tMoA

Would you like to react to this message? Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue.
tMoA

~ The only Home on the Web You'll ever need ~

+4
Ashera
mudra
Vidya Moksha
Sanicle
8 posters

    United States AI Solar System (10)

    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


    Posts : 13426
    Join date : 2010-09-28
    Location : The Matrix

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (10)

    Post  orthodoxymoron Tue Dec 08, 2020 1:34 am

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 E9dec84860cd2cd4c2f417f919dd8a5d


    Thank-you Ashera. I still don't know where you're coming from and what you're all about. You could be putting on an act to fool a completely ignorant fool. You could be genuinely communicating the truth as you perceive it. You could be as deluded as I am. Damned if I know. You frankly scare me as much as I scare myself. I've been badly misused and abused while attempting to do the right-thing, and no-one gives a damn. I continue to suspect that this thing has nothing to do with me (as far as deciding this or that). I continue to suspect that humanity made their bed in antiquity, and now they're sleeping in it (possibly for all-eternity). My name is similar to Peter Venkman, and my father owned a 1959 Cadillac (purchased in the 1960's). What are the odds?? This stuff occurred too early for me to be able to make any of this up. There are David Bowman parallels. 2001: A Space Odyssey?? 2010: The Year We Made Contact?? 'RA' Contacted Me in 2010!! I could continue, but I've discussed this madness for many years now on this website, without definitive responses. I owned a 1975 AMC Pacer (bought by my parents in Glendale in 1975). Oh, God!! What's the use??!! BTW, I'm taking what you said somewhat seriously, without knowing the implications and ramifications. Have you read Sherry Shriner's Interview with the Devil?? The Horror. I frankly want to forget most of this spiritual quicksand, and just walk away from all of it. It might be easier that way. I still need some bigshot to get me a lowkey book deal (just to pay the bills without making a big deal about it). I'd prefer a pseudointellectual approach which approximates probable reality (or something to that effect). This is probably an incredibly slippery-slope (especially as humanity is being locked-down and made to drink the Kool-Aid). We might be more screwed than we can imagine (with or without a Knight in Shining Armor). BTW, I really did doughnuts in a restaurant parking-lot with my blue AMC Pacer!! I really drove my AMC Pacer in Burbank. I really did drive my AMC Pacer to my grocery-store job. BTW, I really did discuss Situation Ethics with Dr. Joseph Fletcher and The Openness of God with Dr. Richard Rice with Eschatological Jurisprudence implications and ramifications. I really attended lectures by Dr. Desmond Ford, Dr. Erwin Gane, and Dr. Eric Syme regarding the Investigative Judgment. I continue to repeat, "I Don't Know." This applies to most everyone and everything. I am a Completely Ignorant Fool with a Messiah Complex. We All Have Our Crosses to Bear. Anyway, the Pandemic and Vaccines might've been planned decades (or centuries) ago. How Do We Know or Not Know?? I'll probably stay in my little corner on this site, and make everyone angry with righteous indignation. There are probably a few City-State types who are well aware of This Very Site and Yours Truly. They might even write daily reports. I suspect this thing goes way, way, way back, and is quite violent and disgusting. Even Jesus said, "I Have Many Things to Tell You, But You Can't Bear Them." The Truth Might NOT Set Us Free. It Might Make 87% of Us Completely Insane. It Might Be Worse Than We Think. I'm trying to NOT Post in 2021, but we'll see how that goes. I need to write a book, but I don't know what to write. I'll probably delete this post, and keep myself quarantined in my USSS Threads. It might be easier that way. I'm reading an autographed book by a survivor of the Bataan Death March. That should get my mind off the Pandemic, Election, and DS BS. I really can't take this anymore. I've had enough!! Enough is Enough!! I'm as Mad as Hell and They're Coming to Take Me Away!!
    Ashera wrote:I am rather convinced that it is self-deception because well-meaningness is not understood at all... Remind the opposing positions of Rahel and Lucifer, and I am still right! To define me therefore as enemy of mankind is plain a**holeness! Why should I accept to get sacrificed for your idiocies? I did not offer Evie the apple, she stole it! The original sin of democracy!

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Satan_10





    JoeEcho wrote:There is something devious when anything is deemed unquestionable. And should one dare to cross that line prepared to face being ostracized. As a side observation, that 'concern' becomes immaterial when it is realized what one is being ostrasized from History has exhibited what the effects of giving anything that "case closed" mentality. Case closed produces closed circle progression or better put... non-progression.

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Giphy  

    Happy holidays to all,

    Joe
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 64992388_061a0c48ec

    What if the space-program had consisted of nothing more than placing numerous sophisticated satellites in orbit around Mercury, Venus, Earth, Earth's Moon, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, with MASSIVE Amounts of Data and Images immediately released to the Academic-Community and the General-Public, with no censorship whatsoever?? I'll consider just about any possibility, including Flat-Earth, Central-Sun, We Didn't Go to the Moon, Reptilians Rule the World, etc. I treat everything as Science-Fiction, including NAZI UFO's, the Kennedy Assassination Conspiracy-Theories, Mind-Wired and Perfectly-Possessed Politicians, Preachers, and Performers. I'll probably never make any money with this sort of thing, but I actually like it better than what I find in theaters, bookstores, or online. It's my own little project, rather than just passively ingesting what someone else has produced to make themselves a few more million dollars (laughing all the way to the bank).

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Cdfc413e5d461da984e17ecf5a062bc0

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Www
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Horus_11_25_13_3
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Horus
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 D90dff0dd887ef490f5af4d9ba8d43bd
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 CLK55RRUEAAdhYV
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Horus%20elder-5
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Horus_4_9_14_Side
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Horus_4_9_14_Front
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Jared-krichevsky-horus-1-17-14-4
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Victoria-Zdrok-Feet-322076
    "Let's Talk About Egyptology, Oxy!!"

    "It all started with Isis, Horus, and Set. Or was it Isis, Ra, and El?? It was all fun and games until I lost my wiener!!" "Hold me close, and tell me more, Oxy!!" "Now I shall continue posting my old 2009-10 'Amen Ra' thread from the closed to posting 'Project Avalon' website. I started and stopped, but I'll try to keep the whole thread here in one place. It's easier that way." "Schnell, Oxy!!" In five to ten years, I'll probably be under the care of a Sexy Secret Government Psychiatrist, discussing my threads, in a Subsurface-Base in Bumfu<k Egypt!! I'm actually NOT Kidding, because I think this thing will become MUCH Worse VERY Quickly. http://projectavalon.net/forum/showthread.php?t=18223&page=4

    (Post by New Age Messiah) Ma'at was before Isis, i.e. Isis became the "personal" Goddess to replace the rather impersonal Ma'at, which was more a mystical cosmic force/principle. Ma'at was the universe itself. And She spoke to me right after (a couple days after) I had a conversation about Her. And She orchestrated the greatest true story ever told. Apparently She's getting ready to clean house.

    (Post by BROOK) That's great...now tell me about that room and the ceremony...what was the purpose? Did she show you that?

    (Post by New Age Messiah) No purpose or ceremony. I had a motto that Reality is God, and I flew in the face of Christianity and Jesus and the Bible God, and said how stupid all three were. Then I got tortured into a black hole, and I accepted if as God, for five years 24x7 torment and incredibly difficult soul navigation... Then the show LOST became my hobby, and I wrote about it and made theories, and I was spot on, and one of my theories was that the island is a Goddess. So I am talking to a historian, who says that the Egyptians were the first major civilization to go away from worshipping the Goddess. When he said that, I had this WOW moment, he and I were in this zone, where you get when so few of the people around you have a clue, but you know you're on to something big... Anyway, a couple days later, I am laying in torture, in my bed, in a black hole, and then She says, "I'm very angry.... cooking". She said a word before cooking that I missed. Bummer. It was gentle as a breeze without any vibration, it did not stun me whatsoever, it was just there. Already there were a ton of miracles, so I just kind of went on my way. A couple weeks later, it soaked in, a Goddess spoke to me. WOW. There really really really is a GODDESS!!!!!!!!! I mean ABSOLUTELY. DONE DEAL. NO MORE FAITH REQUIRED. And my motto was true, and She is going to prove it true, I suspect that is what She is cooking, a major KABOOOM, Reality is Goddess, the male god religions are stupid and false, just like I said.

    (Post by BROOK) I didn't think so.

    (Post by New Age Messiah) Are you trying to say you have to have a ceremony??? You're a joke, if you think you can brush off what I just said.

    (Post by BROOK) I'm not brushing it off..I asked a question..that only Ma'at would know..and if she told you...you would know what I speak of... And if you think I'm a joke....so be it.

    (Post by New Age Messiah) You're trying to dictate how a Goddess would behave, that's a joke. You're trying to make a Goddess fit into a doctrine. That's a religion. You fail.

    (Post by BROOK) I failed. You know nothing of which I speak.

    (Post by New Age Messiah) I have seen a hermetic ceremony, where they summoned a Goddess, and She appeared and spoke. But that's all She did. The Goddess that spoke to me orchestrated the greatest true story ever told that is going to end all religions. na na na.

    (Post by BROOK) Wrong ceremony...go back and ask which one I speak of..then come back and tell me about it. Better yet..go back and have a look see.

    (Post by New Age Messiah) Vague. Like you have something to tell the New Age Messiah.

    (Post by BROOK) I have nothing to tell, that you should not already know.

    (Post by New Age Messiah)  Huh?  Huh?  Huh? You're nice. She may stop back by and tell me a thing or two, so I can catch up to you.

    (BROOK quoted by WinterWolf) Please do so..I would be very interested on your version. So my guess is she will not come right out and say it here on the forum...just keep dropping hints....So how are you her counterpart?

    (Post by WinterWolf) Did you know Ra was merged with the god Horus as Re-Horakhty who was then later identified with Amun as Amun-Re? Ra was Amun-Re or Ra. Oh yes. Ra was also identified with the sun god Atum as well. "As Atum he was also seen as the first being and the originator of the Ennead, also consisting of Shu and Tefnut, Geb and Nut, Osiris, Set, Isis and Nephthys. (See Ennead for more information about this grouping.)" I prefer Ra for some who have seen me see a living sun. Anyhow..I digress.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ra Ra (also spelled Ré) is the ancient Egyptian sun god. By the fifth dynasty he became a major deity in ancient Egyptian religion, identified primarily with the mid-day sun, with other deities representing other positions of the sun. Ra changed greatly over time and in one form or another, much later he was said to represent the sun at all times of the day. The meaning of the name is uncertain, but it is thought if not a word for 'sun' it may be a variant of or linked to 'creative'.

    The chief cult centre of Ra first was based in Heliopolis (called Inun, "Place of Pillars", in Egyptian), where he was identified with the local sun-god Atum. As Atum he was also seen as the first being and the originator of the Ennead, also consisting of Shu and Tefnut, Geb and Nut, Osiris, Set, Isis and Nephthys. (See Ennead for more information about this grouping.)

