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"And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book."
Our last message helped us to see that God loves us and is trying to save all who can be saved. We are nearing the time of trouble such as never was. The last steps will be rapid ones. The fall of Babylon involves the fall of America. None ought to be so blind they cannot see that America is no longer the land of liberty, no longer a Protestant nation. Have we forgotten already the pope stood in the halls of Congress not long ago at the invitation of both Democrats and Republicans?
Sunday laws are an issue in the world today. How can we tell that the work is moving forward in America? Because liberty has lost her attractiveness in recent years. The people of America are not so interested in individual freedom. The "community" is of greater interest. The morality in America has
| Babylon has indeed fallen |
fallen to new lows. Since morality is the domain of the church, then we may understand the church has failed in her role. In other Words we read in the Bible, Babylon has indeed fallen.
Does that mean God's church is not doing so well either? "Before His crucifixion the Saviour explained to His disciples that He was to be put to death and to rise again from the tomb, and angels were present to impress His words on minds and hearts. But the disciples were looking for temporal deliverance from the Roman yoke, and they could not tolerate the thought that He in whom all their hopes centered should suffer an ignominious death. The words which they needed to remember were banished from their minds; and when the time of trial came, it found them unprepared. The death of Jesus as fully destroyed their hopes as if He had not forewarned them. So in the prophecies the future is opened before us as plainly as it was opened to the disciples by the words of Christ. The events connected with the close of probation and the work of preparation for the time of trouble, are clearly presented. But multitudes have no more understanding of these important truths than if they had never been revealed. Satan watches to catch away every impression that would make them wise unto salvation, and the time of trouble will find them unready." Great Controversy, pg 594.
How is it possible that after spending three and a half years with the greatest Teacher who ever lived, the
| It is a matter of salvation for us in our day. |
disciples did not understand the "Lamb" had to die? This is the power of Satanic deception. And to what is their deception tied? The salvation of His people living in our day! "So in the prophecies the future is opened before us as plainly as it was opened to the disciples by the words of Christ. The events connected with the close of probation and the work of preparation for the time of trouble, are clearly presented." Maybe it is not a matter of salvation? Oh, but it is a matter of salvation for us in our day. "Satan watches to catch away every impression that would make them wise unto salvation, and the time of trouble will find them unready."
I am not speaking to a people who cannot understand. For the most part, my audience are those who stand on vantage ground. You have been privileged to be educated in the things of God. Many are religious teachers, and most are ordained ministers in God's church. Some of you are seminary teachers. Many are conference leaders. But, who in Israel were protected from Satan's deceptions because they were educated leaders in Israel? Even the best of the leadership such as Nicodemus were not protected from the great deceptions.
Has your life been so busy that at times you forget about Jesus? That has happened to me. I can go through a day without praying for His help. I have my devotions and family worship, but then life takes over. If I drop a nut or screw in the grass, I will look for a half hour for it, and when I find it, I thank God. But, God rebukes me for not asking Him for help. I want to always remember Jesus. It is a matter of character. I want it to be a habit to turn to Jesus continually during the day. The burden as I write is to encourage you today to stop, take time to consider God's love for you. You have dedicated your life to Christ. You love Him because He first loved you. Then intentionally work at not forgetting Jesus during your busy day.
This morning while reading Desire of Ages, I was greatly impressed with the experience of Peter that night when Jesus was taken prisoner and tried. Jesus warned Peter to "watch and pray," but instead he fell asleep. Just a little sleep, but at what cost?
"Peter now denied his Master with cursing and swearing. Again the cock crew. Peter heard it then, and he remembered the words of Jesus, "Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny Me thrice." Mark 14:30.
While the degrading oaths were fresh upon Peter's lips, and the shrill crowing of the cock was still ringing in his ears, the Saviour turned from the frowning judges, and looked full upon His poor disciple. At the same time Peter's eyes were drawn to his Master. In that gentle countenance he read deep pity and sorrow, but there was no anger there.
