Issue: 2009 June

Humble Pie

by

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:10. Here is given an instruction with a promise attached to it but what does it mean to be humble? Some definitions are: modesty; the lack of pride and arrogance; courtesy, and meekness. It is to be submissive to God, who is our legitimate authority.

The Benefits

Some benefits of humility that are named in the Bible are: honor, wisdom, eternal life, unity, rewards in heaven, just to mention a few. Abraham Lincoln said, “Being a humble instrument in the hands of our Heavenly Father, I desire that all my words and acts may be according to His will and that it may be so, I give thanks to the Almighty and seek His aid.” And, “True humility is not an abject, groveling, self-despising, spirit. It is a right estimate of ourselves as God sees us.” Tryon Edwards said, “After crosses and losses, men grow humbler and wiser.” And D. L. Moody said, “Some people talk of how humble they are, but a lighthouse does not have a trumpet blown. It is its own witness.” “The proud man counts his newspaper clippings, the humble his blessings.” Spurgeon said, “The more fit a man is for God’s work, the lower he esteems himself.” These words of wisdom truly reflect the Bible’s definition of humility and the benefits it reaps.

Only humble people recognize their sinful state and their great need of God’s forgiveness, His grace and His mercy. God promises to hear their prayers, forgive their sins and heal their land if they will humble themselves and pray. (II Chronicles 7:14.) Jesus’ disciples once asked Him who would be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? He called a child to stand among them and said, “Whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:4. “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6. He also said not to think more highly than you ought to think but consider that God has dealt to everyone a measure of faith so no one is more important than the other. (Romans 12:3.)

Humility is part of the Christian experience. It is part of walking with God. “Many have so beclouded their own minds with self-importance, that they have been very confident, where they would do well to be distrustful and cautious. If men could see how easily self and spiritual pride become woven with supposed devotion to the work of God, and how, when this takes place, they are left to mar the work, and set the weaver’s pattern all awry, they would pray, ‘Anoint mine eyes with the heavenly eyesalve, that I may see all things correctly.’ [Revelation 3:18.]

“Unless there is increased humility of heart and purity of action, things will be done that will lead to a whole train of mistakes.” The Upward Look, 95.

“Nothing is more essential to communion with God than the most profound humility. ‘I dwell,’ says the High and Holy One, ‘with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit.’ [Isaiah 57:15.] While you are so eagerly striving to be first, remember that you will be last in the favor of God if you fail to cherish a meek and lowly spirit. Pride of heart will cause many to fail where they might have made a success. ‘Before honor is humility,’ [Proverbs 15:33; 18:12] and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. [Ecclesiastes 7:8.] … Few will humble themselves as a little child, that they may enter the kingdom of heaven. …

“This is why the Lord can do so little for us now. God would have you individually seek for the perfection of love and humility in your own hearts. Bestow your chief care upon yourselves, cultivate those excellencies of character which will fit you for the society of the pure and the holy.

“You all need the converting power of God. You need to seek Him for yourselves. For your soul’s sake, neglect this work no longer.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 50, 51.

How Do I Get It?

The necessity of having humility has been established, but how do you get it? It is the desire of the Lord that everyone should be saved. The experiences of the children of Israel were designed that their hearts would be humbled and they would confess their unfaithfulness to the Lord and return to the true God. Deuteronomy 8:2–3 says, “And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness, to humble you, [and] test you, to know what [was] in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments, or not. So he humbled you, allowing you to hunger, and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know; that he might make known to you that man shall not live by bread alone, but man lives by every [word] that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.”

“God brings His people near Him by close, testing trials, by showing them their own weakness and inability, and by teaching them to lean upon Him as their only help and safeguard. Then His object is accomplished. They are prepared to be used in every emergency, to fill important positions of trust, and to accomplish the grand purposes for which their powers were given them. God takes men upon trial; He proves them on the right hand and on the left, and thus they are educated, trained, disciplined. Jesus, our Redeemer, man’s representative and head, endured this testing process. He suffered more than we can be called upon to suffer. He bore our infirmities and was in all points tempted as we are. He did not suffer thus on His own account, but because of our sins; and now, relying on the merits of our Overcomer, we may become victors in His name.

“God’s work of refining and purifying must go on until His servants are so humbled, so dead to self, that, when called into active service, their eye will be single to His glory. He will then accept their efforts; they will not move rashly, from impulse; they will not rush on and imperil the Lord’s cause, being slaves to temptations and passions and followers of their own carnal minds set on fire by Satan.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 86.

Tests and trials are God’s appointed methods for learning humility so we can have a closer walk with Him. It is at those times when we are powerless, that we reach out for help outside of ourselves and look for a higher power. It is only when you recognize that you have a problem that you seek for a solution. God allows some experiences, which we might call “eating humble pie” or “eating crow” for us to learn the lessons that we need to trust in Him.

An Example to Follow

Jesus exemplified humility. At His last supper He humbled Himself and served His disciples, washing their feet and serving them, leaving us an example so we would learn humility and love for our brothers and sisters in Christ as we celebrate the communion service. “These ordinances are regarded too much as a form, and not as a sacred thing to call to mind the Lord Jesus. Christ ordained them, and delegated His power to His ministers, who have the treasure in earthen vessels. They are to superintend these special appointments of the One who established them to continue to the close of time. It is on these, His own appointments, that He meets with and energizes His people by His personal presence. … These ordinances are established for a purpose. Christ’s followers are to bear in mind the example of Christ in His humility. This ordinance is to encourage humility, but it should never be termed humiliating, in the sense of being degrading to humanity. It is to make tender our hearts toward one another. …

“The object of this service is to call to mind the humility of our Lord, and the lessons He has given in washing the feet of His disciples. There is in man a disposition to esteem himself more highly than his brother, to work for himself, to serve himself, to seek the highest place; and often evil-surmisings and bitterness of spirit spring up over mere trifles. This ordinance preceding the Lord’s Supper is to clear away these misunderstandings, to bring man out of his selfishness, down from his stilts of self-exaltation, to the humility of heart that will lead him to wash his brother’s feet. It is not in God’s plan that this should be deferred because some are considered unworthy to engage in it. The Lord washed the feet of Judas. … It is not for them to say, I will not attend the ordinance if such a one is present to act a part. Nor has God left it to man to say who shall present themselves on these occasions.” Pastoral Ministry, 170.

“Therefore, if there is any consolation of Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, Fulfill My joy by [being] likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. [Let] nothing [be done] through selfish ambition or conceit; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for your own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you, which was 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 servant, and coming in the likeness of men: And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient even to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:1–8.

In Jesus’ life, not only did He come as a servant, but He humbled Himself and became a man. But not only that, He came as a poor man. He came from the wealth of heaven, being one with God, and not only did He come as a man, He gave Himself to the point of death, and then not only to the point of death, but to the point of death on a cross. That was a cruel way to die. And so we see an example of ultimate humility in the life of Christ.

