JOSEPH, ESTHER, and DANIEL ALL OVER AGAIN!
Prayer:
Joel 2:28-31 tells us that Soon the latter rain will fall in great abundance, but there are 3 acts that God's people need to do before this happens:
1. Receive the counsel of the True Witness-Rev.3:14
2. Exalt the standard
3. Pour forth the Straight truth.
In our talk about "Laodicea is ..WHO?", we discovered that God's remnant people are to accept "THE COUNSEL OF THE TRUE WITNESS", that is,
....Individuals who are tested and proved a length of time to see IF THEY WILL SACRIFICE THEIR IDOLS AND HEED THE COUNSEL OF THE TRUE WITNESS."1T187
"Those who come up to every point, and stand every test, AND OVERCOME, be the price it may, have heeded the Counsel of the True Witness, and they will receive the LATTER RAIN, and thus be fitted for translation."Ibid.
If religion is worth anything, it is worth everything. Christ expects men should be in earnest.
And the second part we have a role in is:
#2.EXALT THE STANDARD
Sound the Battle Cry, see the foe is nigh;
RAISE THE STANDARD HIGH for the Lord;
Gird your armor on, Stand Firm eveyone.
Rest your cause upon His holy Word.
Rouse then soldiers, rally round the banner!
Ready! Steady! Pass the word along.
Onward! Forward! shout aloud Hosanna!
Christ is Captain of the mighty throng.
YES! Raise the Standard High!
What is THE STANDARD?
Eccl.12:13: "Let us HEAR THE CONCLUSION OF THE WHOLE MATTER: Fear God and keep His commandments; for this is the whole duty of man."
The 10 Commandments!
REALLY!
Are they that important?
Hebrews 11...the famous chapter on FAITH! tells us of the Bible heroes from Old!
Abel! Enoch! Noah! Abraham! Sarah! Isaac, Jacob, JOSEPH, Moses...and many others!
Just what was so special about JOSEPH, and ESTHER AND DANIEL?
Let us examine Why THEY are mentioned specifically in God's Holy word!
Genesis 39:1-6
And Joseph was a goodly person, and well-favored!"
End of story?
No! Now the real story just begins!
Gen 39:7 Potiphar's wife took a shine to Joseph, and wanted him for her lover.
What was Joseph's reply?
v.8-9
"HOW can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?
What is the definition of sin? 1 John 3:4
Exodus 20:3-17
3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness [of any thing] that [is] in heaven above, or that [is] in the earth beneath, or that [is] in the water under the earth:
5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me;
6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
10 But the seventh day [is] the sabbath of the LORD thy God: [in it] thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that [is] within thy gates:
11 For [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them [is], and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
13 Thou shalt not kill.
14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.
15 Thou shalt not steal.
16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that [is] thy neighbour's.
"Thou shalt not commit adultery." The 7th commandment!
Joseph KNEW about the 10 commandments, didn't he? In fact, these laws were written IN his heart.
And when confronted with obeying God or man, Joseph KNEW who was in control of his life--his destiny!
Child Guidance---CN- 36--- Advantage of the Early Years----PR- 02----PG- 197
How Joseph's Mind Was Garrisoned. --The lessons given Joseph in his youth by Jacob in expressing his firm trust in God and relating to him again and again the precious evidences of His loving-kindness and unceasing care were the very lessons he needed in his exile among an idolatrous people. In the testing time he put these lessons to a practical use. When under the severest trial, he looked to his heavenly Father, whom he had learned to trust. Had the precepts and example of the father of Joseph been of an opposite character, the pen of inspiration would never have traced upon the pages of sacred history the story of integrity and virtue that shines forth in the character of Joseph.
