there was none with Him." {The Desire of Ages, page 693, paragraph 1}
"But God suffered with His Son. Angels beheld the Saviour's agony. They saw their Lord enclosed by legions of satanic forces, His nature weighed down with a shuddering, mysterious dread. There was silence in heaven. No harp was touched. Could mortals have viewed the amazement of the angelic host as in silent grief they watched the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory from His beloved Son, they would better understand how offensive in His sight is sin." {The Desire of Ages, page 693, paragraph 2}

I was deeply impressed by what Jesus had to endure, and what the Father had to do in order for Jesus to become sin for us--the Father's light, love, and glory were separated from Him, because that is what sin does to us.

"But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear" (Isaiah 59:2). And the solemn reality of what sin does to us really spoke to me this morning. If we commit a known sin, we choose to separate from God's light, love, and glory. This is not a small matter. 1 John 1:5-7 connects the light and darkness significance:

"This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."

I need Jesus continually to abide in my heart, or I will walk in darkness. We have a continual need of Jesus, and without Him we will wander back into darkness because that is where the fallen nature tends. We need to be continually partaking of the divine nature, so that all of the fruits of the Spirit are seen in our lives without one missing.

If we sin a known sin, love no longer reigns in our hearts:

1 John 4:8: "He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love." To know God is to love Him, and sin breaks that connection of faith working by love.

Glory also departs because of sin, and what is God's glory?

Moses prayed to God this prayer in Exodus 33:18: "And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory." And how did God answer that? We see His answer in Exodus 34:6-7: "And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation."

God's glory is His character, and a known sin severs us from a vital connection with God's unselfish character. Oh, how we need Jesus in our hearts and minds continually! Plead for Him to keep you from falling into sin, knowing that He is able!

Jude 24-25: "Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen." He has promised a way of escape whatever the temptation, however strong: "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).

Look to Jesus today. Remember that for YOUR sin and for MY sin He was willing to be separated from God's light, love, and glory--so we can be connected to Him moment-by-moment, and not fall back into our old sinful ways. Look and live! Jesus saves!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on December 05, 2017, 06:19:16 PM

Amen Pastor Sean. If we are without excuse for sinning, then how about the disciples that night in the Garden? They had all been converted except for Judas, yet look at what they did to Jesus that night in the Garden and afterward. Those closest to Jesus ought to have been a blessing to Jesus, but they injured Him more than anyone. They above all ought to have been faithful to their Master.

What was the problem? It was the very same thing that happens to us today. We take our eyes off of Jesus and lose His power to resist sin. We must be vitally connected with Christ in order to bring honor and glory to Him. Without Him, we can do no good thing. With Him having possession of the whole heart, we can do all things He asks of us.

Let us learn from their fall from grace:

They did not realize the necessity of watchfulness and earnest prayer in order to withstand temptation.
Just before He bent His footsteps to the garden, Jesus had said to the disciples, "All ye shall be offended because of Me this night." They had given Him the strongest assurance that they would go with Him to prison and to death. And poor, self-sufficient Peter had added, "Although all shall be offended, yet will not I." Mark 14:27, 29. But the disciples trusted to themselves. They did not look to the mighty Helper as Christ had counseled them to do. Thus when the Saviour was most in need of their sympathy and prayers, they were found asleep. Even Peter was sleeping.
And John, the loving disciple who had leaned upon the breast of Jesus, was asleep. Surely, the love of John for his Master should have kept him awake. His earnest prayers should have mingled with those of his loved Saviour in the time of His supreme sorrow.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: JimB on March 02, 2018, 05:38:28 AM

Throughout His life on earth He had walked in the light of God's presence. When in conflict with men who were inspired by the very spirit of Satan, He could say, "He that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him." John 8:29. But now He seemed to be shut out from the light of God's sustaining presence. Now He was numbered with the transgressors. The guilt of fallen humanity He must bear. Upon Him who knew no sin must be laid the iniquity of us all. So dreadful does sin appear to Him, so great is the weight of guilt which He must bear, that He is tempted to fear it will shut Him out forever from His Father's love. Feeling how terrible is the wrath of God against transgression, He exclaims, "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death."

What a horrible thought. For one who was constantly walking in the light of the Father and now Jesus feels as though He's been cut off. What a transition in mental state. It also says that Jesus was tempted to fear but it doesn't say that He yielded to that temptation. This is a good lesson for us when dealing with our own feelings. However, it's far easy to endure such a circumstance if we are use to walking in God's presence and are intimately familiar with His character and who He is. Then like Job we can say... "though he slay me yet I will trust Him".

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Dorine on March 02, 2018, 06:25:05 AM

This was a very emotional read. 'My' sin caused such torture to my best friend, my Saviour.

"There was silence in heaven. No harp was touched. Could mortals have viewed the amazement of the angelic host as in silent grief they watched the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory from His beloved Son, they would better understand how offensive in His sight is sin."

Please Father, open my heart with understanding that I may realize the horrendous results of sin. Give me a new heart today that I may vindicate your character in my thoughts, words and deeds. Amen.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on March 02, 2018, 08:56:11 AM

Amen, Sister Dorine. Oh how much we owe to God! We can never repay what was paid for our salvation, but we can give Jesus His reward for His suffering. When He sees Himself reflected in us, this is His reward. Let us not deny Him that which He has earned!

Quote from: JimB on March 02, 2018, 05:38:28 AM

What a horrible thought. For one who was constantly walking in the light of the Father and now Jesus feels as though He's been cut off. What a transition in mental state. It also says that Jesus was tempted to fear but it doesn't say that He yielded to that temptation. This is a good lesson for us when dealing with our own feelings. However, it's far easy to endure such a circumstance if we are use to walking in God's presence and are intimately familiar with His character and who He is. Then like Job we can say... "though he slay me yet I will trust Him".

Amen, Jim. The last group of Christians walking on this Earth when Jesus returns will know Jesus and our heavenly Father intimately and they will not hurt them. They will not sin, no matter what happens to them. Character is transformed at conversion, but strength of character comes through great trial when we refuse to be separated from the Ones who gave all for us while we were yet sinners.

How many professing Christians truly understand what is coming upon unrepentant sinners? We know that God will not burn sinners for eternity, why would we think He will not punish the wicked? And if so, how will He do so? Will there be pain? We need to understand and teach the truth so that all might understand how much Christ had to suffer when He paid the price for every human soul.

As man He must suffer the consequences of man's sin. As man He must endure the wrath of God against transgression. Christ was now standing in a different attitude from that in which He had ever stood before. His suffering can best be described in the words of the prophet, "Awake, O sword, against My shepherd, and against the man that is My fellow, saith the Lord of hosts." Zechariah 13:7. As the substitute and surety for sinful man, Christ was suffering under divine justice. He saw what justice meant. Hitherto He had been as an intercessor for others; now He longed to have an intercessor for Himself.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on May 28, 2018, 02:17:34 AM

Are you struggling? Are you tempted? Pray not for God to remove the trial from you, unless it is His will. Jesus has modeled this to us in the Garden of Gethsemane. Pray that God will give you the strength to bear the trial and come forth with a finer faith, a faith purified by the baptism of suffering that you may be Jesus' reward! Pray that all of His sufferings for you may not be in vain, but that through the cooperation of your efforts with the divine nature given us by His promises through the impartation of the Holy Spirit, you also may be more than conqueror through Him that loved us and gave Himself for us!

"The worlds unfallen and the heavenly angels had watched with intense interest as the conflict drew to its close. Satan and his confederacy of evil, the legions of apostasy, watched intently this great crisis in the work of redemption. The powers of good and evil waited to see what answer would come to Christ's thrice-repeated prayer. Angels had longed to bring relief to the divine sufferer, but this might not be. No way of escape was found for the Son of God. In this awful crisis, when everything was at stake, when the mysterious cup trembled in the hand of the sufferer, the heavens opened, a light shone forth amid the stormy darkness of the crisis hour, and the mighty angel who stands in God's presence, occupying the position from which Satan fell, came to the side of Christ. The angel came not to take the cup from Christ's hand, but to strengthen Him to drink it, with the assurance of the Father's love. He came to give power to the divine-human suppliant. He pointed Him to the open heavens, telling Him of the souls that would be saved as the result of His sufferings. He assured Him that His Father is greater and more powerful than Satan, that His death would result in the utter discomfiture of Satan, and that the kingdom of this world would be given to the saints of the Most High. He told Him that He would see of the travail of His soul, and be satisfied, for He would see a multitude of the human race saved, eternally saved." {The Desire of Ages, page 693, paragraph 3}

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on May 28, 2018, 05:23:17 AM

God will not allow is to be tempted beyond what we can bear. We can glory in our tribulation knowing it will work for our benefit and God's glory as we abide in Christ. In Christ's case, it worked for our salvation and strengthened His character beyond where it was prior to Gethsemane. One of the very sad experiences Jesus endured was the failure of those who were closest to Him to comfort Him. It is painful to contemplate.

That those whom He had undertaken to save, those whom He loved so much, should unite in the plots of Satan, this pierced His soul. The conflict was terrible. Its measure was the guilt of His nation, of His accusers and betrayer, the guilt of a world lying in wickedness. The sins of men weighed heavily upon Christ, and the sense of God's wrath against sin was crushing out His life.
Behold Him contemplating the price to be paid for the human soul. In His agony He clings to the cold ground, as if to prevent Himself from being drawn farther from God. The chilling dew of night falls upon His prostrate form, but He heeds it not. From His pale lips comes the bitter cry, "O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me." Yet even now He adds, "Nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt."
The human heart longs for sympathy in suffering. This longing Christ felt to the very depths of His being. In the supreme agony of His soul He came to His disciples with a yearning desire to hear some words of comfort from those whom He had so often blessed and comforted, and shielded in sorrow and distress. The One who had always had words of sympathy for them was now suffering superhuman agony, and He longed to know that they were praying for Him and for themselves. How dark seemed the malignity of sin! Terrible was the temptation to let the human race bear the consequences of its own guilt, while He stood innocent before God. If He could only know that His disciples understood and appreciated this, He would be strengthened........ Again He had felt a longing for companionship, for some words from His disciples which would bring relief, and break the spell of darkness that well-nigh overpowered Him.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: JimB on August 23, 2018, 05:32:10 AM

The human heart longs for sympathy in suffering. This longing Christ felt to the very depths of His being. In the supreme agony of His soul He came to His disciples with a yearning desire to hear some words of comfort from those whom He had so often blessed and comforted, and shielded in sorrow and distress. The One who had always had words of sympathy for them was now suffering superhuman agony, and He longed to know that they were praying for Him and for themselves. How dark seemed the malignity of sin! Terrible was the temptation to let the human race bear the consequences of its own guilt, while He stood innocent before God. If He could only know that His disciples understood and appreciated this, He would be strengthened.

What a chapter! and how horrible a though to think my sin caused such anguish and temptation to Him. My Savior desired human comfort. He was hoping to receive that which He had always gave out to others, sympathy and encouragement. We are told that God is the same today, yesterday, and forever so to me that means that although He isn't now suffering in Gethsemane, He still desires human friendship and desires to commune with us. Why would anyone desire friendship with the person and people who has cause Him so much pain? Because He is love and He loves you & me!

John 15:15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on August 23, 2018, 05:55:54 AM

Amen Jim. This is the saddest part of the whole book. Jesus longed for human sympathy, but received none. How very sad! We have it in our power today to make Jesus happy. He suffered and died because of our sins. His reward for all He went through, is to see himself reproduced in us. When we abide in Christ and He abides in us, we will be empowered to keep the Commandments of God. Our characters will be a reflection of the righteousness of Christ. This is what He Longs for today. This is His reward. And when we sin we cause Him much pain and sorrow.

Christ was now standing in a different attitude from that in which He had ever stood before. His suffering can best be described in the words of the prophet, "Awake, O sword, against My shepherd, and against the man that is My fellow, saith the Lord of hosts." Zechariah 13:7. As the substitute and surety for sinful man, Christ was suffering under divine justice. He saw what justice meant. Hitherto He had been as an intercessor for others; now He longed to have an intercessor for Himself.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Dorine on August 23, 2018, 07:43:58 AM

"In this awful crisis, when everything was at stake, when the mysterious cup trembled in the hand of the sufferer, the heavens opened, a light shone forth amid the stormy darkness of the crisis hour, and the mighty angel who stands in God's presence, occupying the position from which Satan fell, came to the side of Christ. The angel came not to take the cup from Christ's hand, but to strengthen Him to drink it, with the assurance of the Father's love. He came to give power to the divine-human suppliant. He pointed Him to the open heavens, telling Him of the souls that would be saved as the result of His sufferings. He assured Him that His Father is greater and more powerful than Satan, that His death would result in the utter discomfiture of Satan, and that the kingdom of this world would be given to the saints of the Most High. He told Him that He would see of the travail of His soul, and be satisfied, for He would see a multitude of the human race saved, eternally saved. Christ's agony did not cease, but His depression and discouragement left Him. The storm had in nowise abated, but He who was its object was strengthened to meet its fury. He came forth calm and serene. A heavenly peace rested upon His bloodstained face. He had borne that which no human being could ever bear; for He had tasted the sufferings of death for every man."

My heart overflows with gratitude to my dear Saviour who went through so much for me and because of me. What He had to suffer no human being will ever be called to endure. Oh what love and what mercy.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on August 23, 2018, 10:23:38 AM

This Sabbath I am looking forward to preaching in Greenland and Houghton a message entitled, "So Expensive" in connection with the Communion service. As I contemplate what Jesus' experience cost Him--the unutterable agony of how our sin separated Him from the Father and finally broke His heart upon Calvary, the deathly sufferings of which began so clearly in the Garden of Gethsemane, I am so thankful that God counted me, and you, and every soul in this world worth the infinite price. May we, by beholding Christ, realize that we are never called upon to make a real sacrifice, for the infinite Sacrifice has been made once and for all, and we are to enter into oneness with Him whose self-sacrificing love will be wrought out in us as we continually surrender our will and abide in Him. Such an experience purifies the heart and mind and fills us with all of the fruits of the Spirit so that not one is missing.

There is no higher calling or purpose than to have Christ's character reproduced in us. Such love wrought in us will prepare us to stand through the time of trouble such as never was, not as a band of defeated mourners, but as those whose appreciation of the love of Christ holds them steadfast because God's Spirit has sealed them--settled them into the truth both intellectually and spiritually so they cannot be moved. May we cooperate with God who will effect this experience in us. From first to last we are dependent upon Christ for such a work to be wrought in us. "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him" (Colossians 2:6). May we gladly count it a privilege to suffer for His dear sake who paid SO MUCH for us!

"Behold Him contemplating the price to be paid for the human soul. In His agony He clings to the cold ground, as if to prevent Himself from being drawn farther from God. The chilling dew of night falls upon His prostrate form, but He heeds it not. From His pale lips comes the bitter cry, 'O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me.' Yet even now He adds, 'Nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt.'" {The Desire of Ages, page 687, paragraph 2}

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on November 18, 2018, 01:58:22 AM

From a human standpoint, the experience of Jesus in Gethsemane makes no sense. Why would a divine being consent to become a human, and then face all the weight of our guilt and sin--even though so few seem to even appreciate or receive this great salvation? The unexplainable, infinitely glorious answer is wrapped up in one word: grace. Gethsemane is such a powerful revelation of God's grace that it makes me silent, causing me to reflect on the value God has placed upon my soul--and your soul, and every soul in this dark speck of a world. We are of infinite worth to God because an infinite price has been paid for us. While Satan did his utmost to show all the reasons the plan of bearing the sin of the world was not worth it, I am so thankful that the infinite, unfathomable love of God manifested in Christ motivated Him to go through with the plan to redeem us. We have something to praise God for today--it is the love of God for us, and the power that this grace has (as we behold and contemplate it as manifest in Christ) to change us from rebellious sinners into humble, obedient, happy saints! What a miracle!!!!

"And what was to be gained by this sacrifice? How hopeless appeared the guilt and ingratitude of men! In its hardest features Satan pressed the situation upon the Redeemer: The people who claim to be above all others in temporal and spiritual advantages have rejected You. They are seeking to destroy You, the foundation, the center and seal of the promises made to them as a peculiar people. One of Your own disciples, who has listened to Your instruction, and has been among the foremost in church activities, will betray You. One of Your most zealous followers will deny You. All will forsake You. Christ's whole being abhorred the thought. That those whom He had undertaken to save, those whom He loved so much, should unite in the plots of Satan, this pierced His soul. The conflict was terrible. Its measure was the guilt of His nation, of His accusers and betrayer, the guilt of a world lying in wickedness. The sins of men weighed heavily upon Christ, and the sense of God's wrath against sin was crushing out His life." {The Desire of Ages, page 687, paragraph 1}

Christ did not accept Satan's version of the experience--He did consent to become sin for us, but by faith He overcame in the conflict. This nature of faith--of complete trust when everything seems dark and malignant--it is this "faith of Jesus" that alone can motivate us to lovingly obey God when all the powers of the world, the flesh, and the devil are arrayed against us to compel us to disobey God. The love of Christ constrains us. Let this love remain uppermost in your mind today, that you may go forth, in some degree, to diffuse this mysterious element of selfless love that is manifest in all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing (by abiding in Christ) in a world of sin and suffering.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on November 18, 2018, 10:28:39 PM

Amen Pastor Sean. Do we really understand the wrath of God? Or do we treat sin lightly? How much does sin bother us?

