Jesus And The Supper Feast

Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him, Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?” Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.” Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, “You are not all clean.” So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. John 13:1-17

What a great lesson in humility Jesus taught his disciples. There had always existed a rivalry between them.
Who is the greatest of all?

Not having a servant at this time one of the disciples would have to humble himself and wash the dusty feet of the others. But none of them were willing to stoop down to that point.

Jesus then stood for a moment to see if anyone would act and then he began to do wash their feet. How is it possible that the prince of the universe, the one who created the Universe was washing the feet of these insignificant creatures?

Peter, broken of heart, understood his mistake and could not allow his Lord to humiliate himself that way. “You shall never wash my feet!” was his reply.

Through this act, Jesus was preparing them to work together. Obviously, by that time Judas was far from the Divine grace. But the other disciples needed to humble themselves, accept Jesus and work together.

Jesus replied, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.”

Christ had come to wash the heart from the stain of sin. In refusing to allow Christ to wash his feet, Peter was refusing the higher cleansing included in the lower. He was really rejecting his Lord. It is not humiliating to the Master to allow Him to work for our purification. The truest humility is to receive with thankful heart any provision made in our behalf, and with earnestness do service for Christ.*

This symbol indicates our need of the redeeming blood of Jesus. We are not worthy and we need him to cleanse us the every stain of sin.

Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.  Isaiah 1:18.

Like Peter and his brethren, we too have been washed in the blood of Christ, yet often through contact with evil the heart's purity is soiled. We must come to Christ for His cleansing grace. Peter shrank from bringing his soiled feet in contact with the hands of his Lord and Master; but how often we bring our sinful, polluted hearts in contact with the heart of Christ! *

But even it we are not worthy or deserving, there simply is no other way to obtain salvation other than through Christ Jesus.

He alone can wash us clean. We are not prepared for communion with Him unless cleansed by His efficacy. *

Juan calls Him the lamb that takes away sin.

Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29.

The holy Watcher from heaven is present at this season to make it one of soul searching, of conviction of sin, and of the blessed assurance of sins forgiven.*

But such forgiveness is only available to those who humble themselves and go before Him. Humility, confession, repentance is the only solution to our present condition.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9.

Interestingly in these acts of service we can see the origin of God and His character of love.

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

What a contrast there will be in that great day when every eye will see Him. He who was born in a manger, who was a humble carpenter, who was abused, mocked, placed between criminals and finally killed, coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

The redeemed shall dwell with Him for all eternity. But right now we must go before Him and take our cross.

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. Matthew 16:24-27.

JESUS IS COMING SOON, AMEN, YES, COME LORD JESUS!

* The Desire of All Ages, "71. A Servant of Servants ", Ellen G. White

Jesus in Gethsemane

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.” He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” Matthew 26:36-42.

It was in this place where the Lord Jesus would have His greatest battle. His humanity was feeling weak and distressed. His strength had escaped Him.

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. *

"My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death," were His words. The Lord was desperate, the weight of sin was creating a large rift between Him and his Father. From the beginning Jesus and his Father had never been separated. For the first time, sin had created a dense and dark separation that Jesus could no longer see the sun of righteousness. The rays of mercy were no longer falling upon Him.

God loves the sinner but hates sin. Carrying mankind’s sin, God could no longer help His son.

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 enemy has corrupted God’s image, His character, His nature. The world thinks that God does not care about our daily lives, that He is not interested in us. Many consider God to be indifferent, that in the midst of pain and suffering, He is far away. Some believe that perhaps God created us and then left this world to face its own fate. But through Jesus we can see how much God really loves and understands us.

The human heart longs for sympathy in suffering. This longing Christ felt to the very depths of His being.*

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.*

Through what Jesus experienced we can see that God compassion towards humanity. There is not a single tear shed that He does not see and with tender heart sympathize. Jesus was there, suffered and later died so that he could intercede for us.
However, let us not forget that so great was this struggle that the Lord ask his Father that if possible let this bitter cup pass over Him. But their close relationship led Jesus to always do his Father’s will.
Meanwhile the Lord’s body continued to weaken and He fell to the ground while praying to our heavenly Father.

And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly.Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. Luke 22:44.

Science has attempted to explain this condition. Hematidrosis, because of the distress experienced by an individual, the capillaries in the sweat glands break. This causes the person to sweat drops of blood. As a result, the individual’s skin also becomes extremely fragile.

And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy. So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then He came to His disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.” Matthew 26:43-46.

The great battle, the cosmic conflict was to be determined in the Garden of Gethsemane. What had begun in heaven and spilled over onto earth would be determined here.
The hosts of darkness had surrounded Jesus attempting to destroy Him. Similarly, Satan and his angels are around us every day, trying to destroy us. If it were not for the mighty angels of heaven we would be shattered by the powers of darkness.
The enemy did everything he could to convince Jesus not to die for the human race. They do not deserve it, were his words. Satan had everything at stake in this very moment. He said to Jesus, your own people will kill you, one of your disciples will betray you, one of them will deny knowing you, all of them will abandon you, and most of humanity will reject you.
It still was not too late. Jesus could wipe the drops of blood from his disfigured face and ascended to the Father leaving this world to perish as it deserved. For the second time He asks the Father if it possible for the cup to pass Him and again He found his disciples sleeping.
But the Lord desired to do the will of the Father. For a third time He went back to pray: is it possible for this cup to pass from me, nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.

Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. Luke 22:43.

The angel that had taken the place of Lucifer descended in order to strengthen Jesus. He did not take away the bitter cup from the Lord’s hands; neither did he provide the Lord super human strength to bear this burden. The angel simply reminded Jesus why he had come to this earth.

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. *

Jesus did not leave us to die without hope. In the midst of pain and suffering we endure in this terrible world we can look to the heavens and see that something better awaits us.

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. *

The decision is made and the battle decided. Thank God are saved. Through the death of Jesus we can reach heaven even if do not deserve it.
But having made such a great sacrifice, how can we reject it. We must go to Him and accept so great a salvation.

JESUS IS COMING SOON, AMEN, YES, LORD JESUS COME!

* The Desire of Ages, "74. Gethsemane", Ellen G. White

The Triumphant Entry Part 1 (Easter)

When He had said this, He went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. And it came to pass, when He drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mountain called Olivet, that He sent two of His disciples, saying, “Go into the village opposite you, where as you enter you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever sat. Loose it and bring it here. And if anyone asks you, ‘Why are you loosing it?’ thus you shall say to him, ‘Because the Lord has need of it. So those who were sent went their way and found it just as He had said to them. But as they were loosing the colt, the owners of it said to them, “Why are you loosing the colt?” And they said, “The Lord has need of him.” Then they brought him to Jesus. And they threw their own clothes on the colt, and they set Jesus on him. And as He went, many spread their clothes on the road. Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, saying: Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest! Luke 19:28-38.

