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Insights from the Book of Isaiah (1) – Unbelief by Confederacy

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November 5 – 11

Key Text

“Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify the Lord of hosts Himself; and let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread” (Isaiah 8:12, 13).

Study Help: The Ministry of Healing, 183–200.

Introduction

“He [God] calls for men who will remain separate from the enemies of the truth. He calls for men who will not dare to resort to the arm of flesh by entering into partnership with worldlings in order to secure means for advancing His work—even for the building of institutions.” Counsels on Health, 290.

Sunday

1  EXTREME APOSTASY

  • Explain the extent of the adverse conditions that God’s faithful few faced during the reign of Ahaz, king of Judah. 2 Chronicles 28:1–4. How did Micah describe the situation? Micah 7:2, 4.

Note: “The accession of Ahaz to the throne brought Isaiah and his associates face to face with conditions more appalling than any that had hitherto existed in the realm of Judah. Many who had formerly withstood the seductive influence of idolatrous practices were now being persuaded to take part in the worship of heathen deities. Princes in Israel were proving untrue to their trust; false prophets were arising with messages to lead astray; even some of the priests were teaching for hire. Yet the leaders in apostasy still kept up the forms of divine worship and claimed to be numbered among the people of God.” Prophets and Kings, 322.

“‘They which lead thee,’ … ‘cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths’ (Isaiah 3:12). During the reign of Ahaz this was literally true. …

“The forces for good were rapidly diminishing, the forces for evil multiplying.” Ibid., 324.

Monday

2  AN UNHOLY ALLIANCE

  • What did God appeal during the crisis in Ahaz’s time? Micah 6:1–5. How did He depict the situation, and what did He do about it? Isaiah 28:5–13.

Note: “In every age, for the sake of those who have remained true, as well as because of His infinite love for the erring, God has borne long with the rebellious, and has urged them to forsake their course of evil and return to Him. ‘Precept upon precept; line upon line, … here a little, and there a little,’ through men of His appointment, He has taught transgressors the way of righteousness (Isaiah 28:10).

“And thus it was during the reign of Ahaz. Invitation upon invitation was sent to erring Israel to return to their allegiance to Jehovah. Tender were the pleadings of the prophets; and as they stood before the people, earnestly exhorting to repentance and reformation, their words bore fruit to the glory of God.” Prophets and Kings, 324, 325.

  • While Ahaz ignored the appeals of the prophets and continued in his idolatrous course, what finally frightened him? 2 Kings 16:5. Why did God allow this to happen? 2 Chronicles 29:6–8.

Note: “Had Ahaz and the chief men of his realm been true servants of the Most High, they would have had no fear of so unnatural an alliance as had been formed against them. But repeated transgression had shorn them of strength. Stricken with a nameless dread of the retributive judgments of an offended God, the heart of the king ‘was moved, and the heart of his people, as the trees of the wood are moved with the wind’ (Isaiah 7:2).” Prophets and Kings, 328, 329.

  • What message was then given to Ahaz at this crucial moment? Isaiah 7:4–9. How did the king respond? 2 Kings 16:6–8.

Note: “Well would it have been for the kingdom of Judah had Ahaz received this [Isaiah’s] message as from heaven. But choosing to lean on the arm of flesh, he sought help from the heathen.” Prophets and Kings, 329.

Tuesday

3  HOPE AT THE DARKEST HOUR

  • What warnings should we take from the bitter results of Ahaz’s alliance with Assyria? 2 Chronicles 28:14–23.

Note: “The tribute [Ahaz] offered aroused the cupidity of Assyria, and that treacherous nation soon threatened to overflow and spoil Judah. Ahaz and his unhappy subjects were now harassed by the fear of falling completely into the hands of the cruel Assyrians.” Prophets and Kings, 329.

  • What was the worst part of Ahaz’s apostasy? 2 Chronicles 28:24–27.

Note: “As the apostate king neared the end of his reign, he caused the doors of the temple to be closed. The sacred services were interrupted. No longer were the candlesticks kept burning before the altar. No longer were offerings made for the sins of the people. No longer did sweet incense ascend on high at the time of the morning and the evening sacrifice. Deserting the courts of the house of God and locking fast its doors, the inhabitants of the godless city boldly set up altars for the worship of heathen deities on the street corners throughout Jerusalem. Heathenism had seemingly triumphed; the powers of darkness had well-nigh prevailed.” Prophets and Kings, 330.

  • Why are confederacies so dangerous—and what can we learn from Isaiah’s message of hope to the remnant? Isaiah 8:9–14.

Note: “In Judah there dwelt some who maintained their allegiance to Jehovah, steadfastly refusing to be led into idolatry. It was to these that Isaiah and Micah and their associates looked in hope as they surveyed the ruin wrought during the last years of Ahaz. Their sanctuary was closed, but the faithful ones were assured: ‘God is with us’ (Isaiah 8:10).” Patriarchs and Prophets, 330.

“The question has been asked, What do you mean by a confederacy? Who have formed confederacies? You know what a confederacy is—a union of men in a work that does not bear the stamp of pure, straightforward, unswerving integrity.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1142.

Wednesday

4  A TIMELESS PRINCIPLE

  • What warnings, if heeded, will protect us from the mistake of forming alliances with those who do not adhere to the present truth? Isaiah 31:1–3.

Note: “Satan is moving with his power from beneath to inspire men to form alliances and confederacies of evil against light and against the word of God. Infidelity, papacy, and semi-papacy are coming in close and powerful companionship with professed Christianity. The low views of inspiration, the exalting of human ideas from men called wise, are placing human talent above the divine wisdom and forms, and science so-called above the power of vital godliness. These are the signs of the last days.” That I May Know Him, 345.

“All need wisdom carefully to search out the mystery of iniquity that figures so largely in the winding up of this earth’s history. God’s presentation of the detestable works of the inhabitants of the ruling powers of the world who bind themselves into secret societies and confederacies, not honoring the law of God, should enable the people who have the light of truth to keep clear of all these evils. More and more will all false religionists of the world manifest their evil doings; for there are but two parties, those who keep the commandments of God and those who war against God’s holy law.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 8, 322.

  • What Bible principle warns against confederacies? 2 Corinthians 6:14–18.

Note: “The wicked are being bound up in bundles, bound up in trusts, in unions, in confederacies. Let us have nothing to do with these organizations. God is our Ruler, our Governor, and He calls us to come out from the world and be separate. … If we refuse to do this, if we continue to link up with the world, and to look at every matter from a worldly standpoint, we shall become like the world. When worldly policy and worldly ideas govern our transactions, we cannot stand on the high and holy platform of eternal truth.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, 1142.

“The trades unions and confederacies of the world are a snare. Keep out of them, and away from them, brethren. Have nothing to do with them. Because of these unions and confederacies, it will soon be very difficult for our institutions to carry on their work in the cities.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 142.

Thursday

5  A FAR-REACHING CONCEPT

  • How does Inspiration depict the bustle of city life and the alliances it requires—in contrast to the peaceful existence God wants for His people? Nahum 2:4; Lamentations 5:4; Isaiah 32:17–19.

Note: “It is God’s design that our people should locate outside the cities, and from these outposts warn the cities, and raise in them memorials for God. There must be a force of influence in the cities, that the message of warning shall be heard.

“For years the warning has been given to our people, Get out of Battle Creek. But because of the many interests established there, it was convenient to remain, and men could not see why they should move. … Take the school out of Battle Creek if you can possibly do so. Go out into a place where there are no people who believe as we do, and there establish the school on a location with plenty of land, that the students who come may be educated in right lines. They [brethren Sutherland and Magan] obeyed the instruction given. This was the first move made. It has been a success. God has been pleased with it.” The General Conference Bulletin, April 6, 1903.

“In God’s plan for Israel every family had a home on the land, with sufficient ground for tilling. Thus were provided both the means and the incentive for a useful, industrious, and self-supporting life. And no devising of men has ever improved upon that plan.

“The earth has blessings hidden in her depths for those who have courage and will and perseverance to gather her treasures. Fathers and mothers who possess a piece of land and a comfortable home are kings and queens.

“An expensive dwelling, elaborate furnishings, display, luxury, and ease, do not furnish the conditions essential to a happy, useful life.” The Faith I Live By, 260.

Friday

 PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

 1      How far into apostasy did Ahaz lead the people of Judah?

2      In what ways did Ahaz’s alliance with Assyria show serious unbelief?

3      When the temple services ceased, how did God comfort the faithful?

4      What is the real problem with alliances?

5      Why is country living good for our faith—especially nowadays?

Bible Study Guides – Insights from the Book of Isaiah (1) – Our Compassionate Father

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October 29 – November 4

Key Text

“Lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God” (Isaiah 40:9)!