"The sense of God's wrath against sin was crushing out His life."hi

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on February 13, 2019, 05:19:09 AM

What was it like for Jesus to become sin for us? What did our redemption really cost? In the struggle of Gethsemane, the agony upon the cross, and the separation that sin makes between the soul and God that Jesus endured for us, we may better understand how offensive sin is to God. The cost of our redemption is the very life of the Son of God!! We have infinite value to God!! This love--that the Father would give His Son to suffer for us in this way so we could behold Him and by beholding that love, and the power of the expiatory sufferings of Christ be converted in character and have a new heart and mind--this love is without a parallel!

How can we comfort Jesus?

"Rising with painful effort, He staggered to the place where He had left His companions. But He "findeth them asleep." Had He found them praying, He would have been relieved. Had they been seeking refuge in God, that satanic agencies might not prevail over them, He would have been comforted by their steadfast faith. But they had not heeded the repeated warning, "Watch and pray." At first they had been much troubled to see their Master, usually so calm and dignified, wrestling with a sorrow that was beyond comprehension. They had prayed as they heard the strong cries of the sufferer. They did not intend to forsake their Lord, but they seemed paralyzed by a stupor which they might have shaken off if they had continued pleading with God. They did not realize the necessity of watchfulness and earnest prayer in order to withstand temptation." {The Desire of Ages, page 688, paragraph 1}

We are told that "He would have been comforted by their steadfast faith." Let us receive that faith from Him by beholding what He paid for us! The kind of faith that honors Him today is the faith that works by love and purifies the soul, that reveals all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing in the life. Jesus loves us and wants what is best for us. Let us not see how easy a path we can take, but let us behold the path trod for us by Jesus and let Him use us to go and inspire others to walk in the faith of the Son of God. Love awakens love, and faith inspires faith!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on February 13, 2019, 09:09:26 AM

Amen, Pastor Sean! Such love! That God would allow Jesus to come to this dark spot in the universe, a helpless babe, to fight the battle of life as each of us must fight it, at the risk of failure and eternal loss!! Wonder O heavens and be astonished O Earth!!

This chapter reveals one of the saddeth things I have ever experienced. The disciples that night in the Garden failed to help Jesus when the sins of the world were crushing Him so much that blood was seeping out of His pores. Oh, that one would have been praying for Him, but none were. How so very sad.

The human heart longs for sympathy in suffering. This longing Christ felt to the very depths of His being. In the supreme agony of His soul He came to His disciples with a yearning desire to hear some words of comfort from those whom He had so often blessed and comforted, and shielded in sorrow and distress. The One who had always had words of sympathy for them was now suffering superhuman agony, and He longed to know that they were praying for Him and for themselves. How dark seemed the malignity of sin! Terrible was the temptation to let the human race bear the consequences of its own guilt, while He stood innocent before God. If He could only know that His disciples understood and appreciated this, He would be strengthened.
Rising with painful effort, He staggered to the place where He had left His companions. But He "findeth them asleep." Had He found them praying, He would have been relieved. Had they been seeking refuge in God, that satanic agencies might not prevail over them, He would have been comforted by their steadfast faith. But they had not heeded the repeated warning, "Watch and pray."

Jesus longed for human sympathy, but He received it not. Today, we can be His friend. We can testify to His love for sinners and His character. He has been maligned and many do not know of His wonderful character. Let us be His witnesses today by manifesting His character, every one of the fruits of the Spirit.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Dorine on February 13, 2019, 09:41:02 AM

Richard you have expressed my thoughts so clearly this morning. When we reach this chapter in our readings each time my heart becomes so heavy. I don't want to go there but I must. He had the power to escape this horrendous experience but His love for us was much stronger than his own suffering. All He asked for was some prayerful support from His friends but they did nothing to stay awake. Yes, how very sad.

Are we sleeping too during these closing hours of this world's history or are we wide awake proclaiming the gospel of Christ. Our lives will testify to whom our allegiance belongs.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on February 13, 2019, 10:10:59 AM

Amen, dear Sister. And what was His response? With an aching heart He said "the spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak." Loving Savior!! Does this not touch our hearts. Do we not want to bless Jesus today! As we behold His grace, it causes us to love Him more. May we keep these thoughts in our minds today.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Beacon on February 13, 2019, 10:18:09 AM

The sins of men weighed heavily upon Christ, and the sense of God's wrath against sin was crushing out His life...Behold Him contemplating the price to be paid for the human soul. In His agony He clings to the cold ground, as if to prevent Himself from being drawn farther from God. The chilling dew of night falls upon His prostrate form, but He heeds it not. From His pale lips comes the bitter cry, "O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me." Yet even now He adds, "Nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt."

We have been told that we should spend a thoughtful hour every day contemplating what Jesus went through to make our salvation possible. The question is...Are we willing in our relationship with Jesus to show our love and appreciation to Him by saying "Nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt."

As I read this chapter this morning I've been reminded how strongly our enemy, Satan, keeps us too busy with "other" things which have no eternal value. Will you join with me this morning and determine by His Grace to spend more time focused on what " Really Counts " thereby bringing joy to Jesus for all He has done for us?

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on May 11, 2019, 03:42:17 AM

Jesus was a mature, healthy Man who felt and experienced the full gamut of the emotional impact of the sacrifice He was making as our Substitute and Surety. Because of sin, we can get to a point where we are more numb to the pain of sin and what it has cost God and how it impacts us and others. But Jesus had never closed His divine-human heart to the woes of men; He Himself was full of love, pity and tenderness for those who were going astray and longed to redeem all who would come unto Him. As I contemplate the sacrifice of Christ as He wrestled in prayer in Gethsemane over the decision of accepting the will of the Father to become sin for us, as I think about how He FELT FULLY what that meant, I am encouraged to trust that God in Christ by the Holy Spirit can heal me from the emotional numbing that I have experienced on account of sin and heal the depths of my sin-sick soul by turning my gaze upon the divine-human sufferings of Christ. Christ EXPERIENCED the weight of what He was going through; He did not numb the pain with a drug or avoid the emotional impact by trying diversions or distractions. Jesus desired what God HAS GIVEN US in times of pain and sorrow: He longed for companionship. Had Peter, James and John stayed awake to pray with Jesus, how much less difficult it might have been for our Lord. But to us comes the call today in a similar way. Will we identify with Christ and experience the painful yet so needed character work to heal from the deadness of sin, to have souls that are truly alive to think and feel the love of God? Only by beholding Christ and being truly honest to God about what we have done and how we have suffered (in light of His sufferings) are we really able to heal. God loves us and that is why He paid so much for us. I thank God for Jesus this Sabbath and so appreciate the pain He endured, so I also can experience the reversal of what He went through: I can lay my guilt and grief, my sorrow and shame upon Christ and know that He will bring me through on account of what He has endured. And knowing I have a Savior with me at each step, I am thus encouraged to find others to share what a Healer of the soul we have in Jesus. Let us look and live; let us learn to truly think and feel in harmony with the sacrifice of Christ!

"As they approached the garden, the disciples had marked the change that came over their Master. Never before had they seen Him so utterly sad and silent. As He proceeded, this strange sadness deepened; yet they dared not question Him as to the cause. His form swayed as if He were about to fall. Upon reaching the garden, the disciples looked anxiously for His usual place of retirement, that their Master might rest. Every step that He now took was with labored effort. He groaned aloud, as if suffering under the pressure of a terrible burden. Twice His companions supported Him, or He would have fallen to the earth." {The Desire of Ages, page 685, paragraph 3}

Jesus went through this for you and me--no greater love can we ever find than can be known in Christ. To know God is to love Him, and as we see the love of God for us in Christ's sufferings, love awakens in our hearts! This love elevates our thoughts and aims, our hearts become knit with His, and through a continual surrender of the will to Christ, we experience all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing--taking our character deeper and broader in appreciation of the infinite love of God for us in Christ. And this will be our story and song for all of eternity! Hallelujah!!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Beacon on May 11, 2019, 10:19:37 AM

Amen Pastor Sean - What wonderful and almost uncomprehending sacrificial love - It gives new meaning to the words " For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16 Praise the Lord!!

The words fall tremblingly from the pale lips of Jesus, "O My Father, if this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, ]Thy will be done."

Three times has He uttered that prayer. Three times has humanity shrunk from the last, crowning sacrifice. But now the history of the human race comes up before the world's Redeemer. He sees that the transgressors of the law, if left to themselves, must perish. He sees the helplessness of man. He sees the power of sin. The woes and lamentations of a doomed world rise before Him. He beholds its impending fate, and His decision is made. He will save man at any cost to Himself. He accepts His baptism of blood, that through Him perishing millions may gain everlasting life. He has left the courts of heaven, where all is purity, happiness, and glory, to save the one lost sheep, the one world that has fallen by transgression. And He will not turn from His mission. He will become the propitiation of a race that has willed to sin. His prayer now breathes only submission: "If this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done."

Let us raise our voices with Thanksgiving, Praise & Prayer for such a Redeemer as our Wonderful Jesus and take this opportunity to re-commit our love and loyalty to Him.

OH LOVE THAT WILL NOT LET ME GO ( # 76 in the SDA Hymnal )

1
O Love that wilt not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in thee;
I give thee back the life I owe,
that in thine ocean depths
its flow may richer, fuller be.

2
O Light that followest all my way,
I yield my flickering torch to thee;
my heart restores its borrowed ray,
that in they sunshine’s blaze
its day may brighter, fairer be.

3
O Joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to thee;
I trace the rainbow thru the rain,
and feel the promise is not vain,
that morn shall tearless be.

4
O Cross that liftest up my head,
I dare not ask to fly from thee;
I lay in dust life’s glory dead,
and from the ground there blossoms
red life that shall endless be.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Dorine on May 11, 2019, 10:56:20 AM

"Jesus said to him, "Friend, wherefore art thou come?" His voice trembled with sorrow as He added, "Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?" This appeal should have aroused the conscience of the betrayer, and touched his stubborn heart; but honor, fidelity, and human tenderness had forsaken him. He stood bold and defiant, showing no disposition to relent. He had given himself up to Satan, and he had no power to resist him. Jesus did not refuse the traitor's kiss."

As hard as it is for me to read this chapter I am encouraged by the revelation of God's love for mankind. The Father's heart suffered with His Son yet He looked beyond the present and saw you and me and a whole world that would be lost without any hope. Only the spilled blood of Jesus would pay for the sins of those who accepted this ultimate sacrifice. "With His stripes we are healed." His love never fails to win my heart.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on May 12, 2019, 01:09:38 AM

Amen Sister Dorine. What love! It is by beholding this grace that the carnal heart is subdued. As we contemplate why He went to Jerusalem to be beaten and murdered, it breaks the cold hard heart. Here is seen an important lesson for us today.

The disciples were terrified as they saw Jesus permit Himself to be taken and bound. They were offended that He should suffer this humiliation to Himself and them. They could not understand His conduct, and they blamed Him for submitting to the mob. In their indignation and fear, Peter proposed that they save themselves. Following this suggestion, "they all forsook Him, and fled." But Christ had foretold this desertion, "Behold," He had said, "the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave Me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me." John 16:32.

Jesus had told His disciples He was to die, but they did not want to hear that. How long was it after they had given their hearts to Christ in the upper room that they were "terrified"? We may be converted each morning, but that does not get us through the day. We must watch and pray.

Rising with painful effort, He staggered to the place where He had left His companions. But He "findeth them asleep." Had He found them praying, He would have been relieved. Had they been seeking refuge in God, that satanic agencies might not prevail over them, He would have been comforted by their steadfast faith. But they had not heeded the repeated warning, "Watch and pray." At first they had been much troubled to see their Master, usually so calm and dignified, wrestling with a sorrow that was beyond comprehension. They had prayed as they heard the strong cries of the sufferer. They did not intend to forsake their Lord, but they seemed paralyzed by a stupor which they might have shaken off if they had continued pleading with God. They did not realize the necessity of watchfulness and earnest prayer in order to withstand temptation.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Dorine on August 06, 2019, 05:49:30 AM

"But God suffered with His Son. Angels beheld the Saviour's agony. They saw their Lord enclosed by legions of satanic forces, His nature weighed down with a shuddering, mysterious dread. There was silence in heaven. No harp was touched. Could mortals have viewed the amazement of the angelic host as in silent grief they watched the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory from His beloved Son, they would better understand how offensive in His sight is sin."

As I watch my precious Jesus suffer as He did my heart is melted once again.

Open my eyes and understanding Father that I may see the hatefulness of sin. Thank you for these words of inspiration that remind us of the great love and sacrifice heaven made for this one rebellious planet. We need you Lord. Thank you for not giving up on us. You have promised victory to those who trust and obey You. Fill us with Your Spirit that we may stay faithful to you. Amen.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on August 06, 2019, 05:57:42 AM

Amen, dear Sister Dorine! How could we not be moved as we hear the words of Jesus, suffering in our place. It is so very sad that we are so very evil by nature. But, what a joy to understand we may be partakers of Christ's divine nature because of His suffering. Oh, how much pain our Father suffered watching His dear Son suffer as He separated His beams of light and love from His Son!! Father forgive us of our great sins. Help us to be fully surrendered to you today is our heartfelt prayer.

Turning away, Jesus sought again His retreat, and fell prostrate, overcome by the horror of a great darkness. The humanity of the Son of God trembled in that trying hour. He prayed not now for His disciples that their faith might not fail, but for His own tempted, agonized soul. The awful moment had come--that moment which was to decide the destiny of the world. The fate of humanity trembled in the balance. Christ might even now refuse to drink the cup apportioned to guilty man. It was not yet too late. He might wipe the bloody sweat from His brow, and leave man to perish in his iniquity. He might say, Let the transgressor receive the penalty of his sin, and I will go back to My Father. Will the Son of God drink the bitter cup of humiliation and agony? Will the innocent suffer the consequences of the curse of sin, to save the guilty? The words fall tremblingly from the pale lips of Jesus, "O My Father, if this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done."
Three times has He uttered that prayer. Three times has humanity shrunk from the last, crowning sacrifice. But now the history of the human race comes up before the world's Redeemer. He sees that the transgressors of the law, if left to themselves, must perish. He sees the helplessness of man. He sees the power of sin. The woes and lamentations of a doomed world rise before Him. He beholds its impending fate, and His decision is made. He will save man at any cost to Himself. He accepts His baptism of blood, that through Him perishing millions may gain everlasting life. He has left the courts of heaven, where all is purity, happiness, and glory, to save the one lost sheep, the one world that has fallen by transgression. And He will not turn from His mission. He will become the propitiation of a race that has willed to sin. His prayer now breathes only submission: "If this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done."
Having made the decision, He fell dying to the ground from which He had partially risen. Where now were His disciples, to place their hands tenderly beneath the head of their fainting Master, and bathe that brow, marred indeed more than the sons of men? The Saviour trod the wine press alone, and of the people there was none with Him.
But God suffered with His Son. Angels beheld the Saviour's agony. They saw their Lord enclosed by legions of satanic forces, His nature weighed down with a shuddering, mysterious dread. There was silence in heaven. No harp was touched. Could mortals have viewed the amazement of the angelic host as in silent grief they watched the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory from His beloved Son, they would better understand how offensive in His sight is sin.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on August 06, 2019, 08:33:01 AM

Amen, Sister Dorine and Brother Richard!

Jesus' divine-human sufferings are recorded that we may have hearts that will be truly converted, and surrender all to Him. He bore a greater burden than we can ever bear. As we behold Him, we are changed into the same image from glory to glory!

"Christ's agony did not cease, but His depression and discouragement left Him. The storm had in nowise abated, but He who was its object was strengthened to meet its fury. He came forth calm and serene. A heavenly peace rested upon His bloodstained face. He had borne that which no human being could ever bear; for He had tasted the sufferings of death for every man." {The Desire of Ages, page 694, paragraph 1}

After Christ experienced depression and discouragement, He also experienced calmness and serenity. The choice to surrender all to God is a struggle--and the struggle Christ went through was one in which He was willing to be separated from God so we could be reconciled to God. Such love!

Lord, melt our hearts with the revelation of the loveliness of Jesus!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Beacon on August 06, 2019, 04:48:59 PM

"The human heart longs for sympathy in suffering. This longing Christ felt to the very depths of His being. In the supreme agony of His soul He came to His disciples with a yearning desire to hear some words of comfort from those whom He had so often blessed and comforted, and shielded in sorrow and distress. The One who had always had words of sympathy for them was now suffering superhuman agony, and He longed to know that they were praying for Him and for themselves. [/u]How dark seemed the malignity of sin! Terrible was the temptation to let the human race bear the consequences of its own guilt, while He stood innocent before God. If He could only know that His disciples understood and appreciated this, He would be strengthened."[/size]

How often have "we" disappointed Jesus!! The very ONE who went through this horrible experience to set us free!!

"Rising with painful effort, He staggered to the place where He had left His companions. But He "findeth them asleep." Had He found them praying, He would have been relieved. Had they been seeking refuge in God, that satanic agencies might not prevail over them..." He would have been comforted by their steadfast faith". But they had not heeded the repeated warning, "Watch and pray." At first they had been much troubled to see their Master, usually so calm and dignified, wrestling with a sorrow that was beyond comprehension. They had prayed as they heard the strong cries of the sufferer. They did not intend to forsake their Lord, but they seemed paralyzed by a stupor..." which they might have shaken off if they had continued pleading with God." They did not realize the necessity of watchfulness and earnest prayer in order to withstand temptation."

As we reflect over the experience that Jesus went through for us.."Do we realize the necessity and power of watchfulness and earnest prayer in order to withstand temptation" ?? Or are we still causing Jesus much sorrow and pain because of our stubborn refusal to surrender "ALL" to Him?? Inspite of His victory on our behalf.