- My Life Today---CN- 3---CT- A Challenging Life---PR- 02---PG- 76
Joseph's gentleness and fidelity won the heart of the chief captain, who came to regard him as a son rather than a slave. . . . But Joseph's faith and integrity were to be tested by fiery trials. His master's wife endeavored to entice the young man to transgress the law of God. Heretofore he had remained untainted by the corruption teeming in that heathen land; but this temptation, so sudden, so strong, so seductive--how should it be met? Joseph knew well what would be the consequence of resistance. On the one hand were concealment, favor, and rewards; on the other, disgrace, imprisonment, perhaps death. His whole future life depended upon the decision of the moment. Would principle triumph? Would Joseph still be true to God? With inexpressible anxiety, the angels looked upon the scene.
The early impressions made upon his mind garrisoned his heart in the hour of fierce temptation and led him to exclaim, "How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?"
-PR- 01----PG- 477
Study the history of Joseph and of Daniel. The Lord did not prevent the plottings of men who sought to do them harm; but He caused all these devices to work for good to His servants, who amid trial and conflict preserved their faith and loyalty."
And Daniel?
Was he any different than Joseph in obeying God?
What did praying to God openly have to do with his enemies falsely accusing him?
Daniel 6:1-4
And again the story really begins with verse 5 "We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against himconcerning THE LAW OF HIS GOD."
And as we read in verse 13, Daniel's accusers framed him, and the King knew that he,, too was "snookered"-deceived!
What was Daniel's sin against the Medes? Praying to his God!
Who is the Most Important in Your Life? God or man?
Remember Peter's words to the dignitaries of the temple AFTER he and the other apostles were freed from prison by God?
Acts 5:39 "We ought to obey God rather than men."
Exodus 20:3 "Thou shalt have NO OTHER gods BEFORE ME!"
DANIEL
-BC- 4Bsg -TI- Spiritual Gifts. Volume 4B---CN- 7---CT- Great Distress Coming, and God's People Not Prepared for it-----PR- 01----PG- 85
" Daniel prayed unto his God three times a day. Satan is enraged at the sound of fervent prayer, for he knows that he will suffer loss.
Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him. Fallen angels feared his influence would weaken their control over the rulers of the kingdom, for Daniel was high in command. The accusing host of evil angels stirred up the presidents and princes to envy and jealousy, and they watched Daniel closely to find some occasion against him that they might report him to the king, but they failed.
Then these agents of Satan sought to make his faithfulness to God the cause of his destruction. Evil angels laid out the plan for them, and these agents readily carried it into effect. The king was ignorant of the subtle mischief purposed against Daniel. With the full knowledge of the king's decree he still bows before his God, "his windows being open."
He considers supplication to God of sufficient importance to sacrifice his life rather than to relinquish it. On account of his praying to God he was cast into the lions' den. Evil angels accomplished their purpose thus far.
But Daniel continues to pray, even in the den of lions. Was Daniel suffered to be consumed? Did God forget him there? Oh, no; Jesus, the mighty Commander of the host of heaven, sent his angel to close the mouths of those hungry lions that they should not hurt the praying man of God, and all was peace in that terrible den.
The king witnessed his preservation, and brought him out with honors. Satan and his angels were defeated and enraged. The agents Satan had employed were doomed to perish in the terrible manner they had plotted to destroy Daniel.
The prayer of faith is the great strength of the Christian, and will assuredly prevail against Satan. This is why he insinuates that we have no need of prayer. The name of Jesus, our advocate, he detests, and when we earnestly come to him for help, Satan's host is alarmed.
Daniel appreciated the privilege of praying to the God of heaven, and he so valued the opportunity of prayer that he would allow nothing to come between his soul and God.
A confession of Christ means something more than bearing testimony in social meeting. Daniel is an example to believers as to what it means to confess Christ.
We may expect, from the history that is given us of Daniel, that God would work for us as He did for Daniel. Daniel purposed in his mind that he would not comply with any condition that would in any way weaken his physical powers so that he could not give glory to God. "
- The Ellen G. White 1888 Materials--CN- 115- Vision at Salamanca---PG- 943
The great controversy between the two great powers is soon to be ended, and up the time of its close there will be a wonderful, sharp contest. It is the time now to purpose, as did Daniel and his fellows in the courts of Babylon, that you will be true to principle.