The first day of the week Jesus gave specific instructions to his disciples. They were amazed to see that everything the Lord told them came true. They found the colt in the place where He had indicated and they responded in the manner in which they had been directed.

The disciples’ belief was that Jesus had come to free them and set up His kingdom. Therefore, they were more than happy to put their cloaks over the colt and sit Jesus on it for His triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

As they descended the Mount of Olives they all witnessed the magnificent city and the bright sun reflecting on the majestic temple. The nation was proud of the temple which had been dedicated to God but unfortunately had become more important than God himself.

The crowd began to grow and they all shouted excitedly that their king had come. They threw palms on the ground while the donkey moved slowly towards the city.

Suddenly they saw a strange imaged that left everyone perplexed.

Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it. Luke 19:41.

Seeing Jesus mourn, sadness inexplicably ran through everyone. It was unlike the tear Jesus had shed Lazarus’ grave. They were groans, they were great cries of agony.

... The world's Redeemer was overwhelmed by sudden and mysterious sorrow. He, the Son of God, the Promised One of Israel who had overcome death by taking away its captives, wept not common prey of despondency, but dominated by intense and irrepressible agony. *1

Even heaven remained silent while witnessing this image.

The Majesty of heaven in tears! the Son of the infinite God troubled in spirit, bowed down with anguish! The scene filled all heaven with wonder. That scene reveals to us the exceeding sinfulness of sin; it shows how hard a task it is, even for Infinite Power, to save the guilty from the consequences of transgressing the law of God. Jesus, looking down to the last generation, saw the world involved in a deception similar to that which caused the destruction of Jerusalem. The great sin of the Jews was their rejection of Christ; the great sin of the Christian world would be their rejection of the law of God, the foundation of His government in heaven and earth. The precepts of Jehovah would be despised and set at nought. Millions in bondage to sin, slaves of Satan, doomed to suffer the second death, would refuse to listen to the words of truth in their day of visitation. Terrible blindness! strange infatuation! *2

I've already depicted the images Jesus saw, the images that led Him to weep. (The Last Night: Jerusalem). But what I will briefly emphasize what led Jesus to cry in such a way.

Saying, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around you, surround you and close you in on every side, and level you, and your children within you, to the ground; and they will not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” Luke 19:42-44.

His tears were not for Himself, though He well knew whither His feet were tending. Before Him lay Gethsemane, the scene of His approaching agony…Not far distant was Calvary, the place of crucifixion. Upon the path which Christ was soon to tread must fall the horror of great darkness as He should make His soul an offering for sin. Yet it was not the contemplation of these scenes that cast the shadow upon Him in this hour of gladness. No foreboding of His own superhuman anguish clouded that unselfish spirit. He wept for the doomed thousands of Jerusalem--because of the blindness and impenitence of those whom He came to bless and to save. *2

The Lord suffered knowing that they had rejected His grace and would be destroyed forever. He wept knowing that its inhabitants would have no hope of eternal life. Condemnation was upon them.

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! Matthew 23:37.

These words touch my heart as they lead me to consider the love Jesus has for us. He gave his life for us yet we continue to reject Him. He did not simply shed tears for the Jewish nation. He shed tears over all of us.

The Jewish nation was a symbol of the people of all ages who scorn the pleadings of Infinite Love. The tears of Christ when He wept over Jerusalem were for the sins of all time. In the judgments pronounced upon Israel, those who reject the reproofs and warnings of God's Holy Spirit, may read their own condemnation. *1

Christ saw in Jerusalem a symbol of the world hardened in unbelief and rebellion, and hastening on to meet the retributive judgments of God. The woes of a fallen race, pressing upon His soul, forced from His lips that exceeding bitter cry. He saw the record of sin traced in human misery, tears, and blood; His heart was moved with infinite pity for the afflicted and suffering ones of earth; He yearned to relieve them all. But even His hand might not turn back the tide of human woe; few would seek their only Source of help. He was willing to pour out His soul unto death, to bring salvation within their reach; but few would come to Him that they might have life. *2

Hopefully, during this short time we have left, we all accept Jesus in our lives. It brings sadness to the hearts of those who have fought to bring the Gospel to people who in turn have rejected it. Even more, it brings great sadness to Jesus knowing that He died for us and we neglect His opportunity for salvation.
We must allow Him to enter into our lives. We must let Him transform our hearts and we shall soon rejoice when he returns in the clouds of heaven.

JESUS IS COMING SOON, AMEN, YES, COME, LORD JESUS!

1* The Desire Of The Ages, "A Doomed People", Ellen G. White

2* The Great Controversy, "1. The Destruction of Jerusalem ", Ellen G. White

Jesus In The Beginning

We will be reviewing some of the events that transpired during the last week of the passion of Jesus. To really understand what the Lord did for us we must first remember who he was.

His Sacrifice, His death on the cross, the price of salvation, only comes into context when we understand who our beloved Jesus really was. Moreover, the relationship that should exist with the Lord goes beyond the emotions and feelings felt because of what Jesus suffered during the week.

In The Beginning

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made… And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:1-3, 14.

Remember that Jesus is God made man. Unfortunately, many deny that fact. But the apostle John tells us that Jesus (the Word) was with God and He was God. Jesus created the worlds and then became flesh and dwelt among us.

The glory of the Father is in Jesus as He and the Father are one. Although covered by the mantle of humanity, the glory of God was in Him. We cannot fully comprehend this concept but Jesus was 100% human and 100% divine.

God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. Hebrews 1:1-3.

Jesus is the brightness of His glory, the express image of His person. Therefore, He received at the same praise and worship, the same honor as the Father in heaven. He is God, without beginning or end.

Although He Was God

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11.

We come to better understand how great the God’s sacrifice for humanity was. Being God, He humbled Himself; He stripped Himself of all honor and glory and came to die one of the worst deaths so that we may be saved. He was not obligated to do so, it was a decision that He made for our sake.

He Paid The Price For Our Sins

He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:3-6.

Our destiny due to sin, was changed, thanks to Jesus Christ. We deserved death but He granted us life, for He is life.

Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves. He was condemned for our sins, in which He had no share, that we might be justified by His righteousness, in which we had no share. He suffered the death which was ours, that we might receive the life which was His. "With His stripes we are healed." *

Why Did He Do It?

God gave His only-begotten Son to become one of the human family, forever to retain His human nature. This is the pledge that God will fulfill His word…God has adopted human nature in the person of His Son, and has carried the same into the highest heaven. It is the "Son of man" who shares the throne of the universe. It is the "Son of man" whose name shall be called, "Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isa. 9:6. The I Am is the Daysman between God and humanity, laying His hand upon both. He who is "holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners," is not ashamed to call us brethren. Heb. 7:26; 2:11. In Christ the family of earth and the family of heaven are bound together. Christ glorified is our brother. Heaven is enshrined in humanity, and humanity is enfolded in the bosom of Infinite Love.*

The Lord came to reconcile us with the Father. He came to reunite the earthly with the heavenly family. Jesus came to restore what Adam and Eve had experienced in Eden. What a privilege! We are called children of God, brothers and sister of Jesus; we are made part of the royal family.
Final Reward
With all that the Lord Jesus has done, we are assured that soon He will return. We can be sure that all who have believed in Him, all that have accepted Him will be reunited in the kingdom of heaven. When the Lord returns, both the dead in Christ and the living righteous will receive the final reward, as faithful and true is He who has promised it.

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. Philippians 3:20, 21.

By His life and His death, Christ has achieved even more than recovery from the ruin wrought through sin…in Christ we become more closely united to God than if we had never fallen. In taking our nature, the Saviour has bound Himself to humanity by a tie that is never to be broken. Through the eternal ages He is linked with us. *

JESUS IS COMING SOON, AMEN, YES, COME LORD JESUS!

The Desire Of The Ages, "1. God With Us ", Ellen G. White

The School Of The Hereafter (Part 1)

And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. John 17:3.

Everyone in this world is a student. As often happens in schools, there are motivated and talented students and there are lazy and indifferent ones.

This world is just the first school course of study throughout eternity.

Heaven is a school; its field of study, the universe; its teacher, the Infinite One. A branch of this school was established in Eden; and, the plan of redemption accomplished, education will again be taken up in the Eden school.*

But unlike Adam and Eve in Eden, we have not had the opportunity to see our teacher face to face. We have not had the privilege to hear His voice, to have a better understanding of His power. Sin has severely limited our capabilities but soon all will change.

They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. Revelation 22:4.

Restored to His presence, man will again, as at the beginning, be taught of God:*

Therefore My people shall know My name; therefore they shall know in that day that I am He who speaks: Behold, it is I. Isaiah 52:6.

…Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. Revelation 21:3.

For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. 1 Corinthians 13:12.

The best and most perfect study will be carried out in heaven. But the preparation made made here, now, will have a major impact in the hereafter.

The life on earth is the beginning of the life in heaven; education on earth is an initiation into the principles of heaven; the lifework here is a training for the lifework there. What we now are, in character and holy service, is the sure foreshadowing of what we shall be.*

Through the Word of God we may begin to know Him. We see his character of love and mercy. We find the great power of God. We get to see a shadow of what heaven will be like. But can you imagine what it will really be like?

There will be open to the student, history of infinite scope and of wealth inexpressible. Here, from the vantage ground of God's word, the student is afforded a view of the vast field of history and may gain some knowledge of the principles that govern the course of human events. But his vision is still clouded, and his knowledge incomplete. Not until he stands in the light of eternity will he see all things clearly.*

What a great privilege it will be to be enrolled in heaven’s school! We will be clothed with immortality and see the Lord face to face. We shall share with our loved ones never to be interrupted by death. Finally, it will be revealed what we should be.

Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 1 John 3:2.

THE LORD IS COMING SOON, AMEN, YES, COME LORD JESUS!

* Education, “35. The School Of The Hereafter”, Ellen G. White

Temperance And The Second Coming

He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. John 1:17.

The Lord had a chosen one who would pave the way for his first coming. Now, He also has a chosen people that will prepare the way for His return.

John was to go forth as Jehovah's messenger, to bring to men the light of God. He must give a new direction to their thoughts. He must impress them with the holiness of God's requirements, and their need of His perfect righteousness. Such a messenger must be holy. He must be a temple for the indwelling Spirit of God. In order to fulfill his mission, he must have a sound physical constitution, and mental and spiritual strength. Therefore it would be necessary for him to control the appetites and passions. He must be able so to control all his powers that he could stand among men as unmoved by surrounding circumstances as the rocks and mountains of the wilderness. *

God is calling men and women for this solemn work. Especially, nowadays when many are so busy in everything except the celestial. The Lord in His love and mercy extends us this invitation.

All events are pointing to the second coming of Jesus. There are still too many people who do not know that there is a God who created the heavens and the earth, and that one day He sent His Son to save us.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16.

It is our duty to speak of our great God who loved us so much that He gave what was most dear, what was most precious, his only Son, the Lord Jesus.

In preparing the way for Christ's first advent, he was a representative of those who are to prepare a people for our Lord's second coming. The world is given to self-indulgence. Errors and fables abound. Satan's snares for destroying souls are multiplied. All who would perfect holiness in the fear of God must learn the lessons of temperance and self-control. The appetites and passions must be held in subjection to the higher powers of the mind. This self-discipline is essential to that mental strength and spiritual insight which will enable us to understand and to practice the sacred truths of God's word. For this reason temperance finds its place in the work of preparation for Christ's second coming. *

And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. Romans 13:11-14.

Let us ask assistance in becoming instruments in God's hands. He tells us:

...Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Luke 11:9, 10.

The Lord Jesus is to return a second time, and is looking for HIs pure and righteous people.

Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; 2 Peter 3:14.

There is one last message to give to this world. Let us ask God that we can form part of this great task. Lets leave behind everything that does not allow the Holy Spirit to anoint us with its power.

THE LORD IS COMING SOON, AMEN, YES, COME LORD JESUS!

* The Desire Of All Ages, 10. The voice of one crying in the wilderness ", Ellen White
* KCC

Behold, The Bridegroom Is Coming! (Part 3)

But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. Matthew 25:5-7.

The bridegroom was delayed. He arrives at midnight, the darkest hour, the moment in which no one expected, the moment when all were asleep.

Such is the condition of the world now, darkened by confusion, pain, suffering, sin and death. The light of God has been rejected because many prefer the darkness.