May our daily prayer be..."ALL TO JESUS I SURRENDER - ALL TO HIM I FREELY GIVE. "

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Beacon on October 29, 2019, 06:57:35 PM

"Throughout His life on earth He had walked in the light of God's presence. When in conflict with men who were inspired by the very spirit of Satan, He could say, "He that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him." John 8:29. But now He seemed to be shut out from the light of God's sustaining presence. Now He was numbered with the transgressors. The guilt of fallen humanity He must bear. Upon Him who knew no sin must be laid the iniquity of us all. So dreadful does sin appear to Him, so great is the weight of guilt which He must bear, that He is tempted to fear it will shut Him out forever from His Father's love. Feeling how terrible is the wrath of God against transgression, He exclaims, "My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death."

A quote from JimB
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Satan is constantly at work, but few have any idea of his activity and subtlety. The people of God must be prepared to withstand the wily foe. It is this resistance that Satan dreads. He knows better than we do the limit of his power and how easily he can be overcome if we resist and face him. Through divine strength the weakest saint is more than a match for him and all his angels, and if brought to the test he would be able to prove his superior power. Therefore Satan’s step is noiseless, his movements stealthy, and his batteries masked. He does not venture to show himself openly, lest he arouse the Christian’s dormant energies and send him to God in prayer. {5T 293.4}[/color]
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"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).

What a wonderful promise but let us never forget --- it is based on our willingness to maintain a daily connection with Jesus and a willingness on our part to turn away from all evil as revealed in His Word and through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on October 30, 2019, 06:07:54 AM

Amen, Brother Beacon!

What we behold changes us. It is inevitable. We become like what we value and reverence. Jesus in Gethsemane longed for His disciples to behold Him in His sufferings, that they might better understand the sacrifice He was making, thus helping them to be prepared for the greater test--His death on Calvary. So today Jesus is longing to have us watch unto prayer, successfully bringing us through the needed trials to help us be ready for the great time of Jacob's trouble when the probation of the world is closed, the wicked are enraged against God's people (think of how the mob came after Jesus in Gethsemane), and the death decree against those who will continue to "keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus" (Revelation 14:12) leads to the time of utmost extremity. Christ bore our curse and died for us; God's people will be delivered--because they have learned moment by moment to rely implicit upon His word and trust Him no matter what the surrounding circumstances. It is now that we need to learn this simple, yet profound lesson:

"'Tarry ye here,' He said, 'and watch with Me.'" {The Desire of Ages, page 686, paragraph 2}

If we would heed this invitation, we would be must stronger in God, and find sin hateful to us:

"It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ. We should take it point by point, and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones. As we thus dwell upon His great sacrifice for us, our confidence in Him will be more constant, our love will be quickened, and we shall be more deeply imbued with His spirit. If we would be saved at last, we must learn the lesson of penitence and humiliation at the foot of the cross." {The Desire of Ages, page 83, paragraph 4}

We continually need Jesus. Let us learn to watch and pray with Jesus, for He is longing for us to not only allow Him to fully mature His character in us (though we may be perfect at every stage of development of character if we are completely surrendered to Christ and living up to the light He has shown us of His law of love, this experience is to be fully matured in the lives of God's people who live to the coming of Jesus). He longs for us to cooperate with Him in spreading the everlasting gospel to reach this world--the gospel message that uplifts Christ in all His loveliness with the redeeming power of grace to transform sinners into repentant saints who will soon be glorified at His appearing!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on October 31, 2019, 06:05:04 PM

Amen Pastor Sean. We must learn to watch and pray if we want to resist the temptation to sin. As Brother Beacon has shared, we must maintain our daily connection with Christ.

So it was with Christ when He came to this dark spot in the universe. He maintained His connection with His Father. Then we do we say when His connection with His Father was broken up? We will see the answer in Sunday's reading.

As Christ felt His unity with the Father broken up, He feared that in His human nature He would be unable to endure the coming conflict with the powers of darkness. In the wilderness of temptation the destiny of the human race had been at stake. Christ was then conqueror. Now the tempter had come for the last fearful struggle. For this he had been preparing during the three years of Christ's ministry. Everything was at stake with him. If he failed here, his hope of mastery was lost; the kingdoms of the world would finally become Christ's; he himself would be overthrown and cast out. But if Christ could be overcome, the earth would become Satan's kingdom, and the human race would be forever in his power. With the issues of the conflict before Him, Christ's soul was filled with dread of separation from God. Satan told Him that if He became the surety for a sinful world, the separation would be eternal. He would be identified with Satan's kingdom, and would nevermore be one with God.

Here we read that Christ feared that "in His human nature He would be unable to endure the coming conflict with the powers of darkness." He came to this world where Satan claimed dominion a helpless babe subject to the weakness of humanity to fight the battle of life as we might it at the risk of failure and eternal loss! What love God has for us!! And, unlike us weak humans who cannot carry our own sins, Jesus carried the sins of the whole world!!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Beacon on January 23, 2020, 05:44:49 PM

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on January 24, 2020, 05:39:39 AM

Amen, Brother Beacon! We need watchfulness and earnest prayer in our Christian experience so we may resist the clamors of our fallen nature, the world, and the devil. May we never forget the love of God for us as it is manifest in Christ!!

Jesus was not on autopilot when He came to our world to save us. Like us, He had choices. He formed a character in which His EVERY decision was in harmony with the Father's will. And as He came to Gethsemane, the struggle was that now the Father's will was for Him to bear the sin of the whole world, experience our guilt as though it were His own, and die as our Sacrifice. Would Jesus consent to this agony? He was free to choose, even as we are free to choose Christ or reject His offer of grace.

It was an immense struggle, not because Jesus did not love to obey His Father, but that by obeying His Father's will He would be experientially separated from the Father as He became sin for our entire race. What amazing, infinite love we behold here in the Garden of Gethsemane! Jesus loves us so much that He values us to the point that He would endure the wrath of God against transgression so we could be eternally saved!!

"Having made the decision, He fell dying to the ground from which He had partially risen. Where now were His disciples, to place their hands tenderly beneath the head of their fainting Master, and bathe that brow, marred indeed more than the sons of men? The Saviour trod the wine press alone, and of the people there was none with Him." {The Desire of Ages, page 693, paragraph 1}

May we ever keep uppermost in our minds the loveliness of Jesus and the great plan of salvation. That is why it is well for us each day to contemplate the life of Christ--especially the closing scenes, so our love and faith are made strong by a deeper infilling of the Holy Spirit who spontaneously produces in the heart renewed by divine grace all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing!!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on January 24, 2020, 09:33:14 PM

Amen Pastor Sean! Brother Beacon, the sad truth that Jesus longed for human sympathy is so very painful to consider, for those who He had loved the most did not sympathize with Him. :(

With the issues of the conflict before Him, Christ's soul was filled with dread of separation from God. Satan told Him that if He became the surety for a sinful world, the separation would be eternal. He would be identified with Satan's kingdom, and would nevermore be one with God.

This is what broke the heart of the Son of God. God separated His beams of light and love from His innocent Son. And, Satan spoke the great lie that the wages of sin demanded eternal separation from His Father. Contemplate the price Christ and our heavenly Father paid for our sins! Herein is love unfathomable!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Beacon on April 19, 2020, 04:34:27 PM

"Three times has humanity shrunk from the last, crowning sacrifice. But now the history of the human race comes up before the world's Redeemer. He sees that the transgressors of the law, if left to themselves, must perish. He sees the helplessness of man. He sees the power of sin. The woes and lamentations of a doomed world rise before Him. He beholds its impending fate, and His decision is made. He will save man at any cost to Himself. He accepts His baptism of blood, that through Him perishing millions may gain everlasting life."

"He has left the courts of heaven, where all is purity, happiness, and glory, to save the one lost sheep, the one world that has fallen by transgression. And He will not turn from His mission. He will become the propitiation of a race that has willed to sin. His prayer now breathes only submission: "If this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done."

"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).

What a wonderful promise, but let us never forget --- it is based on our willingness to maintain a daily connection with Jesus and a willingness on our part to turn away from all evil as revealed in His Word through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on April 20, 2020, 05:47:33 AM

Amen, Brother Beacon!

Jesus saw you--and even now He sees you--and it was love that moved Him in His decision to save us in His agonized struggle in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus, knowing the need we would have for His redeeming sacrifice, contemplating the full cost of the agony in being separated from His Father by becoming sin for us and experiencing what we deserve, would choose to become our atoning sacrifice, and now He offers us the cup of blessing in turning us away from our iniquities. May we never see sin as a light thing, for it cost the death of the Son of God. May we, in contemplating His love for us, be changed into His image, fully surrendered to Him so He can transform us, and be deeply imbued with His Spirit!

"Three times has He uttered that prayer. Three times has humanity shrunk from the last, crowning sacrifice. But now the history of the human race comes up before the world's Redeemer. He sees that the transgressors of the law, if left to themselves, must perish. He sees the helplessness of man. He sees the power of sin. The woes and lamentations of a doomed world rise before Him. He beholds its impending fate, and His decision is made. He will save man at any cost to Himself. He accepts His baptism of blood, that through Him perishing millions may gain everlasting life. He has left the courts of heaven, where all is purity, happiness, and glory, to save the one lost sheep, the one world that has fallen by transgression. And He will not turn from His mission. He will become the propitiation of a race that has willed to sin. His prayer now breathes only submission: 'If this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done.'" {The Desire of Ages, page 690, paragraph 3}

So now Christ offers us the cup of blessing in the experience of salvation--that all of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives, and not one will be missing as long as we are partaking by grace through faith of His divine nature and choosing to resist the temptation to sin and self by keeping our eyes on Jesus and depending upon Him in a moment-by-moment attitude of surrender. Jesus counted the cost, and love moved Him to die for us. May we too count the cost and realize that heaven in cheap enough, and that Jesus longs for His reward--you and me redeemed and with Him in heaven. Even now, after His agony in Gethsemane has been culminated at Calvary, Christ is ministering as our High Priest in the sanctuary in heaven, and yearns to fully transform us into His character and blot from the records the sins He has led us to repent of and confess. He longs to be WITH US IN PERSON!! He is coming VERY SOON!!

Let us allow Jesus to have all of us today for His plans and His will to be wrought out in our lives--that we may partake of the cup of blessing in salvation: "I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord" (Psalm 116:13).

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on April 21, 2020, 05:10:13 AM

Amen Pastor Sean and Brother Beacon! And what was it that crushed out the life of our Savior?

And what was to be gained by this sacrifice? How hopeless appeared the guilt and ingratitude of men! In its hardest features Satan pressed the situation upon the Redeemer: The people who claim to be above all others in temporal and spiritual advantages have rejected You. They are seeking to destroy You, the foundation, the center and seal of the promises made to them as a peculiar people. One of Your own disciples, who has listened to Your instruction, and has been among the foremost in church activities, will betray You. One of Your most zealous followers will deny You. All will forsake You. Christ's whole being abhorred the thought. That those whom He had undertaken to save, those whom He loved so much, should unite in the plots of Satan, this pierced His soul. The conflict was terrible. Its measure was the guilt of His nation, of His accusers and betrayer, the guilt of a world lying in wickedness. The sins of men weighed heavily upon Christ, and the sense of God's wrath against sin was crushing out His life.

And, have we not caused our Savior to suffer also. God help us to remember what our Savior has done for us.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Dorine on April 21, 2020, 05:40:09 AM

"The sleeping disciples had been suddenly awakened by the light surrounding the Saviour. They saw the angel bending over their prostrate Master. They saw him lift the Saviour's head upon his bosom, and point toward heaven. They heard his voice, like sweetest music, speaking words of comfort and hope. The disciples recalled the scene upon the mount of transfiguration. They remembered the glory that in the temple had encircled Jesus, and the voice of God that spoke from the cloud. Now that same glory was again revealed, and they had no further fear for their Master. He was under the care of God; a mighty angel had been sent to protect Him. Again the disciples in their weariness yield to the strange stupor that overpowers them. Again Jesus finds them sleeping.

Looking sorrowfully upon them He says, "Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners."

I love to dwell on the selfless love of Jesus for His disciples. The same love extends down to the very end. He knows our weaknesses, He knows our hearts and He will not forsake us but walk with us throughout each day, leading, guiding, and teaching us to be in an attitude of humble surrender. As we recognize our weaknesses and as we give them to Jesus our weaknesses will become our strengths through the working of the Holy Spirit. As we read these chapters to the end may we not be sleeping as the disciples but wide awake to receive the blessings God wants to bestow upon us.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Beacon on July 16, 2020, 05:38:57 AM

"The human heart longs for sympathy in suffering. This longing Christ felt to the very depths of His being. In the supreme agony of His soul He came to His disciples with a yearning desire to hear some words of comfort from those whom He had so often blessed and comforted, and shielded in sorrow and distress.. If He could only know that His disciples understood and appreciated this, He would be strengthened."

"Rising with painful effort, He staggered to the place where He had left His companions. But He "findeth them asleep." Had He found them praying, He would have been relieved. Had they been seeking refuge in God, that satanic agencies might not prevail over them, HE WOULD HAVE BEEN COMFORTED BY THEIR STEADFAST FAITH."

"They did not intend to forsake their Lord, but they seemed paralyzed by a stupor which they might have shaken off if they had continued pleading with God. They did not realize the necessity of watchfulness and earnest prayer in order to withstand temptation.

How about us? Do "WE" recognize the necessity of watchfulness and earnest prayer in order to withstand temptation?

"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).

What a wonderful promise but let us never forget --- it is based on our willingness to maintain a daily connection with Jesus and a willingness on our part to turn away from all evil as revealed in His Word and through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on July 16, 2020, 05:46:50 AM

Amen, Brother Beacon!

Even Jesus had to battle through depression and discouragement when He was contemplating the price to be paid for the human race. What an infinite sacrifice He made for us, so we, too, may fully overcome all sin in Him and remember the price He paid for us! What wondrous love is this!!

"Christ's agony did not cease, but His depression and discouragement left Him. The storm had in nowise abated, but He who was its object was strengthened to meet its fury. He came forth calm and serene. A heavenly peace rested upon His bloodstained face. He had borne that which no human being could ever bear; for He had tasted the sufferings of death for every man." {The Desire of Ages, page 694, paragraph 1}

Let us never forget the infinite love of Jesus! It is as we yield the whole heart to Him that He cleanses us from sin, creates in us a clean heart and a new mind, makes us partakers of the divine nature, and imbues us with all of the fruits of the Spirit so that our lives are brought into willing, happy obedience to all the commandments of God as revealed in the Ten Commandments, including the commandment that invites us to remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy! Praise the Lord for God's gift of His Son to us!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on July 16, 2020, 08:21:21 AM

Amen Pastor Sean and Brother Beacon! It is the love of God, His grace towards us, that transforms sinners into saints. His great love is revealed in the sufferings and death of His innocent Son. In today's reading we are given such a powerful statement of what that was. What love God has for us while we were yet sinners!! God hates sin, do we? Are we still sinning? God wants us to hate it so we will cease sinning.

But God suffered with His Son. Angels beheld the Saviour's agony. They saw their Lord enclosed by legions of satanic forces, His nature weighed down with a shuddering, mysterious dread. There was silence in heaven. No harp was touched. Could mortals have viewed the amazement of the angelic host as in silent grief they watched the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory from His beloved Son, they would better understand how offensive in His sight is sin.

Do we understand that there is no excuse for sin? That God's grace allowed into the heart protects us from sinning? Why do we not hear sermon after sermon telling us that Jesus cannot come until the church ceases to sin? When will we hear the statement "let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward [is] with me, to give every man according as his work shall be( Rev 22:11,12)? Not until we as a people hate sin so much we quit sinning because of what it did and does to our God. It is the goodness of God that will lead us to true repentance where sin be hateful to us.

Quote from: R Myers on April 12, 2001, 04:54:00 AM

All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims, so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will, that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. The will, refined and sanctified, will find its highest delight in doing His service. When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be a life of continual obedience. Through an appreciation of the character of Christ, through communion with God, sin will become hateful to us.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Dorine on October 11, 2020, 05:13:38 AM

"Rising with painful effort, He staggered to the place where He had left His companions. But He "findeth them asleep." Had He found them praying, He would have been relieved. Had they been seeking refuge in God, that satanic agencies might not prevail over them, He would have been comforted by their steadfast faith. But they had not heeded the repeated warning, "Watch and pray." At first they had been much troubled to see their Master, usually so calm and dignified, wrestling with a sorrow that was beyond comprehension. They had prayed as they heard the strong cries of the sufferer. They did not intend to forsake their Lord, but they seemed paralyzed by a stupor which they might have shaken off if they had continued pleading with God. They did not realize the necessity of watchfulness and earnest prayer in order to withstand temptation.

Something stood out to me in this reading that I had not noticed before. Not only would Jesus have been strengthened by knowing the disciples were praying for Him but He would have been comforted knowing that they were steadfast in watchfulness and prayer for themselves for this would have kept them from temptation. What a lesson for us today. If we are not watching and praying we will be overcome with drowsiness and stupor and fall into overwhelming temptations. When God asks us to do something it is for our eternal good. May we take Him seriously. Looking to Jesus constantly, we will be protected from yielding to temptations.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on October 11, 2020, 08:21:30 AM

Amen sister dorine. It would be well to spend a thoughtfull hour a day contemplating the life of Christ, especially the closing scenes. Do we really believe this inspired statement? May God give us Grace to be serious about what we read. We here testify daily there are a great blessings when we walk in the light that we've been given.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on October 11, 2020, 09:57:58 AM

Amen, Sister Dorine and Brother Richard!

As we look upon Jesus' incredible sacrifice in Gethsemane, let us remember that He chose not to take the way of escape so we could have one in every time of need!