- My Life Today--CN- 9--CT- A Sanctified Life--PR- 03---PG- 254
Daniel was a devoted servant of the Most High. His long life was filled with noble deeds of service for his Master. His purity of character and unwavering fidelity are equaled only by his humility of heart and his contrition before God. We repeat, The life of Daniel is an inspired illustration of true sanctification.
And what can we learn from the experience of Esther?
S.D.A. Bible Commentary Vol. 3--CN- EST5--CT- Esther--PR- 02--PG- 1140
A study of women's work in connection with the cause of God in Old Testament times will teach us lessons that will enable us to meet emergencies in the work today. We may not be brought into such a critical and prominent place as were the people of God in the time of Esther; but often converted women can act an important part in more humble positions .
The trying experiences that came to God's people in the days of Esther were not peculiar to that age alone. . . . The same spirit that in ages past led men to persecute the true church, will in the future lead to the pursuance of a similar course toward those who maintain their loyalty to God. . .
Esther 4:13-14
"Who knows whether YOU are come to the kingdom FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS?"
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary explains Esther's Position as follows:
" Divine Providence had regard to this matter, in bringing Esther to be queen. Therefore thou art bound in gratitude to do this service for God and his church, else thou dost not answer the end of thy being raised up. There is wise counsel and design in all the providences of God, which will prove that they are all intended for the good of the church.
We should, every one, consider for what end God has put us in the place where we are, and study to answer that end: and take care that we do not let it slip. Having solemnly commended our souls and our cause to God, we may venture upon his service.
All dangers are trifling compared with the danger of losing our souls. But the trembling sinner is often as much afraid of casting himself, without reserve, upon the Lord's free mercy, as Esther was of coming before the king. Let him venture, as she did, with earnest prayer and supplication, and he shall fare as well and better than she did. The cause of God must prevail: we are safe in being united to it."
- The Faith I Live By---CN- 10---CT- A Purified Church---PR- 03---PG- 289
The trying experiences that came to God's people in the days of Esther were not peculiar to that age alone. The revelator, looking down the ages to the close of time, has declared, "The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Rev. 12:17. Some who today are living on the earth will see these words fulfilled."
"The decree that will finally go forth against the remnant people of God will be very similar to that issued by Ahasuerus against the Jews. Today the enemies of the true church see in the little company keeping the Sabbath commandment, a Mordecai at the gate. The reverence of God's people for His law is a constant rebuke to those who have cast off the fear of the Lord and are trampling on His Sabbath. . . ." Conflict and Courage, p. 239
- Prophets and Kings--CN- 49-- In the Days of Queen Esther---PR- 03---PG- 605
--- Satan will arouse indignation against the minority who refuse to accept popular customs and traditions. Men of position and reputation will join with the lawless and the vile to take counsel against the people of God. Wealth, genius, education, will combine to cover them with contempt. [606] Persecuting rulers, ministers, and church members will conspire against them. With voice and pen, by boasts, threats, and ridicule, they will seek to overthrow their faith. By false representations and angry appeals, men will stir up the passions of the people. Not having a "Thus saith the Scriptures" to bring against the advocates of the Bible Sabbath, they will resort to oppressive enactments to supply the lack. To secure popularity and patronage, legislators will yield to the demand for Sunday laws. But those who fear God, cannot accept an institution that violates a precept of the Decalogue. On this battlefield will be fought the last great conflict in the controversy between truth and error. And we are not left in doubt as to the issue. Today, as in the days of Esther and Mordecai, the Lord will vindicate His truth and His people."
In the great plan of salvation, there are two special crises:
1. The crisis at the close of Christ's earthly life,
AND
2. The crisis at the close of the experiences of the remnant.
Of the 144,000 we read in Rev.14:4 "These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth."