Study Help: Christ’s Object Lessons, 150–163.

Introduction

“The prophet [Isaiah] exalted God as Creator of all. His message to the cities of Judah was, ‘Behold your God’ (Isaiah 40:9)!” Prophets and Kings, 315.

Sunday

1 PEACEFUL, UNDERLYING HOPE

  • What was Isaiah told to expect in the call he had accepted? Isaiah 6:9–12. What assurance was he to cherish nonetheless? Verse 13; 10:20, 21.

Note: “His [Isaiah’s] burden of soul in behalf of erring Judah was not to be borne in vain. His mission was not to be wholly fruitless. … Throughout his lifetime he must be a patient, courageous teacher—a prophet of hope as well as of doom. The divine purpose finally accomplished, the full fruitage of his efforts, and of the labors of all God’s faithful messengers, would appear. A remnant should be saved.” Prophets and Kings, 308, 309.

  • Name some key concepts the prophet emphasized—and why such uplifting themes can inspire us with hope. Isaiah 40:9, 13–15, 21–31.

Note: “The stars also have a message of good cheer for every human being. In those hours that come to all, when the heart is faint and temptation presses sore; when obstacles seem insurmountable, life’s aims impossible of achievement, its fair promises like apples of Sodom; where, then, can such courage and steadfastness be found as in that lesson which God has bidden us learn from the stars in their untroubled course?” Education, 115.

Monday

2  THE HEART BEHIND THE CLOUD

  • Throughout the history of the world, what misconception about God’s character has always needed to be clarified? Ezekiel 18:25; Isaiah 55:8, 9.

Note: “In Isaiah’s day the spiritual understanding of mankind was dark through misapprehension of God. Long had Satan sought to lead men to look upon their Creator as the author of sin and suffering and death. Those whom he had thus deceived, imagined that God was hard and exacting. They regarded Him as watching to denounce and condemn, unwilling to receive the sinner so long as there was a legal excuse for not helping him. The law of love by which heaven is ruled had been misrepresented by the archdeceiver as a restriction upon men’s happiness, a burdensome yoke from which they should be glad to escape. He declared that its precepts could not be obeyed and that the penalties of transgression were bestowed arbitrarily.

“In losing sight of the true character of Jehovah, the Israelites were without excuse. Often had God revealed Himself to them as one ‘full of compassion, and gracious, long-suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth’ (Psalm 86:15).” Prophets and Kings, 311.

  • What genuine picture about God do we too often forget? Isaiah 49:13–16.

Note: “When we seem to doubt God’s love and distrust His promises we dishonor Him and grieve His Holy Spirit. How would a mother feel if her children were constantly complaining of her, just as though she did not mean them well, when her whole life’s effort had been to forward their interests and to give them comfort? Suppose they should doubt her love; it would break her heart. How would any parent feel to be thus treated by his children? And how can our heavenly Father regard us when we distrust His love, which has led Him to give His only-begotten Son that we might have life? [Romans 8:32 quoted.] And yet how many, by their actions, if not in word, are saying, ‘The Lord does not mean this for me. Perhaps He loves others, but He does not love me.’

“All this is harming your own soul; for every word of doubt you utter is inviting Satan’s temptations; it is strengthening in you the tendency to doubt, and it is grieving from you the ministering angels. When Satan tempts you, breathe not a word of doubt or darkness.” Steps to Christ, 118, 119.

Tuesday

3  A LOVING INVITATION

  • What did Isaiah reveal as God’s plan for His wayward people? Isaiah 41:14; 48:4, 8–11.

Note: “The heart of Infinite Love yearns after those who feel powerless to free themselves from the snares of Satan; and He graciously offers to strengthen them to live for Him. …

“The inhabitants of Judah were all undeserving, yet God would not give them up. By them His name was to be exalted among the heathen. Many who were wholly unacquainted with His attributes were yet to behold the glory of the divine character. It was for the purpose of making plain His merciful designs that He kept sending His servants the prophets with the message, ‘Turn ye again now everyone from his evil way’ (Jeremiah 25:5). …

“The call to repentance was sounded with unmistakable clearness, and all were invited to return.” Prophets and Kings, 316, 319.

  • What glorious assurances are given to each one of us if we would only accept them? Isaiah 55:6, 7; 44:21, 22.

Note: “Have you, reader, chosen your own way? Have you wandered far from God? Have you sought to feast upon the fruits of transgression, only to find them turn to ashes upon your lips? And now, your life plans thwarted and your hopes dead, do you sit alone and desolate? That voice which has long been speaking to your heart, but to which you would not listen, comes to you distinct and clear, ‘Arise ye, and depart; for this is not your rest: because it is polluted, it shall destroy you, even with a sore destruction’ (Micah 2:10). Return to your Father’s house. …

“Do not listen to the enemy’s suggestion to stay away from Christ until you have made yourself better, until you are good enough to come to God. If you wait until then you will never come. When Satan points to your filthy garments, repeat the promise of the Saviour, ‘Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out’ (John 6:37). Tell the enemy that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from all sin.” Prophets and Kings, 319, 320.

Wednesday

4  HUMBLE BEFORE GOD AND ONE ANOTHER

  • Explain the transition God wants His people to make from idola­try and pride, to become children of one heavenly Father. Isaiah 57:13–21.

Note: “Let not pride, or self-esteem, or self-righteousness keep any one from confessing his sins, that he may claim the promise: ‘He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy’ (Proverbs 28:13). Keep nothing back from God, and neglect not the confession of your faults to the brethren when they have a connection with them. …

“It is a lamentable fact that the erring heart is unwilling to be criticised [sic], or to subject itself to humiliation by the confession of sin. Some see their faults, but thinking confession will detract from their dignity, they excuse their wrong, and shield themselves from the discipline that confession would give to the soul. … They see the errors of others; but how can they have courage to give the advice, ‘Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed’ (James 5:16), when they have failed to follow this instruction in their own lives? How much will ministers or people learn of a truth which they thrust aside, and forget if possible, because it is not agreeable; because it does not flatter their pride, but reproves and pains? … They must hunger and thirst for the righteousness of Christ, the illumination of the Holy Spirit.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 239, 240.

  • How can we better cooperate with the Holy Spirit to be part of the Lord’s great plan? Isaiah 59:20, 21.

Note: “Sin must not be cherished. This is a time when the love of many is waxing cold, and any defection on your part may encourage others in a wrong course, and lead to many and grievous transgressions. Do not set an example of lukewarmness; do not turn away from testimonies of the Spirit of God. We are intrusted with a solemn message to give to the world, and there is much at stake. We cannot be safe amid the temptations that surround us in these times of peril, without constantly watching unto prayer. We must guard against accepting a low standard of our own instead of the high Bible standard of character.” Gospel Workers (1892), 462.

Thursday

5  LEANING ON THE EVERLASTING ARMS

  • What gracious invitation given to the inhabitants of Judah echoes down to us today? Isaiah 27:5.

Note: “It is Satan’s special device to lead man into sin, and then leave him, helpless and trembling, fearing to seek for pardon. But why should we fear. … Every provision has been made for our infirmities, every encouragement offered us to come to Christ. …

“Christ has pledged Himself to be our substitute and surety, and He neglects no one. He who could not see human beings exposed to eternal ruin without pouring out His soul unto death in their behalf, will look with pity and compassion upon every soul who realizes that he cannot save himself.

“He will look upon no trembling suppliant without raising him up. He who through His own atonement provided for man an infinite fund of moral power, will not fail to employ this power in our behalf. We may take our sins and sorrows to His feet; for He loves us.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 156, 157.

  • With what words does Isaiah describe the experience that is to be ours? Isaiah 12:1–6.

Note: “Oh, how many times has your heart been touched with the beauty of the Saviour’s countenance, charmed with the loveliness of His character, and subdued with the thought of His suffering. Now He wants you to lean your whole weight upon Him.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 232.

Friday

 PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

 1      Why was Isaiah able to minister to his people with hope?

2      How are we to avoid being duped by common misconceptions about God?

3      Why does God bother to call proud, stubborn people to repentance?

4      We may confess our sins to God, but how is James 5:16 often neglected?

5      Despite Satan’s claims, why did God want us to study this week’s lesson?

Sermon on the Mount Series – Right Seems Strange

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Some people are persecuted because of their wrong-doing and others, because they have stirred up resentment and opposition by their extreme or rigid ideas. However, others are persecuted because they have done what is right, which sounds strange.