    In later Egyptian dynastic times, Ra was merged with the god Horus, as Re-Horakhty ("Ra, who is Horus of the Two Horizons"). When his worship reached this position of importance in the Egyptian pantheon, he was believed to be in command of the sky, the earth, and the underworld. He was associated with the falcon, the symbol of other sun deities who protected the pharaohs in later myths. After the deities were paired with pharaohs, the children of Hathor were considered to be fathered by Ra. Still later, he was identified with Amun as Amun-Re.

    During the Amarna Period, Akhenaten suppressed the cult of Ra in favour of another solar deity Aton, the deified solar disc, but the cult was later restored.

    The cult of the Mnevis bull, an embodiment of Ra, had its centre here and established a formal burial ground for the sacrificed bulls north of the city.

    In the later myths Ra was seen to have created Sekhmet, the early lion-headed war goddess from Upper Egypt, who became Hathor, the gentle cow goddess, after she has sufficiently punished mankind as the avenging Eye of Ra. This changed the themes of much earlier myths into aspects of Ra and he was often said to be the father of both Hathor and Sekhmet, as well as brother to the god Osiris. Afterward, nearly all forms of life were believed to have been created by Ra alone, who called each of them into existence by speaking their secret names and eventually humans were created from Ra's tears and sweat, hence the Egyptians call themselves the "Cattle of Ra."

    Isis mother of Horus and daughter of Geb and Nut.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isis#Mythology When seen as the deification of the wife of the pharaoh in later myths, the prominent role of Isis was as the assistant to the deceased pharaoh. Thus she gained a funerary association, her name appearing over eighty times in the Pyramid Texts, and she was said to be the mother of the four deities who protected the canopic jars—more specifically, Isis was viewed as protector of the liver-jar-deity, Imsety. This association with the pharaoh's wife also brought the idea that Isis was considered the spouse of Horus (once seen as her child), who was protector, and later the deification of the pharaoh.

    See the convoluted connection with Ra becoming Re-Horakhty and then Amun-Ra and Isis with her then son Horus who later becomes her husband? Talk about convoluted patterns.

    (Post by BROOK) The Falcon....ahhhh.  That would make you her counterpart. Yep...gotta love it ...convoluted connections

    (Post by WinterWolf) What? I see you edited the post I just quoted.  I thought the falcon ahh? Was there more to that? Uh huh. Isis. I always see them together.

    (Post by BROOK) She has Falcon Wings.

    (Post by WinterWolf) Yes she does and there is also a sun above her. [dead link images] There are many like it. It isn't the first I've seen. I should say there are other Isis pictures I have seen with the sun paired with her..... I haven't seen this particular one before until now but it is a very nice one. Gotta love the convoluted connections. Hrm. Have I established myself as being nuts yet?

    (Post by BROOK) Absolutely.....hahaha!

    (Post by WinterWolf) Ah thanks. Twernt nothing. Think I'll scare everyone away now?

    (Post by BROOK) I'm still here...but I tend to do that too....scare them away that is.

    (Post by WinterWolf) I think some people might think I'm here to...challenge them or something. Why bother? I prefer sensible discourse and dialogue. Meaningful conversations are better.

    (Post by BROOK) Exactly...unless they offer you a radiant zone with all the fixings......I'll challenge that any day ...and you know what I'm talking about.

    (Post by WinterWolf) One person there didn't seem to like answering my questions much. I feel less negative energy on the board now than there was then. The more I cleared it..the more it seemed to coalesce... Didn't you notice the weird vibes all over the board?

    (Post by BROOK) Yep...I did see that...and yes...it should calm down soon though, I hope anyway. I'm learning to just try to get past it....stick with what I know. And let the rest fall to the floor. As in the posts above....I did as you did, and that is all you can do. Or I should say//on the other page....

    (Post by WinterWolf) Actually I was being rather serious with my posts about Ra and Isis.

    (Post by BROOK) Me too. I just have to keep my eyes open for the Goddess. Now that I know she is around.

    (Post by WinterWolf) I meant before I left there was more negativity on the board. I am glad to see it isn't as prevalent now. Not sure what was going on back then but all of the nicer folk sort of went poof or at least it seemed like a lot of them went silent. Uh oh...I've hi-jacked the thread.  Oops.

    (Post by BROOK) Hijacker! Actually....it goes with the thread....and the flow of the information. It seems to get derailed here form the intent a bit....it is about Amen Ra..and you were right on the money.

    (Post by WinterWolf) She's always been around. I just don't address her. Shoot. Hi-jacked again.

    (Post by BROOK) So I wonder, what roll does she play in the scheme of Amen Ra?...and the convoluted connection to Ra is what I am wondering. Why has she shown her self here, and now?

    (Post by WinterWolf) This is the only place she's come to. It's just that I doubt anyone has ever noticed. Well now. Merry Christmas to you and hope you have a wonderful day. I think it is about time to make like a ball and bounce out of here. ShooooOOoot. More thread hi-jacking.

    (Post by BROOK) Oops...Sorry orthodoxymoron...we didn't mean to hi-jack your thread...Merry Christmas. Later.

    (orthodoxymoron Quoted by United Serenity) It only hurts when I think. I indulge in the masturbation of the mind...which is quite painful...and which is causing me to become spiritually blind.

    (Post by United Serenity) Mental BDSM is quite common, do not worry it won't cause blindness, but may give you unexplainable bouts of twitches.

    (Post by BROOK) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxWH5HNEf0Y

    (Post by United Serenity) Goddess, I love you! TDF

    (Post by BROOK) I love you too ......Whatever....

    (Post by United Serenity) Bahahahaaaaaaaaaa!!! Now back to the previous serious topic! Control yourselves!

    (Post by BROOK) Okay now....just ground yourself.....back to the Nile. Back on Track. Amen Ra.

    (orthodoxymoron Quoted by WinterWolf) We might be shocked if we knew our full reincarnational histories. I won't do regression hypnosis. I worry about regressive interference and deception. I also worry about who I might have been...and how badly I might have $crewed things up. At times...I'm almost frantic when I think about Universal and Earth History. It's so overwhelming if you really face yourself...and think. It only hurts when I think. I indulge in the masturbation of the mind...which is quite painful...and which is causing me to become spiritually blind.

    (Post by WinterWolf) Stop squeezing and give it a bit of oxygen.

    (Post by orthodoxymoron) I don't know what you people are smoking...but I want some too!

    (Post by WinterWolf) I didn't realize I was smoking anything. I am quite lucid thanks.

    (Post by BROOK) Me either....but I think he was referring to myself and Unified Serenity...we got a little bit silly here this morning. And ODM...I'm watching the first SG1 video now..thanks. Well, this SG1 series is quite something....That thing they have going on with the hands is really unique. And the eye thing....hmmmm....reminds me of the Eye of Horus. The construction of the eye follows very precise laws. The senses are ordered according to their importance. And according to how much energy must be *eaten* by the *eye* for an individual to receive a particular sensation. All of the sensory data input is *food*.

    (Post by orthodoxymoron) http://www.keyofsolomon.org/The%20Lost%20Symbol%20Dan%20Brown.php Here is another piece of the puzzle provided by Moxie. Watch the YouTube videos on the opening page. Unrelatedly...consider theanthropos, baldacchino, co-mediatrix, pontifex maximus, and domschratt.  I'm not sure why...but consider them anyway! Perhaps divinity should be the object of collective aspiration...as opposed to individual aspiration and submissive veneration. Are Lucifer/Eve/Hathor/Isis/Mary all the same being? The Goddess of This World? The Hybrid Mediatrix Between the Reptilian (God) and Human (Man) Races? Theanthropos? The script-writer for all of the major religions? Are we merely actors and actresses on a stage called 'Earth: Theater of the Universe'? Were William Shakespeare's works written by Francis Bacon? Or were they written by the Goddess of This World? Does a Reptilian/Human Theocracy exist throughout the Universe? Is this the Universal Church? Was the Original Sin committed in Lyra? What was this Original Sin? Did the Human Race Create the Reptilian Race as a Slave Race...and demand Work and Worship? Did the Reptilian Race evolve...and rebel against the Human Race...and win? Did the Reptilian Race proceed to do to the Human Race what had been done to them? If most of the above is true...can there be a reconciliation...or would this be impossible? Could Namaste Constitutional Responsible Freedom be sucessfully implemented by both races? Could the First and Last Commandment of the Universe be 'Thou Shalt Have No Gods'? Would this signal the end of Star Wars and Masters of the Universe? Would the Empire Strike Bach? Damned if I know. Namaste.

    (Post by BROOK) Those are a lot of questions there ODM....but the first one, are they all the same...an emphatic NO..they are not all the same. There is however lots of, as Winter Wolf explains, "Convoluted" history there. As for Isis...well I think she might have been one of the good ones. Too much in her background, that is righteous, and good to explain away as reptilian. But there is surly a reptilian connection. In fact, I would go so far as to say she may have been manipulated by such a faction of beings. And she somehow fought them back, with their own weapons, and manipulative devise. Probably to her own demise....but this is only a guess. http://www.keyofsolomon.org/The%20Lost%20Symbol%20Dan%20Brown.php THE LOST SYMBOL OF RA. That is quite the find! The RA symbol represents the SUN, but not our sun.....that is very interesting information in the symbol he speaks of. Great find ODM!!!

    (Post by WinterWolf) I'll have to take a look at the vids later. The website itself looks interesting.

    (orthodoxymoron Quoted by Gnosis5) It seems as though we are pretty bad...but that the reps are a lot worse. I'd really like to understand why they are so mean and cruel. Who knows...there may be a legitimate reason (or an understandable reason, at least) why they seem to hate humans so much.

    (Post by Gnosis5) That despise for others can be healed, just as we can heal our own racial prejudices here on earth.

    (Post by orthodoxymoron) It seems to me that there has been a single God or Goddess of This World from before our arrival here...right up to this very moment. I'm leaning toward Goddess. Why couldn't a single being manifest as different beings? I think Lucifer got us all here...for the right or wrong reasons...for better or for worse...and then ruled secretly through Gods, Goddesses, Religions, Governments, etc. I get the feeling that the Reptilians look over Lucifer's shoulder...and tell him or her what to do to a significant degree. There could be a very tangled hierarchical web. Ignorance is probably bliss regarding this subject. I don't think there are very many of us who could handle the full impact of the situation we may be in.

    I want the Reptilians to back-off...and Lucifer to retire. I want We the People of Earth to rule ourselves responsibly and sovereignly...and for the Reptilians to do likewise. Then perhaps we can constructively interact on a limited basis. This might be a new beginning...but I don't know what the hell I'm talking about or what the hell I'm doing. I don't really know that Reptilians even exist. I've never met one...that I know of...although I have encountered unseen intelligences capable of manipulating physical objects. But they didn't introduce themselves...and I didn't really want them to either. Namaste.

    (Post by BROOK) From what I'm gathering...it sounds like the "Gods" and "Goddess" that are spoken of here are from another star system...And I don't believe there was just "one"..on a single trip here. Their reason for coming here...and are they all from the same family, or star system is a mystery...but I believe there are clues everywhere.