“Jesus came to this world in humility. He was of lowly birth. The Majesty of heaven, the King of glory, the Commander of all the angel host, He humbled Himself to accept humanity, and then He chose a life of poverty and humiliation. He had no opportunities that the poor do not have. Toil, hardship, and privation were a part of every day’s experience. ‘Foxes have holes,’ He said, ‘and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head.’ Luke 9:58.

“Jesus did not seek the admiration or the applause of men. He commanded no army. He ruled no earthly kingdom. He did not court the favor of the wealthy and honored of the world. He did not claim a position among the leaders of the nation. He dwelt among the lowly. …

“He was the Prince of heaven, yet He did not choose His disciples from among the learned lawyers, the rulers, the scribes, or the Pharisees. He passed these by, because they prided themselves on their learning and position.” The Ministry of Healing, 197.

“I present before you the life of self-denial, humility, and sacrifice of our divine Lord. The Majesty of heaven, the King of glory, left His riches, His splendor, His honor and glory, and, in order to save sinful man, condescended to a life of humility, poverty, and shame.” Testimonies, vol 2, 490, 491.

“The more one sees of the character of God, the more humble he becomes, and the lower his estimation is of himself. This indeed is the evidence that he beholds God, that he is in union with Jesus Christ. Unless we are meek and lowly, we cannot in truth claim that we have any conception of the character of God. Men may think that they possess superior qualifications. Their splendid talents, great learning, eloquence, activity, and zeal, may dazzle the eye, delight the fancy, and awaken the admiration of those who cannot read beneath the surface; but unless humility and modesty is linked with these other gifts, self-glorification and self-exaltation will be seen. Unless each qualification is consecrated to the Lord, unless those to whom the Lord has entrusted gifts seek that grace which alone can make their qualifications acceptable to God, they are looked upon by the Lord … as unprofitable servants. ‘The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God thou wilt not despise.’ [Psalm 51:17.] … Those whose hearts are melted and subdued, who have seen the glorious manifestation of God’s character, will show no heedless presumption. … Self will be lost in the consciousness they have of God’s wonderful glory, and their own utter unworthiness. All who value a happy and holy walk with God … will leave nothing undone if only they may gain a glimpse of His glory. In every place and under every circumstance, they will pray to God that they may be allowed to see Him. They will cherish that meek and contrite spirit that trembles at the word of God.” Sons and Daughters of God, 68.

By looking to Jesus and what He did for us at the cross of Calvary, all the desire for self-glorification will be laid in the dust and there will be no self-exultation, but there will be true humility and appreciation for the gift that has been provided. “The light reflected from the cross of Calvary will humble every proud thought. Those who seek God with all the heart, and accept the great salvation offered them, will open the door of the heart to Jesus. They will cease to ascribe glory to themselves. They will not pride themselves on their acquirements, or take credit to themselves for their capabilities, but will regard all their talents as God’s gifts, to be used to His glory. Every intellectual ability they will regard as precious only as it can be used in the service of Christ.

“Christ’s humiliation in clothing His divinity with humanity is worthy of our consideration. Had this subject been studied as carefully as it should have been, there would be far less of ‘I’ heard and far more of Christ. It is self-esteem that stands between the human agent and his God and impedes the vital current that flows from Christ to enrich every human being. When we follow Jesus in the path of self-denial and the cross, we shall find that we do not have to strive for humility. As we walk in Christ’s footsteps, we shall learn His meekness and lowliness of heart. Very few thoughts should be devoted to self; for we can never make ourselves great. It is Christ’s gentleness that makes us great.

“God’s faithful, humble, believing people will cut the idolatry of self out of their hearts, and Christ will become all and in all.” Our High Calling, 114.

If we have a desire to be humble we need to walk in Christ’s footsteps. Humbleness is not something that we can manufacture by ourselves. It is a by-product of depending on Jesus, accepting the trials and experiences that come our way, knowing that they are designed to teach us humility, to teach us to look to Him for help and for guidance.

A Unique Portrayal

During the reformation two men of learning went from England to Prague. They had received the light of the reformation and they wanted to spread it, so they began with an open attack on the Pope’s supremacy. They were soon silenced by the authorities but being unwilling to relinquish their purpose, they took other measures. They were not only preachers, but they were also artists. They proceeded to exercise their skill and in a place open to the public, they drew two pictures. One of the pictures represented the entrance of Christ into Jerusalem, sitting meekly upon an ass and followed by His disciples in travel worn garments and naked feet. The other picture portrayed a pontifical procession; the Pope arrayed in his rich robes and triple-crown, mounted upon a horse, magnificently adorned, preceded by trumpeters, and followed by cardinals and prelates in dazzling array. There in the form of pictures was a sermon which arrested the attention of all classes of people. They very well understood the message portrayed of Christ, how He came in His humility, and how the church in that day, the church in Rome, had fallen so far short of that, and had a very fancy entrance as compared to how Christ came in His humility.

The Results

In Matthew 23:11, 12, it says, “But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be abased; and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Again in the sermon Jesus preached on the mountain and recorded in Matthew 5:3, He said, “Blessed [are] the poor in spirit: [or those who are humble] for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Peter admonished the younger people to submit to their elders. (I Peter 5:5, 6.) And the wise man, Solomon said, “The fear of the Lord [is] the instruction of wisdom: and before honor is humility.” Proverbs 15:33. Also, “Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, and before honor is humility.” Proverbs 18:12.

“Before honor is humility. To fill a high place before men, Heaven chooses the worker who, like John the Baptist, takes a lowly place before God. The most childlike disciple is the most efficient in labor for God. The heavenly intelligences can co-operate with him who is seeking, not to exalt self, but to save souls. He who feels most deeply his need of divine aid will plead for it; and the Holy Spirit will give unto him glimpses of Jesus that will strengthen and uplift the soul.” Desire of Ages, 436.

Solomon was the wisest man that ever lived and the most prosperous king of the children of Israel. He said, “I am [but] a little child.” I Kings 3:7. The Lord blessed him.

Jacob recognized himself as unworthy as he prayed to the Lord in Genesis 32:10. He said, “I am not worthy; I am the least of all.”

Abraham knew his unworthiness as well. While pleading for the righteous people in Sodom, he said, “Behold, I have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord, but I [am but] dust and ashes.” Genesis 18:27.

In the temple one day were two people, a Pharisee and a publican. Both of these men were praying. The Pharisee prayed with his head raised high and said, “I thank God that I am not like all these other men. I have all these things, I do all the right things and I’m so glad I’m not like that tax collector over there!” (Luke 18:11.) The tax collector, so humbled with the recognition that he was a sinner did not even lift up his face toward heaven and said, “God be merciful to me, I am a sinner.” Jesus said, “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified [rather] than the other: for every one who exalts himself will be humbled; but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:13, 14.