In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, He said, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10 KJV). Before saying this, Jesus described the development of Christian character and then what would develop in the world and the attitude toward those who acquired this Christian character. Indeed, it is a strange reception that is accorded them.

When you first read the gospel story you might think that it would seem that such a character as Jesus had described—a person who is gentle, loves righteousness, is merciful, is pure in heart and who is a peacemaker—would be welcomed everywhere and that they would be congratulated on who they are. But Jesus said that it would be just the opposite. He declared that if you progressed up this beatitude ladder of spiritual growth, it would lead to opposition and persecution, that a genuine Christian character would stir up enmity and hatred on the part of other people in the world that did not have these virtues.

The Bible gives plentiful record that such is the case. Notice what the apostle Peter said about it in I Peter 5:8, 9: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.”

Jesus predicted that the development of a genuine Christian character would lead up to enmity, hatred and persecution. The character development produced by the experience of a person who has followed these first seven beatitudes arouses the enemy of all righteousness and He begins to persecute. He is especially incensed when those who climb this ladder that Jesus has described reach the blessed realm of purity of heart, with a vision of God so that they are qualified to become peacemakers to other alienated and troubled souls. This makes the prince of strife and confusion furiously angry with these ambassadors of peace and he makes war upon them. His fiercest anger and his most relentless persecutions will be manifested against the remnant; that is, the last of the church that exists just before Christ returns.

In Revelation 12:12 it says, “… rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.” “And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest (or the remnant) of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (verse 17).

The apostle Peter says in I Peter 1:1 that the reason genuine Christians are persecuted is because they are strangers and pilgrims in the earth. Notice what the apostle Paul said in Hebrews 11:13 describing the faithful people of God in past ages: “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” They are living in a land which Satan, the great adversary, claims as his and over which he claims to be the prince and ruler. In 2 Corinthians 4:4 the devil is called the god of this world. His enemies are those who have renounced allegiance to him and his kingdom. His subjects are those who sin. “He who sins is of the devil” (I John 3:8, first part) for the devil has sinned from the beginning.

On this account, “… the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil” (verse 8, last part). Sin is breaking God’s law (I John 3:4). As long as you live in sin, the devil will give you comparative rest because you are part of his kingdom. But when you choose to renounce the kingdom of Satan, follow Jesus Christ, and become obedient to the laws of heaven, forsaking your life of sin, you become his enemy. He is angry because he has lost you as one of his subjects.

When you transfer your citizenship to heaven by choosing to follow Jesus Christ and acknowledge Him as your Lord and Saviour, it will result in being subjected to his satanic wrath and persecution from which no real Christian can escape. Jesus said to His disciples, “… in the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). He also said, “… the servant is not greater than his Lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20 KJV).

The persecution that Jesus foretold was not limited to only the disciples to whom He was speaking. Neither was it limited to the Christians of the 1st century or to any certain time period. Rather, notice what the apostle Paul says about it in 2 Timothy 3:12: “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” Just as Christ loves righteousness and hates lawlessness (Hebrews 1:9), Satan loves lawlessness and hates righteousness. In this rebellious world in which we live, vital holiness will provoke hatred and opposition, because holiness is a disturbing element. The light of truth always exposes the darkness of error. It sweeps away the black mantel that covers the sins of the ungodly and it makes manifest the necessity of a change, the need for a reform. This revelation may be welcomed by some, but it is resented by those who cling to their sins and do not want to change.

The apostle John wrote, “He who believes in Him (Christ) is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed” (John 3:18–20). That is the very same problem the Christian has faced in all ages, the same problem that Jesus Himself faced. Those that are not willing to forsake their lawless deeds begin to war against the truth and its advocates. So, hatred against truth and godliness is manifested by persecuting those that possess these things and are sanctified by the truth.

Now a question could be asked, If what Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:12 is true—that all who live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution—why is there comparatively little persecution in Christendom in the western world at the present time? This lack of persecution is especially true in the western world.

In the time of the apostles, the church of God suffered persecution, as recorded in the book of Acts and also in the epistles of Paul. Some of the epistles of Paul were actually written from a Roman prison. After the time of the apostles in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, there was persecution of the Christians by the pagan Roman Empire that lasted for 200 years or more.

Again, during that long period of history often called the Dark Ages, persecution raised its ugly head and millions of Christians were martyred in many parts of the world. Again, in the period of the Reformation of the 16th century, and again during the revivals in the time of John Wesley, there was persecution of the church. Persecution has appeared whenever there has been a revival of primitive godliness. The reason that there is so little persecution in the modern church today is because vital godliness is lacking.

Speaking to the church that would live in the last epochal period of Christian history Jesus says, “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore, be zealous and repent. 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” (Revelation 3:15–20).

Notice what has happened. The church has compromised with the world and become lukewarm, conforming to worldly standards. Because there is so little vital godliness in the church, Christianity has become popular with the world and it awakens no opposition. A church that has lost its first love, so that it is lukewarm in its affection for both God and man, could hardly be expected to arouse the hatred of the enemy. He is so very well satisfied with the present spiritual condition of the church because he knows that few of its members have climbed the beatitude ladder.

Whenever there is a stir in the church and there is a development of primitive godliness, there will be a stir in the camp of the enemy. Let there be a revival of the faith and power of the apostolic church and there will be a revival of persecution. The enemy will become aroused as soon as the church begins to awake from its slumbering condition. But, of course, we must always remember, Jesus said, “Blessed are they that are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.” We are not talking about people that are persecuted because of their wrong-doing, because of the natural consequence of their own course of conduct. There are many today who think of themselves as martyrs. They are anxious for persecution, and they follow a course that brings persecution upon themselves. They are not happy unless they are creating resentment and stirring up opposition. This is especially true of certain extremists and fanatics. But that is not the persecution Jesus is talking about. He is talking about the persecution that results from a person being personally righteous.

Jesus declared when He was here that He was rejected and persecuted because He was not of the world and therefore different from the world. His godly life was a rebuke to sinners and it made them angry. They hated and persecuted Him because He was righteous and it exposed their unrighteousness. He was insulted, maligned, reproached, and finally murdered, not because they could find any evil in Him, but because they could not. In fact, at His trial, you recall, Pontius Pilate said three times that he found no fault in Him at all (John 18:38; 19:4, 6).

Jesus was crucified, not because they could find something wrong with Him, but because they could not. And Jesus said that His followers would receive the same treatment for the same reasons. Being like Christ they would be different from the world, and somehow, difference always awakens opposition. The genuine Christian, his very presence, his very life, is a reproof, a rebuke, to those who are selfish, to those who are proud, and they feel uncomfortable. An unselfish life offends them and arouses in them enmity and resentment. This last beatitude is the only one that Jesus enlarges upon. He emphasizes its importance with this statement in Matthew 5:11, 12 KJV: “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.”

In these verses, Jesus explains what He means by persecution for righteousness’ sake. He enumerates some of the forms in which the persecution would come—reviling, saying evil against you—and He emphasizes the greatness of the reward. Sometimes when somebody is persecuted, we might be inclined to pity them or to sympathize with them, going through persecution. We might be inclined to pity ourselves if we are being persecuted and ill-treated by others, but Jesus offers His congratulations to those that are persecuted. He declares that “those that are persecuted for righteousness sake” should rejoice. This is true, first of all, because it is an evidence that we actually are the children of God, and we have become, thereby, a menace to Satan and his kingdom. The enemy never persecutes the lukewarm and the ungodly, but he tries rather to afflict those that live godly in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:12).

So, persecution is an evidence that the person being persecuted is climbing up the ladder of spiritual growth, that he is traveling the highway of holiness that leads to the Holy City, the celestial city of God. And Jesus assures us, if we are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, that we have the kingdom of heaven, and that we can rejoice. Not only that, but He also tells us that there is another reason we can rejoice and that is because of the good company we are in. Jesus said, those that went before you, the prophets, they were persecuted as well (Matthew 5:12). The brunt of Satan’s attack has always been against God’s spokesmen, against His prophets.

Many of the prophets suffered martyrdom and all of them were opposed and persecuted because they were holy men of God acting as His spokesmen (2 Peter 1:19–21). It was the fate of prophets and sages to be rejected. The reason, of course, is because the world will not bear rebukes. When we study the life of the apostles, we find that all except one of the eleven apostles died for their faith, and that one suffered banishment to the isle of Patmos.

Many millions of Christians were persecuted and martyred during the pagan Roman persecutions. And many millions more, during what we call the Middle Ages or the Dark Ages. So, Jesus said, if you are persecuted, remember that you are in the company of the best people that have ever lived. To join the company of the persecuted, therefore, is cause not for sorrow, but for rejoicing. Another cause for rejoicing is that persecution is one of the best of all purifiers and developer of character.