The coming of the bridegroom was at midnight--the darkest hour. So the coming of Christ will take place in the darkest period of this earth's history. The days of Noah and Lot pictured the condition of the world just before the coming of the Son of man. The Scriptures pointing forward to this time declare that Satan will work with all power and "with all deceivableness of unrighteousness." 2 Thess. 2:9, 10. His working is plainly revealed by the rapidly increasing darkness, the multitudinous errors, heresies, and delusions of these last days. Not only is Satan leading the world captive, but his deceptions are leavening the professed churches of our Lord Jesus Christ. The great apostasy will develop into darkness deep as midnight, impenetrable as sackcloth of hair. To God's people it will be a night of trial, a night of weeping, a night of persecution for the truth's sake. But out of that night of darkness God's light will shine.*

In the midst of such darkness it is sometimes difficult to see the light of God. Our eyes of faith are covered by the tears that this world produces. The difficulties encountered at midnight create the darkest period in human history. But the light of God never ceases to shine.
Although, all were asleep 5 of the lamps were still burning.

But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. Matthew 25:4.

In the parable the wise virgins had oil in their vessels with their lamps. Their light burned with undimmed flame through the night of watching. It helped to swell the illumination for the bridegroom's honor. Shining out in the darkness, it helped to illuminate the way to the home of the bridegroom, to the marriage feast.*

So the followers of Christ are to shed light into the darkness of the world. Through the Holy Spirit, God's word is a light as it becomes a transforming power in the life of the receiver. By implanting in their hearts the principles of His word, the Holy Spirit develops in men the attributes of God. The light of His glory--His character--is to shine forth in His followers. Thus they are to glorify God, to lighten the path to the Bridegroom's home, to the city of God, to the marriage supper of the Lamb.*

Do not forget that the throughout all of eternity, God has always been the source of light.

The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. Genesis 1:2, 3.

God's light is never fades away and while the enemy tries to cover it, through Jesus, it can continue to shine bright in our lives.
For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6.

Arise, shine; for your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and deep darkness the people; BUT THE LORD WILL ARISE OVER YOU, AND HIS GLORY WILL BE SEEN UPON YOU. Isaiah 60:1, 2.

What beautiful hope. Even when all seems lost, when we are in our most desperate condition, the rays of heavenly light can penetrate into our lives. They make us lift our eyes towards heaven. Perhaps our tears will not yet be completely wiped away, but it places a peace in our hearts and a security that soon He will come wipe away our tears once and for all.

It is the darkness of misapprehension of God that is enshrouding the world. Men are losing their knowledge of His character. It has been misunderstood and misinterpreted. At this time a message from God is to be proclaimed, a message illuminating in its influence and saving in its power. His character is to be made known. Into the darkness of the world is to be shed the light of His glory, the light of His goodness, mercy, and truth.*

Such was the work for which Jesus came to this world. He came to reveal the glory of the Father, to make known His character. Through Him we come to the Father.

If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him. John 14:7.

Christ, the outshining of the Father's glory, came to the world as its light. He came to represent God to men…In the synagogue at Nazareth He said,

The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; he has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD. Luke 4:18, 19.

This was the work He commissioned His disciples to do.

You are the light of the world…Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14, 16.

This is the work which the prophet Isaiah describes when he says,

"Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily; and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward. Isaiah 58:7, 8.

What The World Needs Now

God’s people, His church, His children must all be light unto the world.

Thus in the night of spiritual darkness God's glory is to shine forth through His church in lifting up the bowed down and comforting those that mourn.*

All around us are heard the wails of a world's sorrow. On every hand are the needy and distressed. It is ours to aid in relieving and softening life's hardships and misery.*

The Lord left the necessary tools at our disposal so that we may share the light of hope to the souls in need.

There are many from whom hope has departed. Bring back the sunshine to them. Many have lost their courage. Speak to them words of cheer. Pray for them. There are those who need the bread of life. Read to them from the word of God. Upon many is a soul sickness which no earthly balm can reach nor physician heal. Pray for these souls, bring them to Jesus. Tell them that there is a balm in Gilead and a Physician there. *

Not that the world deserves it. Not that we deserve such mercy. We receive this gift because of God’s great love for us. A love capable of giving up the best of heaven to save us. The defeated enemy cannot interrupt such a heavenly link.

Light is a blessing, a universal blessing, pouring forth its treasures on a world unthankful, unholy, demoralized. So it is with the light of the Sun of Righteousness. The whole earth, wrapped as it is in the darkness of sin, and sorrow, and pain, is to be lighted with the knowledge of God's love. From no sect, rank, or class of people is the light shining from heaven's throne to be excluded.*

The message of hope and mercy is to be carried to the ends of the earth. Whosoever will, may reach forth and take hold of God's strength and make peace with Him, and he shall make peace. No longer are the heathen to be wrapped in midnight darkness. The gloom is to disappear before the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. The power of hell has been overcome. *

I must emphasize two very important points. We reflect the light that is God. For us to be good people simply isn’t enough. Everything comes from God.

But no man can impart that which he himself has not received. In the work of God, humanity can originate nothing. No man can by his own effort make himself a light bearer for God. It was the golden oil emptied by the heavenly messengers into the golden tubes, to be conducted from the golden bowl into the lamps of the sanctuary, that produced a continuous bright and shining light. It is the love of God continually transferred to man that enables him to impart light. Into the hearts of all who are united to God by faith the golden oil of love flows freely, to shine out again in good works, in real, heartfelt service for God.*

Note that we are simply tools that God can use to shine through. We are divine agents. We too are being illuminated while enlightening others. Our efforts will fail if that heavenly light does not work in us first. We are like the moon reflecting light from the sun of righteousness.

Christ does not bid His followers strive to shine. He says, Let your light shine. If you have received the grace of God, the light is in you. Remove the obstructions, and the Lord's glory will be revealed. The light will shine forth to penetrate and dispel the darkness. You cannot help shining within the range of your influence.*

Source Of Power

God has always been and remains the source of power. Our Father is more than willing to pour upon us the power of the Holy Spirit. But we do not want it. We do not pray for its anointment.

In the great and measureless gift of the Holy Spirit are contained all of heaven's resources. It is not because of any restriction on the part of God that the riches of His grace do not flow earthward to men. If all were willing to receive, all would become filled with His Spirit.*

Much of this has to do with our own spiritual condition. It has to do with the lack of commitment we have with God, with the lack of love we have other souls, with small desire and need currently have to be in heaven.