It is only when we realize our own weakness that we are strong in the strength of the Lord.

“No man can empty himself of self. We can only consent for Christ to accomplish the work. Then the language of the soul will be, Lord, take my heart; for I cannot give it. It is Thy property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save me in spite of myself, my weak, unchristlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich current of Thy love can flow through my soul.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 159.

Though it may seem oxymoronic, when you are down, God lifts you up even though your circumstances may not change. God creates in us something that we cannot do for ourselves.

His Strength in Our Weakness

Gladys Alward, according to this world’s standard of achievement, was not anyone special. She did not possess any particular talent, nor was she well educated, but God used her in spite of her circumstances. She was born in England of the working class, the daughter of a mailman. She did not excel scholastically, and she did not know classical languages or possess an exhaustive knowledge of the Bible. She was raised in the Anglican Church, though she was not a particularly religious person early in her life. When she was eighteen she attended some revival meetings where the preacher expounded on giving one’s life over to the service of the Lord. That message struck a chord in her heart which produced a desire to serve as a missionary in a mission field. She was a parlor maid, an occupation she undertook with little chance of realizing her call, but having spent the last four years serving others, it surely gave her a unique insight to a servant’s heart. In her mid twenties she applied for the China Inland Mission on a probationary position, but she was rejected. However, no one can frustrate the will of God or reject for service, those called of God.

She determined by whatever means possible, to follow God so she continued to work and to save her money and after four years at the age of thirty, her opportunity came in the person of an aging missionary, Mrs. Jeannie Lawton, who was looking for a young assistant to carry on her work. Mrs. Lawton was in China. Gladys did not have the money to travel by ship to China so she put her affairs in order, and with her passport, her Bible, her tickets, and two pounds nine pence, set off over a perilous over-land journey to the inland city of Yangchen. This was a place where few Europeans had visited, and where the local people did not trust foreigners. Here she met with Mrs. Lawton and set about planning the best way to attract an audience to hear the message of Jesus.

The city in which they lived was an overnight stop for mule caravans, and the building where they lived had once been an inn, so they determined to do some repairs and restore its original purpose, offering food and care for the mules along with hospitality, food, and a warm bed for the drivers, at a fair price. It is reported that Gladys would run out and grab the halter of the lead mule and lead it into their courtyard, the other mules following with their drivers going along for the ride.

In the evenings after serving a meal and before bed, the women would gather their guests and tell them stories about a man named Jesus. In this fashion the gospel message began to be proclaimed, not only at their inn, but by the drivers who carried the stories to their next stops along their journey. She spent many hours each day learning to communicate in the vernacular of the locals until she was finally able to speak with them. This was something that the China Inland Mission thought she could never do, because she had not proven herself previously to have done well scholastically.

After a short period of time, Mrs. Lawson fell and was seriously injured causing her to die a few days later. Gladys, along with the Chinese cook, who was also a Christian, determined to continue the work there. They began sharing the gospel in the surrounding villages, and during their travels became aware of many unwanted children. Her missionary work then turned in a different direction, care for the unwanted little ones. This care was not limited only to the children. During those years, China was under attack by Japan, and many Chinese soldiers were wounded. Her inn became a refuge for 20 orphans and as many as 30–40 injured soldiers at a time. As the war continued and intensified, her children numbered about 100. She had by this time become a citizen of China and because of her activities, and the war, she was forced to leave her home. She set out with her children, on foot, and took them over the mountains to a safer province about 100 miles away.

Amazingly, she was able to continue her ministry there in China until 1947 when the communist regime took over and all missionaries had to leave China. This woman is witness to what God can do through someone who recognizes her own weakness and allows God to work through her. She once said, “My heart is full of praise that one so insignificant, uneducated, and ordinary in every way could be used to His glory for the blessing of a people in poor persecuted China.”

“But the meek shall possess the land and delight themselves in abundant prosperity.” Psalm 37:11. “The reward for humility [and] fear of the Lord [is] riches, and honor and life.” Proverbs 22:4.

The most humble, the least, the last, shall be the greatest. Christ is the embodiment of humility. He humbled Himself more than it is possible for us to do. “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 the Father.” Philippians 2:9–11.

His desire is for us to realize our dependence on Him so He can exalt us and bring us back to the condition of what we lost in the Garden of Eden so He can take us home to live with Him for eternity.

A network engineer, Jana Grosboll lives in Derby, Kansas. She may be contacted by email at: janawwjd@yahoo.com.

The Parable of the Talents

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A few days before His crucifixion, Jesus told some parables. The first parable is about ten virgins looking for the coming of the bridegroom. Because of a delay, all of them fell asleep. When they were awakened, five of them who had made preparation had extra oil for their lamps. The other five who were foolish had no oil and their lamps went out.

The next parable about the talents appears to be built on the parable of the virgins by way of practical application to our lives and Christianity.

Matthew 25:13–30 “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. For [the kingdom of heaven is] as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made [them] other five talents. And likewise he that [had received] two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him, Well done, [thou] good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, [there] thou hast [that is] thine. His lord answered and said unto him, [Thou] wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and [then] at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talent from him, and give [it] unto him which hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

We all want to be that servant who hears the words, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.”

The Bible has much counsel to servants. Paul counseled the Ephesians, “Servants, be obedient to them that are [your] masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.” Ephesians 6:5, 6. Obedience is always a sign of a servant. Doing the will of God from the heart is the key. It is an obedience that must come from the heart.

“We have by grace been chosen as His servants. A servant means a worker, one who bears cares, burdens, responsibilities.” Manuscript 81, July 18, 1893. “It is those who profess to have accepted Christ’s service who in the parable are represented as His own servants.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 326.

If we are to be found good and faithful servants, first we have to respond to the call of a servant and be found faithful. We must be mindful that all things that a servant possesses are gifts from the Master. “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one, the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one, there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom; to another, the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit; to another miraculous powers; to another prophecy; to another distinguishing between spirits; to another speaking in different kinds of tongues; and to still another the interpretation of tongues: All these are the work of the one and the same Spirit. And He gives them to each one just as He determines.” I Corinthians 12:4–11.

“We are to realize that it is not our goods we are handling, but the Master’s entrusted capital for us to invest and increase as wise stewards of our Lord’s goods, that we may return to Him His investment with usury.” Manuscript 81, July 18, 1891.

“The talents that Christ entrusts to His church represent especially the gifts and blessings imparted by the Holy Spirit.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 327. This is the point of the parable. But it also includes the special gifts of the Spirit. “The special gifts of the Spirit are not the only talents represented in the parable. It includes all gifts and endowments, whether original or acquired, natural or spiritual. All are to be employed in Christ’s service.” Ibid., 328. Every talent or ability that we have belongs to Christ, and we are to employ them for His service.