"The worlds unfallen and the heavenly angels had watched with intense interest as the conflict drew to its close. Satan and his confederacy of evil, the legions of apostasy, watched intently this great crisis in the work of redemption. The powers of good and evil waited to see what answer would come to Christ's thrice-repeated prayer. Angels had longed to bring relief to the divine sufferer, but this might not be. No way of escape was found for the Son of God. In this awful crisis, when everything was at stake, when the mysterious cup trembled in the hand of the sufferer, the heavens opened, a light shone forth amid the stormy darkness of the crisis hour, and the mighty angel who stands in God's presence, occupying the position from which Satan fell, came to the side of Christ. The angel came not to take the cup from Christ's hand, but to strengthen Him to drink it, with the assurance of the Father's love. He came to give power to the divine-human suppliant. He pointed Him to the open heavens, telling Him of the souls that would be saved as the result of His sufferings. He assured Him that His Father is greater and more powerful than Satan, that His death would result in the utter discomfiture of Satan, and that the kingdom of this world would be given to the saints of the Most High. He told Him that He would see of the travail of His soul, and be satisfied, for He would see a multitude of the human race saved, eternally saved." {The Desire of Ages, page 693, paragraph 3}

Now, when temptations assail us, and we know we are weak and cannot face the situation in our own strength, we can always turn to Christ who IS THE WAY of escape! "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).

What a blessing it is today to abide in Jesus so He can keep us from falling into sin, knowing that the way for us to be set free is by beholding Christ and remaining in continual union and communion with Him by grace through faith. Then all of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives without one missing because we have Christ in us, the hope of glory!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Beacon on October 11, 2020, 12:30:46 PM

" In its hardest features Satan pressed the situation upon the Redeemer.."

"The people who claim to be above all others in temporal and spiritual advantages have rejected You."

They are seeking to destroy You,

"One of Your most zealous followers will deny You. All will forsake You..

Christ's whole being abhorred the thought. That those whom He had undertaken to save, those whom He loved so much, should unite in the plots of Satan, this pierced His soul. The conflict was terrible. Its measure was the guilt of His nation, of His accusers and betrayer, the guilt of a world lying in wickedness. The sins of men weighed heavily upon Christ, and the sense of God's wrath against sin was crushing out His life.

Yet He stayed there on the Cross of Calvary for You & for Me, for all Mankind. Do "WE" recognize what unfathomable love was displayed?? Today, Jesus is once again calling us, yea, pleading with us to come and stand at the foot of the Cross and find Grace & Forgiveness. Won't you Come?

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Beacon on January 06, 2021, 07:05:25 AM

=======================================
Brother Richard - So glad you were able to post yesterday PTL
=======================================

"The human heart longs for sympathy in suffering.

This longing Christ felt to the very depths of His being..

In the supreme agony of His soul He came to His disciples with a yearning desire to hear some words of comfort from those whom He had so often blessed and comforted, and shielded in sorrow and distress..

If He could only know that His disciples understood and appreciated this, He would be strengthened."

"Rising with painful effort, He staggered to the place where He had left His companions. But He "findeth them asleep." Had He found them praying, He would have been relieved. Had they been seeking refuge in God, that satanic agencies might not prevail over them,

HE WOULD HAVE BEEN COMFORTED BY THEIR STEADFAST FAITH."

"They did not intend to forsake their Lord, but they seemed paralyzed by a stupor which they might have shaken off if they had continued pleading with God. They did not realize the necessity of watchfulness and earnest prayer in order to withstand temptation.

How about us? Do "WE" recognize the necessity of watchfulness and earnest prayer in order to withstand temptation?

"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).

What a wonderful promise, but let us never forget --- it is based on our willingness to maintain a daily connection with Jesus and a willingness on our part to turn away from all evil as revealed in His Word and through the power of the Holy. Spirit.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Philip T on January 06, 2021, 08:09:56 AM

Three times has He uttered that prayer. Three times has humanity shrunk from the last, crowning sacrifice. But now the history of the human race comes up before the world's Redeemer. He sees that the transgressors of the law, if left to themselves, must perish. He sees the helplessness of man. He sees the power of sin. The woes and lamentations of a doomed world rise before Him. He beholds its impending fate, and His decision is made. He will save man at any cost to Himself. He accepts His baptism of blood, that through Him perishing millions may gain everlasting life. He has left the courts of heaven, where all is purity, happiness, and glory, to save the one lost sheep, the one world that has fallen by transgression. And He will not turn from His mission. He will become the propitiation of a race that has willed to sin. His prayer now breathes only submission: "If this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done."
Having made the decision, He fell dying to the ground from which He had partially risen. Where now were His disciples, to place their hands tenderly beneath the head of their fainting Master, and bathe that brow, marred indeed more than the sons of men? The Saviour trod the wine press alone, and of the people there was none with Him.
But God suffered with His Son. Angels beheld the Saviour's agony. They saw their Lord enclosed by legions of satanic forces, His nature weighed down with a shuddering, mysterious dread. There was silence in heaven. No harp was touched. Could mortals have viewed the amazement of the angelic host as in silent grief they watched the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory from His beloved Son, they would better understand how offensive in His sight is sin.
The worlds unfallen and the heavenly angels had watched with intense interest as the conflict drew to its close. Satan and his confederacy of evil, the legions of apostasy, watched intently this great crisis in the work of redemption. The powers of good and evil waited to see what answer would come to Christ's thrice-repeated prayer. Angels had longed to bring relief to the divine sufferer, but this might not be. No way of escape was found for the Son of God. In this awful crisis, when everything was at stake, when the mysterious cup trembled in the hand of the sufferer, the heavens opened, a light shone forth amid the stormy darkness of the crisis hour, and the mighty angel who stands in God's presence, occupying the position from which Satan fell, came to the side of Christ. The angel came not to take the cup from Christ's hand, but to strengthen Him to drink it, with the assurance of the Father's love. He came to give power to the divine-human suppliant. He pointed Him to the open heavens, telling Him of the souls that would be saved as the result of His sufferings. He assured Him that His Father is greater and more powerful than Satan, that His death would result in the utter discomfiture of Satan, and that the kingdom of this world would be given to the saints of the Most High. He told Him that He would see of the travail of His soul, and be satisfied, for He would see a multitude of the human race saved, eternally saved.
Christ's agony did not cease, but His depression and discouragement left Him. The storm had in nowise abated, but He who was its object was strengthened to meet its fury. He came forth calm and serene. A heavenly peace rested upon His bloodstained face. He had borne that which no human being could ever bear; for He had tasted the sufferings of death for every man.

Amen brother Bacon.

Three times Jesus went to pray, three times Jesus had gone into his Father in heaven to get approval to come to earth to put the plan of redemption into action before being grated to come to earth. Interesting he went to his Father three times to begin his ministry and three times at the close of his ministry. It is through prayer that we gather strength from God, just as our example Jesus did. Prayer and faith in Jesus is the only way to overcome temptation. This disciples chose to sleep, and not pray to give Jesus strength in his time of need and their time of need. Jesus sees the desperate state of mankind and sees the millions that will be lost, as He takes on their sins from the past to the present, and into the future, he is slowly being separated from this Father for the first time. "Sin cannot stand before a Holy God"; The love shown by Jesus to suffer so for us.
The Fathers love is seen here also as, " God suffered with His Son. We often talk of the pain Jesus suffered throughout His crucifixion, yet to we take time to realize the Father suffered it all with Him, every pain from Spiritual to Physical. I think as John 3:16 says "For God so loved the world he sent his only begotten son . . ." This fact should not be forgotten God suffered right along with his Son.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on January 06, 2021, 08:55:18 AM

Amen, Brother Beacon and Brother Philip!

Have you ever dealt with depression and discouragement? All of this Someone has already experienced more deeply than you can ever fully know. Let all the depression and discouragement that you may tempted to yield to today be rolled upon Jesus, fully, who bore it for us in Gethsemane and chose to save us from our wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked condition in sin to give us the cup of salvation. As we contemplate how much we are loved by God the Father who would send His Son to suffer and die for us, as we allow the Holy Spirit to transform our characters into the image of Christ by receiving all of the fruits of the Spirit in our lives without one missing in true conversion, let us remember the cost of our salvation and appreciate the love of God for a world that did not love Him. It is as we behold Him that love awakens in our hearts, for only by love is love awakened. "We love Him because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19).

"Christ's agony did not cease, but His depression and discouragement left Him. The storm had in nowise abated, but He who was its object was strengthened to meet its fury. He came forth calm and serene. A heavenly peace rested upon His bloodstained face. He had borne that which no human being could ever bear; for He had tasted the sufferings of death for every man." {The Desire of Ages, page 694, paragraph 1}

As we taste and see that the Lord is good today, we can be encouraged to know that nothing is too great for Jesus to bear, for He has already passed through Gethsemane and He already died for us at Calvary. As we look away from self to Jesus, we find strength to resist evil in the aggressive service of pointing souls to the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Dorine on January 06, 2021, 09:34:40 AM

The worlds unfallen and the heavenly angels had watched with intense interest as the conflict drew to its close. Satan and his confederacy of evil, the legions of apostasy, watched intently this great crisis in the work of redemption. The powers of good and evil waited to see what answer would come to Christ's thrice-repeated prayer. Angels had longed to bring relief to the divine sufferer, but this might not be. No way of escape was found for the Son of God. In this awful crisis, when everything was at stake, when the mysterious cup trembled in the hand of the sufferer, the heavens opened, a light shone forth amid the stormy darkness of the crisis hour, and the mighty angel who stands in God's presence, occupying the position from which Satan fell, came to the side of Christ. The angel came not to take the cup from Christ's hand, but to strengthen Him to drink it, with the assurance of the Father's love. He came to give power to the divine-human suppliant. He pointed Him to the open heavens, telling Him of the souls that would be saved as the result of His sufferings. He assured Him that His Father is greater and more powerful than Satan, that His death would result in the utter discomfiture of Satan, and that the kingdom of this world would be given to the saints of the Most High. He told Him that He would see of the travail of His soul, and be satisfied, for He would see a multitude of the human race saved, eternally saved.

Christs experience should fill our hearts with hope and assurance that there is nothing we will face that He is not able and willing to do to see us through the most difficult of times. If He went through all of this to secure a place in heaven for us we can be assured that He will always be with us and give to us the power we need to endure. What a message of love and mercy we have to share with the world.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on January 06, 2021, 05:49:58 PM

Quote from: Beacon on January 06, 2021, 07:05:25 AM

=======================================
Brother Richard - So glad you were able to post yesterday PTL
=======================================

Thank you Brother Beacon! It is good to be back in the land of the living! God is gracious! The Coronavirus is diabolical, but greater is He who is in us!!

Could mortals have viewed the amazement of the angelic host as in silent grief they watched the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory from His beloved Son, they would better understand how offensive in His sight is sin.

Don't think it was easy for God to hurt His Son! He risked losing Him. Brother Philip got it just right. "Three times Jesus went to pray, three times Jesus had gone into his Father in heaven to get approval to come to earth to put the plan of redemption into action before being granted to come to earth." It was not easy, but He loves us and allowed Him to come to this dark spot in the universe a helpless baby subject to the weakness of humanity to fight the battle of life as we must fight it at the risk of failure and eternal loss! Such love!!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on April 03, 2021, 03:44:18 AM

Happy Sabbath!

Have you ever battled through depression and discouragement? So has Jesus! And He was victorious, because He surrendered His will to the Father and went through with the crowning sacrifice and would go to Calvary to atone for our sins and make a way for us to be with Him for all eternity! Whatever you are feeling or going through right now, go to Jesus in every experience and surrender fully to Him so He can give you a new heart and a new mind imbued with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing! In order for us to have this experience, Christ became sin for us and made a way for the most sinful to have everlasting salvation! What amazing love and grace! Hallelujah!

"Christ's agony did not cease, but His depression and discouragement left Him. The storm had in nowise abated, but He who was its object was strengthened to meet its fury. He came forth calm and serene. A heavenly peace rested upon His bloodstained face. He had borne that which no human being could ever bear; for He had tasted the sufferings of death for every man." {The Desire of Ages, page 694, paragraph 1}

May you remember the cost of your salvation secured by Jesus and be of good courage as we approach the time of trouble which precedes His second coming to take us home to heaven! Let us share what Jesus has done to help as many go home on that day because the price has been paid--now we get to let Jesus live out His life in us!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Dorine on April 03, 2021, 05:19:48 AM

Happy Sabbath to all.

"Jesus said to him, "Friend, wherefore art thou come?" His voice trembled with sorrow as He added, "Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?" This appeal should have aroused the conscience of the betrayer, and touched his stubborn heart; but honor, fidelity, and human tenderness had forsaken him. He stood bold and defiant, showing no disposition to relent. He had given himself up to Satan, and he had no power to resist him. Jesus did not refuse the traitor's kiss."
Stubbornness, greed and pride unrepented of led Judas to where it was impossible for him to turn back. He was in Satan's clutches. Judas had several opportunities when his heart was touched to give all to Jesus but he yielded to the strong temptations of Satan to reject the humble life of Jesus. He had a high opinion of himself and thought he was better qualified than Jesus in how to handle their affairs.

How grateful I am again for the sacrifice of Jesus. Because he was victorious we too may be victorious in resisting the temptations that Satan is constantly pressing upon us. We need to 'watch and pray' and keep our eyes on Jesus especially in these very last days. There is no time to sit idle and pamper self. We have an urgent work to do. May we stay focused on the mission Jesus left with us. The salvation of lost souls. "Others Lord, yes others, let this my motto be.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on April 03, 2021, 06:21:41 AM

Amen Sister Dorine. Here is an opportunity to consider the difference between the end of probation and possession by Satan. What is the difference? One is permanent, the other is not. Explain in more detail why.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Beacon on April 03, 2021, 07:05:21 AM

"God suffered with His Son. Angels beheld the Saviour's agony. They saw their Lord enclosed by legions of satanic forces, His nature weighed down with a shuddering, mysterious dread. There was silence in heaven..The worlds unfallen and the heavenly angels had watched with intense interest as the conflict drew to its close..

No way of escape was found for the Son of God.

"In this awful crisis, when everything was at stake, when the mysterious cup trembled in the hand of the sufferer, the heavens opened, a light shone forth amid the stormy darkness of the crisis hour, and the mighty angel who stands in God's presence, occupying the position from which Satan fell, came to the side of Christ. The angel came not to take the cup from Christ's hand, but to strengthen Him to drink it, with the assurance of the Father's love...

"Christ's agony did not cease, but His depression and discouragement left Him. The storm had in nowise abated, but He who was its object was strengthened to meet its fury. He came forth calm and serene. A heavenly peace rested upon His bloodstained face. He had borne that which no human being could ever bear; for He had tasted the sufferings of death for every man."

How can we ever fully comprehend the cost of our salvation? These words keep ringing in my ears this morning...

"Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow."

THANK YOU JESUS

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on April 03, 2021, 07:33:26 AM

Amen Brother Beacon! We do not deserve what Jesus has done for us. As we behold His agony as He paid the price for the sins of the whole world, we better understand what grace is. It is more than a word. It is the divine love for us that transforms our character as we allow it into our hearts. In order to retain our salvation, we must drink of it daily.

The disciples awakened at the voice of Jesus, but they hardly knew Him, His face was so changed by anguish. Addressing Peter, Jesus said, "Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak." The weakness of His disciples awakened the sympathy of Jesus. He feared that they would not be able to endure the test which would come upon them in His betrayal and death. He did not reprove them, but said, "Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation." Even in His great agony, He was seeking to excuse their weakness. "The spirit truly is ready," He said, "but the flesh is weak."

Amazing grace!! So it is with you and me today. "He was seeking to excuse their weakness." While there is no excuse for sin, Jesus is wanting to help us as He so wanted to help His disciples while they slept. He knows the flesh is weak, but this is not an excuse as many make it. Why? Because of what we read today. God has provided at great expense a remedy for my weakness. He offers us His grace that enables us to keep His law. And, this grace forgives our past sins if we will allow it to transform our character day by day. Jesus knows that we love Him, if we do. He knows that in our flesh we sin. He also knows that if we will learn of Him, if we will behold His character daily, we will by beholding His glory be transformed into His image by the Holy Spirit. "We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, [even] as by the Spirit of the Lord." 2 Cor. 3:18.

As Pastor Sean has shared, let us remember the cost which has been paid that we might be prepared for the days that are just ahead and even become now.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Dorine on June 29, 2021, 05:25:41 AM

Quote from: Richard Myers on April 03, 2021, 06:21:41 AM

Amen Sister Dorine. Here is an opportunity to consider the difference between the end of probation and possession by Satan. What is the difference? One is permanent, the other is not. Explain in more detail why.

I had to think about this a bit. It may not be the same as what you have in mind.
The end of probation is permanent for both the saved and the unsaved. There is no turning back.
Possession by Satan can be broken through calling upon Jesus for rescue. God's mercy holds out until we shut the door completely to Him.
The danger is if we keep rejecting the call of Jesus our hearts will become like Judas; so hardened and resistant that we will not seek rescue but cling to our pride and selfishness.

"The disciples were terrified as they saw Jesus permit Himself to be taken and bound. They were offended that He should suffer this humiliation to Himself and them. They could not understand His conduct, and they blamed Him for submitting to the mob. In their indignation and fear, Peter proposed that they save themselves. Following this suggestion, "they all forsook Him, and fled." But Christ had foretold this desertion, "Behold," He had said, "the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave Me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me." John 16:32.
As I thought about this quote I couldn't help but compare the difference between what Judas did and what the disciples did when they fled to save themselves. They were both in the wrong. With Judas there was no repentance but with the disciples they felt deep sorrow and repented of their sin. Jesus accepts nothing but our whole heart.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on June 29, 2021, 06:28:03 AM

That's right Sister Dorine. One may be possessed, but not have a completely hardened heart. How can we know? We cannot know the condition of the heart when it comes to knowing if it is past being softened, only God can know that. We can know if the heart is converted or not. We can know by their fruits. Bad fruit does not come from a good tree, neither does good fruit come from a bad tree. But, that does not mean the tree cannot be changed by being grafted into Christ.