Wherever Jesus goes, the 144,000 go with Jesus. If He goes through Orion, they go with Him. WHEREVER Jesus goes, they go.
I want to go, don't you?
Thank God, Dear friends, we can.
It will be a wonderful Triumphal tour. How long it will take, we don't know. BUT...
7BC978 "We need NOT wait till we are translated to follow Christ. God's people may do this here below. We shall FOLLOW THE LAMB in the course above only if we follow Him here."
Those who go with Jesus in heaven will FIRST follow His footsteps here on earth.
We must begin where he begins, in order to arrive where He has arrived. 1 Peter 2:21 "For even hereunto were you called: BECAUSE Christ also suffered for us, LEAVING US AN EXAMPLE, that YOU should follow His steps."
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary:
The fruits of Christ's sufferings are the death of sin, and a new holy life of righteousness; for both which we have an example, and powerful motives, and ability to perform also, from the death and resurrection of Christ. And our justification; Here is the recovery by conversion; they are now returned as the effect of Divine grace. This return is, from all their errors and wanderings, to Christ."
When we look at the closing scenes of Christ's ministry on earth, we need to also look AHEAD to the closing scenes of this earth's history.
All eternity was focused on Calvary. I believe that all eternity is NOW focused on the closing experiences of the REMNANT.
Everything was at stake in Gethsemane, and again in this closing crisis, everything is at stake .
We must remind ourselves that Jesus was NEVER taken by surprise! John 13:1 "Jesus KNEW that His hour was come."
The REMNANT church is going to be brought into scenes of terrible darkness, experiences of terrible sorrow and sifting.
Did Jesus disciples understand what was coming? Did they?
NO!
They had THEIR minds made up the way they wanted everything to
happen.!
Luke 18:34 " AndTHEY UNDERSTOOD NON OF THESE THINGS: and this saying was hid from them, NEITHER KNEW they the things which were spoken."
GC594 "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 PROBABTION AND the WORK OF PREPARATION FOR THE TIME OF TROUBLE are clearly presented."
Do YOU know what is Coming?
Do YOU understand what Jesus is saying ABOUT YOUR FUTURE?
In Rev.13:6-7, the Bible tells us of a time when church and state are going to unite to enforce the mark of the Beast, and men won't be able to buy or sell unless they receive that Mark.
Rev 13:15 tells us that persecution will become so severe that the Death Decree will be passed against those who willNOT worship the Image of the Beast which God says we MUST NOT worship."
Tell me friends! Do you NOW see how the experiences of Joseph (who was threatened with death), Daniel (thrown into Lion's Den), and Esther (she and her people threatened with utter destruction), will again be repeated?
It is INDEED JOSEPH, DANIEL AND ESTHER ALL OVER AGAIN!
Persecution was ahead of Jesus and His disciples ; persecution is ahead of the Remnant who follow the Lamb today!
We have a choice! Will we go through the experience of Jesus or the experience of JUDAS?
We will either be betrayed, as Jesus was betrayed OR else we will play the part of the betrayer and join in the persecution of the Remnant.
Listen to what Jesus says, in Matthew 24:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me."
Jesus will AGAIN be betrayed in the person of His saints. Does this surprise YOU? Remember Rev 12:17?
Remember our Scripture reading today (2 Tim.2:1-15).
Remember what Jesus told Simon Peter in Luke 23:31?
We are soon to pass through the sifting that Jesus disciples passed through, AND WE SHALL EITHER, like Jesus, come out victorious, triumphant, AND giving abundant evidence of the keeping power of Divine Love; OR ELSE, like the disciples, we shall FAIL IN THE CRISIS hour.
That crisis comes at THE CLOSE. THAT WAS THE GREAT CRISIS OF ETERNITY, THE CRISIS OF THE CROSS.
This crisis which the Remnant people of God are SOON to enter is of great moment to the universe TOO! FOR HERE to be FOREVER ANSWERED are Satan's charges;
HERE IS TO BE VINDICATED FOREVER THE CHARACTER OF GOD.