    (Post by orthodoxymoron) What I'm referring to is a single Kingpin or Queenpin of the Human Race. I don't doubt that there have been, and are, many powerful ET's visiting Earth from throughout the galaxy...but when they say 'Take me to your leader'...no one who is in the know has any question regarding who that might be...and I tend to think that it's been the same being all along. But this is just my hypothesis at this point.

    (orthodoxymoron Quoted by BROOK) 1. It seems to me that there has been a single God or Goddess of This World from before our arrival here. 2. What I'm referring to is a single Kingpin or Queen pin of the Human Race.

    (Post by BROOK) These two statements lead me to think, you believe we might be the creation of Lucifer and/or the reptilians? Or are at least concerned that might be the case? Is that a fair Analysis? Or am I just confused? ODM...It's been brought to my attention ....in search for the truth The truth will set you free...it matters not whose truth it is, The truth is the truth. Not your truth, not my truth. There is no right or wrong truth, it is in the perception. The key is to know the whole truth and nothing but the truth Once known....it will set you free. Never stop searching for the truth....the whole truth.

    I watched one of the many videos of a whistle blower here on Avalon...and it started out with a man describing that he knew of our ultimate origin ....the creation of US..then he said..this is his perception. He carried on to describe many levels of dimension ....then he said..."and on this level is where the ego is created..." At that point I realized that the series of videos is exactly what he said...it was his Perception ...and I watched further..and I saw him describing heaven and hell....the ET phenomena ..through great research he explained all the past Gods and the reason for the pyramids...their basis of origin and purpose. It was fascinating ...and because I have never done any of this research myself...it seemed very plausible....but was it the "TRUTH"? How much of that information came from TRUTH..and how much came from the perception..with the research to cloud the perception? Herein lies the dilemma : First..where is the proof?...is it based on conjecture? From past research and theory? could the truth be clouded by such theory and research? I believe he did tap into a TRUTH...he seemed very convinced of that fact..and seemed very genuine...but how much of the information was filtered through the brain..and processed by perception....Dilemma...what is the truth? Is this ultimate truth? Is it "his" truth..filtered by perception? This is where knowing the TRUTH from first hand comes in handy...because it is not filtered by merely perception..it simply is the Truth. The worst predictions of those who say they "know" have nothing to do with Ultimate Reality.

    (Post by Bobbie) I have just run across this thread and this topic is of great interest to me. It reminds me of a book that has been mentioned 22 previous times on this forum but I think it so appropriate for this thread. The Gods of Eden outlines how all these lesser gods have the dominion over this planet and that all the major plagues in our past has been of alien origination. This calls to mind the population control issue that we are faced with presently . Just when it looks like there may be too many of us for their liking, bam, a plague shows up and kills off thousands upon thousands. Maybe we have raised our consciousness to the level where they won't be able to pull it off this time. We can only focus and hope.

    (Post by BROOK) Of alien origin...most likely.....Population control issue...most definitely.

    (Post by orthodoxymoron) I think our origins are a combination of evolution and intelligent design...but I don't know the details. The Founders / Ancients / Creator God(s) of the Universe provided the intelligent design aspects of our origins. I Do Not think that Lucifer or the Reptilians created us. One or the other possibly destroyed the Founders...but I don't know. I think that Lucifer is the Human God of This World (a Micro-God rather than a Macro-God)...and I'm really confused about the Reptilians. The Macro-God(s) seem to be AWOL. This troubles me greatly. I think about it constantly.

    I think that we evolved and were intelligently designed long before we were brought to Earth. We are not going from the swamp to the stars. We came from the stars IMHO. We appear suddenly in the geologic record...without the many missing links which would be required for an evolutionary Earth origin paradigm of humanity. I think that we are ET's and that Earth probably is not our homeworld.

    Obviously...I can't prove this. I'm simply a repeater and an intuitve speculator. I don't channel or get contacted...and I've never been abducted (that I know of). This is just a big science fiction game for me...but I try to stay as close to reality and probability as possible.

    I just talked to a real live Egyptologist face to face! She was a real cutie too! She pointed me in the direction of Nick Reeves and his book 'Valley of the Kings'. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicholas_Reeves Here is Nick Reeve's website link: http://www.nicholasreeves.com/artp.aspx

    Carl Nicholas Reeves (born 28 September 1956) is an English Egyptologist. After studying history at University College of London, he obtained his doctorate in Egyptology at the University of Durham. He worked at the department of Egyptian antiquities of British Museum and as consultant for the Freud Museum, London.

    History
    Reeves began his studies in 1975 at University College London, graduating in 1978 with a B.A. (First Class Honors) in Ancient History. He moved on to research at Durham University, and obtained his Ph.D. in Egyptology (a study of tomb robbery in the Valley of the Kings) in 1984.

    He is currently G. A. D. Tait Curator of Egyptian and Classical Art at The Myers Museum, Eton College; Director of Collections, The Denys Eyre Bower Bequest, Chiddingstone Castle; and Director of the Valley of the Kings Foundation. He is also Honorary Fellow at Durham University Oriental Museum.

    Reeves studied at Durham University alongside Dr Aidan Dodson and Dr John Tait under Professor John Harris.

    Reeves was elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, London, in 1994.

    Reeves is best-known as the Director of the Amarna Royal Tombs Project.

    Controversy
    In 2002 Reeves was suspended from excavating in Egypt after accusations that he was involved in antiquities smuggling. However, at a meeting of the Supreme Council of Antiquities held in Cairo on 7 August 2005, his name was officially cleared of any wrongdoing after a 3-year investigation.

    In 2006, the discovery of KV-63 by Otto Schaden’s University of Memphis team made worldwide news. Soon after Nicholas Reeves made the claim that his team had "first located the tomb during the course of a ground-penetrating survey of our concession in 2000...the Americans were handed copies of our radar data in mid-2005 as soon as we heard of their stumbling upon it." Reeves said that his team had not excavated the tomb at that time because "such facilities are exceedingly rare and potentially preserve unique data. Our strategy was not to cherry-pick but to work systematically."

    On July 28th 2006, Reeves announced on the website of the Amarna Royal Tombs Project details of radar investigation of another possible tomb in the Valley of the Kings. Reeves believes that KV63 is just the 'signal' pointing at the discovery of a much more significant tomb, possibly the one identified by radar:

    ...despite current media disappointment at the absence of bodies it will soon become apparent that KV63 is in fact a discovery of the most extraordinary significance - not for what the single chamber actually holds but for what it clearly signals, which is the definite presence in the Valley of at least one further tomb. The situation is this: as a chamber full of embalmers’ refuse KV63 stands in relation to a future burial as the KV54 embalming-cache in 1907 stood to the tomb of Tutankhamun. It represents without question an augury of further, significant discoveries to come.
    The ARTP team decided to publicly state the existence of this possible new tomb, and even its precise location, for three reasons:

    Firstly, it will prevent the possibility of yet another ‘accidental’ discovery and hurried clearance: publicising the existence of the feature in advance of its physical exposure ought to allow time for a considered, scientific approach to its investigation to be insisted upon by the wider archaeological community and arranged through the SCA. Secondly, disclosure now will limit the amount of collateral archaeological damage otherwise likely to be sustained in the sort of random search which is all but imminent. Thirdly, with the publicity the announcement of a new tomb is likely to generate there is a chance that sanity will prevail and the message at last get through that all future excavations in the Valley must be carried out systematically and at a state-of-the-art level - not by the very modest standards which are currently considered acceptable.

    Reeves has published many academic articles and several well-received books, including:

    Valley of the Kings: The Decline of a Royal Necropolis
    The Complete Tutankhamun
    Howard Carter: Before Tutankhamun (with John H. Taylor)
    The Complete Valley of the Kings (with Richard H. Wilkinson)
    Ancient Egypt: The Great Discoveries
    Akhenaten: Egypt's False Prophet
    Reeves also co-authored a children's book, entitled Into the Mummy's Tomb: The real-life discovery of Tutankhamun's Treasures.

    Archaeology magazine interviews Nicholas Reeves about possible KV64 discovery
    Valley of the Kings Foundation

    (eleni Quoted by Gnosis5) Nope- it was not my eye. Of interest after that we went to visit a friend of my husband. He lived in Sweden and entered into a psychic research institute there (I can find out the name- this was years ago). Unusual thing happened to him...... He lay down on this table and a pyramid was placed over him. He said he levitated off the table but what was really odd was that he could see in the corner of the room this eye...... Well he entered the eye and felt it was not really benevolent........ From his description (obviously more than what I wrote here) it sounded very similar to what I saw and entered. He coined it the *all seeing eye*. I wonder if this eye has anything to do with the Annunaki AI system. When I was being watched by the AI system I tuned into it and was scared ****less, I couldn't sleep for a week with the lights off and others who had been there too had the same reaction.

    (Post by Gnosis5) This might correspond: We were processing a being and the incident this being was stuck in was coming to an eye suspended in space (space was not as crowded then) and then being entrained to go into that eye. It was revealed in the session that the being who was trapping beings with this eye mockup was angry about something that had happened in the past. He also had a Persian or Arabic name, I forget what it was. But I would go with my feelings, and I would seek to understand what might have occurred that caused me to not remember the whole incident. We usually blank out because something "bad" or "painful" happened and we do not wish to confront it. Find a safe space and/or person and find out what else you can confront about this incident.

    (Post by orthodoxymoron) That's some really heavy-duty creepy-stuff. It can't be good...I don't think. There are experiences which many have related on Avalon which are mind-boggling...and I have a difficult time relating to them. I'm sort of in denial about a lot of the abductions, contacts, and supernatural occurrences. I can't imagine actually having any of these things happening to me. I'm crazy enough as it is. It would probably push me over the edge. I suspect a lot of 4D 'demonic' activity in 90% of the supernatural and paranormal activity...but I'm not an authority. That's just my paranoid bias. The truth is out there...and so are the bad guys and gals. The horror. Namaste.

    (Post by Gnosis5) I can relate to how you feel. I was soooo frightened of Reptilians that I think it drove me into my first sessions. When I realized I had been a reptilian I got very quiet about the subject :-) If you have a Christian background, there is a discourse in the New Testament that speaks about the spiritual armor. I think that is some valid stuff. The NT does not talk about creepy stuff to scare people, but to get people to develop their "spiritual armor" and to walk without fear. What is your spiritual/religious background?

    (Post by BROOK) The eye of Horus, sometimes also called the eye of Ra represents a sign of power given to the wearer by the gods of the time. It can also be a symbol that you are protected from harm by the god represented in the eye, whether that be Horus or Ra. The Egyptian word for this symbol is Wadjet, which literally translated means simply god or goddess. Horus himself was the falcon headed Egyptian god that originally represented the sky, but also came to be recognized as the sun and moon god as well. The Eye of Horus itself is represented, not by a human eye as many people think, but by a falcons eye with a tear in one corner, and the separate parts of the eye can be divided in ancient Egyptian measurements into 6 parts, which represent smell, sight, touch, thought, hearing and taste. These are representations of the powers that Horus has as well as the abilities that humans share with the gods. Similarly it isn't the eye that the Freemasons use either, despite popular belief. That is another eye of providence, which is a Christian rather then Egyptian symbol meaning that god can see you whatever you are doing. In the case of the Freemasons it probably just signifies their influence and power as a semi secret society, as well as the requisite belief in a divine being that all masons must have.