And yes, we see this difference between Judas and the disciples. They all were full of self, but only one was hardened past repentance, Judas. Like Satan, he has passed the boundary of being loving, thus he like Satan was eternally lost. Our character is the result of daily choices we make. If we will spend a thoughtful hour a day contemplating the life of Jesus that we might know Him, then we will be empowered to walk in the Spirit for we shall be filled with the Spirit.

The Saviour trod the wine press alone, and of the people there was none with Him.
But God suffered with His Son. Angels beheld the Saviour's agony. They saw their Lord enclosed by legions of satanic forces, His nature weighed down with a shuddering, mysterious dread. There was silence in heaven. No harp was touched. Could mortals have viewed the amazement of the angelic host as in silent grief they watched the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory from His beloved Son, they would better understand how offensive in His sight is sin.
The worlds unfallen and the heavenly angels had watched with intense interest as the conflict drew to its close. Satan and his confederacy of evil, the legions of apostasy, watched intently this great crisis in the work of redemption. The powers of good and evil waited to see what answer would come to Christ's thrice-repeated prayer. Angels had longed to bring relief to the divine sufferer, but this might not be. No way of escape was found for the Son of God. In this awful crisis, when everything was at stake, when the mysterious cup trembled in the hand of the sufferer, the heavens opened, a light shone forth amid the stormy darkness of the crisis hour, and the mighty angel who stands in God's presence, occupying the position from which Satan fell, came to the side of Christ. The angel came not to take the cup from Christ's hand, but to strengthen Him to drink it, with the assurance of the Father's love. He came to give power to the divine-human suppliant. He pointed Him to the open heavens, telling Him of the souls that would be saved as the result of His sufferings. He assured Him that His Father is greater and more powerful than Satan, that His death would result in the utter discomfiture of Satan, and that the kingdom of this world would be given to the saints of the Most High. He told Him that He would see of the travail of His soul, and be satisfied, for He would see a multitude of the human race saved, eternally saved.
Christ's agony did not cease, but His depression and discouragement left Him. The storm had in nowise abated, but He who was its object was strengthened to meet its fury. He came forth calm and serene. A heavenly peace rested upon His bloodstained face. He had borne that which no human being could ever bear; for He had tasted the sufferings of death for every man.

We too may be strengthened so that we can be lifted above the darkness of this world. How?

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on June 29, 2021, 06:47:08 AM

Amen, Sister Dorine! Amen, Brother Richard! As to answer your question as to how we can be lifted above the darkness of this world, it is by looking to Jesus constantly with the eye of faith and choosing to abide in His love. Only as we abide in Christ can He impute His righteousness to us and impart to us of His divine nature by receiving the exceedingly great, precious promises so that nothing going on around us or within us will pull us away from Him. The work of character building is strengthening and testing this connection with Christ so that we are enabled to bear greater and greater trial, which leads up the great time of trouble when every earthly resource is cut off and God's people can trust to Him alone. May we cooperate with Christ in gaining this experience of total trust even now.

You are human. But don't miss this--so is Jesus! As a Man, He longed for what we long for when we go through times of suffering and adversity; yet as God He has power to save the world. Yet when He most needed it, His disciples were asleep. May we all choose to be wide awake to depart from sin by seeing what it cost Jesus in Gethsemane, and may the love He has for you totally motivate you to be a blessing--a true friend--to those around you who need to see Jesus living through you to draw them to Him. As in complete surrender the heart is yielded to Christ, all of the fruits of the Spirit will be manifest through your life as you let Jesus reveal the miracle of His character through you in affectionate obedience to His will!

"The human heart longs for sympathy in suffering. This longing Christ felt to the very depths of His being. In the supreme agony of His soul He came to His disciples with a yearning desire to hear some words of comfort from those whom He had so often blessed and comforted, and shielded in sorrow and distress. The One who had always had words of sympathy for them was now suffering superhuman agony, and He longed to know that they were praying for Him and for themselves. How dark seemed the malignity of sin! Terrible was the temptation to let the human race bear the consequences of its own guilt, while He stood innocent before God. If He could only know that His disciples understood and appreciated this, He would be strengthened." {The Desire of Ages, page 687, paragraph 3}

As we head closer to the soon return of Jesus, let us seek to be intentional about how we live to bless others by letting Christ live out His life in and through us!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Beacon on June 29, 2021, 07:14:17 AM

"God suffered with His Son..

..Angels beheld the Saviour's agony. They saw their Lord enclosed by legions of satanic forces, His nature weighed down with a shuddering, mysterious dread..

..There was silence in heaven..The worlds unfallen and the heavenly angels had watched with intense interest as the conflict drew to its close..

No way of escape was found for the Son of God."

"In this awful crisis, when everything was at stake, when the mysterious cup trembled in the hand of the sufferer, the heavens opened, a light shone forth amid the stormy darkness of the crisis hour, and the mighty angel who stands in God's presence, occupying the position from which Satan fell, came to the side of Christ.

The angel came not to take the cup from Christ's hand, but to strengthen Him to drink it, with the assurance of the Father's love...

"Christ's agony did not cease, but His depression and discouragement left Him. The storm had in nowise abated, but He who was its object was strengthened to meet its fury. He came forth calm and serene. A heavenly peace rested upon His bloodstained face.

"He had borne that which no human being could ever bear; for He had tasted the sufferings of death for every man."

How can we ever fully comprehend the cost of our salvation? These words keep ringing in my ears this morning...

"Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow."

"THANK YOU JESUS"

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Dorine on September 24, 2021, 04:31:27 AM

The disciples were terrified as they saw Jesus permit Himself to be taken and bound. They were offended that He should suffer this humiliation to Himself and them. They could not understand His conduct, and they blamed Him for submitting to the mob. In their indignation and fear, Peter proposed that they save themselves. Following this suggestion, "they all forsook Him, and fled." But Christ had foretold this desertion, "Behold," He had said, "the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave Me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me." John 16:32.

Are we following in the footsteps of Jesus? Are we ready to stand by His side come what may? Or will we be like Peter and the other disciples that fled the scene leaving Jesus alone, to save themselves. These thoughts hit me hard this morning. I'm so thankful that Jesus doesn't treat us as we deserve. As we spend time each day beholding the beautiful character of Jesus our hearts will be soft and moldable. It's by beholding Him that we are changed in character and are given the grace and power to stand for Him. Day after day we speak of these simple principles but we are so prone and quick to forget. Like children we need the repetition to help keep our eyes on Jesus who will keep us from falling.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on September 24, 2021, 05:17:52 AM

Amen, Sister Dorine!

Have you ever had to battle through depression and discouragement? So did Jesus! It was in the Garden of Gethsemane where the strongest trial of His life to that point was faced, and He chose to lay down His life for us as a sacrifice (just hours away from dying on the cross), choosing to become fully identified with sin and sinners in taking upon Himself our guilt, and He began to feel the separation that sin causes between the sinner and God. How He wrestled in prayer! How Jesus loved the Father, but He also loved us--what a crux to face! And praise the Lord, He chose to go through with the sacrifice so we could be saved--eternally saved! As we behold the loveliness of Jesus and yield the whole heart to Him, He creates in us a new heart and a right Spirit so we can have in our experience all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing! Then affectionate obedience is the supernatural result of constant union and communion with Him! What a sacrifice was made for us! May we ever praise God for His love and goodness to us!

"Christ's agony did not cease, but His depression and discouragement left Him. The storm had in nowise abated, but He who was its object was strengthened to meet its fury. He came forth calm and serene. A heavenly peace rested upon His bloodstained face. He had borne that which no human being could ever bear; for He had tasted the sufferings of death for every man." {The Desire of Ages, page 694, paragraph 1}

Looking unto Jesus, we realize the words in Scripture are so true: "For it became Him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings" (Hebrews 2:10). May we not allow a murmur to escape our lips but rather praise to God and the Lamb ever flow from our lives in whatever lot God's providence assigns for us on the journey to heaven!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Beacon on September 24, 2021, 07:21:52 AM

i BELIEVE THE WORDS OF THIS SONG SUM IT ALL UP.

I hear the Savior say,
“Thy strength indeed is small,
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all.”
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.
2
Lord, now indeed I find
Thy pow’r, and Thine alone,
Can change the leper’s spots,
And melt the heart of stone.
3
For nothing good have I
Whereby Thy grace to claim—
I’ll wash my garments white
In the blood of Calvary's Lamb.
4
And when, before the throne,
I stand in Him complete,
“Jesus died my soul to save,”
My lips shall still repeat.

"JESUS PAID IT ALL"

THANK YOU JESUS! ------THANK YOU JESUS!-------THANK YOU JESUS!-------THANK YOU JESUS!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Philip T on September 24, 2021, 07:36:05 AM

No traces of His recent agony were visible as Jesus stepped forth to meet His betrayer. Standing in advance of His disciples He said, "Whom seek ye?" They answered, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus replied, "I am He." As these words were spoken, the angel who had lately ministered to Jesus moved between Him and the mob. A divine light illuminated the Saviour's face, and a dovelike form overshadowed Him. In the presence of this divine glory, the murderous throng could not stand for a moment. They staggered back. Priests, elders, soldiers, and even Judas, fell as dead men to the ground.
The angel withdrew, and the light faded away. Jesus had opportunity to escape, but He remained, calm and self-possessed. As one glorified He stood in the midst of that hardened band, now prostrate and helpless at His feet. The disciples looked on, silent with wonder and awe.

This thought struck me this morning, just how much Jesus loves us, as then angel that took satin's place in heaven showed forth Gods glory and the whole mob staggered backwards, Jesus could have escaped, but He loves us so much, He did not even attempt to escape, He went forward with the Plan of Salvation, knowing the agony and pain yet to come. What Love Jesus has for us.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Beacon on December 19, 2021, 08:47:39 PM

"The One who had always had words of sympathy for the disciples was now suffering superhuman agony, and He longed to know that they were praying for Him and for themselves."

"How dark seemed the malignity of sin! "

"Terrible was the temptation to let the human race bear the consequences of its own guilt, while He stood innocent before God."

"If He could only know that His disciples understood and appreciated this, He would be strengthened."

When we consider the horrible experience Jesus passed through in order to provide us with a way of escape should it not cause us to say a big huge...

" Thank You Jesus "

May our prayer of surrender be found in the words of this song.

All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.
I surrender all,
I surrender all.
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.
2
All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.
3
All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.
4
All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me.
5
All to Jesus I surrender,
Now I feel the sacred flame.
Oh, the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory to His name!

Lyrics:Judson W. Van de Venter (1855-1939)
Music:Winfield Scott Weeden (1847-1908)

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Dorine on December 20, 2021, 06:30:31 AM

"The human heart longs for sympathy in suffering. This longing Christ felt to the very depths of His being. In the supreme agony of His soul He came to His disciples with a yearning desire to hear some words of comfort from those whom He had so often blessed and comforted, and shielded in sorrow and distress. The One who had always had words of sympathy for them was now suffering superhuman agony, and He longed to know that they were praying for Him and for themselves. How dark seemed the malignity of sin! Terrible was the temptation to let the human race bear the consequences of its own guilt, while He stood innocent before God. If He could only know that His disciples understood and appreciated this, He would be strengthened."

This intense description of the great need of Jesus struck me with such sadness this morning yet tremendous gratitude. He could have used His divinity to change His circumstances but instead because of His amazing love for us He took upon Himself the nature of man with the same needs for comfort and understanding. May we bring joy to His heart today by surrendering all to Him and walking in His footsteps of service to those that need to hear the gospel message.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on December 20, 2021, 08:32:02 AM

Amen, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!

It's worth it. You are worth it. Christ valued the souls of human beings over the prospect of His own existence. He was willing to be identified with sinners and face the consequences of transgression so we could experience in true conversion all of the fruits of the Spirit in His righteousness! Let us more fully comprehend the cost paid for our salvation in what Christ went through, and we will correspondingly value souls the way Christ did!

"The worlds unfallen and the heavenly angels had watched with intense interest as the conflict drew to its close. Satan and his confederacy of evil, the legions of apostasy, watched intently this great crisis in the work of redemption. The powers of good and evil waited to see what answer would come to Christ's thrice-repeated prayer. Angels had longed to bring relief to the divine sufferer, but this might not be. No way of escape was found for the Son of God. In this awful crisis, when everything was at stake, when the mysterious cup trembled in the hand of the sufferer, the heavens opened, a light shone forth amid the stormy darkness of the crisis hour, and the mighty angel who stands in God's presence, occupying the position from which Satan fell, came to the side of Christ. The angel came not to take the cup from Christ's hand, but to strengthen Him to drink it, with the assurance of the Father's love. He came to give power to the divine-human suppliant. He pointed Him to the open heavens, telling Him of the souls that would be saved as the result of His sufferings. He assured Him that His Father is greater and more powerful than Satan, that His death would result in the utter discomfiture of Satan, and that the kingdom of this world would be given to the saints of the Most High. He told Him that He would see of the travail of His soul, and be satisfied, for He would see a multitude of the human race saved, eternally saved." {The Desire of Ages, page 693, paragraph 3}

What is your "Gethsemane"? What is your "Calvary"? In comparison to what Christ endured for us in the Garden of Gethsemane and how He died for us on Calvary, we are never called to make a real sacrifice. All that we face is given us by grace, preparing us for greater trial and finally for the eternal bliss of heaven. Even the time of Jacob's trouble cannot fully compare to what Christ endured for us, for He faced the sufferings of death for every human being. We are called to suffer trial and endure uncomplainingly so that our lives may be purified from all the dross of earthliness and selfishness. Amid all your pain and suffering in life, be cheered by the reality that Christ will never leave you, but go the step that He took--surrender your will to God so that Christ will live IN YOU by the Holy Spirit. If we choose to sin, Christ cannot remain in the heart, for He will not force us to have Him in control of our lives. But as in choosing sin it is inevitable that the soul must at some point realize that true affectionate obedience and all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing is no longer the experience of the character. At such a point, may such an experience of nakedness of soul lead to the realization of the need to heed the voice of the Jesus knocking on the door of the heart for entrance to convert the soul anew, or for the first time if it has never been experienced before! May we learn our continual need of Jesus to do any good thing and always walk with Him in constant union and communion of the soul! Then the sufferings of Christ will propel us forward to cheerfully experience all that God in His infinite love allows to befall us in preparation for Christ's SOON RETURN!! Will you surrender the whole heart to Him in light of how much He suffered for you and paid for your soul? Such a love constrains you to be "ALL IN" for Him!!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on December 20, 2021, 09:02:53 PM

Yes, how very sad that His faithful disciples did not comfort our Savior in His time of need. But, we can today by being faithful witnesses of His character with Him abiding in our hearts.

I choose what Pastor Sean has shared, but want to include a little more for those who are reading along with us. God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear, but He will allow us to be tempted....for our good and His glory. How do we get through our great trials? In the manner as did Jesus. Where did His strength come from? So it will be with us. The trial does not go away, but we are lifted into the unseen world and realize that it is for our God that we suffer, and for those for whom He suffered and died.

But God suffered with His Son. Angels beheld the Saviour's agony. They saw their Lord enclosed by legions of satanic forces, His nature weighed down with a shuddering, mysterious dread. There was silence in heaven. No harp was touched. Could mortals have viewed the amazement of the angelic host as in silent grief they watched the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory from His beloved Son, they would better understand how offensive in His sight is sin.
The worlds unfallen and the heavenly angels had watched with intense interest as the conflict drew to its close. Satan and his confederacy of evil, the legions of apostasy, watched intently this great crisis in the work of redemption. The powers of good and evil waited to see what answer would come to Christ's thrice-repeated prayer. Angels had longed to bring relief to the divine sufferer, but this might not be. No way of escape was found for the Son of God. In this awful crisis, when everything was at stake, when the mysterious cup trembled in the hand of the sufferer, the heavens opened, a light shone forth amid the stormy darkness of the crisis hour, and the mighty angel who stands in God's presence, occupying the position from which Satan fell, came to the side of Christ. The angel came not to take the cup from Christ's hand, but to strengthen Him to drink it, with the assurance of the Father's love. He came to give power to the divine-human suppliant. He pointed Him to the open heavens, telling Him of the souls that would be saved as the result of His sufferings. He assured Him that His Father is greater and more powerful than Satan, that His death would result in the utter discomfiture of Satan, and that the kingdom of this world would be given to the saints of the Most High. He told Him that He would see of the travail of His soul, and be satisfied, for He would see a multitude of the human race saved, eternally saved.
Christ's agony did not cease, but His depression and discouragement left Him. The storm had in nowise abated, but He who was its object was strengthened to meet its fury. He came forth calm and serene. A heavenly peace rested upon His bloodstained face. He had borne that which no human being could ever bear; for He had tasted the sufferings of death for every man.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Beacon on March 16, 2022, 08:00:46 PM

"God suffered with His Son."

"Angels beheld the Saviour's agony. They saw their Lord enclosed by legions of satanic forces, His nature weighed down with a shuddering, mysterious dread."

"There was silence in heaven."

"In this awful crisis, when everything was at stake, when the mysterious cup trembled in the hand of the sufferer, the heavens opened, a light shone forth amid the stormy darkness of the crisis hour, and the mighty angel who stands in God's presence, occupying the position from which Satan fell, came to the side of Christ."