In Romans 12:4-8 we are shown how each individual is the recipient of an important gift that, when brought together, makes a whole. “Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not have all the same functions: so in Christ, we who are many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve. If it is teaching, let him teach. If it is encouraging, let him encourage. If it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously. If it is leadership, let him govern diligently. If it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” (Paraphrased.) Paul represents these gifts as being parts of the body. Christ is the one who makes up the body giving to each person a different gift. As we use these different gifts, we are functioning as a body.

“The talents are not apportioned capriciously. He who has ability to use five talents receives five. He who can improve but two, receives two. He who can wisely use only one, receives one. None need lament that they have not received larger gifts; for He who has apportioned to every man is equally honored by the improvement of each trust, whether it be great or small. The one to whom five talents have been committed is to render the improvement of five; he who has but one, the improvement of one. God expects returns ‘according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.’ II Corinthians 8:12.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 328.

“And likewise he who [had received] two, gained two more also. But he that had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money.” Matthew 25:17.

When we look at the parable, one man receives five talents, one man receives two talents, and one received one. Two of them brought a return. The one who was given five talents brought back five more, and the one who was given two also increased, bringing back two more. However, both of these men received the same commendation, teaching us that it is not the amount of talents that we have that is important to God; it is all about what we do with what we have been given. “But he that received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. After a long time the lord of those servants came, and settled accounts with them.” Matthew 25:18, 19.

“We are all entrusted with the goods of heaven—talents of intellect, wealth, reason, and we are not to regard lightly any of these gifts. They are the Lord’s capital, to be used, sanctified, and returned to the Lord improved by use. To every man God has given his work, and all will have to stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of what they have done for their Master. …

“The more we have of this world’s goods, the greater will be our accountability to God. Let the question be asked sincerely, heartily, What do I with my Lord’s entrusted talents? There are those who have great light, great opportunities; they realize the Master’s kindly affections, and are stirred to make returns. But other influences come in.” Bible Echoes, June 6, 1898.

Satan is out there battling against each one of us to bring other influences into our lives to divert our attention from what we should be doing. “Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and [so] that day come upon you unawares.” Luke 21:34. If we become overcharged with these things and forget what we are supposed to be doing, then we could be found unfaithful, like the servant who hid his talents in the ground.

One of the most overwhelming flaws in humanity is selfishness. It was this very thing that prompted the servant to hoard what was given him. He was afraid that God was going to claim something that he didn’t want to give—he was “afraid to trust God; afraid that God will require something they claim to be their own. They hide their talent in the earth, fearing to invest it anywhere, lest they be called to give back the improvements to God. … Because they have but one talent, they are afraid to trust it with God, and they hide it in the earth.” The Review and Herald, February 23, 1886. This servant was unwilling to give God what belonged to Him. What this man did not realize was the ultimate damage done by selfishness. “You that are placing your talents of means in a napkin, and hiding them in the earth, who are building houses and adding land to land, God calls upon you, ‘Sell that ye have, and give alms.’ [Luke 12:33.] There is a time coming when commandment keepers can neither buy nor sell. Make haste to dig out your buried talents. If God has entrusted you with money, show yourselves faithful to your trust; unwrap your napkin, and send your talents to the exchangers, that when Christ shall come, He may receive His own with interest.” Counsels on Stewardship, 40.

There are several ways that we bury our talents in the ground. One way is through the misuse of our mental faculties. “The Lord desires us to obtain all the education possible, with the object in view of imparting our knowledge to others. None can know where or how they may be called to labor or to speak for God. Our heavenly Father alone sees what He can make of men. There are before us possibilities which our feeble faith does not discern. Our minds should be so trained that if necessary we can present the truths of His word before the highest earthly authorities in such a way as to glorify His name.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 333, 334. One of the best ways to educate our mind is through witnessing. As we witness we use the things that we have learned, and as we share them with others, God gives us more.

There is one thing in this world that has the power to make or break any good thing. It is the power of speech. This can be the greatest blessing or the greatest curse depending on how it is used. “The power of speech is a talent that should be diligently cultivated. Of all the gifts we have received from God, none is capable of being a greater blessing than this. With the voice we convince and persuade, with it we offer prayer and praise to God, and with it we tell others of the Redeemer’s love. How important, then, that it be so trained as to be most effective for good.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 335. Our speech can be used for the Lord, but it can also be used for Satan. If we want our speech to be pure, our hearts need to be pure. We need to watch and be aware of the effect we have on others through this powerful medium. When speaking of the things that God has given as gifts to use in His service, this one, as the Bible says, has the power for great good or great evil.

Another gift that God has endowed us with is our influence. Whether we realize it or not, everything that we do influences another being in some way. It is for this reason that we need to exercise a spirit of joy and kindness. “Every soul is surrounded by an atmosphere of its own—an atmosphere, it may be, charged with the life-giving power of faith, courage, and hope, and sweet with the fragrance of love. Or it may be heavy and chill with the gloom of discontent and selfishness, or poisonous with the deadly taint of cherished sin. By the atmosphere surrounding us, every person with whom we come in contact is consciously or unconsciously affected.” Ibid., 339.

Time is another talent. What do we spend our time on? Is it worthy of a Christian, and enriching to the Christian walk? “Our time belongs to God. Every moment is His, and we are under the most solemn obligation to improve it to His glory. Of no talent He has given will He require a more strict account than of our time.” Ibid., 342. It may come as a surprise to many that it is the account of our time that we are held the most accountable. Our very lives are not our own, but His. Given this, how we spend the time that we are given is very important to God.

Health is often something that is taken for granted; however, health is another thing that needs to be worked with and increased. “Health is a blessing of which few appreciate the value; yet upon it the efficiency of our mental and physical powers largely depends. Our impulses and passions have their seat in the body, and it must be kept in the best condition physically and under the most spiritual influences in order that our talents may be put to the highest use.

“Anything that lessens physical strength enfeebles the mind and makes it less capable of discriminating between right and wrong. We become less capable of choosing the good and have less strength of will to do that which we know to be right.” Ibid., 346. Health is something to be guarded. The mind and the body sympathize with each other and every power of the will is necessary to overcome that which would be more difficult without good health.

Lastly, finances are a talent. “Our money has not been given us that we might honor and glorify ourselves. As faithful stewards we are to use it for the honor and glory of God. Some think that only a portion of their means is the Lord’s. When they have set apart a portion for religious and charitable purposes, they regard the remainder as their own, to be used as they see fit. But in this they mistake. All we possess is the Lord’s, and we are accountable to Him for the use we make of it. In the use of every penny, it will be seen whether we love God supremely and our neighbor as ourselves.” Ibid., 351. It is an individual work to see to it that the Lord is pleased with our stewardship. He is faithful to help us in every area that we may lack, to help us be faithful.