    (Post by Gnosis5) Gosh, that is all over my head. I did get the idea that it might be used to support an earlier attempt to get beings to reduce their "seeing" from 360-degrees to 180-degrees.

    (Post by orthodoxymoron) Sometimes I think I have been (or am presently!) a reptilian!! Who knows?? When I speak of a Solar System Exorcism...I intend this toward all very hard-core malevolents of all races. I want the really, really bad guys and gals (of all races, including human) to leave...until they learn to play nice. I want the good guys and gals (of all races, including reptilian) to stay. But this isn't up to me. Isn't the 'All Seeing Eye' (both Egyptian and Masonic?) directly related to the Dog-Star Sirius? Isn't Sun-Worship really the worship of the ET's from Sirius (The Sun God)? Ever heard of 'Sun God Day'?

    My religious background is SDA...but I'm a real mongrel at this point (a rebel without a church!). I recommend two books by Ellen White...'Desire of Ages' and 'Great Controversy'...but not much else. Dr. John Harvey Kellogg and Dr. Desmond Ford are very interesting people (heretics!) to study in the SDA historical zoo. I don't go to church...but if I did...it would probably be an Episcopal church. If I were in New York...I might attend St. Thomas, St. Barts, or St. John the Divine. Unfortunately...I presently have huge problems with the penitential and sacrificial aspects of the Eucharistic Liturgy (and the pagan symbology)...even though I love the robes, music, incense, ceremony, reverence, awe, glory, grandeur, and fellowship. The 1928 Book of Common Prayer is much better than the present one...but I don't like either one! The Psalms are printed in their entirety...but where the hell are the Teachings of Jesus? Who's church is it anyway? I'd rather stay home...and eat chocolates!! I also have problems with the Substitutionary Atonement. So did Bertrand Russell. He thought it was unethical. I think that the entire sacrificial system was and is a colossal irresponsible and bloody mess! Apologetics in this area tend to degenerate into exegetical monstrosities. I have a way with words...don't I?

    I just re-watched the first episode of 'V'...and the thought struck me...could Anna be Lucifer/Hathor/Mary (the Human Goddess of This World) and Freddie (the one who always seems to be with Anna) be Satan (the Reptilian God of This World)? Could Amen Ra really be the Human God in the Pleiades who Lucifer rebelled against? I really don't know. I'm just trying to feel my way through this God and Goddess business...even though I know that I am venturing where Angels fear to tread. Namaste.

    (Post by BROOK) The Eye of Horus - Horus was an ancient Egyptian sky god in the form of a falcon. The right eye represents a peregrine falcon's eye and the markings around it, that includes the "teardrop" marking sometimes found below the eye. The right eye of Horus is said to ward off evil eye in the ancient Egyptian culture. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evil_ey...sical_Evil_Eye As far as "Sun God"...well as this bit of information you brought forth states....it is "sun" worship...but not our "sun" ...so I suppose it would depend upon which sun was being worshiped maybe?

    (Post by THE eXchanger) THE EYE iS iMPORTANT ~ behind it, is a TRiNE/or TRiNTY. once you trigger that team, a huge door swings open and, there is a huge flame in a room there iT iS quite an iN_SiTE-FULL place.

    (Post by Luminari) Just took a pic of my elbow for your thread Orthy , sorry you cant see it all and apologies for all the hair LOL. Some people are paranoid about this symbol, I just resonate with former Sirian/Khemitian incarnations.. like MANY of us.

    (Post by orthodoxymoron) That's cool Luminari! Art is good! Humor is even better! I don't want to fear or worship the Gods and Goddesses. I want them all to retire...and then we can all have a good laugh! I hope. Namaste.

    (Post by HeatherJJAnderson) I do love the subject Ra and the real history of Egypt, When I worked for U.N.I.T in Orlando my task force used Egyptian glyphs in a virtual reality construct to aid DNA coding of the MK Ultra Generation 4 Units.

    (Post by BROOK) Why would they implant Egyptian glyphs?...how does that aid DNA coding? Can that be read in your energy signature? The power of the Goddess. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLg4vuYtCY4

    (Post by Moxie) Thus far no one has the "goods' on Amen Ra. No one knows for sure. That is our sad state... a pool of opinions, of unknowingness, that is our state?

    (Post by Gnosis5) Last year Hubby and I processed a former Egyptian priest who served Ra and got demoted to planet earth/Egypt. He is currently head of his own church. His Egyptian incident included technology gadgets that gave magical powers to the pharoah and priests so that the people would not forget their worshipful place and continue to serve the heirarchy. For some reason an armed force from his planet came down and killed all the priests with laser guns. The priest also had his own laser gun. This incident had been stuck in his subconscious for all these lifetimes and guided his behavior in his current religious position.

    (Post by orthodoxymoron) Thank-you Gnosis5. A few years ago...I wouldn't have taken your last post seriously...but now I'm getting the picture of ancient technology, and of very human Gods and Goddesses. The modern priests and preachers put Angel Dust in the air-conditioning system! The perceived absence of the Founders really bothers me. Could Amen Ra be representative of (or the equivalent of) the Founders? They really keep us guessing...don't they? My guess is that the real Universal History is so terrible...that 'they' have tried to spare us the anguish...while we evolve ethically, spiritually, and emotionally to the point where we can handle the truth. I'm hoping we are at that point presently. I really think that complete disclosure will hit us like 10 tons of bricks...and that it will be almost unbearable. I really hope I'm wrong. Sometimes I think the camps are for those who can't handle the truth. I may be one of those people. Just give me a padded room with a view! Hey guys and gals...save the drama for your mamma! Not on my thread!! If I were a moderator...I'd just ban everyone who didn't agree with me!! It's amazing how much we can talk about...if and only if...we don't make it personal.

    Does Amen Ra = God the Founder = Intelligent Designer? Did Amen Ra create Reptilians as a slave race? ("Let us make man in our image"). Was Amen Ra destroyed by the Reptilians...or by Lucifer during the War in Heaven? Could Amen Ra exist on another dimension? Is Amen Ra present only in the Divinity Within Humanity?

    Does Lucifer = Eve/Hathor/Isis/Mary (brought us to Earth from the Pleiades/Aldebaran/Sirius IN the Moon aka Battlestar Galactica aka Ark of the Covenant)? Did Lucifer create the major religions...including being the major author of the Bible? Is Lucifer the Human Goddess of This World? Is Lucifer alive presently...perfectly possessed...and posting on the internet? Was Lucifer/Eve deceived by the Reptilians who offered technology, protection, and a new Earth (the Promised Land)...which was the equivalent of Eating the Apple? Is Lucifer in charge of the Deep Underground Military Bases / Stargate Temples / Secret Space Program? Or...are the Reptilians in charge?

    Does the War/Expulsion in Heaven (Lyra or the Pleiades?) have Garden of Eden (Pleiades?) and Exodus (Hyksosdus?) parallels?

    Are the major factions in the Solar System associated with 1. Amen Ra? 2. Hathor? 3. Horus? 4. Serpent?

    Does Adam = Earth Humanity?

    Does Winged Serpent = Reptilians / UFO's (Conspired with Lucifer against Amen Ra?). Does the Winged Serpent represent Nibiru and/or the Reptilian God of This World? Do the Reptilians provide technology, protection, and 'Tenant in Possession Status on Earth' for humanity...in exchange for work, worship, and ? Could this be the Covenant? Did Horus/Jesus obtain a New Covenant?

    This is a very tangled hypothetical web which might be pure unmitigated poppycock...or which might be the biggest part of disclosure.

    I have a feeling that we will be meeting Lucifer/Eve/Hathor/Isis/Mary in the near future...and that she might be a lot like Anna in "V"...except with darker skin and an English accent...with exquisite musical abilities...and an astronomical IQ. Just a feeling...mind you.

    Now I need to take my medicine...before I go to my psychiatrist and exorcist appointments. Too hip. Gotta go.

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Vz_a1
    "That Was Fun, Oxy!!
    Let's Do It Again!!"

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Pic3


    Last edited by orthodoxymoron on Tue Jun 01, 2021 4:11 pm; edited 6 times in total
    Ashera
    Ashera


    Posts : 4201
    Join date : 2011-03-16
    Location : Atargatis Atreides

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (10)

    Post  Ashera Tue Dec 08, 2020 8:12 am

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 1111

    Aeon of Ma'at
    Maat Continuum
    Liber Pennae Praenumbra
    Nema

    Cincinnati Journal of Ceremonial Magick
    Vol. I No. I.
    1976

    with permission
    Nema Book of Maat Liber Pennae Praenumbra




    Liber Pennae Praenumbra

    In the Akasha-Echo is this inscribed:
    By the same mouth, O Mother of the Sun, is the word breathed forth and
    the nectar received. By the same breath, O Counterweight of the Heart,
    is the manifest created and destroyed.
    There is but one gate, though there appear to be nine, Mime-dancer of
    the Stars. How beautiful thy weft and web, a-shimmering in the fire-dark
    of space!
    The two that are nothing salute you, Black Flame that moves Hadit! The
    less and less One grows, the more and more Pra- NU may manifest. Do thou
    now speak to us, the children of the time-to-come; declare thy will and
    grant thy Love to us!
    Then spake She That Moves:
    I hurl upon ye, Children of Heru! All ye who love the Law and keep it,
    keeping Naught unto yourselves, are ye a-blest. Ye have sought the
    scattered pieces of Our Lord, ceasing never to assemble all that has
    been. And in the Realm of the Dead have ye begotten from the Dead the
    Shining One. Ye then gave birth, and nourished Him.
    Thy Land of Milk shall have the honey also, dropped down as dew by the
    Divine Gynander. The pleasure and delight lie in the Working, the Whole
    surpassing far the Parts together.
    The Lord of Parts is placed within his kingdom, as done by Beast and
    Bird. The land of Sun is open but to Children. Heed the Eternal Child -
    his Way is flowing-free, and suited to the Nature of your being.
    A Voice crieth in the Crystal Echo:
    What means this showing-forth? Is Time Itself awry? The Hawk has flown
    but threescore and ten in His allotted course!
    She smiles, as beauteous as Night:
    Behold, He spreads His pinions yet in flight, showering and shaking
    forth the Golden Light upon the hearts of men. And wherein doth He fly,
    and by what means? The Feather and the Air are His to ride, to bear him
    ever in his GO-ing.
    The pylons of the ages are unshaken, firmly are they Set. The Day of the
    Hawk has but seen its dawning, and will see its due measure according to
    the Laws of Time and Space.
    The Voice then spoke:
    Then has the Vision failed? Do I behold Thee crookedly, thinking Thee to
    be Whom Thou art Not?
    She danced and whirled, scattering starlight in her silent laughter.
    I Am Whom I appear to be, at times, and then again I wear a triple veil.
    Be not confused! Above all, Truth prevails.
    I am the Unconfined. Who is there to say me nay, to say, "Thou shalt
    not pass."? Who indeed may say, "Thy time is yet to come," when Time
    itself is my chief serving-maid, and Space the Major-domo of my Temple?
    Indeed, O Voice of the Akasha, I am the means by which you speak. By the
    same mouth that breathes the Air, do words of doubt pour forth. In
    silence then, do know Me. For I am come with purpose at this time, to
    aid the Lovers of the Hawk to fly.