When we study Christian history, we find over and over again that the church has always been in its purest and most godly state while passing through persecution, and therefore at such times the church had its greatest power. Why? Because godliness awakens opposition and Christian character develops faster and becomes more vigorous under the strain, under the opposition of being persecuted. Because godliness always precedes the persecution and the persecution then performs an important part of burning out the dross and perfecting Christian character, the two blend together. Persecution increases with the increase of godliness and vice versa. If you want to be ready to meet Jesus Christ when He returns to this world, you must be willing to follow Him through evil report as well as good report.

The book of Revelation describes those who live in the final generation and are ready to meet Jesus before He comes. In Revelation 7:13, as John provided details of a vision, he wrote, “Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, ‘Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?’ ” John answers, “Sir, you know” (verse 14, first part). The elder tells him: “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (verse 14, last part).

If you want to be ready to meet Jesus when He returns, you must be ready, by His grace, to go through the great tribulation. The Bible is very clear that before Jesus comes again, there will be a time of trouble in this world such as has never been since there was a nation (Daniel 12:1). We are rapidly approaching that time. Now is the time for you and for me to prepare to go through it and to be ready to meet the Lord when He returns.

(Unless appearing in quoted references or otherwise identified, Bible texts are from the New King James Version.)

Pastor John J. Grosboll is Director of Steps to Life and pastors the Prairie Meadows Church of Free Seventh-day Adventists in Wichita, Kansas. He may be contacted by email at: historic@stepstolife.org, or by telephone at: 316-788-5559.

Health – Then and Now Processed Foods

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We take many things for granted in this day and age, including our breakfast cereal and other processed foods. The following is a little history that you might find interesting:

“Ready-to-eat breakfast cereals were invented because of religious beliefs. The first step in this direction was taken by the American clergyman Sylvester Graham, who advocated a vegetarian diet. He used unsifted, coarsely ground flour to invent the Graham cracker in 1829. Influenced by Graham, Seventh-day Adventists, who also believed in vegetarianism, founded the Western Health Reform Institute in Battle Creek, Michigan, in the 1860s. At this institute, later known as the Battle Creek Sanitarium, physician John Harvey Kellogg invented several grain-based meat substitutes.

“In 1876 or 1877, Kellogg invented a food he called granola from wheat, oats, and corn that had been mixed, baked, and coarsely ground. In 1894, Kellogg and his brother W. K. Kellogg invented the first precooked flaked cereal. They cooked ground wheat into a dough, then flattened it between metal rollers and scraped it off with a knife. The resulting flakes were then cooked again and allowed to stand for several hours. This product was sold by mail order as Granose for 15 cents per 10-ounce (284 g) package.

“Both W. K. Kellogg and C. W. Post, a patient at the sanitarium, founded businesses to sell such products as health foods. Their success led dozens of imitators to open factories in Battle Creek between 1900 and 1905. These businesses quickly failed, while Kellogg and Post still survive as thriving manufacturers of breakfast cereals.

“Their success can be partially attributed to advertising campaigns, which transformed the image of their products from health foods to quick, convenient, and tasty breakfast foods. Another factor was the fact that Kellogg and Post both manufactured corn flakes, which turned out to be much more popular than wheat flakes. Breakfast cereals have continued to increase in popularity in the twentieth century. Ready-to-eat breakfast cereals are served in nine out of 10 American households. …” www.madehow.com/Volume-3/Cereal.html

What about Now?

Many of the grains used in cereals are now finely ground, refined and stripped of fiber and other nutrients. They are then cooked at extremely high temperatures which basically destroys any nutrition that may be left. The essential nutrients have been lost.

Beyond just breakfast cereals, the standard diet followed by most people will damage the body and mind. Please read the following excerpt from the book, Health is a Choice—Learn How to Choose it, by Raymond Francis, M.Sc., 2002; published by Health Communications, Inc.

“Carl Pfeiffer, Ph.D., M.D., related in Mental and Elemental Nutrients an experiment at the University of California, Irvine. Healthy rats were fed foods that an average American would purchase in a supermarket: white bread, sugar, eggs, milk, ground beef, cabbage, potatoes, tomatoes, oranges, apples, bananas and coffee. The rats developed a variety of diseases. Dr. Pfeiffer concluded that if the average human diet could not support the health of rats, then it probably would not do much better for humans.

“In Diet for a Poisoned Plant, David Steinman describes an experiment in which four sets of rats were fed different diets. The first set ate natural foods and drank clean water. Throughout the three-month experiment, these rats remained alert, calm and social. The second set was fed the same food as the first, with the addition of hot dogs. These rats became violent and fought each other aggressively. The third set ate sugar-coated breakfast cereal and drank fruit punch. These rats became nervous, hyperactive and aimless. The fourth set was fed only sugar donuts and cola. These rats had trouble sleeping, became extremely fearful and were unable to function as a social unit. The poor nutrition of these foods (not to mention the toxic food additives) had a profound effect on the behavior of these animals. Many children today struggle with hyperactive, antisocial and even violent behaviors. The time has come to consider how their diet may be causing this behavior.” Pages 106, 107.

Certainly we are not rats, but it is good to notice how foods affected their actions. If we were observant, we could see many of those same characteristics in people around us.

“A study by Professor Suzanne Murphy at the University of California, Berkeley, published in the November 1992 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, measured the diets of 5,884 people for fifteen essential nutrients. The average person consistently measured below two-thirds of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for three to six essential nutrients. A separate study, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, examined ten essential nutrients in the diets of 21,500 people. In that study, not a single person was obtaining 100 percent of the RDA for all ten nutrients on a daily basis—not one person out of 21,500! …

“The most common deficiencies are calcium; zinc; magnesium; chromium; vitamins A, E, C and B6; and folic acid. What you must recognize is that you cannot miss even one member of the nutrition package and hope to be healthy. The way to assure you are getting what you need is to eat a wide range of real foods that are rich in nutrition …” Pages 110, 111.

We know there are many people whose diets consist mainly of processed foods. Because of this there is an increase in medical needs. The immune system is not being fed with nourishing foods. It would be a good idea to increase the amount of real, unprocessed foods into our diets and remove much of the over-processed foods which are not nourishing to our bodies.

Remember, our bodies are made up of what we put into them. Choose the good!

Question & answer – Who are the two witnesses in Revelation 11:3, 4?

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The two witnesses refer to the Old and New Testaments—the Bible.

“Concerning the two witnesses the prophet declares further: ‘These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.’ ‘Thy word,’ said the psalmist, ‘is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path’ (Revelation 11:4; Psalm 119:105). The two witnesses represent the Scriptures of the Old and the New Testament. Both are important testimonies to the origin and perpetuity of the law of God. Both are witnesses also to the plan of salvation. The types, sacrifices, and prophecies of the Old Testament point forward to a Saviour to come. The Gospels and Epistles of the New Testament tell of a Saviour Who has come in the exact manner foretold by type and prophecy.

“ ‘They shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and three-score days, clothed in sackcloth’ (Revelation 11:3). During the greater part of this period, God’s witnesses remained in a state of obscurity. The papal power sought to hide from the people the word of truth, and set before them false witnesses to contradict its testimony. When the Bible was proscribed by religious and secular authority; when its testimony was perverted, and every effort made that men and demons could invent to turn the minds of the people from it; when those who dared proclaim its sacred truths were hunted, betrayed, tortured, buried in dungeon cells, martyred for their faith, or compelled to flee to mountain fastnesses, and to dens and caves of the earth—then the faithful witnesses prophesied in sackcloth. Yet they continued their testimony throughout the entire period of 1260 years. In the darkest times there were faithful men who loved God’s word and were jealous for His honor. To these loyal servants were given wisdom, power, and authority to declare His truth during the whole of this time.” The Great Controversy, 267, 268.

“According to the words of the prophet, then, a little before the year 1798 some power of Satanic origin and character would rise to make war upon the Bible. And in the land where the testimony of God’s two witnesses should thus be silenced, there would be manifest the atheism of the Pharaoh, and the licentiousness of Sodom.” Ibid., 269.