And God has chosen HIS REMNANT to make that demonstration, to REVEAL SATAN's LIE!
And in so doing, WE SHALL MEET THE OPPOSITION THAT JESUS MET.
We shall go through the experiences that Jesus went through. And so concerning the remnant, it is specifically written, "These are they which follow the lamb whithersoever He goeth."
All through Jesus life, He had been guided by the prophecies.
JESUS WAS ON TIME ALL THE TIME, because He studied the timetable!
Will WE read God's guide and timetable so we can understand TOO?
GC595 "God will have a people upon the earth to maintain the Bible , and the Bible only , AS THE STANDARD OF ALL DOCTRINES and the basis of all reforms."
"It is NOT enough to have good intentions; it is not enough to do what a man thinks is right, or what the minister tells him is right. His soul's salvation is at stake, and he should search the Scriptures for himself. However strong may be his convictions, however confident he may be that the minister knows what is truth, this IS NOT his foundation. HE HAS A CHART POINTING OUT EVERY WAYMARK on the heavenward journey, and he ought not to guess at anything." Ibid.
Do you remember the experience of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane
?
Remember Jesus went there to PRAY, and what did His disciples do?
SLEPT!
2T205 states that as the disciples slept in Gethsemane, so MANY are sleeping NOW. These sleeping disciples represent a sleeping church in the day when God's visitation is nigh. "It is a time of clouds and thick darkness, and to be found asleep is MOST PERILOUS."
So while there are those that are sleeping, there must be also, those like Jesus, who are awake and pleading with God. EW269
And YOU and I can choose whether we will be among the praying ones or the sleeping ones. God's people MUST enter into an experience where they will want to do ONLY one thing, the FATHER'S WILL.
Somewhere betwen NOW and the coming of the Lord, EVERY ONE of the Remnant will be tested.
There will be times when we are comforted by the FELLOWSHIP of Prayer and the PRAYERS of OUR BRETHERN.
BUT somewhere between NOW and translation, we will stand as Jesus stood, ALL ALONE!
Would it be good to learn to stand alone NOW?
HOW shall we train the Daniels, and the Josephs, and the Esthers of this LAST GENERATION?
How shall we prepare the companions of the Lamb, those who follow Jesus wherever He goes?
How will YOUR BOY, YOUR GIRL, be prepared TO STAND ALONE?
Where are YOU and I in the prayer experience?
Jesus did NOT learn to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane. Oh, NO! That was the CLOSE of His prayer experience , NOT the start of it.
God's people must, INDIVIDUALLY, enter into the FINAL experience of Intercessory prayer that will prepare US for the Latter Rain.
There are 6 things we should LEARN ABOUT having a PRAYER EXPERIENCE!
1. Have a PLACE to pray! Matt.6:6 "When thou prayest, enter into thy closet."
MB125 "Have a PLACE for secret prayer."
Jesus had select places for communion with God and SO should we. We need OFTEN to retire to some spot, however humble, where we can be ALONE WITH GOD.
2.Have a TIME to Pray! Psalm 5:3 "My voice shall thou hear in the morning, O Lord, in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up."
3. Pray ALOUD!
GW425 "Learn to pray ALOUD where ONLY GOD CAN HEAR
YOU."
It makes the experience seem real!
4. PERSEVERING PRAYER!
There is another reason for Verbal prayer. Sometimes our mind tends to wander. In the book, Messages to Young People p.115, we read these words "If the mind wanders, bring it back. by persevering effort, HABIT will finally make it easy."
Do NOT get discouraged and quit, if the mind wanders. Don't think thatit is a sign you're having an ineffective, ineffectual interview. That's just a challenge for you to do what this says. KEEP ON. part of the effort in prayer is to KEEP THE MIND FOCUSED on the point.