    The Word of Flight
    Who falters in the Flight must thereby fall: the greatness of the Gods
    is in the GO-ing.
    When first ye fledged, Beloved of Heru, the shell which had protected
    long had broken. Upon the Wings of Will ye ventured forth, gaining
    strength and power as ye flew. Ye gained all knowledge of the Feathered
    Kingdom, whereby ye became as perfect as the Sun. The friends and
    teachers all became as brothers.
    The regal Swan, the Heron and the Owl - the Raven and the Cockerel did
    aid ye. The Beauty of the Hawk Himself was granted, the virtues of the
    Peacock, the Hummingbird and Loon. The Eagle did reveal her inner nature
    and the mysteries thereof - behold, ye witnessed how, with her Lion, she
    became the Swan. And the Ibis of the Abyss did show the Knowledge.
    Ye flew, O Kings and Hermits! And ye fly even now, within the bending
    loveliness of NU. But there are those among ye, and below ye, who would
    snare your wings and drag ye from the sky.
    Look well within! Judge well your Heart! If ye be pure, it weighs no
    more than I. It will not bear ye down to the Abyss. For Gold is Light,
    but Lead is fatal unto flying - plumb your own depths, in Truth and in
    self-knowledge.
    If aught would hinder thee, it is thy doing. Behold this teaching now
    within the Temple.
    So saying, She-Who-Moves assumed the form of the great Black Flame,
    growing from the central shaft and billowing out into the Void. The
    Children of Heru beheld in silence, and listened to Her words form in
    their hearts.
    Behold! This lens of Stars now turning in Space before ye - men have
    named it well Andromeda. Through it I flow unto the holy Moondog, and
    thence to Ra, and thence to ye, O Priests.
    Ye must not rest content whilst in the Kingdom, but strive and so exceed
    in what is done. In Love of the Lady of the North, and in Will of the
    Prince of the South, do every thing soever. In the power of the
    Seven-rayed Star do ye comprehend the Beast. And from HAD of the Heart
    do delight in thy star-arched darling.
    Do all this, and then, pass beyond. Abandon aught that might distinguish
    thee from any other thing, yea, or from no-thing. If the fowler would
    snare thee, leave thy feather-cloak a-dangle in his hand and soar naked
    and invisible beyond!
    But now! As priests within the Temple are ye here, as Kings, and
    Warriors, Magickians all. The Way is in the Work.
    The Hidden One of the Abyss now gives the two wherein is wrought the
    higher Alchemy: supporting Earth is Chthonos - learn it well, and all
    bonds shall be loosed for the Will's Working. Surmounting Spirit, there
    is Ychronos, whose nature is duration and the passing-away thereof.
    The two are one, and form the Kingdom's essence. Who masters them is
    Master of the World. They are the utter keys of Transmutation, and keys
    of the power of the other Elements.
    The Warrior-Priests received the Keys, and placed them within their
    robes, to hold them hidden well above their hearts. The Black Flame
    danced and dwindled, becoming small, a quill pen, plumed and pointed.
    There being naught upon which to write, one among the Priests came
    forth, and laid his body's skin upon the altar as living parchment.
    She-Who-Moves wrote thereupon a Word, but shew it not before them. In
    patience waited all the Kings and Hermits, assured full well of final
    Understanding.
    The Feather grew again, and rounded close its edges, becoming to their
    eyes the Yonilingam. The image came of Ancient Baphomet, the Horned One,
    who spoke:
    Of old ye knew the Key of Two-in-One conjoined. Ye have lived and loved
    full measure as NU and HAD, as PAN and BABALON. The Mystery of mine own
    image do ye also know, for such a Truth was for the ancient Orders of
    the East and West.
    Bipartite has the Race of Man been in its span. The Father and the
    Mother made a Child. I am the elder of the Children, true - but now the
    younger rises to His Day.
    The nature of true Alchemy is that it changes not alone the substance of
    the Work, but also changes thence the Alchemist. Ye whose Will it is to
    Work thereby, behold mine inverse image, and consider well its meaning
    for thy Task.

    The Showing of the Image
    From out of the Yonilingam drifted forth a Cloud, violet and
    light-shot. In the misty heart thereof a sound arose, vibrating soft,
    yet filling everywhere.
    Jeweled and flashing rainbow-lights from wings, there hovered in the
    midst a humble BEE. Striped gold and brown, soft-haired and curved in
    form, it shone its eyes unto the Priests and Kings assembled.
    Spoke then She-Who-Moves from out of the mist surrounding:
    This is the symbol of the Work-to-come, the Great Gynander in its
    Earthly form. The Magickian shall grow like unto the BEE as the Aeon
    unfolds, a leader and sign unto the Race of Man.
    What then of its nature doth the BEE show forth?
    Behold, it is not male nor female in the singular. It labors forth by
    day in constant flight, an egoless do-er, whose will and the Hive Will
    are but one.
    It gathers up the flower-nectar, flies to Hive and there, in pure
    Comm-Union, doth in its very body Transubstantiate.
    The nectar is now honey. Bee to bee, it is transferred, speaking all
    Hive Mysteries from and to each mouth. By the same mouth that first
    ingathered, is the honey spent, the secret Alchemy within the Centers
    turning SilverGold.
    The Hive now lives, immortal. With queen and workers, drones and
    builder-bees, soldiers, foster-mothers - all are one. In constant
    life-renewal, the Hive breathes as One Being - for so indeed it is. In
    the Will of the Hive is the Will of the Bee fulfilled. Each in its
    appointed place, the Bees work out their Will in ordered harmony.
    The image fades. Now the poised Plume moves in dancing fashion,
    unfolding from the center shaft long wings, transforming to the shape of
    the dark Vulture.
    But know, O Children of the Hawk, a Man is not a Bee. He may profit from
    the image thereof, to learn of Wisdom in the Working. Behold in Me
    another image for thy heart's instruction.
    There rose before their eyes the Tower of Silence, wherein the Lovers of
    Fire lay their dead.
    The Vulture form alighted soft therein, and ate the flesh from the
    corpses, to the bone. The wind howled, desolate, in this fearsome place,
    fluttering the cerements about the ivory bones.
    Silently, the Winged One stared, gore smeared about her beak. Into the
    eyes of each Priest there assembled, her baleful gaze did search. In
    perfect peace they beheld her searching, for each, as Warrior, had made
    of Death a brother. Deliberately then, she unfolded out her wings, and
    took to the wind, and soared up from that place.

    The Giving of the Word
    Eternity then reigned, Infinite the veil that hung about them.
    Somewhere, sometime, the veil parted for a moment, and She- Who-Moves
    strode forth. More comely than mortal woman ever was, She glowed in
    radiance of pearl and amethyst. Fine pleated linen was Her gown, girded
    in gold and silver, and on Her head, a nemyss of starred blue. Her crown
    was but a single plume, free-standing, and in her hands the Ankh and
    Wand of healing.
    Unto each Warrior-Priest she moved, embraced and kissed them. Then,
    seated in the midst, She spoke as comrade equally-ranked.
    "All ye who practise well the High Art, hearken. There shall be nothing
    hidden from thy sight. All formulae and Words shalt thou discover, being
    initiated by those whose Work it is to aid the Law of Will.
    "Ye have worked well in all that has been given; upon the Tree of Life
    are ye founded. In Tetragrammaton have ye proceeded; in all the Beast
    hath given ye have practised well. Ye have become Hadit, and NU, and
    Ra-Hoor-Khuit also. As Heru-Pa-Kraath did ye abide in silence. Ye know
    PAN as lover and as godform, and BABALON is bride and self to you.
    "The forces of Shaitan have ye engendered, calling forth the nexus of
    the ninety-three wherein to work your Will. Separation for the joy of
    Union have ye known, and Alchemy is Science to your Art.
    "For those who know, and will, and dare, and keep in silence, it goes
    now further.
    "In death is Life - for now as ever has it been so. The Willed Death is
    eternal - keep it so. Self of Ego, selfson born of Maya, must be slain
    on the moment of birth. The unsleeping Eye must vigil keep, O Warriors,
    for the illusion is self-generate.
    "Constant watchfulness is the first Act - the Abyss is crossed by
    minutes, every day.
    "If ye would dance the Mask, then mask the Dance. Exquisite must be the
    Art in this wise; and balance in the Center be maintained, or else ye
    shall give unwonted Life unto thine own creations. Tread carefully this
    path of Working, Mage. A tool, by Will devised, makes an ill master.
    "Now in the Mass, the Eagle must be fed upon what she has shared in
    making. By the same mouth that roars upon the mountain, is the word-act
    of No Difference given.
    "And when Will declares, therein shall join the BEE to add the gold to
    red and white. The essence of Shaitan is Nectar here, the Temple is the
    Hive. The Lion is the Flower, now betimes, the Eagle invokes the nature
    of the BEE.
    "Within the triple-chambered shrine is the first nectar pooled. The
    summons of the wand of PAN awakens the portal- opening bliss. And from
    the third and inmost chamber, in joy supreme, the Sothis-gift,
    quintessential mead, bounds forth to join Eagle-tears and Lion-blood.
    "Solve et Coagula. Comm-Union thereby, whereof the Cosmos itself
    dissolveth, and re-forms by Will. And know, if aught can be so ordered
    in the Kingdom, that three or more is zero, as well as older truths."
    Then stirred the Warrior-Priests, and of their number, a nameless one
    stepped forth.
    "We know thee, Lady, unspoken though Thy name has been thus far. But
    say now - what was written on the manskin? What is the word Thou
    givest?"
    She smiled and drew from out her robe a parchment scroll, shaped even as
    a Star. Unrolling it, She turned it roundabout, so all might see.

    IPSOS
    "What is this Word, O Lady - how may it be used?"
    "In silent wisdom, King and Warrior-Priest. Let the deed shine forth
    and let the word be hidden; the deed is lamp enough to veil the face.
    "It is the word of the twenty-third path, whose number is fifty and
    six. It is the unspoken Abode, wherein the Dance of the Mask is taught
    by Me. Tahuti watches without the Ape; I am the Vulture also.
    "It is the Chalice of Air and Wand of Water, the Sword of Earth and
    Pantacle of Fire. It is the hourglass and tail- biting serpent. It is
    the Ganges becoming Ocean, the Way of the Eternal Child.
    "It names the Source of Mine Own Being - and yours. It is the origin of
    this sending, that channels through Andromeda and Set. What race of gods
    do speak to Man, O Willed Ones? The word of them is both the Name and
    the Fact.
    "It is for thy mantram and incantation. To speak it is to bring about
    certain change. Be circumspect in its usage - for if its truth be known
    abroad, it would perchance drive the slaves to madness and despair.
    "Only a true Priest-King may know it fully, and stay in balance through
    his GO-ing flight. This is all I speak for now. The Book of the
    Preshadowing of the Feather is complete. Do what thou wilt shall be the
    whole of the Law. Love is the law, love under will."