The importance of using our God-given gifts is not often fully acknowledged. “When Philip found Jesus, he immediately went to find Nathanael, and when he had found him, he said, ‘We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.’ And Nathanael said, ‘Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.’ This is what you should do,—invite others to come, and hear and see for themselves whether your words are true, and your religion genuine. When Jesus saw Nathanael, he said, ‘Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile.’ Nathanael was astonished, and said, ‘Whence knowest thou me?’ And Jesus said, ‘Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig-tree, I saw thee.’ Nathanael exclaimed, ‘Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the king of Israel.’ [John 1:45–49.]

“Here is an example of how we may put our talents out to the exchangers. Philip communicated his knowledge to another, and so brought a soul to Christ. The light given us of Heaven is to be communicated to others in this way. If you have given light to one soul, you have enlightened one hundred, for that one will communicate the light to others, and so it will go on continually increasing.” The Review and Herald, April 30, 1889.

When the misuse or neglect of our gifts becomes perpetual, eventually they are taken away. “Take … the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 364. This is not an arbitrary act of God, but rather a result of our own neglect. “Talent employed increases the gift but when used only to bless self, it diminishes, and finally is withdrawn.” The Southern Watchman, October 9, 1901. “Upon the slothful servant the sentence was, ‘Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.’ [Matthew 25:28.] Here, as in the reward of the faithful worker, is indicated not merely the reward at the final judgment but the gradual process of retribution in this life. As in the natural, so in the spiritual world: every power unused will weaken and decay. Activity is the law of life; idleness is death. ‘The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.’ I Corinthians 12:7. Employed to bless others, his gifts increase. Shut up to self-serving they diminish, and are finally withdrawn. He who refuses to impart that which he has received will at last find that he has nothing to give. He is consenting to a process that surely dwarfs and finally destroys the faculties of the soul.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 364.

It is wholly unnecessary that we should be stripped of God’s gifts. He has given them to us with our best interest at heart and also the best interest of others with whom we come into contact. When we use these precious endowments to His glory, we will never lack any good thing. It is His joy to give to us and care for us. He works with us day by day, hour by hour to enrich what He has given us if we allow Him. “When we give ourselves wholly to God and in our work follow His directions, He makes Himself responsible for its accomplishment. He would not have us conjecture as to the success of our honest endeavors. Not once should we even think of failure. We are to co-operate with One who knows no failure.” Ibid., 363.

“So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, Lord, you delivered to me five talents: look, I have gained five more talents beside them. His lord said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant: you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter into the joy of your lord. He also who had received two talents came and said, Lord, you delivered to me two talents: look, I have gained two more talents besides them. His lord said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you a ruler over many things: enter into the joy of your lord.” Matthew 25:20–23.

Let us each be blessed through the use of the blessed talents, aptitudes, and gifts that we are given by a generous Father who wishes to bless us and asks us nothing in return but to use those blessings to enrich others and, ultimately, ourselves.

Jim Stoeckert works as an assistant with the Faith Haven Christian School and as head of maintenance for Steps to Life. He also serves the Prairie Meadows Church as head deacon. Jim can be reached by e-mail at: jimstoeckert@stepstolife.org or by phone at 316-789-5559.

Saving Faith

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But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above); or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart; that is, the word of faith, which we preach: that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Romans 10:6–9.

May we accept these words, especially the statement in the last verse, as literally true? Shall we not be in danger if we do? Is not something more than faith in Christ necessary to salvation? To the first of these questions we say, Yes; and to the last two we say, No; and refer to the Scriptures for corroboration. So plain a statement cannot be other than literally true, and one that can be depended on by the trembling sinner.

As an instance in proof, take the case of the jailer at Philippi. Paul and Silas, after having been inhumanely beaten, were placed in his care. Notwithstanding their lacerated backs and their manacled feet, they prayed and sang praises to God at midnight, and suddenly an earthquake shook the prison, and all the doors were opened. It was not alone the natural fear produced by feeling the earth rock beneath him, nor yet the dread of Roman justice if the prisoners in his charge should escape, that caused the jailer to tremble. But he felt in that earthquake shock a premonition of the great Judgment, concerning which the apostles had preached; and, trembling under his load of guilt, he fell down before Paul and Silas, saying, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Mark well the answer; for here was a soul in the sorest extremity, and what was sufficient for him must be the message to all lost ones. To the jailer’s anguished appeal, Paul replied, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” Acts 16:30, 31. This agrees exactly with the words which we quoted from Paul to the Romans.

On one occasion the Jews said unto Jesus, “What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?” Just the thing that we want to know. Mark the reply: “This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” John 6:28, 29. Would that these words might be written in letters of gold, and kept continually before the eyes of every struggling Christian. The seeming paradox is cleared up. Works are necessary; yet faith is all-sufficient, because faith does the work. Faith comprehends everything, and without faith there is nothing.

The trouble is that people in general have a faulty conception of faith. They imagine that it is mere assent, and that it is only a passive thing, to which active works must be added. But faith is active, and it is not only the most substantial thing, but the only real foundation. The law is the righteousness of God (Isaiah 51:6, 7), for which we are commanded to seek (Matthew 6:33); but it cannot be kept except by faith, for the only righteousness which will stand in the Judgment is “that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.” Philippians 3:9.

Read the words of Paul in Romans 3:31: “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid; yea, we establish the law.” Making void the law of God by man is not abolishing it; for that is an impossibility. It is as fixed as the throne of God. No matter what men say of the law, nor how much they trample upon it and despise it, it remains the same. The only way that men can make void the law of God is to make it of none effect in their hearts, by their disobedience. Thus in Numbers 30:15, a vow that has been broken is said to have been made void. So when the apostle says that we do not make void the law through faith, he means that faith and disobedience are incompatible. No matter how much the law-breaker professes faith, the fact that he is a law-breaker shows that he has no faith. But the possession of faith is shown by the establishment of the law in the heart, so that the man does not sin against God. Let no one decry faith, as of little moment.

But does not the apostle James say that faith alone cannot save a man, and that faith without works is dead? Let us look at his words a moment. Too many have with honest intent perverted them to a dead legalism. He does say that faith without works is dead, and this agrees most fully with what we have just quoted and written. For if faith without works is dead, the absence of works shows the absence of faith; for that which is dead has no existence. If a man has faith, works will necessarily appear, and the man will not boast of either one; for by faith boasting is excluded. Romans 3:27. Boasting is done only by those who trust wholly in dead works, or whose profession of faith is a hollow mockery.

Then how about James 2:14, which says: “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?” The answer necessarily implied is, of course, that it cannot. Why not?—Because he hasn’t it. What doth it profit if a man say he has faith, if by his wicked course he shows that he has none? Must we decry the power of faith simply because it does nothing for the man who makes a false profession of it? Paul speaks of some who profess that they know God, but who deny him by their works. Titus 1:16. The man to whom James refers is one of this class. The fact that he has no good works—no fruit of the Spirit—shows that he has no faith, despite his loud profession; and so of course faith cannot save him; for faith has no power to save a man who does not possess it. Bible Echo, August 1, 1890.

From the book, Lessons on Faith.