"The angel came not to take the cup from Christ's hand, but to strengthen Him to drink it, with the assurance of the Father's love. He came to give power to the divine-human suppliant."

"He pointed Him to the open heavens, telling Him of the souls that would be saved as the result of His sufferings. He assured Him that His Father is greater and more powerful than Satan, that His death would result in the utter discomfiture of Satan, and that the kingdom of this world would be given to the saints of the Most High. He told Him that He would see of the travail of His soul, and be satisfied, for He would see a multitude of the human race saved, eternally saved."

If we who are alive today are granted the "Privilege and Honor" of going through the "Final Showdown" between Christ & Satan, we can rest assured that we also will be given the strength and courage needed to pass through the final storm by keeping our faith and eyes on the great promises of His Word.

Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.
2
Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.
3
Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.
4
Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God.
5
Standing on the promises I shall not fall,
List’ning every moment to the Spirit’s call.
Resting in my Savior as my All in all,
Standing on the promises of God.

Lyrics and Music :Russell Kelso Carter (1849-1928)

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Dorine on March 17, 2022, 06:11:17 AM

..."With the issues of the conflict before Him, Christ's soul was filled with dread of separation from God. Satan told Him that if He became the surety for a sinful world, the separation would be eternal. He would be identified with Satan's kingdom, and would nevermore be one with God.

And what was to be gained by this sacrifice? How hopeless appeared the guilt and ingratitude of men! In its hardest features Satan pressed the situation upon the Redeemer: The people who claim to be above all others in temporal and spiritual advantages have rejected You. They are seeking to destroy You, the foundation, the center and seal of the promises made to them as a peculiar people. One of Your own disciples, who has listened to Your instruction, and has been among the foremost in church activities, will betray You. One of Your most zealous followers will deny You. All will forsake You. Christ's whole being abhorred the thought. That those whom He had undertaken to save, those whom He loved so much, should unite in the plots of Satan, this pierced His soul. The conflict was terrible. Its measure was the guilt of His nation, of His accusers and betrayer, the guilt of a world lying in wickedness. The sins of men weighed heavily upon Christ, and the sense of God's wrath against sin was crushing out His life."

The temptations Jesus was faced with are far greater than anything anyone will ever have to face. Instead of focusing on our own sufferings and hard times we need to look to Jesus through this chapter and realize just how much He went through for every man, woman and child that ever lives. As we gaze upon our lovely Saviour hanging on that cruel cross thoughts of self and what life deals to us and the temptations we must encounter every day will be seen as they should be; crucibles that we gladly accept because we know that nothing comes to us that does not pass through Jesus first. We may put our full trust in Him knowing that "all things work together for good to them that love God to them that are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on March 17, 2022, 01:35:08 PM

Amen, Brother Beacon and Sister Dorine!

If Jesus was not alone in His suffering, neither are you! While we may not feel God's presence near us, we can know He is with us because He has promised! When Jesus was in agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, bearing the sins of the whole world, the Father suffered with Him in seeing His Son's agony, similar to how Abraham suffered when he was willing to offer up Isaac (see Genesis 22). While in the case of Isaac a way of escape was found in the ram divinely provided, there was no way of escape for Jesus, who must bear the sin of the whole world and die to atone for our sins if we could have salvation. May we more fully appreciate the value of Christ's sacrifice and what God has given us in Jesus!

"But God suffered with His Son. Angels beheld the Saviour's agony. They saw their Lord enclosed by legions of satanic forces, His nature weighed down with a shuddering, mysterious dread. There was silence in heaven. No harp was touched. Could mortals have viewed the amazement of the angelic host as in silent grief they watched the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory from His beloved Son, they would better understand how offensive in His sight is sin." {The Desire of Ages, page 693, paragraph 2}

While sin is the transgression of the law, we can see that the Lawgiver, Jesus, was willing to become sin for us and offer us the hope of eternal salvation! What a privilege to abide in Christ by a full-heart surrender and have all of the fruits of the Spirit in our hearts without one missing as we overcome even as Christ overcame so we can be with Him in loving fellowship and ministry forever!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Beacon on June 11, 2022, 08:08:12 PM

"There was silence in heaven. No harp was touched."

"Could mortals have viewed the amazement of the angelic host as in silent grief they watched the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory from His beloved Son, they would better understand how offensive in His sight is sin."

The worlds unfallen and the heavenly angels had watched with intense interest as the conflict drew to its close. The powers of good and evil waited to see what answer would come to Christ's thrice-repeated prayer.

"Angels had longed to bring relief to the divine sufferer, but this might not be."

"In this awful crisis, when everything was at stake, when the mysterious cup trembled in the hand of the sufferer, the heavens opened, a light shone forth amid the stormy darkness of the crisis hour, and the mighty angel who stands in God's presence, occupying the position from which Satan fell, came to the side of Christ."

"The angel came not to take the cup from Christ's hand, but to strengthen Him to drink it, with the assurance of the Father's love. He came to give power to the divine-human suppliant."

"He pointed Him to the open heavens, telling Him of the souls that would be saved as the result of His sufferings. He assured Him that His Father is greater and more powerful than Satan, that His death would result in the utter discomfiture of Satan."

Christ's agony did not cease, but His depression and discouragement left Him.

"The storm had in nowise abated, but He who was its object was strengthened to meet its fury. He came forth calm and serene."

"A heavenly peace rested upon His bloodstained face. He had borne that which no human being could ever bear; for He had tasted the sufferings of death for every man."

What greater "LOVE" could ever be given to provide for " OUR REDEMPTION? "

THANK YOU JESUS - THANK YOU JESUS - THANK YOU JESUS

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

"Praise Him! praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!
Sing, ye saints! His wonderful love proclaim!
Hail Him! hail Him! mightiest angels in glory;
Strength and honor give to His holy name!
Like a shepherd, Jesus will feed His people,
In His arms He carries them all day long;
O ye saints that live in the light of His presence,
Praise Him! praise Him! ever in joyful song!
2
Praise Him! praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer,
For our sins He suffered and bled and died;
He, our Rock, our Hope of eternal salvation,
Hail Him! hail Him! Jesus, the Crucified;
Loving Savior, meekly enduring sorrow,
Crowned with thorns that cruelly pierced His brow;
Once for us rejected, despised, and forsaken,
Prince of Glory, ever triumphant now.
3
Praise Him! praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer,
Heavenly portals, loud with hosannahs ring!
Jesus, Savior, reigneth for ever and ever;
Crown Him! crown Him! Prophet and Priest and King!
Death is vanquished! Tell it with joy, ye faithful,
Where is now thy victory, boasting grave?
Jesus lives! No longer thy portals are cheerless;
Jesus lives, the mighty and strong to save."

Lyrics:Fanny Jane Crosby (1820-1915)
Music:Chester G. Allen (1838-1878)

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on June 12, 2022, 08:14:28 AM

Amen dear Brother Beacon! Praise God! What love!! What is the difference between us today and the disciples then? What will we do when faced with what they thought was going to happen to them? Will we flee or stand up for Jesus no matter what?

We read here of a most sad event. Jesus longed for human prayers and sympathy, but got none. Today, He still longs for our prayers, love, and concern for His work. There are many souls for whom He suffered and died. He is doing all He can to encourage us to help Him save precious souls. Is this our motive for living? To serve others?

Behold Him contemplating the price to be paid for the human soul. In His agony He clings to the cold ground, as if to prevent Himself from being drawn farther from God. The chilling dew of night falls upon His prostrate form, but He heeds it not. From His pale lips comes the bitter cry, "O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me." Yet even now He adds, "Nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt."
The human heart longs for sympathy in suffering. This longing Christ felt to the very depths of His being. In the supreme agony of His soul He came to His disciples with a yearning desire to hear some words of comfort from those whom He had so often blessed and comforted, and shielded in sorrow and distress. The One who had always had words of sympathy for them was now suffering superhuman agony, and He longed to know that they were praying for Him and for themselves. How dark seemed the malignity of sin! Terrible was the temptation to let the human race bear the consequences of its own guilt, while He stood innocent before God. If He could only know that His disciples understood and appreciated this, He would be strengthened.
Rising with painful effort, He staggered to the place where He had left His companions. But He "findeth them asleep." Had He found them praying, He would have been relieved. Had they been seeking refuge in God, that satanic agencies might not prevail over them, He would have been comforted by their steadfast faith. But they had not heeded the repeated warning, "Watch and pray." At first they had been much troubled to see their Master, usually so calm and dignified, wrestling with a sorrow that was beyond comprehension. They had prayed as they heard the strong cries of the sufferer. They did not intend to forsake their Lord, but they seemed paralyzed by a stupor which they might have shaken off if they had continued pleading with God. They did not realize the necessity of watchfulness and earnest prayer in order to withstand temptation.

How very sad. Let us make Jesus smile today.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on June 12, 2022, 09:14:27 AM

God helps us through Jesus! Contemplate Gethsemane!

Christ's agony did not cease, but His depression and discouragement left Him. The storm had in nowise abated, but He who was its object was strengthened to meet its fury. He came forth calm and serene. A heavenly peace rested upon His bloodstained face. He had borne that which no human being could ever bear; for He had tasted the sufferings of death for every man.

What a gift! Let's yield the whole heart to Christ!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Beacon on September 06, 2022, 08:06:19 PM

"The human heart longs for sympathy in suffering."

"This longing Christ felt to the very depths of His being."

"In the supreme agony of His soul He came to His disciples with a yearning desire to hear some words of comfort from those whom He had so often blessed and comforted, and shielded in sorrow and distress."

"The One who had always had words of sympathy for them was now suffering superhuman agony, and He longed to know that they were praying for Him and for themselves."

"How dark seemed the malignity of sin!"

"Terrible was the temptation to let the human race bear the consequences of its own guilt, while He stood innocent before God."

The Salvation of this world and the security of all the worlds above stood in the balance!! How wonderful it is to know that Jesus' love for all His creation made Him Willing to pay the price and secure our salvation!

We can truly say....THAT JESUS PAID IT ALL !!

==========================
1
I hear the Savior say,
“Thy strength indeed is small,
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all.”
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.
2
Lord, now indeed I find
Thy pow’r, and Thine alone,
Can change the leper’s spots,
And melt the heart of stone.
3
For nothing good have I
Whereby Thy grace to claim—
I’ll wash my garments white
In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb.
4
And when, before the throne,
I stand in Him complete,
“Jesus died my soul to save,”
My lips shall still repeat....... Jesus Paid it All

Lyrics:Elvina Mable Reynolds Hall (1822-1889)
Music:John Thomas Grape (1834-1915)

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on September 07, 2022, 07:34:18 AM

Amen Brother Beacon! It breaks my heart every time I read or think of this. How very sad. But, today we can bless our Lord by reflecting His character to a world which is about to perish. We are His workers to help Him see the travail of His soul, the salvation of the precious souls for whom He suffered and died.

This morning when doing today's Sabbath School lesson I shared the cause of the failure of the disciples that night. I quoted from today's reading.

The disciples awakened at the voice of Jesus, but they hardly knew Him, His face was so changed by anguish. Addressing Peter, Jesus said, "Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak." The weakness of His disciples awakened the sympathy of Jesus. He feared that they would not be able to endure the test which would come upon them in His betrayal and death. He did not reprove them, but said, "Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation." Even in His great agony, He was seeking to excuse their weakness. "The spirit truly is ready," He said, "but the flesh is weak."

If we forget to watch and pray, then we open ourselves to sin that denies Jesus His reward for His suffering and death.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on September 07, 2022, 07:00:23 PM

Amen, Brother Beacon and Brother Richard!!

Let us look upon our Heavenly Father who suffered with Jesus in Gethsemane as His Son contemplated the enormity of the sacrifice to save us from eternal ruin. Only as we reflect more on the great love wherewith He has loved us can we find true motivation to overcome sin as we recognize how horrible an experience it was for Jesus to die for our sins and be separated from the Father on account of it. As our whole heart is yielded to Jesus, all of the fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our lives without one missing as we gladly learn to obey God from the heart!

"But God suffered with His Son. Angels beheld the Saviour's agony. They saw their Lord enclosed by legions of satanic forces, His nature weighed down with a shuddering, mysterious dread. There was silence in heaven. No harp was touched. Could mortals have viewed the amazement of the angelic host as in silent grief they watched the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory from His beloved Son, they would better understand how offensive in His sight is sin." {The Desire of Ages, page 693, paragraph 2}

Jesus has the power to give us victory, and contemplating His immense struggle is so helpful when we are feeling the effects of the great struggle we all go through in the great controversy between Christ and Satan. We need to look and live, and in abiding in Jesus, walk in the victory He paid so much for in order for us to have it! Let us value the infinite love of Jesus and walk in true obedience from the heart!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Beacon on December 02, 2022, 08:05:22 PM

"Behold Him contemplating the price to be paid for the human soul."

"In His agony He clings to the cold ground, as if to prevent Himself from being drawn farther from God. The chilling dew of night falls upon His prostrate form, but He heeds it not. From His pale lips comes the bitter cry,..

"O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me." Yet even now He adds, "Nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt."

"Rising with painful effort, He staggered to the place where He had left His companions.

"But He "findeth them asleep."

"Had He found them praying, He would have been relieved."

"Had they been seeking refuge in God, that satanic agencies might not prevail over them, He would have been comforted by their steadfast faith."

"But they had not heeded the repeated warning, "Watch and pray."

"At first they had been much troubled to see their Master, usually so calm and dignified, wrestling with a sorrow that was beyond comprehension."

"They had prayed as they heard the strong cries of the sufferer."

"They did not intend to forsake their Lord, but they seemed paralyzed by a stupor which they might have shaken off if they had continued pleading with God."

"They did not realize the necessity of watchfulness and earnest prayer in order to withstand temptation."
How about " US " ?? Do we realize the necessity of watchfulness and earnest prayer in order to withstand temptation."

========================
1
Beneath the cross of Jesus
I fain would take my stand,
The shadow of a mighty Rock
Within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness,
A rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noontide heat,
And the burden of the day.
2
Oh, safe and happy shelter!
Oh, refuge tried and sweet!
Oh, trysting place where heaven’s love
And heaven’s justice meet.
As to the holy patriarch
That wondrous dream was given,
So is my Savior by the cross
A ladder up to heaven.
3
There lies beneath its shadow,
But on the farther side,
The darkness of an awful grave
That gapes both deep and wide;
And there between us stands the cross,
Two arms outstretched to save,
Like a watchman set to guard the way
From that eternal grave.
4
Upon that cross of Jesus
Mine eye at times can see
The very dying form of One,
Who suffered there for me;
And from my smitten heart, with tears,
Two wonders I confess,
The wonders of His glorious love,
And my own worthlessness.
5
I take, O cross, thy shadow
For my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine than
The sunshine of His face;
Content to let the world go by,
To know no gain nor loss,
My sinful self my only shame,
My glory all the cross.

Lyrics:Elizabeth Cecilia Clephane (1830-1869)
Music:Frederick Charles Maker (1844-1927)

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Dorine on December 03, 2022, 05:40:10 AM

Christ's agony did not cease, but His depression and discouragement left Him. The storm had in nowise abated, but He who was its object was strengthened to meet its fury. He came forth calm and serene. A heavenly peace rested upon His bloodstained face. He had borne that which no human being could ever bear; for He had tasted the sufferings of death for every man.

What unimaginable love, mercy and amazing grace is seen in this chapter. Many will not see it or appreciate it but there are many that do and receive Him into their hearts and lives to be a witness of His peace and joy that is ours even through hardships and trials. We joyfully share in the sufferings of Christ.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on December 03, 2022, 05:42:45 AM

Amen dear brother and sister! What love!! And we ought be in an attitude of prayer continually that our faith fail not!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on December 03, 2022, 05:00:16 PM

Amen, Brother Beacon, Sister Dorine, and Brother Richard!

Happy new week!!

Praise the Lord for what Jesus endured--beyond what we could ever endure--so that we can become like Him in mind and character and be ready for heaven! His grace is so powerful that He can transform a sinner into a saint and keep us from going back to sin because we realize it would crucify Jesus afresh. Love wins in the heart that yields to Him. All of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing will be manifest in the life given unreservedly to God for His will to be done--nothing more, nothing less, and nothing else! Gladly we are empowered to obey God from the heart He renews by divine grace!

"Christ's agony did not cease, but His depression and discouragement left Him. The storm had in nowise abated, but He who was its object was strengthened to meet its fury. He came forth calm and serene. A heavenly peace rested upon His bloodstained face. He had borne that which no human being could ever bear; for He had tasted the sufferings of death for every man." {The Desire of Ages, page 694, paragraph 1}

Within our hearts Christ shall abide as we surrender fully, choosing to remember that an infinite price was paid for us in Gethsemane and at Calvary. Oh, let us be in constant union and communion with God on account of His yearning, pitying love for us to know Him even as the Godhead knows each member of the heavenly Trio!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on December 04, 2022, 06:24:55 AM

Amen pastor Sean. SUCH LOVE!!
But God suffered with His Son. Angels beheld the Saviour's agony. They saw their Lord enclosed by legions of satanic forces, His nature weighed down with a shuddering, mysterious dread. There was silence in heaven. No harp was touched. Could mortals have viewed the amazement of the angelic host as in silent grief they watched the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory from His beloved Son, they would better understand how offensive in His sight is sin.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Beacon on February 27, 2023, 08:09:14 PM

"God suffered with His Son. Angels beheld the Saviour's agony."

"They saw their Lord enclosed by legions of satanic forces, His nature weighed down with a shuddering, mysterious dread."

"There was silence in heaven. No harp was touched."