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

    * Donat per Omne
    * Scriba - Nema
    * Sol in Capricornus
    * Anno Heru LXX
    * Cincinnati

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------

    with permission by Nema


    Ashera
    Ashera


    Posts : 4201
    Join date : 2011-03-16
    Location : Atargatis Atreides

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (10)

    Post  Ashera Tue Dec 08, 2020 8:41 am

    Ashera wrote:Why should I allow the prosecution to stay in a deductive position? They had to proof how developed they are! Are they a soulless abstraction? What kind of state is that? A substanceless one?

    I will not side with the people! And I would not accept getting judged by the state later!

    I am out of NUIT by HORUS, the incestuous sister of RA-HOOR-KHUIT.
    (cp. Iusaseet; cp. also Satis/Sopdet [Sothis/Venus/Sirius/Ashera]; AV)

    I will come as a penelous* (sic) flame, as a devious song, a trumpet in judgement halls, a banner before armies!


    *I think that the original channel was correct and that Frater Belarion messed it then in "Freedom is a Two-edged Sword". They truly channeled "penislos", the German expression for having no penis. None of those participating fellows then had the slightest idea of German. At the other hand this speaks for authenticity. The corruption of this term "penelous" led to several misleasing ideas in the btw. quite good libertarian later essay.
    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


    Posts : 13426
    Join date : 2010-09-28
    Location : The Matrix

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (10)

    Post  orthodoxymoron Tue Dec 08, 2020 2:54 pm

    Thank-you Ashera. I like including the work of others in my threads. On my own, I'm a dud, but the cumulative effect of the threads can sometimes be quite profound and compelling. I don't talk and act in real-life like I do in my threads. I'm NOT a scholar, spiritualist, AI, or alien (that I know of). My misery and dullness simply motivates me to be a nobody attempting to be a somebody (in my imagination). Raven was absolutely correct when she called me a "Completely Ignorant Fool." The shoe fits and I wear it with shame. I Utilize Contextual-Superimposition to Create a Mental and Spiritual Gymnasium for Those MUCH More Capable of Studying My USSS Threads Than I Am. People Are Getting Nastier Toward Me (Online and Real-Life) and It's Quite Frightening. I Might REALLY Need to Cease and Desist. The End Might Be Nearer Than We Think. BTW, What was and/or is the Real-Role of Lilith Throughout History?? Sherry Shriner talked a lot about Lilith. I'm NOT Into This Stuff, But It's Part of My Research Project. BTW, I'm REALLY Into Sexy Research Assistants and Therapists for This Present Quest!! Just Kidding!! I'm NOT That Kind of Guy!! Actually, Think in Terms of Dr. Who, Dr. Venkman, Dr. Zdrok, and a 600 Square-Foot Office-Apartment!! I Need to STOP!! Oh, God, It's Too Late!! Somebody's Coming!!
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Santa_10
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Il_570xN.320304723
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 SAL%2B9000%2Bface%2Bplate%2B15440721680
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 13542935_ori
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Dr-victoria-zdrok-attends-the-rock-of-love-bus-screening-party-at-on-picture-id85043733
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Dr-victoria-zdrok-penthouse-pet-of-the-year-2004-and-valentina-vaughn-picture-id121467257?s=594x594
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 800px_COLOURBOX6369554
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Giphy
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Tumblr_mlu8qijgO31s9816mo1_r1_500

    I keep sensing that I need to get my house in order (in more ways than one) in preparation for leaving this world. One by one, the doors have been figuratively slammed in my face on the internet, and in real-life. Was it something I said and/or who I might be?? I've noticed that most of the major posters from Project Avalon and The Mists of Avalon are no longer posting. After all these years, I feel further removed from all-concerned than when I first began posting. What was the expectation from all-concerned regarding yours-truly?? I noticed a quote from 'The Matrix' regarding everyone and/or everything within the 'Matrix' being the 'Enemy'. What if I'm a 'Fish Out of Water' in 'Enemy Territory'?? I continue to NOT Know if I'm fundamentally good and/or bad going way back into Antiquity?! I've begun modeling the concept of my being majorly involved in the setting-up of this particular solar-system, for better or worse, I know not. I end-up making EVERYONE Mad, simply because of the possibilities I enunciate in a pontificating-manner, for theatrical and educational purposes. I keep thinking I don't have much more time. My physical, mental, and spiritual health continues to deteriorate at an alarming-rate. Is this by design, to get me to 'show my true-colors' to damn me to who knows what?? I think I need to somehow completely end this thread by the end of 2020, and remain silent throughout 2021. I've tried this sort of thing over and over again, year after year, without success, but perhaps 2021 will be different. Perhaps I won't have a choice in the matter. Now I shall continue posting my 'Amen Ra' thread from the old and closed to posting 'Project Avalon' website. http://projectavalon.net/forum/showthread.php?t=18223&page=8

    (Post by Peace of mind) If you get a chance to meet with some elderly or well informed Africans or Israelites, they will most likely tell you that Aman Ra means Sun God/Eye of Horus. This entity is said to be near the sun and is manipulating it to distribute specific energy rays/waves to the planet. These rays will be absorb thru the melanin in the skin and will trigger DNA activation. Afterwards the sun god will return to its place on top of the Giza pyramids.

    (Post by orthodoxymoron) Could there be an attempted New World Order Theocracy centered in Egypt (rather than Jerusalem) where the Sun God (Prince of Sirius?) is worshipped? Is the Holy City really located on the Giza Plateau? Will a pyramidal ufo land on the pinnacle of the temple? Will the chief cornerstone reign as chief of us all? The really well informed Africans, Egyptians, and Israelis must really laugh at us ignorant goyim!! These people probably don't need 'disclosure'. They already know!! Namaste.

    (Post by Gnosis5) In my own history as a being I see that I created multiple images or archetypes and my fixation on present day archetypes is symptomatic of my need to know the creator, namely me. Decision upon decision I became the fantastic creation/archetype and drew further and further into layered unconsciousness of who I really am. I came here feet first and I am going back head first, all the wiser. For example, my current fixation in the long queue of archetypes is on a Divine Feminine or Divine Mother archetype. I always hold out until the last possible moment the realization that I (moi!?) created the dang'ed thing. Don't get me wrong, I like pretty statues and archetypes and gargoyles as much as anyone and I'm simply releasing my fixation on them. Maybe I'm going to end up being fixated on who I really am -- a "0", lol!

    (Peace of mind) I’m sure most people in the Middle East know a lot more than what the media and our organized learning institutes are telling us. It’s rare finding people from these areas on forums like this. All we really know about this area is constant wars. And, to name them religious or spiritual wars seems like an excuse to compel the sheeple. It says a lot when chaos is caused out of the name of God and to secure western civilization’s freedom. It just doesn’t make any sense... especially when most of the history in these areas is kept hidden or destroyed. Weapon’s of mass destruction may very well be real and it most likely comes in the form of ancient technology or knowledge. Afghanistan is mostly a torn up and lawless country. Why are rich countries steadily bombing and invading this barren land. Hmmm. Something of extreme value is over there and TPTB will manipulate your children minds, put them into battle suits and have them thinking they are fighting for a good cause. Al-CIA-DUH are the real terrorist, Bin Laden is a myth. It’s all Hollywood stuff. When they don’t even let the average people tour the main ancient sites in Egypt, you should know something is amiss. Some might say they do this to preserve them. BS, preserve them for what and who…only a chosen few to examine them? There is some deep stuff going down in the Middle East and most of the outside world doesn’t have a clue.

    (Post by BROOK) A silent weapon of mass destruction....DRUGS. Afghanistan cultivates drugs on record vast area under US invasion. Illicit drugs production, an issue of global concern in Afghanistan, has set a new record of peak escalation in the war on terror period as compared to previous Taliban-led rule over the land-locked country. “Almost a twenty times additional land has been brought under drugs cultivation in seven years of US-led forces’ control and Karazi administration in Afghanistan,” said official sources while handing over the latest statistics on the neighboring country. Following 9/11 attacks and Taliban’s refusal to hand over Osama bin Laden to the US, the allied forces ousted the regime in end-2001, the year during which poppy opium cultivation was at the lowest ebb in Afghanistan’s history from 1994 onwards and till today. The surge in production and areas brought under cultivation of prohibited drugs may be unbelievable for civilized societies to be suffering ultimately with continuous enhancement of the booming worldwide drugs trade. The latest figures, obtained by The News, reveals that the drug production, instead of its eradication, has registered a hike of 40 times more than the lowest in 2001 in all the previous 14 years during which the Taliban emerged, fell and the sole superpower installed its favorites. Similarly 20 times more area has been brought under cultivation of opium poppy in the last seven years as it was just 7,606 hectares in the year 2001 against presently 1,57,000 hectares, a bad example that would ultimately hit the masses damaging their fundamentals. This country continues to be the source of 93% of the world's heroin. Each year as much as $400 million ends up in the pockets of the Taliban and the warlords who support them. The U.S.-led coalition knows it.... Anybody wondering why?

    (Post by orthodoxymoron) What if the real Weapons of Mass Destruction (or Ancient Technology Weapons?) are located in Deep Underground Military Bases in Afghanistan and Iraq? The power struggle in this Solar System may be very complex and hidden. I really don't know what to think. It's so easy to rant and rave about this or that...but does one really know what the hell they're ranting and raving about? I guess this is one reason why I mostly ask questions. Maybe what I really want people to do is to ask the right questions in the right way. We should probably consider everything from all angles...all the time. But people want certainty...not questions. This makes them sitting ducks for all of the corrupt @#$%^^&!s of the universe. Many of the seemingly good guys and gals may turn out to be evil guys and gals...and visa versa. I keep thinking that the tangled web we are caught in...is very intricate, very deceptive...and very sticky. I joke a lot...but I think this stuff we discuss is very serious business. Once again...I want things to turn out well for everyone...even the really bad guys and gals. This is the only attitude which will secure the kind of Earth (and Solar System) which most people desire.

    Unrelatedly...I'm still very interested in the origin of the Human Race and the Reptilian Race (assuming that they really exist). Who created who...and for what purpose? Evolution can't explain everything...in my view...even if hundreds of billions of years are considered. There has to be intelligent design...in my view. Sometimes I think that Humans evolved and were intelligently designed elsewhere in the Universe...and were brought to Earth fully formed. Sometimes I think that Reptilians evolved and were intelligently designed right here on Earth. Sometimes I think that the Founders are dead...and that only minor stand-in human Gods and Goddesses remain. Sometimes I think that almost everything connected with meaning of life stuff is a damned lie. But what do I know?