The religion of Christ means more than the forgiveness of sin; it means taking away our sins, and filling the vacuum with the graces of the Holy Spirit. It means divine illumination, rejoicing in God. It means a heart emptied of self, and blessed with the abiding presence of Christ. When Christ reigns in the soul, there is purity, freedom from sin. The glory, the fullness, the completeness of the gospel plan is fulfilled in the life. The acceptance of the Saviour brings a glow of perfect peace, perfect love, perfect assurance. The beauty and fragrance of the character of Christ revealed in the life testifies that God has indeed sent His Son into the world to be its Saviour.*

Heaven On Standby

It is the privilege of every soul to be a living channel through which God can communicate to the world the treasures of His grace, the unsearchable riches of Christ. There is nothing that Christ desires so much as agents who will represent to the world His Spirit and character. There is nothing that the world needs so much as the manifestation through humanity of the Saviour's love. All heaven is waiting for channels through which can be poured the holy oil to be a joy and blessing to human hearts.*

May we be part of the wise group, part of the group that has enough oil to shine throughout the last night of this world. Midnight is nearing its end; the glorious morning is almost here. May we be of those invited to the marriage supper of the lamb.

JESUS IS COMING SOON, AMEN, YES, COME LORD JESUS!

*Christ’s Object Lessons, "To Meet The Bridegroom", Ellen g. White

Behold, The Bridegroom Is Coming! (Part 2)

But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept...Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them. Matthew 25:5, 3.

The husband delayed more than expected. As it was late the ten virgins slumbered and slept.

And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. Matthew 25:6, 7.

As we saw in the series, The Last Night, the Lord manifests himself in the darkest, most desperate, most unexpected moment.

But as in the parable, so it is now. A time of waiting intervenes, faith is tried; and when the cry is heard, "Behold, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet Him," many are unready.*

Before proceeding, let us keep in mind that the parable begins by making a distinction between the virgins.

Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them. Matthew 25:2, 3.

Who do the five foolish virgins represent?

• The class represented by the foolish virgins are not hypocrites. *
• They have a regard for the truth, they have advocated the truth, they are attracted to those who believe the truth... *
• This class is represented also by the stony-ground hearers. *
• They receive the word with readiness, but they fail of assimilating its principles. *
• Its influence is not abiding.*
• The Spirit works upon man's heart, according to his desire and consent implanting in him a new nature…*

The five foolish virgins were also waiting for the husband. Remember everything the 10 virgins shared in common. (Here Comes The Bridegroom! - Part 1)

But they lack:

• Really Knowing God
• Studying His character.
• Surrendering completely to the Holy Spirit.
• Falling upon the Rock, Christ Jesus, and permitting their old nature to be broken up.*
• Examining their character.
• Maintaining communion with the Lord.
• Knowing how to trust in Jesus.

What Really Happens With The Foolish Ones?

• The class represented by the foolish virgins have been content with a superficial work.*
• Their service to God degenerates into a form.*

So they come to you as people do, they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain. Ezekiel 33:31.

The apostle Paul points out that this will be the special characteristic of those who live just before Christ's second coming. Because of such a condition we must be prepared.

In the last days perilous times shall come: for men shall be lovers of their own selves; . . . lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof. 2 Timothy 3:1-5.

The Foolish Ones Of Our Days

The first reaction of the foolish, seeing that the husband was coming, was to ask the 5 wise ones for oil.

And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ Matthew 25:8.

This is the class that in time of peril are found crying, Peace and safety. They lull their hearts into security, and dream not of danger. When startled from their lethargy, they discern their destitution, and entreat others to supply their lack; but in spiritual things no man can make up another's deficiency. The grace of God has been freely offered to every soul. The message of the gospel has been heralded.*

… And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. Revelation 22:17.

Most of us have already received this invitation. The work is individual, salvation is a personal issue.

But the character is not transferable. No man can believe for another. No man can receive the Spirit for another. No man can impart to another the character which is the fruit of the Spirit's working.*

Though Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it [the land], as I live, saith the Lord God, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness. Ezekiel 14:20.

I cannot overemphasize how important our daily preparation is. If only we realized how close the coming of the Lord is.

It is in a crisis that character is revealed. When the earnest voice proclaimed at midnight, "Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him," and the sleeping virgins were roused from their slumbers, it was seen who had made preparation for the event. Both parties were taken unawares; but one was prepared for the emergency, and the other was found without preparation. So now, a sudden and unlooked-for calamity, something that brings the soul face to face with death, will show whether there is any real faith in the promises of God. It will show whether the soul is sustained by grace. The great final test comes at the close of human probation, when it will be too late for the soul's need to be supplied. *

At the final day, many will claim admission to Christ's kingdom, saying,

We have eaten and drunk in Thy presence, and Thou hast taught in our streets. Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name have cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? Luke 13:26, 27.

But the answer will be,

"I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from Me." Matthew 7:22.

Saddest of all words that ever fell on mortal ear are those words of doom, "I know you not." The fellowship of the Spirit, which you have slighted, could alone make you one with the joyous throng at the marriage feast. In that scene you cannot participate. Its light would fall on blinded eyes, its melody upon deaf ears. Its love and joy could awake no chord of gladness in the world-benumbed heart. You are shut out from heaven by your own unfitness for its companionship.*

Terribly sad words. But the Lord will pronounce them. The question is, is this what Jesus will say to us?

We cannot be ready to meet the Lord by waking when the cry is heard, "Behold, the Bridegroom!" and then gathering up our empty lamps to have them replenished. We cannot keep Christ apart from our lives here, and yet be fitted for His companionship in heaven. *

In this life they have not entered into fellowship with Christ; therefore they know not the language of heaven, they are strangers to its joy. *

He who does not know Jesus in this world and has not learned to walk with Him now will not do so in heaven. Salvation is available today. The light we receive must now shine in our lives. Only when we receive the power of the Holy Spirit can we be light to a dark world.

But no man can impart that which he himself has not received. In the work of God, humanity can originate nothing. No man can by his own effort make himself a light bearer for God. It was the golden oil emptied by the heavenly messengers into the golden tubes, to be conducted from the golden bowl into the lamps of the sanctuary, that produced a continuous bright and shining light. It is the love of God continually transferred to man that enables him to impart light. Into the hearts of all who are united to God by faith the golden oil of love flows freely, to shine out again in good works, in real, heartfelt service for God. *

What We Need Now

Without the Spirit of God a knowledge of His word is of no avail. The theory of truth, unaccompanied by the Holy Spirit, cannot quicken the soul or sanctify the heart. One may be familiar with the commands and promises of the Bible; but unless the Spirit of God sets the truth home, the character will not be transformed. Without the enlightenment of the Spirit, men will not be able to distinguish truth from error, and they will fall under the masterful temptations of Satan. *

The work is not ours and salvation is a gift, a gift from God.