"Could mortals have viewed the amazement of the angelic host as in silent grief they watched the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory from His beloved Son, they would better understand how offensive in His sight is sin."

Do "WE" Really Appreciate what Jesus Went Through to Provide Our Salvation?? Does Our Daily Life Reflect Our Appreciation??

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

1
Jesus, keep me near the cross,
There a precious fountain,
Free to all—a healing stream,
Flows from Calv’ry’s mountain.
In the cross, in the cross,
Be my glory ever;
From the cross my ransomed soul
Nothing then shall sever.
2
Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me;
There the Bright and Morning Star
Sheds its beams around me.
3
Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day,
With its shadow o’er me.
4
Near the cross I’ll watch and wait,
Hoping, trusting ever,
Till I see my Savior’s face,
And Leave His presence never.

Lyrics:Fanny Jane Crosby (1820-1915)
Music:William Howard Doane (1832-1915)

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on February 28, 2023, 08:25:49 AM

Amen Brother Beacon! We need to understand what it means to pay the price for our sins. So many think the death of Jesus was what paid for our sins. No. All heaven rejoiced when Jesus died. There is peace in going to sleep, but it is what happens in life that reveals the price for our salvation. In today's reading we can better understand what justice meant. He suffered for the sins of every sin of every person who would ever live on this Earth. Here is a just a little glimpse of the sufferings of Jesus that belongs to us.

As Christ felt His unity with the Father broken up, He feared that in His human nature He would be unable to endure the coming conflict with the powers of darkness. In the wilderness of temptation the destiny of the human race had been at stake. Christ was then conqueror. Now the tempter had come for the last fearful struggle. For this he had been preparing during the three years of Christ's ministry. Everything was at stake with him. If he failed here, his hope of mastery was lost; the kingdoms of the world would finally become Christ's; he himself would be overthrown and cast out. But if Christ could be overcome, the earth would become Satan's kingdom, and the human race would be forever in his power. With the issues of the conflict before Him, Christ's soul was filled with dread of separation from God. Satan told Him that if He became the surety for a sinful world, the separation would be eternal. He would be identified with Satan's kingdom, and would nevermore be one with God.
And what was to be gained by this sacrifice? How hopeless appeared the guilt and ingratitude of men! In its hardest features Satan pressed the situation upon the Redeemer: The people who claim to be above all others in temporal and spiritual advantages have rejected You. They are seeking to destroy You, the foundation, the center and seal of the promises made to them as a peculiar people. One of Your own disciples, who has listened to Your instruction, and has been among the foremost in church activities, will betray You. One of Your most zealous followers will deny You. All will forsake You. Christ's whole being abhorred the thought. That those whom He had undertaken to save, those whom He loved so much, should unite in the plots of Satan, this pierced His soul. The conflict was terrible. Its measure was the guilt of His nation, of His accusers and betrayer, the guilt of a world lying in wickedness. The sins of men weighed heavily upon Christ, and the sense of God's wrath against sin was crushing out His life.

He who was One with the Father was experiencing separation between them. And, the price to be paid was not only suffering, but eternal separation from God. Divinity could not die, but eternal separation would be the price to pay for our sins. Satan told Him that if He became the surety for a sinful world, the separation would be eternal. Wonder O heaven and be astonished O Earth! Herein in love.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on February 28, 2023, 12:09:06 PM

Amen, Brother Beacon and Brother Richard!!!!

It's all open and fully known to the universe. Jesus' sufferings for a lost world were better realized for what they were by the onlooking universe at the time that He experienced His superhuman agony in Gethsemane than they were by His own disciples. Oh, let us look to Him to better grasp our real value to God and the horror of sin and its effects as we realize what Jesus has suffered for us. All of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing will flow into our lives as we are empowered to affectionately obey God's Ten Commandment law from the new heart when we surrender all to Him who loved us and gave Himself for us!

"The worlds unfallen and the heavenly angels had watched with intense interest as the conflict drew to its close. Satan and his confederacy of evil, the legions of apostasy, watched intently this great crisis in the work of redemption. The powers of good and evil waited to see what answer would come to Christ's thrice-repeated prayer. Angels had longed to bring relief to the divine sufferer, but this might not be. No way of escape was found for the Son of God. In this awful crisis, when everything was at stake, when the mysterious cup trembled in the hand of the sufferer, the heavens opened, a light shone forth amid the stormy darkness of the crisis hour, and the mighty angel who stands in God's presence, occupying the position from which Satan fell, came to the side of Christ. The angel came not to take the cup from Christ's hand, but to strengthen Him to drink it, with the assurance of the Father's love. He came to give power to the divine-human suppliant. He pointed Him to the open heavens, telling Him of the souls that would be saved as the result of His sufferings. He assured Him that His Father is greater and more powerful than Satan, that His death would result in the utter discomfiture of Satan, and that the kingdom of this world would be given to the saints of the Most High. He told Him that He would see of the travail of His soul, and be satisfied, for He would see a multitude of the human race saved, eternally saved." {The Desire of Ages, page 693, paragraph 3}

We have such value that the Father sent His Son to this world to save all who would come. The gift makes it possible for all to be saved, but only those who yield to Him and let the Holy Spirit transform the life will experience the salvation Christ so freely offers. He's now ministering as our High Priest, soon to return in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory as our King to take all who have loved and obeyed Him to heaven! Love awakens love as we realize the depth of the reality that "God is love" (1 John 4:8).

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on May 25, 2023, 07:49:11 AM

Amen Pastor Sean. We often think about the suffering of our Savior, but what about our heavenly Father, how much did He suffer watching His innocent Son suffer?

But God suffered with His Son. Angels beheld the Saviour's agony. They saw their Lord enclosed by legions of satanic forces, His nature weighed down with a shuddering, mysterious dread. There was silence in heaven. No harp was touched. Could mortals have viewed the amazement of the angelic host as in silent grief they watched the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory from His beloved Son, they would better understand how offensive in His sight is sin.
The worlds unfallen and the heavenly angels had watched with intense interest as the conflict drew to its close. Satan and his confederacy of evil, the legions of apostasy, watched intently this great crisis in the work of redemption. The powers of good and evil waited to see what answer would come to Christ's thrice-repeated prayer. Angels had longed to bring relief to the divine sufferer, but this might not be. No way of escape was found for the Son of God. In this awful crisis, when everything was at stake, when the mysterious cup trembled in the hand of the sufferer, the heavens opened, a light shone forth amid the stormy darkness of the crisis hour, and the mighty angel who stands in God's presence, occupying the position from which Satan fell, came to the side of Christ. The angel came not to take the cup from Christ's hand, but to strengthen Him to drink it, with the assurance of the Father's love. He came to give power to the divine-human suppliant. He pointed Him to the open heavens, telling Him of the souls that would be saved as the result of His sufferings. He assured Him that His Father is greater and more powerful than Satan, that His death would result in the utter discomfiture of Satan, and that the kingdom of this world would be given to the saints of the Most High. He told Him that He would see of the travail of His soul, and be satisfied, for He would see a multitude of the human race saved, eternally saved.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on May 25, 2023, 07:49:54 AM

Quote from: Beacon on February 13, 2019, 10:18:09 AM

The sins of men weighed heavily upon Christ, and the sense of God's wrath against sin was crushing out His life...Behold Him contemplating the price to be paid for the human soul. In His agony He clings to the cold ground, as if to prevent Himself from being drawn farther from God. The chilling dew of night falls upon His prostrate form, but He heeds it not. From His pale lips comes the bitter cry, "O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me." Yet even now He adds, "Nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt."

We have been told that we should spend a thoughtful hour every day contemplating what Jesus went through to make our salvation possible. The question is...Are we willing in our relationship with Jesus to show our love and appreciation to Him by saying "Nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt."

As I read this chapter this morning I've been reminded how strongly our enemy, Satan, keeps us too busy with "other" things which have no eternal value. Will you join with me this morning and determine by His Grace to spend more time focused on what " Really Counts " thereby bringing joy to Jesus for all He has done for us?

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on May 25, 2023, 10:27:53 AM

Amen, Brother Richard!! What a blessing it is, also, to see a prior post from our Brother Beacon, too, that you re-posted, Brother Richard!! Let us keep him in prayer for full healing!!

How would you like your depression and discouragement to leave you? While you may not be experiencing those struggles now (or maybe you are), if you find yourself in that "valley" of emotional/mental/spiritual darkness, go to the DARKEST place in the HISTORY of the universe--Gethsemane. Why? Because when you go there, you come to see and know that One who INFINITELY LOVES you would be willing to take on ALL OUR EMOTIONAL/MENTAL/SPIRITUAL angst to become sin for us and offer us deliverance! We can have HOPE to break through and find healing joy (along with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing) in union and communion with Christ in complete surrender to Him! Now that is GOOD NEWS!!!

"Christ's agony did not cease, but His depression and discouragement left Him. The storm had in nowise abated, but He who was its object was strengthened to meet its fury. He came forth calm and serene. A heavenly peace rested upon His bloodstained face. He had borne that which no human being could ever bear; for He had tasted the sufferings of death for every man." {The Desire of Ages, page 694, paragraph 1}

Christ did something none of us will ever do. None of us will bear the weight of the sin of the whole world--but He did!! And even though it was intense, even though He was tempted intensely by Satan to think that if He went through with the Sacrifice that He would never again be one with God, Jesus CHOSE to do it because He loved the Father and each of us SO MUCH!! Now that puts new meaning into these words:

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). Will you let Jesus take whatever you are going through right now, trusting Him even now for salvation, and letting Him heal you in every area of life?

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Beacon on August 19, 2023, 08:02:34 PM

" The worlds unfallen and the heavenly angels had watched with intense interest as the conflict drew to its close. Satan and his confederacy of evil, the legions of apostasy, watched intently this great crisis in the work of redemption."

" The powers of good and evil waited to see what answer would come to Christ's thrice-repeated prayer."

" Angels had longed to bring relief to the divine sufferer, but this might not be. No way of escape was found for the Son of God."

" In this awful crisis, when everything was at stake, when the mysterious cup trembled in the hand of the sufferer, the heavens opened, a light shone forth amid the stormy darkness of the crisis hour, and the mighty angel who stands in God's presence, occupying the position from which Satan fell, came to the side of Christ."

" He pointed Him to the open heavens, telling Him of the souls that would be saved as the result of His sufferings. He assured Him that His Father is greater and more powerful than Satan, that His death would result in the utter discomfiture of Satan, and that the kingdom of this world would be given to the saints of the Most High."

" He told Him that He would see of the travail of His soul, and be satisfied."

"He would see a multitude of the human race saved, eternally saved."

Are we willing to trust Jesus and perhaps even lay down our life for Jesus who made it all possible??

=============================
1
When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way;
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey,
For there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey.
2
Not a shadow can rise,
Not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear,
Not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
3
Not a burden we bear,
Not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss,
Not a frown or a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey.
4
But we never can prove
The delights of His love,
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows,
And the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
5
Then in fellowship sweet
We will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do;
Where He sends, we will go,
Never fear, only trust and obey.

Lyrics:John Henry Sammis (1846-1919)
Music:Daniel Brink Towner (1850-1919)

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on August 20, 2023, 03:43:44 AM

Amen, Brother Beacon!!

It was worth it. Praise God that Jesus chose to endure the agony of what we deserve on account of sin, and though it seemed that few were responding, He persevered through the horror of what sin did to His soul, feeling His Father's wrath against transgression, and by faith kept moving forward to complete the great sacrifice that would make it possible for each soul to be redeemed who would choose to come to Him and have life. May His great sacrifice for you not be in vain. Behold Him daily and pray earnestly; let the things of this world be strangely dim in comparison to the exceedingly great light and love we see in Jesus' sufferings and death, obtaining eternal victory for us! As we yield the WHOLE heart to Him, Christ fills the life supernaturally with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing, empowering the soul to true, affectionate obedience to all of the Ten Commandments. This law, broken by sin, can be kept through the faith of Jesus working by love by all who let Christ abide within, the hope of glory!

"And what was to be gained by this sacrifice? How hopeless appeared the guilt and ingratitude of men! In its hardest features Satan pressed the situation upon the Redeemer: The people who claim to be above all others in temporal and spiritual advantages have rejected You. They are seeking to destroy You, the foundation, the center and seal of the promises made to them as a peculiar people. One of Your own disciples, who has listened to Your instruction, and has been among the foremost in church activities, will betray You. One of Your most zealous followers will deny You. All will forsake You. Christ's whole being abhorred the thought. That those whom He had undertaken to save, those whom He loved so much, should unite in the plots of Satan, this pierced His soul. The conflict was terrible. Its measure was the guilt of His nation, of His accusers and betrayer, the guilt of a world lying in wickedness. The sins of men weighed heavily upon Christ, and the sense of God's wrath against sin was crushing out His life." {The Desire of Ages, page 687, paragraph 1}

The reality of what Jesus went through has a way of changing what is important. Let this sink in deeply.

"When men and women can more fully comprehend the magnitude of the great sacrifice which was made by the Majesty of heaven in dying in man's stead, then will the plan of salvation be magnified, and reflections of Calvary will awaken tender, sacred, and lively emotions in the Christian's heart. Praises to God and the Lamb will be in their hearts and upon their lips. Pride and self-esteem cannot flourish in the hearts that keep fresh in memory the scenes of Calvary. This world will appear of but little value to those who appreciate the great price of man's redemption, the precious blood of God's dear Son. All the riches of the world are not of sufficient value to redeem one perishing soul. Who can measure the love Christ felt for a lost world as He hung upon the cross, suffering for the sins of guilty men? This love was immeasurable, infinite." {Testimonies for the Church, Volume 2, page 212, paragraph 1}

By beholding God's infinite love in sending His son to live a perfect life, suffer for all our sins (for all the human race), and die to save us, the Holy Spirit impresses eternal realities on our hearts and minds, changing us from glory to glory, from one experience of character to the next. This is why spending a thoughtful hour each day upon the life of Christ, especially the closing scenes, is such an important blessing! "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord" (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on August 20, 2023, 09:27:45 AM

The Saviour trod the wine press alone, and of the people there was none with Him.
But God suffered with His Son. Angels beheld the Saviour's agony. They saw their Lord enclosed by legions of satanic forces, His nature weighed down with a shuddering, mysterious dread. There was silence in heaven. No harp was touched. Could mortals have viewed the amazement of the angelic host as in silent grief they watched the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory from His beloved Son, they would better understand how offensive in His sight is sin.
The worlds unfallen and the heavenly angels had watched with intense interest as the conflict drew to its close. Satan and his confederacy of evil, the legions of apostasy, watched intently this great crisis in the work of redemption. The powers of good and evil waited to see what answer would come to Christ's thrice-repeated prayer. Angels had longed to bring relief to the divine sufferer, but this might not be. No way of escape was found for the Son of God. In this awful crisis, when everything was at stake, when the mysterious cup trembled in the hand of the sufferer, the heavens opened, a light shone forth amid the stormy darkness of the crisis hour, and the mighty angel who stands in God's presence, occupying the position from which Satan fell, came to the side of Christ. The angel came not to take the cup from Christ's hand, but to strengthen Him to drink it, with the assurance of the Father's love. He came to give power to the divine-human suppliant. He pointed Him to the open heavens, telling Him of the souls that would be saved as the result of His sufferings. He assured Him that His Father is greater and more powerful than Satan, that His death would result in the utter discomfiture of Satan, and that the kingdom of this world would be given to the saints of the Most High. He told Him that He would see of the travail of His soul, and be satisfied, for He would see a multitude of the human race saved, eternally saved.

What more need be said. As we abide in Christ and reflect His character we are His reward for all He suffered.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Beacon on November 14, 2023, 08:38:52 PM

"The powers of good and evil waited to see what answer would come to Christ's thrice-repeated prayer. Angels had longed to bring relief to the divine sufferer, but this might not be."

"No way of escape was found for the Son of God."

"In this awful crisis, when everything was at stake, when the mysterious cup trembled in the hand of the sufferer, the heavens opened, a light shone forth amid the stormy darkness of the crisis hour, and the mighty angel who stands in God's presence, occupying the position from which Satan fell, came to the side of Christ."

"The angel came not to take the cup from Christ's hand, but to strengthen Him to drink it, with the assurance of the Father's love. He came to give power to the divine-human suppliant."

"He pointed Him to the open heavens, telling Him of the souls that would be saved as the result of His sufferings."

"He assured Him that His Father is greater and more powerful than Satan, that His death would result in the utter discomfiture of Satan, and that the kingdom of this world would be given to the saints of the Most High."

"He told Him that He would see of the travail of His soul, and be satisfied, for He would see a multitude of the human race saved, eternally saved."[/color

The Good News is....That Jesus has the Power and the Right to Save ALL who will accept Him. Lets make sure of OUR Connection.

=======================
1
We have heard the joyful sound:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Spread the tidings all around:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Bear the news to every land,
Climb the steeps and cross the waves;
Onward!—’tis our Lord’s command;
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
2
Waft it on the rolling tide,
Jesus saves, Jesus saves;
Tell to sinners far and wide,
Jesus saves, Jesus saves;
Sing, ye islands of the sea,
Echo back, ye ocean caves;
Earth shall keep her jubilee,
Jesus saves, Jesus saves.
3
Sing above the battle’s strife,
Jesus saves, Jesus saves;
By His death and endless life,
Jesus saves, Jesus saves;
Sing it softly thru the gloom,
When the heart for mercy craves,
Sing in triumph o’er the tomb,
Jesus saves, Jesus saves.
4
Give the winds a mighty voice,
Jesus saves, Jesus saves;
Let the nations now rejoice.
Jesus saves, Jesus saves;
Shout salvation full and free,
Highest hills and deepest caves,
This our song of victory,
Jesus saves, Jesus saves.