©1995 by Teach Services, Inc. Used with permission. www.teachservices.com

In 1888, the Lord brought a message of righteousness to the Church through Elders E.J. Waggoner and A.T. Jones. This message was identified as the beginning of the loud cry of the third angel whose glory was to fill the whole earth in preparation for the second coming of Jesus.

Love Expressed Through Prophecy

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“ ‘The Lord God will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret unto His servants and prophets.’ While ‘the secret things belong unto the Lord our God,’ ‘those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever.’ Amos 3:7; Deuteronomy 29:29. God has given these things to us, and His blessing will attend the reverent, prayerful study of the prophetic scriptures.” The Desire of Ages, 234.

Before the Fall

“Lucifer in heaven, before his rebellion, was a high and exalted angel, next in honor to God’s dear Son. His countenance, like those of the other angels, was mild and expressive of happiness. His forehead was high and broad, showing a powerful intellect. His form was perfect; his bearing noble and majestic. A special light beamed in his countenance and shone around him brighter and more beautiful than around the other angels; yet Christ, God’s dear Son, had the pre-eminence over all the angelic host. He was one with the Father before the angels were created. Lucifer was envious of Christ, and gradually assumed command which devolved on Christ alone.” The Story of Redemption, 13.

Lucifer Envious and Jealous

“Lucifer was envious and jealous of Jesus Christ. Yet when all the angels bowed to Jesus to acknowledge His supremacy and high authority and rightful rule, he bowed with them; but his heart was filled with envy and hatred. Christ had been taken into the special counsel of God in regard to His plans, while Lucifer was unacquainted with them. He did not understand, neither was he permitted to know, the purposes of God. But Christ was acknowledged sovereign of heaven, His power and authority to be the same as that of God Himself. Lucifer thought that he was himself a favorite in heaven among the angels. He had been highly exalted, but … he aspired to the height of God Himself.” Ibid., 14.

“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! [how] art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” Isaiah 14:12–14.

War in Heaven

“Satan was warring against the law of God … [he was] unwilling to submit to the authority of God’s Son, heaven’s great commander.

“All the heavenly host were summoned to appear before the Father … . Satan unblushingly made known his dissatisfaction that Christ should be preferred before Him. He stood up proudly and urged that he should be equal with God and should be taken into conference with the Father and understand His purposes.” The Story of Redemption 17, 18.

“And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.” Revelation 12:7–9.

“God could employ only such means as were consistent with truth and righteousness. Satan could use what God could not—flattery and deceit. He had sought to falsify the word of God and had misrepresented His plan of government, claiming that God was not just … . It was therefore necessary to demonstrate before the inhabitants of heaven, and of all the worlds, that God’s government is just, His law perfect. …

“The whole universe must see the deceiver unmasked.

“Even when he was cast out of heaven, Infinite Wisdom did not destroy Satan. … Had he been immediately blotted out of existence, some would have served God from fear rather than from love. … For the good of the entire universe through ceaseless ages, he must more fully develop his principles, that his charges against the divine government might be seen in their true light by all created beings, and that the justice and mercy of God and the immutability of His law might be forever placed beyond all question.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 42.

Creation

“ ‘By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth. … For He spake, and it was; He commanded, and it stood fast.’ Psalm 33:6, 9. He ‘laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed forever.’ Psalm 104:5.

“As the earth came forth from the hand of its Maker, it was exceedingly beautiful. …

“After the earth with its teeming animal and vegetable life had been called into existence, man, the crowning work of the Creator, and the one for whom the beautiful earth had been fitted up, was brought upon the stage of action. To him was given dominion over all that his eye could behold; for ‘God said, Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness: and let them have dominion over … all the earth. … So God created man in His own image; … male and female created He them.’ ” Ibid, 44.

“The Lord made Adam and Eve and placed them in the Garden of Eden to dress the garden and keep it for the Lord. It was for their happiness to have some employment, or else the Lord would not have appointed them their work.” Child Guidance, 345.

Consequences of Rebellion

“In the midst of the garden, near the tree of life, stood the tree of knowledge of good and evil. This tree was especially designed of God to be the pledge of their obedience, faith, and love to Him. Of this tree the Lord commanded our first parents not to eat, neither to touch it, lest they die. He told them that they might freely eat of all the trees in the garden except one, but if they ate of that tree they should surely die.

“When Adam and Eve were placed in the beautiful garden they had everything for their happiness which they could desire. But God chose, in His all-wise arrangements, to test their loyalty before they could be rendered eternally secure. They were to have His favor, and He was to converse with them and they with Him. Yet He did not place evil out of their reach. Satan was permitted to tempt them. If they endured the trial they were to be in perpetual favor with God and the heavenly angels.” The Story of Redemption, 24.

Adam and Eve Warned

“God assembled the angelic host to take measures to avert the threatened evil. It was decided in heaven’s council for angels to visit Eden and warn Adam that he was in danger from the foe. Two angels sped on their way to visit our first parents. … They … gave them the sad history of Satan’s rebellion and fall. …

“They told Adam and Eve that God would not compel them to obey—that He had not removed from them power to go contrary to His will; that they were moral agents, free to obey or disobey.” Ibid., 29, 30.

Temptation and Fall—Man’s Freedom of Choice

Sadly “both [Adam and Eve] ate [of the forbidden fruit], and the great wisdom they obtained was the knowledge of sin, and a sense of guilt. …

“After Adam’s transgression he at first imagined that he felt the rising to a new and higher existence. But soon the thought of his transgression terrified him. … They felt a dread of the future, a sense of want, a nakedness of soul. The sweet love, and peace, and happy, contented bliss, seemed removed from them, and in its place a want of something came over them that they never experienced before. …

“Satan exulted in his success.” The Spirit of Prophecy, vol. 1, 40–42.

“The news of man’s fall spread through heaven—every harp was hushed. The angels cast their crowns from their heads in sorrow.” …

The Plan of Salvation

“Sorrow filled heaven, as it was realized that man was lost and that world which God had created was to be filled with mortals doomed to misery, sickness, and death, and there was no way of escape for the offender. The whole family of Adam must die. I saw the lovely Jesus and beheld an expression of sympathy and sorrow upon His countenance. Soon I saw Him approach the exceeding bright light which enshrouded the Father.” Early Writings, 148.

“Before the Father He pleaded in the sinner’s behalf, while the host of heaven awaited the result with an intensity of interest that words cannot express. Long continued was that mysterious communing—‘the counsel of peace’ (Zechariah 6:13) for the fallen sons of men. The plan of salvation had been laid before the creation of the earth; for Christ is ‘the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world’ (Revelation 13:8); yet it was a struggle, even with the King of the universe, to yield up His Son to die for the guilty race. But ‘God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ John 3:16. Oh, the mystery of redemption! the love of God for a world that did not love Him!” Patriarchs and Prophets, 63, 64.