5.Mix BIBLE STUDY and STUDY of the Spirit of Prophecy WITH PRAYER.
T 214 "Everyone must NOW search the Bible for himself upon his knees before God."
This is the chapter on the Seal of God. This chapter talks about the PEOPLE WHO GO THROUGH THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE EXPERIENCE WITH JESUS, who sigh and cry, and WHO eventually receive the outpouring of the Latter Rain as Jesus received the visit of the angels, strengthening Him for His final conflict.
"EVERYONE must NOW search the Bible for himself before God, with the humble, teachable heart of a child, IF he would know what the Lord requires of him." Ibid.
6.Mix FAITH WITH PRAYER! Hebrews 4:2 "Unto us was the gospel preached as well as unto them; but the word preached did not profit them, NOT BEING MIXED WITH FAITH."
The reading of the Bible will do you no good without FAITH, AND Prayer will do you no good, without faith!
Mark 11:24 "What things soever you desire, WHEN YOU PRAY, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them."
Isn't that wonderful? FAITH is believing God, and Jesus tells YOU that when you pray, you're to do what? BELIEVE!
When YOU pray, tale your Bible to the place of prayer. Take Steps To Christ, Desire of Ages, and LET GOD TALK TO YOU, and YOU talk to God. Then as you pray, BELIEVE!
Just say:
"Lord, NOW I've asked You. You've told me, NOW I believe it. You've told me You would do this and that. I CLAIM THAT PROMISE ,Lord. I thank You. I believe it. I know You are going to keep Your word; I know that THIS PROMISE IS MINE."
Don't be afraid to do that. MEET THE CONDITIONS, and as you do so, EXERCISE FAITH!
If Jesus had not learned to pray with strong crying and tears and faith, He would NEVER have found His way through that awful darkness of Gethsemane, AND the awful darkness of Calvary.
Some of His experiences we will NEVER know. But there are some experiences that YOU and I are privileged to share in the fellowship of His sufferings.
To do it, WE MUST KNOW how to pray as Jesus prayed. Let us dedicate ourselves as never before to learn the science of prayer.
As I have been meditating upon this topic of Joseph, Esther and Daniel, I am reminded that THEY were led to the rulers of the nations they lived in. In fact, ALL THREE became rulers themselves.
Luke 12:11-12 "And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistraes and powers, take you no thought HOW or WHAT thing you shall answer, or WHAT you shall say:
For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in an hour what you ought to say."
John 14:26 "BUT the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My Name, He shall teach you all things, and BRING ALL THINGS TO YOUR REMEMBRANCE, whatsoever I have said unto you."
If we have never learned the Bible truths, HOW will the Holy Spirit bring them to our remembrance?
My friends, unless we have a WORKING Prayer Experience NOW, we won't have any answers to give when brought before leaders.
But we have wonderful promises of WHAT God will do when WE represent Him.
GC607 "Those who are arraigned before the courts, make a strong vindication of the truth, AND SOME WHO HEAR THEM are led to take their stand to keep ALL the commandments of God. Thus light will be brought before thousands who otherwise would know nothing of these truths."
My friends, SOON God's people will be faced with severe circumstances and trials. Now we have been given the Counsel of the True Witness, Jesus to be overcomers, to rid ourselves of idols and anything that would separate us from Jesus.
Exalt the Standard of God's 10 Commandment Law!
Education p57 "The greatest want of the world is the want of men (and women)- men who will NOT be bought or sold, men who in their inmost souls are true and honest, men who do not fear to call sin by its right name, men whose conscience is as true to duty as the needle to the pole, men who will stand for the right though the heavens fall."
Become another Joseph, Esther or Daniel. God delivered them for their stand for right, and He will deliver YOU also.
More importantly YOU will become one who follows the Lamb wherever He goes.
May God 's Holy Spirit enlighten you as to HOW you will respond to His message to you today, is MY prayer.
Amen!
SCRIPTURE: 2 Timothy 2:1-15