So the followers of Christ are to shed light into the darkness of the world. Through the Holy Spirit, God's word is a light as it becomes a transforming power in the life of the receiver. By implanting in their hearts the principles of His word, the Holy Spirit develops in men the attributes of God. The light of His glory--His character--is to shine forth in His followers. Thus they are to glorify God, to lighten the path to the Bridegroom's home, to the city of God, to the marriage supper of the Lamb. *

JESUS IS COMING SOON, AMEN, YES, COME LORD JESUS!

* Christ’s Object Lessons, "To Meet The Bridegroom", Ellen g. White

Behold, The Bridegroom Is Coming! (Part1)

Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Matthew 25:1.

The parable of the ten virgins has great lessons for our times. In it we find the great need our world has of Jesus.

Let us quickly look at the context in which Lord presented this parable.

Christ with His disciples is seated upon the Mount of Olives. The sun has set behind the mountains, and the heavens are curtained with the shades of evening. *

The Lord used life experiences, everyday occurrences, so that His disciples could understand important spiritual lessons. A wedding was taking place before them and as the guests awaited for the bridegroom arrival, Jesus took the opportunity to teach them something that we, as the remnant, must always keep in mind. Above all we are waiting for the return of the bridegroom to this word, the return of our Saviour.

Lingering near the bride's house are ten young women robed in white. Each carries a lighted lamp and a small flagon for oil. All are anxiously watching for the appearance of the bridegroom. But there is a delay. Hour after hour passes; the watchers become weary and fall asleep. At midnight the cry is heard, "Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him." The sleepers, suddenly awaking, spring to their feet. They see the procession moving on, bright with torches and glad with music. They hear the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride. The ten maidens seize their lamps and begin to trim them, in haste to go forth. But five have neglected to fill their flasks with oil. They did not anticipate so long a delay, and they have not prepared for the emergency. In distress they appeal to their wiser companions saying, "Give us of your oil; for our lamps are going out." But the waiting five, with their freshly trimmed lamps, have emptied their flagons. They have no oil to spare, and they answer, "Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves." *

While they went to buy, the procession moved on, and left them behind. The five with lighted lamps joined the throng and entered the house with the bridal train, and the door was shut. When the foolish virgins reached the banqueting hall, they received an unexpected denial. The master of the feast declared, "I know you not." They were left standing without, in the empty street, in the blackness of the night. *

Let us consider the various components of this parable.

What Do They Represent?

• The Virgins
• They are called virgins because they profess a pure faith.
• The two classes who profess to be waiting for their Lord.
• The Lamps
• The word of God.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto may path. Psalm 119:105.

• The Oil
• A symbol of the Holy Spirit.
• The mission of the two anointed ones (the two olives in Zechariah 4) is to communicate to God's people that heavenly grace which alone can make His word a lamp to the feet and a light to the path.

Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. Zechariah 4:6.

A Panoramic View – All 10 Virgins

• In the parable, all the ten virgins went out to meet the bridegroom.
• The ten virgins are watching in the evening of this earth's history.
• All had lamps and vessels for oil.
• All claim to be Christians.
• All profess to be doing God's service.
• For a time there was seen no difference between them.
• So with the church that lives just before Christ's second coming.
• All have heard the message of Christ's near approach, and confidently expect His appearing.
• All have a knowledge of the Scriptures.

Unfortunately, although, all ten had received the same message they did not all partake of the marriage supper.

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. Revelation 3:20, 21.

Let's us search each day for that transforming power that will enable us very soon to enjoy to the marriage supper of the Lamb.

JESUS IS COMING, AMEN, YES, COME LORD JESUS!

* Christ’s Object Lessons, “To Meet The Bridegroom”, Ellen G. White.

The Last Night - Part 13 (The End Of The World)

And at midnight a cry was heard: Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him! Matthew 25:6

The last night of this world is ending. It announces the return of Jesus.
With earnest longing, God's people await the tokens of their coming King. As the watchmen are accosted, "What of the night?" the answer is given unfalteringly, "'The morning cometh, and also the night.' Isaiah 21:11, 12. Light is gleaming upon the clouds above the mountaintops. Soon there will be a revealing of His glory. The Sun of Righteousness is about to shine forth. The morning and the night are both at hand--the opening of endless day to the righteous, the settling down of eternal night to the wicked." *1

Then the King will say to those on His right hand, Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world…Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels. Matthew 25:34, 41

The end of the last night will bring different, opposing results to the righteous and the wicked. The end of the night for the righteous is the beginning of the glorious morning. The morning in which the Lord will descend with great power and glory. The morning in which the dead in Christ will rise immortal. The morning in which the living will be transformed and caught up in the clouds of heaven.

It is at midnight that God manifests His power for the deliverance of His people. The sun appears, shining in its strength. Signs and wonders follow in quick succession. The wicked look with terror and amazement upon the scene, while the righteous behold with solemn joy the tokens of their deliverance. Everything in nature seems turned out of its course. The streams cease to flow. Dark, heavy clouds come up and clash against each other. In the midst of the angry heavens is one clear space of indescribable glory, whence comes the voice of God like the sound of many waters, saying: "It is done." Revelation 16:17. *2

And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near. Luke 21:25-28

Disasters that now arise on land and sea, pale in comparison to what will occur in nature when the Lord comes.

That voice shakes the heavens and the earth. There is a mighty earthquake, "such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great." Verses 17, 18. The firmament appears to open and shut. The glory from the throne of God seems flashing through. The mountains shake like a reed in the wind, and ragged rocks are scattered on every side. There is a roar as of a coming tempest. The sea is lashed into fury. There is heard the shriek of a hurricane like the voice of demons upon a mission of destruction. The whole earth heaves and swells like the waves of the sea. Its surface is breaking up. Its very foundations seem to be giving way. Mountain chains are sinking. Inhabited islands disappear. The seaports that have become like Sodom for wickedness are swallowed up by the angry waters. Babylon the great has come in remembrance before God, "to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath." Great hailstones, every one "about the weight of a talent," are doing their work of destruction. Verses 19, 21. The proudest cities of the earth are laid low. The lordly palaces, upon which the world's great men have lavished their wealth in order to glorify themselves, are crumbling to ruin before their eyes. Prison walls are rent asunder, and God's people, who have been held in bondage for their faith, are set free. *2

But if there is something in this land will brings fear to the wicked and great happiness to the righteous shall see the resurrection of our loved ones who will be be called from the grave to eternal life!