“Lift Him up, the Man of Calvary. Let humanity stand back, that all may behold Him in whom their hopes of eternal life are centered. Says the prophet Isaiah: ‘Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.’ [Isaiah 9:6.] Let the church and the world look upon their Redeemer. Let every voice proclaim with John: ‘Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.’ [John 1:29.]” Lift Him Up, 231.

The One Possible Way of Salvation

“The angels prostrated themselves before Him (Christ). They offered their lives. Jesus said to them that He would by His death save many, that the life of an angel could not pay the debt. His life alone could be accepted of His Father as a ransom for man.” Early Writings, 150.

“The angels of God were commissioned to visit the fallen pair and inform them that although they could no longer retain possession of their holy estate, their Eden home, because of their transgression of the law of God, yet their case was not altogether hopeless. They were then informed that the Son of God, who had conversed with them in Eden, had been moved with pity as He viewed their hopeless condition, and had volunteered to take upon Himself the punishment due to them, and die for them that man might yet live.” Lift Him Up, 23.

“Adam was informed that an angel’s life could not pay the debt. The law of Jehovah, the foundation of His government in heaven and upon earth, was as sacred as God Himself. … But the Son of God, who had in unison with the Father created man, could make an atonement for man acceptable to God. …

“To Adam were revealed future important events, from his expulsion from Eden to the Flood, and onward to the first advent of Christ upon the earth … [to the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world—Adam was instructed to sacrifice a lamb for a sin offering, and this] was to him a most painful ceremony. His hand must be raised to take life, which God alone could give, and make an offering for sin. It was the first time he had witnessed death. As he looked upon the bleeding victim, writhing in the agonies of death, he was to look forward by faith to the Son of God, whom the victim prefigured, who was to die man’s sacrifice.” The Story of Redemption, 48, 50.

Prophecy

“The history of the great conflict between good and evil, from the time it first began in heaven to the final overthrow of rebellion and the total eradication of sin, is … a demonstration of God’s unchanging love.” Lift Him Up, 50.

“Plain and specific prophecies had been given regarding the appearance of the Promised One. [We have not been left in darkness.] To Adam was given an assurance of the coming of the Redeemer. The sentence pronounced on Satan, ‘I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel’ (Genesis 3:15), was to our first parents a promise of the redemption to be wrought out through Christ.

“To Abraham was given the promise that of his line the Saviour of the world should come …

“Moses, near the close of his work as a leader and teacher of Israel, plainly prophesied of the Messiah to come. …

“The Messiah was to be of the royal line, for in the prophecy uttered by Jacob the Lord said, ‘The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto Him shall the gathering of the people be.’ Genesis 49:10.

“Isaiah prophesied: ‘There shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.’ Isaiah 11:1. …

“Jeremiah also bore witness of the coming Redeemer: … ‘Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. … and this is His name whereby He shall be called, The Lord Our Righteousness.’ Jeremiah 23:5, 6. …

“Even the birthplace of the Messiah was foretold: ‘Thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be Ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.’ Micah 5:2.” The Acts of the Apostles, 222, 223.

There Are Over 300 Prophecies Concerning Christ

In the book of Daniel, chapter nine, we find an amazing prophecy concerning the first advent of Christ, His anointing, death, and final cutting off of the Jews as a nation under God. The seventy week prophecy of Daniel 9, written before 500 B.C., revealed exactly when Christ was to appear and exactly when He was to offer His life as an offering for the sins of the world. Christ was to appear 69 weeks (483 days/years) after the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem. (Daniel 9:25.)

Daniel 9:24–27

“ ‘Seventy weeks,’ said the angel, ‘are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy.’ Daniel 9:24. A day in prophecy stands for a year. See Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6. The seventy weeks … represent four hundred and ninety years. A starting point for this period is given: ‘Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks,’ sixty-nine weeks, or four hundred and eighty-three years. Daniel 9:25. The commandment to restore and build Jerusalem, as completed by the decree of Artaxerxes Longimanus (see Ezra 6:14; 7:1, 9, margin), went into effect in the autumn of B. C. 457. From this time four hundred and eighty-three years extend to the autumn of A. D. 27. According to the prophecy, this period was to reach to the Messiah, the Anointed One. In A. D. 27, Jesus at His baptism received the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and soon afterward began His ministry.” The Desire of Ages, 233.

The burden of Christ’s preaching was, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent ye, and believe the gospel.” [Mark 1:15.] Thus the gospel message, as given by the Saviour Himself, was based on the prophecies. The “time” which He declared to be fulfilled was the period made known by the angel Gabriel to Daniel.

“Then, said the angel, ‘He shall confirm the covenant with many for one week [seven years].’ [Daniel 9:27.]

“For seven years after the Saviour entered on His ministry, the gospel was to be preached especially to the Jews; for three and a half years by Christ Himself; and afterward by the apostles. ‘In the midst of the week He shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease.’ Daniel 9:27. In the spring of A. D. 31, Christ the true sacrifice was offered on Calvary. Then the veil of the temple was rent in twain, showing that the sacredness and significance of the sacrificial service had departed. The time had come for the earthly sacrifice and oblation to cease.

“The one week—seven years—ended in A. D. 34. Then by the stoning of Stephen the Jews finally sealed their rejection of the gospel; the disciples who were scattered abroad by persecution ‘went everywhere preaching the word.’ (Acts 8:4.)” The Desire of Ages, 233.

Looking down through history toward the time of the first advent of Christ, we find a faithful few diligently studying the Scriptures to know the prophecies concerning Christ, and God honored the faithful ones.

How Did the Magi Know that Jesus Was About to Be Born?

“ ‘Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem, saying, Where is He that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen His star in the East, and are come to worship Him.’

“The wise men from the East were philosophers. They belonged to a large and influential class that included men of noble birth, and comprised much of the wealth and learning of their nation. …

“The light of God is ever shining amid the darkness of heathenism. As these magi studied the starry heavens, and sought to fathom the mystery hidden in their bright paths, they beheld the glory of the Creator. Seeking clearer knowledge, they turned to the Hebrew Scriptures. In their own land were treasured prophetic writings that predicted the coming of a divine teacher. Balaam belonged to the magicians, though at one time a prophet of God; by the Holy Spirit he had foretold the prosperity of Israel and the appearing of the Messiah; and his prophecies had been handed down by tradition from century to century. … The prophecy of Balaam had declared, ‘There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel.’ Numbers 24:17. … The magi learned with joy that His coming was near, and that the whole world was to be filled with a knowledge of the glory of the Lord.” The Desire of Ages, 59, 60.

The Shepherds Also Looked for the Messiah

“In the fields where the boy David had led his flock, shepherds were still keeping watch by night. Through the silent hours they talked together of the promised Saviour, and prayed for the coming of the King to David’s throne. ‘And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.’ [Luke 2:9–11.]