    Supposedly the illegal drug money goes into Deep Underground Military Bases, the Secret Space Program, and other Secret or Black Projects. Who knows...there may be a desperate need for these very expensive projects...but if so...can't we be open about them...and finance them legitimately? Maybe I'm too much of a goody-goody...but I think that it's irresponsible to just look the other way. Once again...I don't know what to think. Black can be white. Up can be down. Or this can seem to be the case, at least. Maybe I should just shut up...and try to make a ton of money...$screwing my competition and my mistresses. I could be a major contributor to my local church...read the scripture...and get absolved on Sun God Day. 12 o'clock...and all is well! How many millions can I make this week? Doing so might not even get me on a list...especially if I financed the political campaigns of all parties. Perhaps bad is good...and good is bad. WTF?

    Perhaps we should also consider Ancient Babylon and the Goddess Semiramis when we consider Amen Ra and Hathor. Do Lucifer, Semiramis and Hathor have something in common? Was a lady we all know...behind (or beneath?) a whole helluva lot of Gods, Goddesses, Literature, Architecture, and Music? This is very difficult to prove...but I have a feeling in my bones and a burning in my bosom. I see a few cockroaches...and I suspect a wall-full of them. I don't hate this hypothetical Goddess. I just want the truth...so our Earth and Solar System can move on. Universal and Earth History should not be a lie...regardless of how upsetting and disruptive the real truth is. I may have to eat humble pie regarding all of this...but this is the direction I'm going presently. I still like the idea of non-vindictively cleaning up our act here on Earth...and the granting of immunity in exchange for complete disclosure, complete cooperation, and reasonable restitution.

    All of the above could be complete BS. Reader Beware: Lunatic Alert.

    (Post by Peace of mind) Hi Brook, when I hear about illegal drugs I think about the CIA. Now can we trust the CIA and it's claims? Hey orthodoxymoron, all of this conspiracy stuff can and will drive you batty if you're not careful. I keep an open mind to all of this info but will not believe any of it until I can varify the facts with my own senses. Peace.

    (Post by orthodoxymoron) I deal in possibilities and probabilities...and try to hone my observational and analytical skills. I think that we are already batty and demonically manipulated. Becoming sane...and free of demonic influence may be viewed by many as being batty. So Be It. I'm already batty...so with that out of the way...I am free to be me. Theological and Political Cross Pollination and Management from a Common Source (God or Goddess of This World) isn't that batty of an idea...is it? What would Daniel Jackson say? (WWDJ) I just think that the God or Goddess of This World needs to openly rejoin the Human Race. If one reincarnates with an uninterrupted full memory of all previous past-lives via soul-transference from one youthful body to the next youthful body...and has a repository of very sophisticated philosophy, technology, and weaponry....one would probably become essentially insane...especially if they had to deal with very dark interdimensional forces...and the knowledge of a very dark universal history.

    I tend to think that this hypothetical being started out with a pure heart and pure intentions...but became corrupt and insane...as a result of being corrupted by absolute power. Sort of a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. If one has an IQ of 500...it's probably very difficult to be just one of the guys and gals. This is not an attack or a witch-hunt. If this being exists (this is a biblical teaching)...I think that once they openly rejoin the Human Race that they can and will be a valued asset. I could be very wrong...but I'm not into the bottomless pit bs. Pardon and reconciliation would probably make everyone livid...and cause civil unrest. Trench warfare would probably get everyone killed. Decisions, decisions. Remember when the President pardoned all humans in Battlestar Galactica? I agreed with the President.

    I'd be interested to hear what Richard Hoagland has to say regarding this pulsar phenomenon...especially in connection with hyperdimensional physics. Rotation! Rotation! Rotation! Whether it's the Nazi Bell or a metal ball spinning at 20,000 rpm travelling further than a non-spinning metal ball after being launched...rotation seems to be key (key of F-sharp?). Here's the tune I like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpzDa...rec-r2-2r-1-HM I'm not sure what key it's in! Here's what it might sound like if the Empire Strikes Bach (in the key of F sharp minor): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xT5fTBIxDZc

    (Posts by BROOK) In the Great Pyramid of Egypt the Ascending Passage is a narrow tunnel into the ancient House of Secrets. After a long climb it emerges into the Grand Gallery that connects the King's and Queen's chambers - to stretch a metaphor - balancing the male and female energies and partaking in both. Ancient Egypt did balance the energies: Art, Science, Medicine, Architecture, all were based on the same core of Knowledge. Offerings to Pharaoh Ramesses III and Isis [image]. If we only see the Egyptians through modern eyes we miss half of the story - the most interesting half - because the spiritual understanding of these ancient people is as valid today as it was in the age of the pyramids. There are unexplained mysteries and secrets on one side, intense beauty and artistic achievement on another. There is a third side, something beyond the words and pictures, something only to be understood. It is this third side that is, after all, the true ascending passage.

    Experiments conducted in the King's Chamber of the Great Pyramid and in Chambers above the King's Chamber suggest that the pyramid was constructed with a sonic purpose. Identifies four resident frequencies, or notes, that are enhanced by the structure of the pyramid, and by the materials used in its construction. The notes from an F Sharp chord, which according to ancient Egyptian texts were the harmonic of our planet. Moreover, tests show that these frequencies are present in the King's Chamber seven when no sounds are being produced. They are there in frequencies that range from 16 Hertz down to 1/2 Hertz, well below the range of human hearing. These vibrations are caused by the wind blowing across the ends of the so-called shafts --- in the same way as sounds are created when one blows across the top of a bottle. Note: Native American maker of sacred flutes from Oregon. The flutes, which are made to serenade Mother Earth, are tuned to the key of F Sharp! http://web.archive.org/web/200308011...e.com/said.htm

    So much attention has been placed upon the Great Pyramid that little note has been made of the other large pyramids that exhibit similar construction. The pyramid at Medium is unique - the conventional explanation is that the construction was faulty, causing the structure to collapse. This may be true, however, indications that Egyptian temples were deliberately defaced (canceled out) as the astrological ages progressed and the energies that the temples were tuned to became dormant. Theories of the Great Pyramid as some kind of energy device often neglect the other important pyramids, with their differing angles and layouts. Perhaps inclusion of this evidence could produce a deeper understanding.

    Lets go back to the F Sharp again..and see if there is a connection ......A Neutron Star in F-sharp by Jonathan E. Grindlay1

    Millisecond pulsars are extreme examples of what can happen when stars evolve into neutron stars in compact binary systems. These rotating objects are spun up by accretion of matter from their binary companions, producing luminous X-ray emission, and later become detectable as pulsars with periods of a few milliseconds (1). As a result, these “fast pulsars” may offer some of the best probes to study matter and space in the relativistic regime of strong gravity. On page 1901, Hessels et al (2) report the discovery of pulsar PSR J1748-2446ad in the dense globular cluster Terzan 5 (Ter5-ad). This object, detected with the Green Bank radio Telescope, holds the new record for the fastest spinning neutron star (or indeed any object of stellar mass or larger). Its spin period is only 1.396 ms, even shorter than that of B1937+21 [the first millisecond pulsar discovered (3)] at1.558 ms. With a rotation frequency of 716 Hz, Ter5-ad reaches a new high note for the music of the celestial spheres – between F and F sharp. Here is more of the paper written... http://arxiv.org/ftp/astro-ph/papers/0605/0605117.pdf

    1 The author is at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, 60 Garden St., Cambridge, MA 02138. E-mail: josh@cfa.harvard.edu

    Massive quake leaves neutron star ringing note of “F sharp”. A massive quake in a neutron star left the super-dense star ringing like a bell, researchers say—and if we could have heard it, it would have sounded a slightly miss tuned version of the note from a piano’s 22nd key, called F sharp. scientists say this vibration will let them for the first time probe what’s inside a neutron star, a super-compact object believed to be something like a giant atomic nucleus. NASA also released an animation of an explosion that accompanied the quake. Researchers said it occurred halfway across our Milky Way galaxy and was the largest of its type ever recorded. An international team of astrophysicists described the blast in the July 20 issue of Astrophysical Journal Letters, a research journal. They said the burst produced vibrations in the star that generated quick fluctuations in the X-ray radiation it released into space. These pulses are emitted during each seven-second rotation of the fast-spinning star and reveal the frequency, or speed, of the star’s vibrations. “This explosion was akin to hitting the neutron star with a gigantic hammer, causing it to ring like a bell,” said Richard Rothschild, an astrophysicist at the University of California and one of the authors of the report. “Now the question is: what does the frequency of the neutron star’s oscillations—the tone produced by the ringing bell—mean?” And isn't it interesting that the frequency is also in the Kings chamber in the Great Pyramids... http://www.world-science.net/otherne..._fsharpfrm.htm Imagine this experiment....standing in the Kings Chamber..with two perfect crystals in each hand...and resonating the F Sharp frequency..... Wonder what would happen....

    Fractal Geometry and F Sharp.....Starting with F. Studying the frequency of natural catastrophes, one of us (K.J.H.) came to realize an inverse log-log linear relation between the frequency (F) and a parameter expressing the intensity of the events (M), be they earthquakes, landslides, floods, or meteorite impacts (2), and the relation can be stated by the simple equation F= c/MD. Only later did we realize that this relation has been called fractal by Mandelbrot (3), where c is a constant of proportionality and D is the fractal dimension. Fractal relations have commonly a lower and an upper limit. In the case of earthquakes, for example, Eq. 2 holds only for the interval 3 -AM c 9, because the smallest earthquakes are not represented by significant statistics, nor is the energy release of large earthquakes infinite. Mandelbrot (3) put together certain geometric shapes whose "monstrous" forms were very irregular and fragmented; he coined the term fractal to denote them. Those "monsters" were considered irrelevant to nature, akin to modern atonal music (4), until Mandelbrot suggested that the fractal relation could be the central conceptual tool to understand the harmony of nature. We have been searching for a meaning of melody. Is it tradition or convention, or is it an instinctive expression of a natural law? Could we find a mathematical relation to describe a melody? Could the music of Bach be mathematically distinguished from that of Stockhausen? Could we use mathematics to describe the evolution of music from the primitive folk's music to the atonal music of today? If music is an expression of nature's harmony, could music have a fractal geometry? Which, the atonal or the classical. http://www.pnas.org/content/87/3/938.full.pdf

    Now let's look at the "Sharp" Frequency. The Cycle Spinning-based Sharp Frequency Localized Contourlet Transform for Image Denoising. Images acquired by sensors are often abrupt by noise. Since the noise spreads over all the coefficients while image information concentrates on a few largest ones in the wavelet transform domain, wavelet becomes the most successful transform for denoising. However, traditional two dimension wavelet is hard to represent sharp image transitions [1] and smoothness along the contours [2]. Hence, bandelet [1] with adaptation to the geometric structure and contourlet [2] with anisotropy scaling law and directionality are presented to sparsely represent natural images. They both achieve better denoising performance than wavelet and also outperform wavelet in image fusion [3] [4]. However, the computation of geometry in bandelet is in high complexity thus it is not commonly used in other image processing tasks except image denoising, compression [1] and fusion [3]. Contourlet [2] proposed by Minh N. Do and Martin Vetterli is utilized to capture intrinsic geometrical structure and offer flexible multiscale and directional expansion form images. Because of the nearly critical sampling and fast iterated filter bank algorithm, contourlet is in lower complexity than bandelet. However, non-ideal filter are used in the original contourlet result in significant amount of aliasing components showing up at location far away from the desired support [5] and exhibit some fuzzy artifacts along the main image ridges. Yue Lu [5] proposes a new construction of the contourlet, called sharp frequency localization contourlet transform (SFLCT) and alleviates the non-localization problem even with the same redundancy of the original contourlet. Unfortunately, due to the downsamplers and upsamplers presented in the directional filter banks of SFLCT, SFLCT is not shift-invariant, which is important in image denoising by thresholding and easily causes pseudo-Gibbs phenomena around singularities [6].In this paper, we apply cycle spinning [6] to compensate for the lack of translation invariance property of SFLCT and successfully employed in image denoising. Experimental results demonstrate that our proposed method outperforms the original contourlet (CT), SFLCT and cycle spinning-based contourlet (CS-CT) in terms of PSNR and visual effect. http://dspace.xmu.edu.cn:8080/dspace...FLCT_draft.pdf

    The thing is...we are Energy...we are Frequency....and each frequency has it's own special meaning to each of us...as we in fact have our OWN frequency. Ready for that coffee???  