Inspiration – Entering the Strait Gate

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“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find;
knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”

Matthew 7:7

Why is it that we do not take God at His word? Asking and receiving are closely linked together. If you ask in faith for the things that God has promised, you will receive. Look to Jesus for the things that you need. Ask Him for forgiveness of sins, and as you ask in faith your heart will be softened, and you will forgive those who have injured you, and your petitions will go up to God fragrant with love. With praying comes watching unto prayer, and every thought and word and act will be in harmony with your earnest petition for reformation in life. The prayer of faith will bring corresponding returns. But a mere form of words, without earnest sincerity and fervent desire for help, with no expectation of receiving, will avail nothing. Let not such a petitioner think he shall receive anything of the Lord. Those who come to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.

After asking the Lord for a knowledge of His will, for heavenly wisdom, for the light of the Holy Spirit, the petitioner will search the Scriptures, and find that passages that were dark to his mind have suddenly grown clear, and he understands his duty as never before. Jesus said: “My doctrine is not Mine, but His that sent Me. If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of Myself” (John 7:16, 17). The knowledge of divine truth is promised to those who will render obedience to the light and truth that have been given to them. An entrance into the strait gate is not dependent upon the possession of learning or riches, but it is dependent upon the possession of a teachable spirit. He who appreciates the first ray of heavenly light, and appropriates it, and walks in it, bringing his actions into harmony with that ray, and becoming sanctified through it, will receive yet more light. He will understand that the gospel is the plan of salvation.

Striving to enter in at the strait gate means that we give the subject of the future life our first attention. We are to cut away from every hindrance that would prevent our entering into the strait gate. Inclination to evil must be denied, habits and practises [sic] not in harmony with the word of God must be overcome. We must examine the Scriptures, determined to know what is the truth; and whoever comes to the Bible with a humble, teachable spirit, whether he be rich or poor, honored or despised, shall know of the doctrine as he renders obedience to the rays of light that fall upon his pathway. He will not be left to be deceived by the delusions of the enemy, to be swayed hither and thither by the doctrines of devils.

“Strive to enter in at the strait gate” (Luke 13:24). This means nothing else than to be one with Christ, to make Him the sole object of attraction. He who thus strives to enter in at the strait gate will hear the voice of Jesus saying: “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28–30).

He who would enter in at the strait gate can not expect the aid of the world in his necessities; for it is the world that has proved a snare to his soul, and has brought him into a position of hopelessness from which he needs to be rescued. But as he detaches his affections from the world, and accepts the life of self-denial and self-sacrifice that Jesus lived, giving him an example both by precept and performance, he enters in at the strait gate, to travel the narrow path which leads to the celestial city.

He who has an obedient heart, that is ready to do the will of God, will not only gladly receive truth, but will earnestly seek for truth as for hidden treasure. He will come to the Scriptures with a humble and teachable spirit, seeking to understand how he may walk in the light, and saying, “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do” (Acts 9:6)? He is ready to sacrifice anything and everything, if required, in order that he may be in harmony with the will of God. It is not always an easy matter to render obedience to the will of God. It demands firmness of purpose to enter in at the strait gate and to travel in the narrow path that leads to eternal life, for on every hand are voices inviting the soul into bye and forbidden paths. Those who love wealth and honor and high position, will not enter in at the strait gate unless they part with their idols. There is not room to enter in at the strait gate and carry the things of this world along. He who would enter in at the strait gate must make an entire consecration of his all to God. Jesus says, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23).

He who will follow Jesus through evil as well as good report, knows something of what is truth. He who will walk in the light as it comes, not waiting to have every mystery solved and every chance of doubt removed, will know of the doctrine, and will understand what are the advantages of entering in at the strait gate, and of walking in the narrow way. But he who would carry the world with him, will never enter in at the strait gate. There is no room for one to walk the narrow way and yet carry along evil surmisings, doubts, criticisms, jealousies, and unkindness. Such a one will refuse to enter in at the strait gate because he can not see the whole path to the paradise of God. He has many obstacles to present, many difficulties to bring to view, and Satan is ready to supply the soul with excuses for not entering in at the strait gate. Refusing to walk in the first rays of light, he fails to see the light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day (Proverbs 4:18). If he would walk while he has the light, the path would be illuminated as he advanced, and all would be made plain.

The Review and Herald, March 28, 1912.

Recipe – Fig and Banana Cookies

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Fig and Banana Cookies
2 ripe bananas, mashed ½ tsp. cardamom
1 ¼ cups ground almonds, lightly packed 1 Tbsp. chia seeds
¾ cup dried figs, chopped 1 Tbsp. natural sweetener of choice (if using liquid, add ½ tsp. chia seeds), optional
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and let sit 5-10 minutes. Drop 1 ½ Tbsp. dough on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten cookies to desired thickness. Bake in 400F oven for 7-10 minutes, until cookies firm up and edges turn golden. Let cool completely. Enjoy!

Food – Figgy Figs

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Delicious sweet fig fruit, dried or fresh, has been a popular delicacy in the Mediterranean diet since biblical times. A member of the family of mulberry, figs are botanically identified as Ficus carica and universally called the “common fig” or “edible fig” in a genus including over 1,000 species.

Part of the wonder of the fig comes from its unique taste and texture. Figs are the sweetest of all fruits, boosting a 55% sugar content and featuring a complex texture that combines the chewiness of their flesh, the smoothness of their skin, and the crunchiness of their seeds.

Fig trees never blossom because the flowers are on the inside. Figs are not technically a fruit but are inverted flowers. Tiny flowers bloom within the pear-shaped pod called syconia, which later matures into the fruit. Each flower within the syconium then produces a single, one-seeded, hard-shelled fruit called achene which gives the fig its crunch. The fig is made up of masses of achene. Thus when you eat a fig, you are actually eating multiple fruits.

Neither bee nor wind contribute to the pollination of figs. Instead, a unique species of wasp, only about ⅛ inch long, pollinates the numerous, tiny club-shaped ovaries extending toward the central hollow cavity of the syconium, as it enters and exits through the small pore or apex on the rounded end of the fig.

Figs have been known to have many medicinal properties. Traditional medicine around the world has made use of figs as poultices on tumors, warts, and wounds. The fruit and leaves have been pulverized and gargled to relieve sore throats. Juice extracted from the leaves are beneficial in soothing insect bites. Used as a facial mask, figs tighten and nourish the skin. Due to high alkalinity, figs diminish desire for cigarettes for those who want to quit smoking.

Figs are dense in phenolic antioxidants. Although sweetest at the firm to tender stage, the riper they are, the more antioxidants they provide, with the dried fruit providing higher concentrations of antioxidants than the fresh fruit. Figs have been shown to increase antioxidant activity in humans for four hours after consumption.

Figs are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, most notoriously when Adam and Eve covered their nakedness with fig leaves after they ate of the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 3:7). Isaiah used them to heal skin problems (Isaiah 38:21). In the New Testament Jesus used fig symbolism in some of His parables (Matthew 21; Luke 21).

“Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors” (Matthew 24:32, 33). Be ready, be watchful, ever ready for His soon return!

Recipe

Fig and Banana Cookies
2 ripe bananas, mashed ½ tsp. cardamom
1 ¼ cups ground almonds, lightly packed 1 Tbsp. chia seeds
¾ cup dried figs, chopped 1 Tbsp. natural sweetener of choice (if using liquid, add ½ tsp. chia seeds), optional
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and let sit 5-10 minutes. Drop 1 ½ Tbsp. dough on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten cookies to desired thickness. Bake in 400F oven for 7-10 minutes, until cookies firm up and edges turn golden. Let cool completely. Enjoy!

Life Sketches – Kicking Against the Pricks

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Sometimes people will experience a life-changing event that will completely turn their life upside down and they know that life as they knew it will never be the same again. Such events are described in the Bible, and there is a life-changing event that everyone must experience if they are going to have eternal life. However, not everybody experiences it in the same way.

The stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was a pivotal turning point in the history of the Christian church. Before that event, the apostles preached the gospel almost exclusively to the Jews. In fact, we do not have a record of the apostles preaching the gospel to non-Jews up until that time. But, after the stoning of Stephen, it is very clear in the book of Acts that the gospel then went to the Gentiles.

This opening of the gospel to the Gentiles met with severe opposition, for the Jews did not want the Christian church to exist. In fact, they set out to destroy it so that there would be no Christians left. One of the chief persecutors was a man by the name of Saul of Tarsus. The first mention in Scripture of this man is at the time of the stoning of Stephen. It says, “They (the Jews) cast him (Stephen) out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul” (Acts 7:58). In Acts 8:1, first part, it says that “… Saul was consenting to his death.”

“Saul of Tarsus was present [at Stephen’s trial] and took a leading part against Stephen. He brought the weight of eloquence and the logic of the rabbis to bear upon the case, to convince the people that Stephen was preaching delusive and dangerous doctrines … .” The Acts of the Apostles, 98. “At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison” (Acts 8:1, second part–3).