“At these words, visions of glory fill the minds of the listening shepherds. The Deliverer has come to Israel! Power, exaltation, triumph, are associated with His coming. But the angel must prepare them to recognize their Saviour in poverty and humiliation. ‘This shall be a sign unto you,’ he says; ‘Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’ … The whole plain was lighted up with the bright shining of the hosts of God. Earth was hushed, and heaven stooped to listen to the song,— ‘Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, good will toward men.’ [Luke 2:12, 14.]” Ibid., 47.

Simeon & Anna

“Spiritual things are spiritually discerned. In the temple the Son of God was dedicated to the work He had come to do. The priest looked upon Him as he would upon any other child. But though he neither saw nor felt anything unusual, God’s act in giving His Son to the world was acknowledged. This occasion did not pass without some recognition of Christ. ‘There was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.’ [Luke 2:25, 26.]

“As Simeon enters the temple, he sees a family presenting their first-born son before the priest. Their appearance bespeaks poverty; but Simeon understands the warnings of the Spirit, and he is deeply impressed that the infant being presented to the Lord is the Consolation of Israel, the One he has longed to see. To the astonished priest, Simeon appears like a man enraptured. The child has been returned to Mary, and he takes it in his arms and presents it to God, while a joy that he has never before felt enters his soul. As he lifts the infant Saviour toward heaven, he says, ‘Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy word: for mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.’ [Luke 2:29–32.]

“The spirit of prophecy was upon this man of God, and while Joseph and Mary stood by, wondering at his words, he blessed them, and said unto Mary, ‘Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.’ [Luke 2:34, 35.]

“Anna also, a prophetess, came in and confirmed Simeon’s testimony concerning Christ. As Simeon spoke, her face lighted up with the glory of God, and she poured out her heartfelt thanks that she had been permitted to behold Christ the Lord.

“ ‘And there was one Anna, a prophetess, … And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.’ Luke 2:36, 38.

“These humble worshipers had not studied the prophecies in vain. But those who held positions as rulers and priests in Israel, though they too had before them the precious utterances of prophecy, were not walking in the way of the Lord, and their eyes were not open to behold the Light of life.

“So it is still. Events upon which the attention of all heaven is centered are undiscerned, their very occurrence is unnoticed, by religious leaders, and worshipers in the house of God. Men acknowledge Christ in history, while they turn away from the living Christ. Christ in His word calling to self-sacrifice, in the poor and suffering who plead for relief, in the righteous cause that involves poverty and toil and reproach, is no more readily received today than He was eighteen hundred years ago.” The Desire of Ages, 55, 56.

Christ’s Second Advent Foretold in Prophecy

“As the message of Christ’s first advent announced the kingdom of His grace, so the message of His second advent announces the kingdom of His glory. And the second message, like the first, is based on the prophecies. The words of the angel to Daniel relating to the last days were to be understood in the time of the end. At that time, ‘many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.’ ‘The wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.’ Daniel 12:4, 10. The Saviour Himself has given signs of His coming, and He says, ‘When ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.’ ‘And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.’ ‘Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.’ Luke 21:31, 34, 36.

“We have reached the period foretold in these scriptures. The time of the end is come, the visions of the prophets are unsealed, and their solemn warnings point us to our Lord’s coming in glory as near at hand.

“The Jews misinterpreted and misapplied the word of God, and they knew not the time of their visitation. The years of the ministry of Christ and His apostles,—the precious last years of grace to the chosen people,—they spent in plotting the destruction of the Lord’s messengers. Earthly ambitions absorbed them, and the offer of the spiritual kingdom came to them in vain. So today the kingdom of this world absorbs men’s thoughts, and they take no note of the rapidly fulfilling prophecies and the tokens of the swift-coming kingdom of God.

“ ‘But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.’ While we are not to know the hour of our Lord’s return, we may know when it is near. ‘Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.’ 1 Thessalonians 5:4–6.” The Desire of Ages, 234, 235.

“Christ should never be out of the mind. The angels said concerning Him, ‘Thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.’ [Matthew 1:21.] Jesus, precious Saviour! Assurance, helpfulness, security, and peace are all in Him. He is the dispeller of all our doubts, the earnest of all our hopes. How precious is the thought that we may indeed become partakers of the divine nature, whereby we may overcome as Christ overcame! Jesus is the fullness of our expectation. He is the melody of our songs, the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. He is living water to the thirsty soul. He is our refuge in the storm. He is our righteousness, our sanctification, our redemption. When Christ is our personal Saviour, we shall show forth the praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.” Reflecting Christ, 21.

“O the depth of the riches of the love that God bestowed upon men in the gift of his only begotten Son!” Christian Education, 77

“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God.” Romans 11:33.

Karen Stoeckert serves as teacher and administrator for the Faith Haven Christian School. In addition to a Christian curriculum, Karen focuses on Bible memorization with her students through scripture songs she has composed. She can be reached by e-mail at: karenstoeckert@stepstolife.org or by phone at 316-788-5559.

Editorial – Where are you focused?

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The world today is a complicated, dangerous, and evil place. The Bible calls it “this evil world” (Galatians 1:4) and predicts that these last days will be the darkest and blackest period of world history. We naturally tend to focus our attention in the area of greatest stimulus, whether visual or auditory; the greater the stimulus the more likely we will turn our attention in that direction. The devil knows this and has surrounded us with powerful stimuli intended to cause our eternal destruction.

Ellen White described his strategy in several of her writings:

“Intensity is taking possession of everything upon the earth. Pleasure-lovers are intensely in earnest to secure all that is possible in that line. Gamblers are intensely in earnest. The betting, the horse-racing, and various games create great enthusiasm, and engross the powers of those interested as if the reward of the victor was to be an eternity of bliss.” The Bible Echo, January 25, 1897.

“Stories of criminal life such as are found in the papers of the day, and so-called revelations of the future, are treated as realities. Revolutions are predicted, and many catch the evil spirit lurking in these representations of future horrors.” The Review and Herald, April 1, 1896.[Emphasis added.] The divine counsel about this is, “these flaming, terrifying notices should not be published.” The Review and Herald, July 5, 1906.

The devil has a three-fold plan to trap you. The first is an attempt to seduce through sensual temptation. If he is unsuccessful here, he tries deception. One of his main instruments to do this is tricking people into sincerely believing that they are doing God’s will. (A candid reading of inspired writings would show that he is going directly contrary to God’s will.) If this does not work, he has a two-pronged final attack: he offers tremendous earthly advantages and benefits on the one hand and gives terrifying information about what is going to happen in the future on the other. This is designed to discourage people from doing God’s work (taking the Three Angels’ Messages to the world) for fear of the persecution that will result. The devil can succeed by any one of these temptations if we do not keep our eyes on Jesus. There is going to be a remnant in this world who cannot be seduced, deceived, or terrified. (See Isaiah 26:3.) Jesus says, “Look to me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else.” Isaiah 45:22. Look to Jesus and keep your feet on the narrow way.