Graves are opened, and "many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth. . . awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." Daniel 12:2. All who have died in the faith of the third angel's message come forth from the tomb glorified, to hear God's covenant of peace with those who have kept His law. "They also which pierced Him" (Revelation 1:7), those that mocked and derided Christ's dying agonies, and the most violent opposers of His truth and His people, are raised to behold Him in His glory and to see the honor placed upon the loyal and obedient. *2

This takes place immediately before His return, because both those who sleep in Christ and the living, shall see our King of kings and Lord of lords descend in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

The result of the wicked in every respect will be terrible and dreadful, but just.

Thick clouds still cover the sky; yet the sun now and then breaks through, appearing like the avenging eye of Jehovah. Fierce lightnings leap from the heavens, enveloping the earth in a sheet of flame. Above the terrific roar of thunder, voices, mysterious and awful, declare the doom of the wicked. The words spoken are not comprehended by all; but they are distinctly understood by the false teachers. Those who a little before were so reckless, so boastful and defiant, so exultant in their cruelty to God's commandment-keeping people, are now overwhelmed with consternation and shuddering in fear. Their wails are heard above the sound of the elements. Demons acknowledge the deity of Christ and tremble before His power, while men are supplicating for mercy and groveling in abject terror. *2

The last night for the wicked is the beginning of their eternal darkness. They will be destroyed; the land was become desolate and empty. If you tremble at the current earthquakes and natural disasters, if you scare with the images presented in apocalyptic movies, wait until these events actually take images. The earth desolate and empty, the corpses of the wicked laying everywhere.

I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand? Revelation 6:12-17

Because of the brightness of His glory, the wicked will implore to the rocks and mountains to fall upon them. The antediluvian world was destroyed by water; this world will be destroyed with fire. There will be no one left to bury their bodies. There will be no one left to rebuild that which God destroyed. For a thousand years, Satan will be bound never to deceive anyone in this universe ever.

At the coming of Christ the wicked are blotted from the face of the whole earth--consumed with the spirit of His mouth and destroyed by the brightness of His glory. Christ takes His people to the City of God, and the earth is emptied of its inhabitants. "Behold, the Lord maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof." "The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for the Lord hath spoken this word." *3

The revelator foretells the banishment of Satan and the condition of chaos and desolation to which the earth is to be reduced, and he declares that this condition will exist for a thousand years. *3

The last night ends!

JESUS IS COMING SOON, AMEN, YES, COME LORD JESUS!

1 * The Great Controversy, "39. The Time of Trouble" Ellen g. White
2 * The Great Controversy "40. God’s People Delivered", Ellen g. White
3 * The Great Controversy, "41. Desolation Of The Earth", Ellen g. White

The Last Night - Part 12 (The World - Divine Protection)

Blow the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; for the day of the LORD is coming, for it is at hand: A day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, like the morning clouds spread over the mountains. A people come, great and strong, the like of whom has never been; nor will there ever be any such after them, even for many successive generations. Joel 2:1, 2.

As long as there are many asleep, many sporting away the precious hours in careless indifference, as it were, upon the very brink of the eternal world, those who do believe must be sober, must be awake, must be earnest and diligent, and watch unto prayer. *1

Perhaps these words may seem repetitive. For many the Lord's coming is a distant event. It's something that will happen in the far-away future. People live everyday believing that they will have the opportunity to live a full life, without commitments, enjoying all of life’s pleasures.

Few people look to heaven and understand that the end is near. There are few who cry out to the Lord day and night for Him to return. While the Lord's blessings continue pouring over us, we think there is time and that there is no need for Jesus to return yet. The servant of the Lord calls it a "careless indifference."

Many are blinded to the pain and suffering that individuals experience every day around the world. In looking at recent events we see the hopelessness that people have. Many have lost all of their belongings, they have seen their life’s work turn to nothing in seconds. Others have lost their health, lost their limbs, lost their lives in recent disasters. Others experience the anguish of losing a loved one. Many go to bed hungry and worried considering that the next day will again have no way of providing for their families. Children suffer and dye every day.

One person described his anguish in this latest disaster. The waves had swept his house out to sea, while he and his wife were still inside. Desperately, he had been looking for her everywhere as he considered the possibility of never seeing his wife again.

The blessings that God continues to spill over His children are to be employed in the work of saving souls. They are intended for the purpose of preaching the gospel, so that Christ may return soon and end this world of pain and suffering.

While the final night of this world is about to end we must focus to the eternal and seek the anointing of the Holy Spirit. We need the Lord to return, we need to save the hopeless souls.

Everything that happens around us is to awaken and prepare all for the big day.

The church, soon to enter upon her most severe conflict, will be the object most dear to God upon earth. The confederacy of evil will be stirred with power from beneath, and Satan will cast all the reproach possible upon the chosen ones whom he cannot deceive and delude with his satanic inventions and falsehoods. But exalted "to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins," will Christ, our representative and head, close His heart, or withdraw His hand, or falsify His promise? No; never, never. *2

There is to be, at this period, a series of events which will reveal that God is Master of the situation. The truth will be proclaimed in clear, unmistakable language. As a people, we must prepare the way of the Lord, under the overruling guidance of the Holy Spirit. The gospel is to be given in its purity. The stream of living water is to deepen and widen in its course. In all fields, nigh and afar off, men will be called from the plow and from the more common commercial business vocations that largely occupy the mind, and will be educated in connection with men of experience. As they learn to labor effectively, they will proclaim the truth with power. Through most wonderful workings of divine providence, mountains of difficulties will be removed, and cast into the sea. The message that means so much to the dwellers upon the earth will be heard and understood. Men will know what is truth. Onward, and still onward the work will advance, until the whole earth shall have been warned. And then shall the end come. *3

The message of salvation will come to all. And as we begin the great time of trouble, while we are in trials and difficulties, heavenly rays of hope will shine in our lives. God is on our side. In that time, when probation closes not a single Christian will perish. Just as they were protected during the destruction of Jerusalem and just as Lot and his daughters were protected by angels so too shall we.