Saul tried to destroy the Christian church by putting Christians in prison and having the leaders killed to stop the spread of what he deemed to be a terrible so-called heresy. Now, Saul was greatly esteemed by the Jewish nation because of his zeal. He, a learned and zealous rabbi, had become a member of the Sanhedrin counsel. He was a mighty instrument in the hand of Satan, used to carry out the rebellion against the Son of God.

However, things would soon change. The very person who was the leading persecutor of the Christian church would become the leading Christian apologist, the leading Christian apostle and proponent of the Christian religion. This story is stranger than fiction. It is a story in which we see that there is Someone mightier than Satan, who had selected the very person who led the persecution of the Christian church to become the leader of the Christian religion. This man would later write more than half the books of the New Testament.

The Bible records Stephen’s death this way: “He, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, ‘Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man (Jesus Christ) standing at the right hand of God’ ”(Acts 7:55, 56)! It says that, “all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him, saw his face as the face of an angel” (Acts 6:15).

Stephen died, but he did not die a defeated man. He died a conqueror. He said, “I see the heavens opened.” He said that he saw the Son of Man “standing at the right hand of the throne of God.” Saul and the Jewish leaders could not stand to hear that, for it was contrary to their beliefs, especially the Sadducees who taught that there was no such thing as a resurrection from the dead. When Saul witnessed this man’s faith, it shook him.

“The mind of Saul was greatly stirred by the triumphant death of Stephen. He was shaken in his prejudice; but the opinions and arguments of the priests and rulers finally convinced him that Stephen was a blasphemer; that Jesus Christ whom he preached was an imposter, and that those ministering in holy offices must be right.” The Story of Redemption, 268.

Saul was a man of decided mind and determined purpose and he became very bitter in his opposition to Christianity that he considered now to be a delusion. He had it entirely settled in his mind that the views of the priests and the scribes were right, and his zeal led him to voluntarily engage in persecuting the believers. He made havoc of the church, going everywhere, and putting men and women in prison. He caused the Christians to be dragged before judicial councils. Some were imprisoned and some were condemned to death without evidence of any offence, except the fact that they had faith in Jesus.

Having to travel to Damascus upon his own business, Saul decided that he would accomplish a double purpose. He would obtain letters from the high priest to be read in the synagogues that would authorize him to seize all who were suspected of being believers in Jesus and send them by messengers to Jerusalem, to be tried and punished. So he set out, as recorded in Acts 9:1, 2: “Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way (Christians), whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.”

He set out on his way full of the vigor of manhood and the fire of a mistaken zeal that has possessed millions upon millions of men and women down through the ages. When you study history, you find very often the worst persecutors of all time have been those who believed that what they were doing was for the glory of God. The cry of persecutors for thousands of years has been, “We have to get rid of these people so that they won’t deceive the rest of the people in the world.”

Saul and his companions had to travel over a desolate, dry desert region to reach their destination. But as they neared Damascus, they looked upon the fertile land, beautiful gardens, fruitful orchards, and cool streams. It was a very refreshing scene on which to look after such a wearisome journey.

“As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’

“And he said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ Then the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads [pricks].’ ” (Acts 9:3–5).

The scene was one of greatest confusion. The companions of Saul were stricken with terror, and almost blinded by the intensity of the light. They heard the voice, but they did not see anybody. To them it was all unintelligible and mysterious, but Saul, lying prostrate on the ground, understood exactly the words that were spoken. He saw before him a Being brighter than the light of the sun, and the image of that glorified Being was indelibly marked upon his mind, and His words struck home to his heart with appalling force. A flood of light poured into his darkened mind, revealing his ignorance and error. He saw that while he had imagined himself to be zealously serving God in persecuting the followers of Christ, he had actually been doing the work of Satan. He saw his folly in resting his faith upon the assurances of the priests and rulers.

Oh, friend, are you aware that there are millions of people today, who can give you no other reason for what they believe than that it was told them by some religious teacher? They have never checked in the Bible for themselves to find out if what they believe is true? Where is your faith? In the word of man, or the word of God?

Is your faith founded in an intelligent knowledge of the word of God, that you have studied and read for yourself, or is your faith just anchored in what somebody has said, or what some group of people have said? That was the problem with Saul. His faith had been in what the religious leaders had told him. His faith was in the religious leaders that he talked to himself. He thought that these “holy men” would not be wrong.

Millions of people through the ages have been misled by placing their faith in men that they called “holy,” that led them directly contrary to what the Bible says. Jesus, talking to the Jews about this very problem, said, “Search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me” (John 5:39). They were reading a book about Jesus and when He was there they did not recognize Him.

These priests and rulers in sacred office had great influence over the mind of Saul, and they had caused him to believe that the story of the resurrection was an artful fabrication of the disciples of Jesus. But now, he had seen Jesus Christ Himself, a glorified being, brighter than the light of the sun. And then suddenly, the forcible sermon of Stephen was brought again to his mind. He now understood the truth of the dying words that Stephen had exclaimed and that the priests and rulers had said was blasphemy.

In those few moments of illumination, Saul’s mind reacted with remarkable rapidity. Your mind can work very rapidly in certain situations. Perhaps you have met people who just before a car accident, or before some other traumatic event, have later recalled, “My whole life history went before my mind.” It is an event like that which happened to Saul of Tarsus. He traced quickly through prophetic history and realized that in the Old Testament it was predicted that the Messiah would be rejected by the Jews. He knew those prophecies in Isaiah. He thought through the prophets of the Old Testament who had predicted the crucifixion of Jesus. He knew those prophecies in the Psalms.

He thought through the prophecies predicting the resurrection of Jesus. He also knew the prophecy in the Psalms that predicted the ascension of Jesus upon high, with a multitude of captives that had been freed from captivity. He saw that all this had been foretold by the prophets, and proved that Jesus Christ really was the Messiah. He remembered again the words of Stephen, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” And he knew then that the dying saint whose death to which he had consented had looked upon the kingdom of Glory. In a moment, the scales had been lifted from his eyes and now he understood.

What a revelation it was. It was light, clear but also terrible. Christ was revealed to him as having come to earth and having fulfilled his mission, being rejected, abused, condemned, and crucified by those that He came to save, but also as having risen from the dead, and having ascended into the heavens. In that terrible moment, Saul remembered that the holy man, Stephen, had been stoned with his consent. It was through his instrumentality that not only Stephen, but other Christians, had met their death by cruel persecution. “So he, trembling and astonished, said, ‘Lord, what do You want me to do’ ” (Acts 9:6, first part)? That is never a bad question to ask. “Lord, what do You want me to do?”

“Then the Lord said to him, ‘Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do’ ” (verse 6, last part). Jesus had spoken to him. There was no doubt in his mind who this was. The person had identified Himself as Jesus. He said, “I’m Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” He knew now. He knew that this Jesus was the Messiah, that He was the One who had come to this world to save anyone who was willing to be saved from sin and give them the opportunity to have eternal life.

He was the Consolation, the Redeemer of Israel. While on earth, Jesus had often used parables and symbolic language to explain the truth to people. He also now used a familiar object to illustrate His meaning in talking to the man that became the apostle Paul. Jesus said to him, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the pricks.”

Those forcible words illustrate a truth that everyone in this world someday will know and understand. There are still millions of people in the world who are kicking against the pricks. They think that if they can get enough people to kick, and kick hard enough and long enough, they will be able to destroy the Christian religion and maybe all the Christians as well. Jesus’ words reveal the fact that it is hard for you to kick against the pricks of your own conscience.

There are many stories of people who were atheists, communists, socialists, of various non-Christian religions who had persecuted Christians and then become converted. There is the prick of seeing the effect of the Christian religion on human beings as no other religion can have and the prick of their own conscience.

The fact is that it is impossible for any man or for any group of men to stop the onward progress of the truth of Christ. The truth of Christ is going to march on to victory and triumph, and every effort by any man or any group of men to stop it, will simply result in injury to the opposer.

In the end, the persecutor will suffer far more than those whom he has persecuted, for, sooner or later, his own heart will condemn him for what he has done.

The Saviour, Jesus Christ, had spoken to Saul through His servant Stephen, whose clear reasoning from the Scriptures could not be controverted. The learned Jew had seen in the face of the martyr the reflected glory of Christ. “Everyone that saw Stephen, saw his face as if it were the face of an angel.” He had witnessed not only Stephen’s forbearance, but the forbearance of other Christians toward their enemies. He had witnessed their forgiveness of their persecutors. He had also witnessed the fortitude and cheerful resignation of other believers in Jesus while they had been tormented and afflicted and still others who had yielded up their lives as martyrs, rejoicing that they might give up their life for the truth’s sake.