Lyrics:Priscilla Jane Owens (1829-1907)
Music:William James Kirkpatrick (1838-1921)

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on November 15, 2023, 04:25:11 AM

Amen, Brother Beacon!

In contemplating what Jesus endured in Gethsemane, seeing His incredible agony and struggle in the decision He did make to bear all our sin, we can better understand the depth of God's love for us and how horrible sin is. The heart that beholds Jesus afresh can be motivated to do God's will and resist sin.

"Again the Son of God was seized with superhuman agony, and fainting and exhausted, He staggered back to the place of His former struggle. His suffering was even greater than before. As the agony of soul came upon Him, 'His sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.' The cypress and palm trees were the silent witnesses of His anguish. From their leafy branches dropped heavy dew upon His stricken form, as if nature wept over its Author wrestling alone with the powers of darkness." {The Desire of Ages, page 689, paragraph 3}

Jesus loves us so much that He would go through all this. May we cheerfully endure whatever trials we face with a deep realization of the love of God for us in Christ, turning from sin, and allowing the Holy Spirit to abide in us as He manifests all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing through our lives that are fully and continually surrendered to Him in true obedience to God's commandments. Sin becomes hateful to us as we experience communion with God and appreciate the character of Christ.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on November 15, 2023, 08:43:34 PM

Amen Pastor Sean! It was more than my sins that caused Jesus pain. It was the sins of the whole world that Jesus suffered, it was indeed superhuman agony suffered on our behalf! Such love!!!

Brother Beacon, we both were moved by the same truth. Jesus suffered, but was strengthened to continue on when it was revealed to Him that He would see the travail of His soul. "He would see a multitude of the human race saved, eternally saved." Let that be us who love the Lord our God with the whole heart! And, let us by His grace add others to that number which has not been yet made up.

The powers of good and evil waited to see what answer would come to Christ's thrice-repeated prayer. Angels had longed to bring relief to the divine sufferer, but this might not be. No way of escape was found for the Son of God. In this awful crisis, when everything was at stake, when the mysterious cup trembled in the hand of the sufferer, the heavens opened, a light shone forth amid the stormy darkness of the crisis hour, and the mighty angel who stands in God's presence, occupying the position from which Satan fell, came to the side of Christ. The angel came not to take the cup from Christ's hand, but to strengthen Him to drink it, with the assurance of the Father's love. He came to give power to the divine-human suppliant. He pointed Him to the open heavens, telling Him of the souls that would be saved as the result of His sufferings. He assured Him that His Father is greater and more powerful than Satan, that His death would result in the utter discomfiture of Satan, and that the kingdom of this world would be given to the saints of the Most High. He told Him that He would see of the travail of His soul, and be satisfied, for He would see a multitude of the human race saved, eternally saved.
Christ's agony did not cease, but His depression and discouragement left Him. The storm had in nowise abated, but He who was its object was strengthened to meet its fury. He came forth calm and serene. A heavenly peace rested upon His bloodstained face. He had borne that which no human being could ever bear; for He had tasted the sufferings of death for every man.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Beacon on February 08, 2024, 08:01:46 PM

"The powers of good and evil waited to see what answer would come to Christ's thrice-repeated prayer."

"Angels had longed to bring relief to the divine sufferer, but this might not be. No way of escape was found for the Son of God."

"In this awful crisis, when everything was at stake, when the mysterious cup trembled in the hand of the sufferer, the heavens opened, a light shone forth amid the stormy darkness of the crisis hour, and the mighty angel who stands in God's presence, occupying the position from which Satan fell, came to the side of Christ."

"The angel came not to take the cup from Christ's hand, but to strengthen Him to drink it, with the assurance of the Father's love. He came to give power to the divine-human suppliant."

"He pointed Him to the open heavens, telling Him of the souls that would be saved as the result of His sufferings. He assured Him that His Father is greater and more powerful than Satan, that His death would result in the utter discomfiture of Satan, and that the kingdom of this world would be given to the saints of the Most High."

"He told Him that He would see of the travail of His soul, and be satisfied, for He would see a multitude of the human race saved, eternally saved.

We need to remember that "WE" also play an important part by demonstrating by our faithful commitment to Jesus, there will be an increase at harvest time due to our faithfulness which will give courage to others to put their full trust in Jesus. I want to be a faithful soldier in the Lord's Army...How about "YOU ??

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

1
Onward Christian soldiers!
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus
Going on before.
Christ, the royal Master,
Leads against the foe;
Forward into battle,
See, His banners go!
Onward, Christian soldiers!
Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus,
Going on before.
2
At the name of Jesus
Satan’s host doth flee;
On then, Christian soldiers,
On to victory!
Hell’s foundations quiver
At the shout of praise:
Brothers, lift your voices,
Loud your anthems raise!
3
Like a mighty army
Moves the Church of God:
Brothers, we are treading
Where the saints have trod;
We are not divided,
All one Body we—
One in faith and Spirit,
One eternally.
4
Crowns and thrones may perish,
Kingdoms rise and wane;
But the Church of Jesus
Constant will remain.
Gates of hell can never
’Gainst the Church prevail;
We have Christ’s own promise,
Which can never fail.
5
Onward, then, ye people!
Join our happy throng;
Blend with ours your voices
In the triumph song.
Glory, laud and honor
Unto Christ, the King;
This through countless ages
Men and angels sing.

Lyrics:Sabine Baring-Gould (1834-1924)
Music:Arthur Seymour Sullivan (1842-1900)

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on February 09, 2024, 07:03:39 AM

Amen Brother Beacon! If we want to give glory to God we must do better than the disciples did that night. We must watch and pray in order to not sin. We must keep our eyes upon Jesus.

The disciples awakened at the voice of Jesus, but they hardly knew Him, His face was so changed by anguish. Addressing Peter, Jesus said, "Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak." The weakness of His disciples awakened the sympathy of Jesus. He feared that they would not be able to endure the test which would come upon them in His betrayal and death. He did not reprove them, but said, "Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation." Even in His great agony, He was seeking to excuse their weakness. "The spirit truly is ready," He said, "but the flesh is weak."

Such love!! Imagine how painful this was for our heavenly Father watching His innocent Son suffer for the sins of every human-being!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Philip T on February 09, 2024, 07:42:07 AM

Christ was now standing in a different attitude from that in which He had ever stood before. His suffering can best be described in the words of the prophet, "Awake, O sword, against My shepherd, and against the man that is My fellow, saith the Lord of hosts." Zechariah 13:7. As the substitute and surety for sinful man, Christ was suffering under divine justice. He saw what justice meant. Hitherto He had been as an intercessor for others; now He longed to have an intercessor for Himself.

As our substitute for sin, Jesus was now taking on the sins of all mankind from creation to the end of the world, and sin cannot stand before a holy God, he was starting to be separated from His Father, by ur sins. He had been our intercessor, now as the sins of mankind were upon Him, He needed an intercessor before His Father, what love we see in Jesus and His Father towards us.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: rahab on February 09, 2024, 04:18:54 PM

We need to read this chapter daily.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on February 09, 2024, 06:16:04 PM

Amen, Brother Beacon, Brother Richard, Brother Philip and Sister Rahab!!

Happy Sabbath!!! Hallelujah!!! Jesus has WON THIS WAR!!! The victory was won in His decision to accept the cup of suffering for EVERY SIN and die as our sacrifice. Jesus SUFFERED for every sin, and the Heavenly Father FELT THE AGONY of His Son's struggle that went from Gethsemane to Calvary. Oh, let us NEVER FORGET this love! The love of Christ constrains us!

"Three times has He uttered that prayer. Three times has humanity shrunk from the last, crowning sacrifice. But now the history of the human race comes up before the world's Redeemer. He sees that the transgressors of the law, if left to themselves, must perish. He sees the helplessness of man. He sees the power of sin. The woes and lamentations of a doomed world rise before Him. He beholds its impending fate, and His decision is made. He will save man at any cost to Himself. He accepts His baptism of blood, that through Him perishing millions may gain everlasting life. He has left the courts of heaven, where all is purity, happiness, and glory, to save the one lost sheep, the one world that has fallen by transgression. And He will not turn from His mission. He will become the propitiation of a race that has willed to sin. His prayer now breathes only submission: 'If this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done.'" {The Desire of Ages, page 690, paragraph 3}

When our hearts are truly moved and fully surrendered to Christ, we will be willing to drink the cup of salvation that involves completely denying ourselves and abiding in Christ's infinite loveliness! Oh, what a miracle it is for a truly converted soul to have the Holy Spirit manifest through us all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing! Keep your eyes on Jesus and never forget HOW LOVED YOU ARE!! Let us love the world the way God loves us, for He first loved us! The best way to keep that love fire afresh in the heart is to spend this "thoughtful hour" upon the life of Christ--especially the closing ones!

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: rahab on February 10, 2024, 09:11:15 AM

Jesus WINS.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Beacon on May 05, 2024, 08:04:49 PM

"Jesus beholds its impending fate, and His decision is made."

"He will save man at any cost to Himself."

"He accepts His baptism of blood, that through Him perishing millions may gain everlasting life."

"He has left the courts of heaven, where all is purity, happiness, and glory, to save the one lost sheep, the one world that has fallen by transgression."

"He will not turn from His mission."

"He will become the propitiation of a race that has willed to sin."

"His prayer now breathes only submission: "If this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done."
Are "WE" willing to pray that same prayer on behalf of "OUR" Family, Friends and Co-Workers??
==========================
1
Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
2
Take my hands, and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love;
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee,
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
3
Take my voice, and let me sing
Always, only, for my King;
Take my lips, and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee,
Filled with messages from Thee.
4
Take my silver and my gold;
Not a mite would I withhold;
Take my intellect, and use
Every power as Thou shalt choose,
Every power as Thou shalt choose.
5
Take my will, and make it Thine;
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart; it is Thine own;
It shall be Thy royal throne,
It shall be Thy royal throne.
6
Take my love; my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure-store.
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.

Lyrics:Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879)
Music:Henri Abraham Cesar Malan (1787-1864)

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Dorine on May 06, 2024, 05:30:17 AM

"The sleeping disciples had been suddenly awakened by the light surrounding the Saviour. They saw the angel bending over their prostrate Master. They saw him lift the Saviour's head upon his bosom, and point toward heaven. They heard his voice, like sweetest music, speaking words of comfort and hope. The disciples recalled the scene upon the mount of transfiguration. They remembered the glory that in the temple had encircled Jesus, and the voice of God that spoke from the cloud. Now that same glory was again revealed, and they had no further fear for their Master. He was under the care of God; a mighty angel had been sent to protect Him. Again the disciples in their weariness yield to the strange stupor that overpowers them. Again Jesus finds them sleeping."

What a contrast is seen here between the agony of Jesus and the sleeping disciples. It's hard to understand how these weak men could allow sleep to overtake them when witnessing a scene such as this. But I remember the times when I was guilty of the same weakness when reading my bible or praying or listening to a sermon? God is so merciful and kind in dealing with us. To get our attention he allows trials to come our way so that we may look up from our slumber and see our Saviour hanging on that cruel cross because He couldn't imagine heaven without any one of us.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Richard Myers on May 06, 2024, 06:10:37 AM

Amen my dear brother and sister! Such love!! Yes, Sister Dorine, anyone who reads this with a desire to glorify God would better understand how weak humanity is and how great is our Savior and heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit! Our only hope is to keep fresh in our minds what we read this morning! I spent three months reading this chapter, Calvary, and It is Finished. Yes, it would be well to spend a thoughtful hour a day contemplating the life of Jesus, especially the closing scenes. It was a great blessing and it was sad to stop and start at the beginning again.

But God suffered with His Son. Angels beheld the Saviour's agony. They saw their Lord enclosed by legions of satanic forces, His nature weighed down with a shuddering, mysterious dread. There was silence in heaven. No harp was touched. Could mortals have viewed the amazement of the angelic host as in silent grief they watched the Father separating His beams of light, love, and glory from His beloved Son, they would better understand how offensive in His sight is sin.
The worlds unfallen and the heavenly angels had watched with intense interest as the conflict drew to its close. Satan and his confederacy of evil, the legions of apostasy, watched intently this great crisis in the work of redemption. The powers of good and evil waited to see what answer would come to Christ's thrice-repeated prayer. Angels had longed to bring relief to the divine sufferer, but this might not be. No way of escape was found for the Son of God. In this awful crisis, when everything was at stake, when the mysterious cup trembled in the hand of the sufferer, the heavens opened, a light shone forth amid the stormy darkness of the crisis hour, and the mighty angel who stands in God's presence, occupying the position from which Satan fell, came to the side of Christ. The angel came not to take the cup from Christ's hand, but to strengthen Him to drink it, with the assurance of the Father's love. He came to give power to the divine-human suppliant. He pointed Him to the open heavens, telling Him of the souls that would be saved as the result of His sufferings. He assured Him that His Father is greater and more powerful than Satan, that His death would result in the utter discomfiture of Satan, and that the kingdom of this world would be given to the saints of the Most High. He told Him that He would see of the travail of His soul, and be satisfied, for He would see a multitude of the human race saved, eternally saved.
Christ's agony did not cease, but His depression and discouragement left Him. The storm had in nowise abated, but He who was its object was strengthened to meet its fury. He came forth calm and serene. A heavenly peace rested upon His bloodstained face. He had borne that which no human being could ever bear; for He had tasted the sufferings of death for every man.

Sadly it came to my attention not long ago that many can read this and not understand that the unrepentant sinner is going to suffer for every sin, suffer by fire. Yes, they know it, but it never hit home. It just passes over the heads of far too many. Thus the sinner does not know he ought to fear God. It is true that the soldier in the foxhole when bombs are falling all around him, is tempted to think there is a God in heaven who can protect him. So, he prays and is safe. Yet, many forget what God has done and they go on living a selfish life of sin. Well, if we were to warn the sinner that there is a justice coming for all who reject the opportunity to be forgiven, some might choose to study the Bible to see if they can not only be forgiven, but live in world without sin for eternity. "And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him..... But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh." Jude 14,15,20-23.
Yes, some need to warned that they fear the justice that will come to all who reject God's love and offer of forgiveness. It is a most terrible thing to teach that all who do not accept Jesus as Savior is going to burn for eternity in hell. Who would want to serve such a god! But, justice demands that all unrepentant sinners be punished. "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." 2 Cor. 5:10.

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: JimB on May 06, 2024, 06:54:25 AM

Good morning and amen my friends! And to your point, Dorine, about the weakness of the disciples this is something I had not noticed before. Interesting how this happens even after reading this multiple, multiple times!

In their indignation and fear, Peter proposed that they save themselves. Following this suggestion, "they all forsook Him, and fled."

There are two points here. The first one is fear is a great motivator. People do strange things under this kind of motivation. However, we know that perfect love casts out fear. So soon after the washing of their feet and Jesus declaring them clean they forget the love that Christ displayed towards them that they wish to disassociate themselves with Christ. The second point is that I didn't see is that Peter is the ringleader here. The rest of the disciples followed his suggestion. So here Peter starts down the path of denying his Savior and influencing the rest of his companions at the same time. I see more clearly now why Christ had to point out Peter's love for his Master by the lake after the resurrection.

However, not long afterwards we find that James was willing to be a martyr and we find Peter sleeping... SLEEPING! while chained to guards waiting to be soon executed. What a drastic change in the actions of the disciples. What loyalty they display towards Christ now! What is the difference? I'm not sure that I have a good answer other than they now have even a deeper experience with Christ. Their love for Jesus has deepened and widened like a calm well established river. His forgiveness towards them after their blatant disloyalty has saturated their hearts to the point that they can not do the same again even when their own lives are directly threatened!

Christ did not cast them off when they sinned in denying Christ. He loved them just the same. However, I heard this phrased, "not cast off" from leaders of the church insinuating that when we sin we are still in good standing with God. However sin separates us from our Savior.

The sinner may err, but he is not cast off without mercy. His only hope, however, is repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the Father's prerogative to forgive our transgressions and sins, because Christ has taken upon Himself our guilt and reprieved us, imputing to us His own righteousness. His sacrifice satisfies fully the demands of justice. 9MR 301.3

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: rahab on May 06, 2024, 03:24:29 PM

The ‘kick’ gets our attention and then the love ‘draws’ us

Title: Re: The Desire of Ages--74--Gethsemane
Post by: Pastor Sean Brizendine on May 07, 2024, 06:23:09 AM

Amen, everyone! What a blessing to have such a remnant-online family sharing the present truth that prepares us to meet Jesus and be like Him day by day!

Jesus suffered immensely for us. He processed through the depression and discouragement, yielding His will to the Father's will so that we could be saved. An angel strengthened Him to go through with the experience in Gethsemane, and we can be grateful that God will help us to resist temptation, remembering at what cost our salvation came. Oh, what wondrous love in Christ woos and moves on our hearts to surrender fully to Him, be truly converted, allow the Holy Spirit to bring forth in our lives all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing, thus empowering us to grow in true obedience more fully each day as the path of life is illuminated by His word!

"Christ's agony did not cease, but His depression and discouragement left Him. The storm had in nowise abated, but He who was its object was strengthened to meet its fury. He came forth calm and serene. A heavenly peace rested upon His bloodstained face. He had borne that which no human being could ever bear; for He had tasted the sufferings of death for every man." {The Desire of Ages, page 694, paragraph 1}

If Jesus already suffered for all of our sins, then it is insane to keep on sinning, which only brings us more suffering and wounds afresh the heart of infinite love. Let us realize the true motivation to overcome is the love of Christ! He is able to save us to the uttermost and keep us from falling into sin! Praise God!!