The sight of that pale, suffering face, those quivering lips, that look of compassion and forgiveness,
| Pierced his heart like an arrow. |
pierced his heart like an arrow. Conscience was aroused. Memory was active. Peter called to mind his promise of a few short hours before that he would go with his Lord to prison and to death. He remembered his grief when the Saviour told him in the upper chamber that he would deny his Lord thrice that same night. Peter had just declared that he knew not Jesus, but he now realized with bitter grief how well his Lord knew him, and how accurately He had read his heart, the falseness of which was unknown even to himself.
A tide of memories rushed over him. The Saviour's tender mercy, His kindness and long-suffering, His gentleness and patience toward His erring disciples,--all was remembered. He recalled the caution, "Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not." Luke 22:31, 32. He reflected with horror upon his own ingratitude, his falsehood, his perjury. Once more he looked at his Master, and saw a sacrilegious hand raised to smite Him in the face. Unable longer to endure the scene, he rushed, heartbroken, from the hall.
He pressed on in solitude and darkness, he knew not and cared not whither. At last he found himself in Gethsemane. The scene of a few hours before came vividly to his mind. The suffering face of his Lord, stained with bloody sweat and convulsed with anguish, rose before him. He remembered with bitter remorse that Jesus had wept and agonized in prayer alone, while those who should have united with Him in that trying hour were sleeping. He remembered His solemn charge, "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation." Matthew 26:41. He witnessed again the scene in the judgment hall. It was torture to his bleeding heart to know that he had added the heaviest burden to the Saviour's humiliation and grief. On the very spot where Jesus had poured out His soul in agony to His Father, Peter fell upon his face, and wished that he might die."
Have you ever brought reproach upon the Savior? As I read of Peter's denial, it broke my heart as was brought to my mind when I have laid upon Jesus heavy burdens to bear. We all have hurt Jesus. We all have crucified Jesus afresh. Such a shameful thought! It is God's grace that transforms us from corrupt sinners to loving saints. Oh, how I do not want to ever hurt my Jesus again! We are so dull of mind, so forgetful of all He has done for us. If we would keep in our mind those beautiful acts of grace we would not hurt Him.
When men and women can more fully comprehend the magnitude of the great sacrifice which was made by the Majesty of Heaven in dying in man’s stead, then will the plan of salvation be magnified, and reflections of Calvary will awaken sacred and living emotions in the Christian’s heart. Praises to God and the Lamb will be in their hearts and upon their lips. Pride and self-worship cannot flourish in the hearts that keep fresh in memory the scenes of Calvary. This world will appear of but little value to those who appreciate the great price of man’s redemption. Signs of the Times, February 15, 1883.
Yes, this unmerited favor is the power of grace to turn sinners into saints. This is why it is so important to spend a thoughtful hour every day contemplating His life, especially the closing scenes where my sins were laid upon Him. His Father's beams of light and love were withdrawn from Him! How very sad!! He
| Wonder O heavens and be astonished O Earth!! |
suffered under the sins of the whole world that we might live! And, have we considered the pain this caused for our heavenly Father? Why? Why must the Innocent suffer for the guilty? Imagine how long before Jesus hung upon the cross that His Father suffered knowing what was coming upon His Innocent Son! Don't think it was easy for God to allow Jesus to come to this dark spot in the universe a helpless baby subject to the weakness of humanity. He let Him come here where Satan claimed dominion to fight the battle of life as we must fight it at the risk of failure and eternal loss!!! Such love! Wonder O heavens and be astonished O Earth!!
As a people we have quite a story to tell to a world soon to perish! Many do not want to hear it, but many do. It is given to us to search out those seeking to know God. And, if we would testify to what God has done for us, many more would want to know about our God. Today, when the world is in crisis and many are dying from disease, it is within our power to comfort so very many wherein we have been comforted. And when the heathen see sanctified Christians rejoicing in Christ, then they will know there is a God in heaven (Ezekiel 36:23).
The signs of the times tell us Jesus is even at the doors! Be encouraged, Jesus loves you and died for you! Look up, and lift up your heads; for our redemption draweth nigh!!!
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