All this testimony had appealed to Saul of Tarsus and had put conviction on his mind, causing him to struggle against it night and day. One reason some people become persecutors is because they are struggling against the conviction of their conscience, and to be free they fight those who bring the conviction. Saul’s education, his prejudices, his respect for priests and rulers and his pride of popularity had braced him to rebel against all the voice of his conscience and the grace of God.

He had believed that Christians were deluded fanatics, but now Jesus had spoken to him with His own voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

Oh, my friend, how is it with you? The way that you treat your fellow men is recorded in the books of heaven as the way you treat Jesus. Are you kicking against the pricks or are you ready to have a life-changing event that will turn you around 180 degrees and send you in the direction of eternal life?

(Unless appearing in quoted references or otherwise identified, Bible texts are from the New King James Version.)

Pastor John J. Grosboll is Director of Steps to Life and pastors the Prairie Meadows Church in Wichita, Kansas. He may be contacted by email at: historic@stepstolife.org, or by telephone at: 316-788-5559.

Health – Sunlight and Physical Fitness

by

Before the time of Christ, men such as Herodotus and Antyllus believed in the beneficial effect of sunlight in promoting physical fitness. They believed that “the sun feeds the muscles.” The Romans made use of the sun in training their gladiators, for they knew that sunlight seemed to strengthen and enlarge the muscles.

There seems to be conclusive evidence that sunlight produces a metabolic effect in the body that is very similar to physical training. Tuberculosis patients being treated by sunbathing have been observed to have well-developed muscles with very little fat, even though they have not exercised for months.

Beneficial effects which are apparently the same as those of an endurance exercise program can be achieved by a series of exposures to sunlight.

Resting heart rate decreases

It has been demonstrated that after a patient has been on a good endurance exercise program for several months, his resting heart rate begins to decrease (1); it has also been demonstrated that a patient’s resting heart rate will decrease and will return to normal much more rapidly following exercise, if he includes sunbathing in his physical program (2).

Respiratory rate decreases

Similarly, a patient’s respiratory rate not only decreases following an endurance exercise program, but it also decreases following sunbathing, and the patient’s breathing is slower, deeper, and seems to be easier (3).

Lactic acid decreases

Less lactic acid accumulates in the blood during exercise following sunbathing (4) (another effect which usually follows a course of physical training).

Cellular oxygen increases

The ability of the lungs to absorb more of the inspired oxygen (and the ability of the muscle cell to utilize more oxygen) comes as the result of endurance exercises continued for at least several weeks. This means that more oxygen is available for delivery to the muscles while exercising, and to the other body organs while at rest. After fitness has been established through a program of endurance exercises, a marked improvement in the level of energy is noticed. This results in a greatly improved, longer performance in work or play and also allows one to endure stress much better. This whole general improvement in one’s physical condition has come about from an improvement in the circulation and its ability to carry life-giving oxygen out into the tissues.

Sunlight seems also to increase the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen and to deliver it to the tissues. A striking increase in the oxygen content of the blood has been shown to follow a single exposure to ultraviolet light. This effect lasts for many days (5). Severe, intractable bronchial asthma patients were able to breathe freely and the color of their skin returned to a normal pink following an ultraviolet light treatment (6). The blue color of a seriously ill patient suffering from peritonitis, paralytic ileus, and bronchial pneumonia, returned to a normal pink following an ultraviolet light treatment (7).

The mechanism whereby sunlight increases the oxygen content of the blood and its utilization in the tissues may not be the same mechanism by which exercise accomplishes this same goal; but one thing becomes very clear at this point: both exercise and sunlight increase the oxygen in the tissues.

Energy and endurance increase

Fatigue is a common complaint today, but contrary to feelings, more rest may not always be the best answer. As stated previously, a good exercise program decreases fatigue and increases the capacity for work. Marked improvements in one’s endurance and working capacity has also been found to follow sunlight treatments (2). The fact that sunlight seems to increase oxygen in the tissues undoubtedly contributes to this effect. Another factor may be that glycogen (stored energy for the body) is increased in the liver and the muscles following sunbathing (8). This would allow for the increased endurance observed.

Muscular strength increases

Sunlight seems, also, to increase the blood supply to the deep internal organs and muscles (9). The skeletal muscles underlying the skin get an increased amount of blood when exposed to the sunlight (10). This is important in helping to develop muscular strength and will also help to prevent sore muscles when a new activity is undertaken. …

Recently a young male patient consulted me about his elevated cholesterol. Being a muscle builder, he was on a high protein diet and had always believed that a high carbohydrate diet would not provide the building blocks his body needed. When he was told that the ideal diet, for lowering the cholesterol, was a diet low in fat and protein and high in complex carbohydrates, he seemed rather shocked. He expressed his fear of not being able to continue on his muscle building program with this new diet. I told him about sunlight and its cholesterol lowering effect, and how it has been known for centuries to have a muscle building effect. The diet, high in complex carbohydrates with legumes and grains, would have all the protein his body could use in a muscle building program. When I saw this patient several months later and checked his cholesterol, it had fallen by over 30%. He looked well, tanned, and happy, and was enthusiastic about the progress he was achieving as his muscles had increased in strength and bulk on the new program. He was particularly pleased with the fact that he had lost subcutaneous fat. …

Blood pressure decreases

Exercise can be of great benefit in lowering the blood pressure. In one study, 23 men who had high blood pressure were given a moderate exercise program. They did 20 minutes of calisthenics and 30 to 35 minutes of jogging twice a week. After six months on this program, they averaged an 8% drop in their blood pressure (12). In another study, 656 men who had high blood pressure were given a more vigorous program of exercise. It was found that these men had an average reduction in their blood pressure of 15% (13).

A study done at Tulane University, on the effect of ultraviolet light on blood pressure, showed that men, who had normal blood pressure, had a slight lowering that lasted one or two days following a single exposure. At the same time, a group, that had high blood pressure, had a marked lowering of the blood pressure, that lasted five or six days (14). …

Single exposures of a large area of the body to ultraviolet light were found to dramatically lower elevated blood pressure (up to a 40 mm Hg drop). …

It would seem that a good exercise program, combined with a sunbathing program, would go a long way towards eliminating hypertension in this country.

The heart’s efficiency increases

A good endurance exercise program will not only lower the pulse rate, but will also increase the efficiency of the heart, allowing it to pump more blood at each beat, and also allowing the heart more time to rest between beats.

Sunbathing can also increase the efficiency of the heart. In one study, the output of blood from the heart was increased by an average of 39% in the group of patients studied. The increased output continued for five or six days following a single ultraviolet light exposure (14).

Physicians use drugs to stimulate the heart, causing it to pump more blood. These drugs could possibly be eliminated in some cases if the patient were to follow an active exercise program out-of-doors in the sunlight.

Blood sugar decreases

Exercise will lower the blood sugar in a diabetic and enable the diabetic to require less insulin or medication (15). Exercise also helps those with hypoglycemia by stabilizing their blood sugars and keeping them from dropping to the point where they experience alarming symptoms.

Exposure to sunlight appears to have an insulin-like effect in that it causes a lowering of the blood sugar. This is minimal in normal individuals, but dramatic in diabetics (8, 16). When the blood sugar drops in diabetics, it is manifested by a reduction of sugar in the urine. Blood sugar is lowered by a process in which some sugar is removed from the blood and is stored in the muscles and liver as glycogen, thus by increasing its glycogen stores, the human body can reduce its blood sugar.

This process can apparently be achieved by the sun’s stimulating enzymatic reactions in the body. Initially, the sunlight stimulates an increase of the enzyme phosphorylase. Phosphorylase decreases the amount of stored glycogen. After a few hours an enzyme called glycogen synthetase starts to increase. This enzyme increases glycogen storage in the tissues while decreasing blood sugar levels. This effect continues and reaches its maximum level in about ten hours (17).

A high level of glycogen means that the body has enough reserves of energy to supply prolonged physical exercise. From this it can be seen that it would be best to take part in strenuous exercise on the day following exposure to the sunlight. A single suberythema dose (before reddening of the skin) of sunlight produces this effect and it may last several days.