Not one Christian perished in the destruction of Jerusalem. Christ had given His disciples warning, and all who believed His words watched for the promised sign. "When ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies," said Jesus, "then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out." Luke 21:20, 21. *4

But for the angels of God, they would all have perished in the ruin of Sodom. The heavenly messengers took him and his wife and daughters by the hand and led them out of the city. *5

We cannot know how much we owe to Christ for the peace and protection which we enjoy. *4

In the form of men, angels are often in the assemblies of the righteous; and they visit the assemblies of the wicked, as they went to Sodom, to make a record of their deeds, to determine whether they have passed the boundary of God's forbearance. The Lord delights in mercy; and for the sake of a few who really serve Him, He restrains calamities and prolongs the tranquillity of multitudes. Little do sinners against God realize that they are indebted for their own lives to the faithful few whom they delight to ridicule and oppress. *6

But those who heed the warning shall dwell "in the secret place of the Most High," and "abide under the shadow of the Almighty." His truth shall be their shield and buckler. For them is the promise, "With long life will I satisfy him, and show him My salvation." Psalm 91:1, 4, 16. *5

When probation closes, never more shall the blood of the saints be spilled. All cases will have been decided and God will soon come to avenge the blood of the righteous who cry out since the time of Abel.

The eye of God, looking down the ages, was fixed upon the crisis which His people are to meet, when earthly powers shall be arrayed against them. Like the captive exile, they will be in fear of death by starvation or by violence. But the Holy One who divided the Red Sea before Israel, will manifest His mighty power and turn their captivity. "They shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him." Malachi 3:17. If the blood of Christ's faithful witnesses were shed at this time, it would not, like the blood of the martyrs, be as seed sown to yield a harvest for God. Their fidelity would not be a testimony to convince others of the truth; for the obdurate heart has beaten back the waves of mercy until they return no more. If the righteous were now left to fall a prey to their enemies, it would be a triumph for the prince of darkness. Says the psalmist: "In the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me." Psalm 27:5. Christ has spoken: "Come, My people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the Lord cometh out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity." Isaiah 26:20, 21. Glorious will be the deliverance of those who have patiently waited for His coming and whose names are written in the book of life. *6

We should not make any preparation in terms of food and shelter in the last days. Did God forget Elijah when he was alone in the cave?

I saw the saints leaving the cities and towns, and gather in groups to live in remote areas.Angels provided them food and water, while the wicked suffer from hunger and thirst. * 7

The people of God will not be free from suffering; but while persecuted and distressed, while they endure privation and suffer for want of food they will not be left to perish. That God who cared for Elijah will not pass by one of His self-sacrificing children. He who numbers the hairs of their head will care for them, and in time of famine they shall be satisfied. While the wicked are dying from hunger and pestilence, angels will shield the righteous and supply their wants. To him that "walketh righteously" is the promise: "Bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure." "When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them." Isaiah 33:15, 16; 41:17. *6

The protection of God shall manifest, especially, when the decree of death is made. We will be protected by the heavenly host.

The heavenly sentinels, faithful to their trust, continue their watch. Though a general decree has fixed the time when commandment keepers may be put to death, their enemies will in some cases anticipate the decree, and before the time specified, will endeavor to take their lives. But none can pass the mighty guardians stationed about every faithful soul. Some are assailed in their flight from the cities and villages; but the swords raised against them break and fall powerless as a straw. Others are defended by angels in the form of men of war. *6

Though the rulers of this world know it not, yet often in their councils angels have been spokesmen. Human eyes have looked upon them; human ears have listened to their appeals; human lips have opposed their suggestions and ridiculed their counsels; human hands have met them with insult and abuse. In the council hall and the court of justice these heavenly messengers have shown an intimate acquaintance with human history; they have proved themselves better able to plead the cause of the oppressed than were their ablest and most eloquent defenders. They have defeated purposes and arrested evils that would have greatly retarded the work of God and would have caused great suffering to His people. In the hour of peril and distress "the angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them." Psalm 34:7. *6

We have an amazing promise. God's eyes will be over His people and His careful protection will be upon us through heavenly angels. God will not forget his people!

Jacob's history is also an assurance that God will not cast off those who have been deceived and tempted and betrayed into sin, but who have returned unto Him with true repentance. While Satan seeks to destroy this class, God will send His angels to comfort and protect them in the time of peril. The assaults of Satan are fierce and determined, his delusions are terrible; but the Lord's eye is upon His people, and His ear listens to their cries. *6

Will the Lord forget His people in this trying hour? Did He forget faithful Noah when judgments were visited upon the antediluvian world? Did He forget Lot when the fire came down from heaven to consume the cities of the plain? Did He forget Joseph surrounded by idolaters in Egypt? Did He forget Elijah when the oath of Jezebel threatened him with the fate of the prophets of Baal? Did He forget Jeremiah in the dark and dismal pit of his prison house? Did He forget the three worthies in the fiery furnace? or Daniel in the den of lions? *6

Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of My hands." Isaiah 49:14-16. The Lord of hosts has said: "He that toucheth you toucheth the apple of His eye." Zechariah 2:8. *6

No matter in what remote, dark, desolate place we find ourselves in, in the days God will be with us.

Though enemies may thrust them into prison, yet dungeon walls cannot cut off the communication between their souls and Christ. One who sees their every weakness, who is acquainted with every trial, is above all earthly powers; and angels will come to them in lonely cells, bringing light and peace from heaven. The prison will be as a palace; for the rich in faith dwell there, and the gloomy walls will be lighted up with heavenly light as when Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises at midnight in the Philippian dungeon. *6

But only those who have now made the necessary preparations, will receive His protection. Only those who are watching and praying.

The great controversy is nearing its end. Every report of calamity by sea or land is a testimony to the fact that the end of all things is at hand. Wars and rumors of wars declare it. Is there a Christian whose pulse does not beat with quickened action as he anticipates the great events opening before us? The Lord is coming. We hear the footsteps of an approaching God. *1

JESUS IS COMING SOON, AMEN, YES, COME LORD JESUS!

1 * Maranatha, "212. High Time To Awake”, Ellen g. White.
2 * Maranatha, "195. The Church Appears To Fall", Ellen g. White.
3 * Maranatha, "210. The Angel of Revelation 18 ", Ellen g. White.
4 * The Great Controversy, 1. The Destruction of Jerusalem ", Ellen g. White.
5 * Patriarchs and Prophets, 14. The Destruction of Sodom ", Ellen White.
6 * The Great Controversy, "39. The Time of Trouble ", Ellen White.
7 * Maranatha, "262. Angelic Protection In The Time Of Trouble", Ellen g. White.