Because of this dramatic effect, a diabetic may need to adjust his insulin dose when he is following a sunbathing program. … Because sunlight combined with insulin can have a very powerful hypoglycemic effect, a diabetic must sunbathe with caution. By gradually increasing the exposure to sunlight and decreasing the dose of insulin, one may avoid a hypoglycemic reaction. A diabetic who chooses to sunbathe should always keep in touch with his physician, who can best determine his need for insulin. …

 Tolerance of stress increases

The psychological effects of training and exercise are beginning to find a prominent place in scientific literature. One study of 60 middle-aged men, showed that after an intensive, four-month physical fitness program, most were significantly more emotionally mature, more self-sufficient, and more imaginative. Others have reported an increased ability to tolerate the stresses of daily life, mood elevation, and ability to sleep and relax; and with this change, came the ability to overcome faulty living habits such as alcoholism and/or cigarette smoking (15).

Those who have had experience with the beneficial effects of sunlight, say that it not only improves the general health, but it also stimulates the appetite, gives a feeling of well-being, and enables one to sleep at night. Somehow, exposure to sunlight has a more relaxing effect upon patients than simply lying down and resting (19). …

One very nervous patient of mine had tried everything to calm her nerves: tranquilizers, vitamins, minerals … . Nothing seemed to work. I informed her of the relaxing benefits associated with sunlight and suggested she try sunbathing following moments of emotional trauma. When next I saw her, she was delighted with the wonderfully relaxing effect of the sunbaths, which far surpassed any benefit she had found from other modes of treatment. …

Sunlight seems to have a relaxing and soothing effect on the stomach and intestines. A research report from Russia shows that duodenal ulcers are greatly improved after a course of sunlight treatments and can also be prevented from reoccurring (21).

Sunlight and exercise better than exercise alone

The fear of heart disease may be the major motivating factor in stimulating people to exercise – and for good reason. It has been known for some time that exercise “converts abnormal electrocardiograms to normal ones” (22, 23). And a study of the results of combined sunlight and exercise, showed that a group that was getting the sunlight treatments with exercise, had improved almost twice as much, as shown by their electrocardiograms, as had those who only exercised, even though both groups were on a general health resort treatment program (24). …

There is some evidence in the scientific literature that sunlight can increase the energy level in human cells (28). This could explain some of the increased physical fitness that comes with exposure to sunlight. Certainly sunlight is the source of energy for the entire plant kingdom and man may also derive direct energy from the rays of the sun. …

It should be emphasized that, in order to achieve the training effect associated with exercise, a gradual and consistent exercise program must be maintained over a period of months. To achieve this “training effect” from sunlight, a similar gradual and consistent exposure to sunlight must be maintained. …

How to sunbathe

One should always consult his physician before beginning a sunbathing program. He can best evaluate your particular needs and possible problems.

One’s sensitivity to sunlight is the first deciding factor. … Some can spend hours during the summer out-of-doors and not become sunburn, while others can spend only a few minutes. Many drugs, cosmetics and soaps can so sensitize the skin that burning becomes a real problem. Generally, blonde, and red-haired people need to begin with brief exposures, and will require less total sunlight than do brunettes because the light can pass more readily through lighter skin. Dark-skinned people can spend more time in the sun initially, and then they will need to increase their exposure time, because sunlight does not readily penetrate dark skin. …

As to how much time to sunbathe, it really comes down to a program that varies with individuals. The best way to start is by experimenting, perhaps 2 minutes on each area – front, back, right, and left side – in full summer sun, then gradually increase the exposure on each area by, one minute or longer every day. If you turn slightly pink several hours after the exposure, hold the time steady for several days and then start again increasing the exposure time. It is best, when starting, to keep the time lower than necessary rather than longer and experiencing a burn. Never burn! The circumstances and the situation certainly will dictate how much skin can be exposed while sunbathing. …

The time of day, season of the year, and latitude are all important when considering how much time to sunbathe. Elevation also plays an important part, for sunburning can take place faster at a higher elevation than it can at sea level. The amount of ultraviolet light reflected from the environment can also make a big difference. Snow will reflect about 85% of the ultraviolet, dry sand 17%, and grass 2.5%. Water is a poor reflector of ultraviolet light, contrary to public opinion. …

In most temperate climates, it is possible to sunbathe year around if you get out of the wind with no air movement over your body. On bright, sunny winter days it is a fabulous experience to lie in the warm sun. … Most of the beneficial effects of sunlight can be obtained without turning the skin red, so even in northern areas, winter sunbathing can be helpful. …

During the summer, it is preferable to sunbathe earlier in the day while the air is cooler, because sunbathing can become uncomfortable as well as dangerous during the heat of the day. … If one feels himself becoming too warm, he should move to the shade or take a lukewarm shower. … One should not be afraid of sweating, as the sweating process cools the body and eliminates toxins, and the sweat contains substances that can absorb some of the sun’s burning rays. …

No kind of cream or lotion should be applied to the skin while sunbathing. Clear skin is the best (skin washed with plain water to remove soap films and cosmetics). Fat or oil applied to the skin will stimulate the formation of cancer cells. Most of the suntan creams, butters, and lotions have fat as their base and should not be used. …

If one burns easily, get out of the sun sooner; season yourself by graduated, day by day exposure. Used moderately, sunlight will give the skin a soft, velvety-smooth feel along with a healthy glow.

 

1)     Skinner, J. S., Holloszy, J. O.; and Cureton, T. K.: Effects of a Program of Endurance Exercises on Physical Work, Amer J Cardiol 14:747, 1964.

2)     Lehmann, G., and Szakall, A.: Der Einfluss der Ultraviolettbestrahlung auf den Arbeitsstoffwechsel und die Arbeitsfahigkeit des Menschen, Arbeitsphysiologie 5:278, 1932.

3)     Laurens, H.: The Physiologic Effect of Ultraviolet Radiation, JAMA 11:2385, 1939.

4)     Parade, G. W., Otto, H.: Alkalireserve und Leistung, Z Klin Med 137:7, 1939.

5)     Miley, G.: Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation: Studies in Oxygen Absorption, Amer J Med Sci 197:873, 1939.

6)     Seidel, R. E, et al: Preliminary Report of Results Observed in Eighty Cases of Intractable Bronchial Asthma, Arch Phys Ther 24:533, 1943.

7)     Miley, G.: Ultraviolet Blood Irradiation Therapy in Acute Pyogenic Infections, Amer J Surg 57:493, 1942.

8)     Pincussen, L.: The Effect of Ultraviolet and Visible Rays on Carbohydrate Metabolism, Arch Phys Ther X-ray Radium 18:750, 1937.

9)     Levy, M.: Der Einfulss Ultravioletter Strahlen auf die Inneren Organe der Maus, Strahlentherapie 9:618, 1919.

10)   Bing, H.I.: Effects of Ultraviolet Rays in Depth and Duration, Acta Med Scand 114:217, 1943.

12)   Boyer, J., and Katsch F.: Exercise Therapy in Hypertensive Men, JAMA 21:10, 1970.

13)   Hellerstein, H. K.: “A Primary and Secondary Coronary Prevention Program,” in Raab, W. (ed.): Prevention of Ischemic Heart Disease, Springfield: Charles C. Thomas, 1966.

14)   Johnson, J. R., et al: The Effect of Carbon Arc Radiation on Blood Pressure and Cardiac Output, Amer J Physiol 114:594, 1935.

15)   Cooper, K. H.: Aerobics, New York: Bantam Books, 1968.

16)   Ellinger, F.: The Biologic Fundamentals of Radiation Therapy, New York: Elsevier Publishing Co., Inc., 1941.

17)   Ohkawara, A., et al: Glycogen Metabolism Following Ultraviolet Irradiation, J Invest Derm 59:264, 1972.

19)   Lorincz, A. L.: The Physiological and Pathological Changes in Skin from Sunburn and Suntan, JAMA, 173:1227, 1960.

21)   Okhonko, V. I.: Treatment of Duodenal Ulcer with Cholinolytics and General Ultraviolet Radiation, Vrach Delo 1:61, 1976.

22)   Mikhailov, V. A.: Influence of Graduated Sunlight Baths on Patients with Coronary Atherosclerosis, Sovet Med, 29:76, 1966.

23)   Kidera, G. J.: Exercise Aids in Converting ECG to Normal, JAMA, 204:31, 1968.

24)   Goldman, A. N., et al: Effects of Continuous and Impulse Ultraviolet Radiation Therapy in Clinical Health Resort Treatment of Patients with Hypertension and Chronic Coronary Insufficiency, Vop Kurort Fizioter 36(5):417, 1972.

28)   Kabat, J., et al: Effect of UV-irradiation of Shifts of Energy-rich Phosphate Compounds, Zabl Bakt Hyg I Abt Orig B 162:393, 1976.

Sunlight, Zane R. Kime, M.D., M.S., 33–47, 237–245.