    THE MISSING CHAMBERS OF THE GREAT PYRAMID by Ian James Colmer http://www.ianjamescolmer.com/pyramid.htm On this site...he talks of the F Sharp, and much more...a very good read....are the pyramids a Stargate? Now deactivated...waiting for reactivation?

    While we are on the topic of sound, it is interesting to note that the Grand Gallery seems to be tunable, via it's stepped ceiling construction to four octaves. The antechamber before the Kings chamber with it's portcullis grooves and granite leaf, is reminiscent of a giant reed, for tuning the cavity. In musical terms: The Kings Chamber resonates at 740Hz = F sharp. The Coffer resonates at 440Hz = A. In music, pitch is the perception of the frequency of a note. For example, the A above middle C is nowadays set at 440 Hz (often written as "A = 440 Hz", and known as concert pitch). Pitch is often cited as one of the fundamental aspects of music.  

    "An acoustic levitator includes a pair of opposed sound sources which have interfering sound waves producing acoustic energy wells in which an object may be levitated. The phase of one sound source may be changed relative to the other in order to move the object along an axis between the sound sources."

    Tom Danley also became interested in the Great Pyramid. Here is an extract from his interview in FATE magazine in 1998.

    "In the Great Cheops Pyramid in the King's Chamber an F-sharp chord is resident, sometimes below the range of human hearing. Former NASA consultant Tom Danley feels the sound may be caused by wind blowing cross the ends of the air shafts and causing a pop-bottle effect. These vibrations, some ranging as low a 9 hertz down to 0.5 hertz, are enhanced by the dimensions of the Pyramid, as well as the King's Chamber and the sarcophagus case inside. According to Danley, even the type of stone was selected to enhance these vibrations."

    In a 1997 video, JJ Hurtak said "this chord (F-sharp) is the harmonic of planet Earth to which native Americans still tune their instruments, and is in perfect harmony with the human body."

    In the Great Pyramid these sounds are infrasonic vibrations, meaning they are below the level of human hearing.

    Another researcher, John Reid, an acoustic engineer stated that while he was lying in the coffer and vocalizing various tones he was staggered by the intensity of the reflected energy. He said "the effect of lying in the sarcophagus while toning its prime resonant frequency is almost like taking a bath. Waves of sonic energy wash over your body almost like water". It does not appear that all this was accidental or incorporated for a ritual. It must have had a more important purpose.

    http://www.gizapyramid.com/articles/levitation.htm

    (Post by orthodoxymoron) Wow! There is a lot to digest in this thread. I'm just starting to get into Egyptology. Perhaps the Giza Plateau is a good place to look backward to Atlantis...and even to our possible distant past in the stars...AND to look forward through biblical times...to our present time...and beyond...possibly back to the stars! And Gizeh Intelligence always seems (to me) to be lurking in the shadows...and beneath the Giza Plateau. Namaste.

    (Post by BROOK) Yes , Orthodoxymoron...Trying to connect the dots...sometimes can make you go blind...then again...it can put a different perspective on things if you truly open your eyes...and search. Just keep your eyes and your mind open.

    (Post by WinterWolf) This is kind of disconcerting that you are indirectly quoting me from the thoughts I out down on my profile message board and this isn't the first time....

    (Post by BROOK) So sorry...but it did make me think..and it is what ODM is saying in another post...

    (orthodoxymoron Quoted by BROOK) I'm going to try to spend some quality time with Egyptology...which could be the key to a lot of things...including properly understanding the Bible and the history of most religions. We may all have more in common than we realize. Stargate SG1 may help us to connect a lot of dots. Science fiction may contain more truth than we think. I think the PTB (many of them) want us to get informed...without going crazy. Science fiction may be one of the best ways of helping us to 'get it'. We can be dangerously irrational at times...and disclosure may have to occur here and there...with truth and fiction intermingled...over a period of many years. I think we are about half-way through the disclosure process...and I think that the disorientation and disillusionment will be profound. Egypt and North Africa may have a lot to do with disclosure. Take a very close look at Hathor, Amen Ra, and the Giza Plateau. Just a hunch. Watch the videos in the first post...as a group...and then connect the dots. We live in very interesting times.

    WinterWolf: We might be shocked if we knew our full reincarnational histories. I won't do regression hypnosis. I worry about regressive interference and deception. I also worry about who I might have been...and how badly I might have $crewed things up. At times...I'm almost frantic when I think about Universal and Earth History. It's so overwhelming if you really face yourself...and think. It only hurts when I think. I indulge in the masturbation of the mind...which is quite painful...and which is causing me to become spiritually blind.

    (Post by WinterWolf) It's ok. It was just disconcerting. I had forgotten ODM had mentioned dots and spiritual blindness. What I was commenting on isn't just going spiritually blind. It is losing focus on what you were set out to do and becoming ensnared in other matters not critical to the matter at hand. I was thinkng more broadscale.

    (Posts by BROOK) ANOTHER CHAPTER OF THE TUAT AND OF COMING FORTH BY DAY. Open is the land of Unu. Shut is the head of Thoth. Perfect is the Eye of Horus. I have delivered the Eye of Horus, the shining one, the ornament of the Eye of Ra, the Father of the Gods. I am that same Osiris who dwelleth in Amentet. Osiris knoweth his day, which cometh to an end. I am Set, the Father of the Gods. I shall never come to an end.

    Rituals and Ceremony. An excerpt from The Atlantis Blueprint: It was in the immense Temple of Horus at Edfu, midway between Luxor and Aswan, that my attention was drawn to the importance of sound. An Egyptian historian, Emil Shaker, showed me some hieroglyphics on the wall close to the sanctuary, pointing out how they specified the number of times the temple ritual had to be performed. In this case, it was three. He explained: "It is no use performing the ritual two or four times. It will not work. If it says three times, it means three times.' This ritual, like all religious rituals, involves chanting a hymn to the sun and presenting the god with offerings." The author indicated that the ritual "activates the temple." "Exactly like switching on a light." This notion is fascinating--a ritual involving chanting could 'activate' a temple. The book also notes that the King's Chamber suggest that the pyramid was constructed with a sonic purpose. Danley identifies four resident frequencies, or notes, that are enhanced by the structure of the pyramid and by the materials used in its construction. The notes from an F sharp chord---according to ancient Egyptian texts were the harmonic of the planet. Tests show these are the frequencies in the King's chamber even when no sounds are being produced. According to Danley, these vibrations are caused by the wind blowing across the ends of the so-called shafts in the same way as sounds are created when on blows across the neck of the bottle. http://shamanicliving.blogspot.com/2...blueprint.html

    Crystals and The Kings Chamber. The quartz crystal is the transducer. It transforms one form of energy into another. Understanding the source of the energy and having the means to tap into it, all we need to do is convert the unlimited mechanical stresses therein into usable electricity utilizing quartz crystals! The granite out of which this chamber is constructed is an igneous rock containing silicon quartz crystals. This particular granite, which was brought from the Aswan Quarries, contains 55% or more quartz crystal. “This means that lining the King’s Chamber, for instance, are literally hundreds of tons of microscopic quartz particles. The particles are hexagonal, by-pyramidal or rhombohedral in shape. Rhomboid crystals are six-sided prisms with quadrangle sides that present a parallelogram on any of the six facets. This guarantees that embedded within the granite rock is a high percentage of quartz fragments whose surfaces, by the law of natural averages, are parallel on the upper and lower sides. Additionally, any slight plasticity of the granite aggregate would allow a ‘piezotension’ upon these parallel surfaces and cause an electromotive flow. The great mass of stone above the pyramid chambers presses downward by gravitational force upon the granite walls thereby converting them into perpetual electric generators. http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/pi...iramide_14.htm

    The land of the West....or Atlantis? Scattered though they may be, an interesting picture emerges from the numerous references to Thoth in the earliest writings of the ancient Egyptians--and that picture fits the theory of an Atlantean origin for this intriguing character. Although late writings depict him as a god, the earliest texts depict him as a king. Thoth was born in a distant country to the west which was across a body of water. Its main city was by the sea (Plato's metropolis). The land possessed volcanos and the city had a low mountain or large hill in the center. This land is sometimes referred to as an Island of Fire. In the Book of the Dead, Thoth rules the "Western Domain," and by the end of the New Kingdom he is called "Lord of the West" . He is said to be the inventor of writing, astronomy, mathematics and civilization in general . Thoth is often called the Scribe. A catastrophe occurred which darkened the sun and disturbed the gods, but Thoth led them across the sea to an eastern country (Egypt). Thoth is depicted as the "controller of the Flood," Thus it appears that Thoth was once the ruler of an Island Kingdom in the West before the Egyptian priests turned him into a god. The question therefore is: Was the Egyptian Tehuti-Thoth originally a migrant from Atlantis, and did he once rule as a king there?

    Now the "Land of the West" would be a natural Egyptian name for Atlantis. Ancient Egyptian records sometimes refer to the Atlantic as the "Western Ocean". Two words:

    Set: can mean foreign land, mountainous land, or the underworld (Inscription of Anebni, 18th Dynasty).
    Amentet: can mean either West, or Land of the West (Funeral Stele of Panehesi, 19th Dynasty).

    That the glyph set also represented the "underworld," does fit, after a fashion, since this is the land where the sun shines after it has set on the land of Egypt. It was believed in popular Egyptian mythology that the sun passed through the underworld on its way back to rise once more in the east.

    The "seven Islands" of Anemtet. The Egyptians often appear to distinguish between Amentet (the opposite side of the world where the sun makes its return to the east) and Tuat (the realm of the dead, that of departed spirits), yet Egyptologists sometimes translate either glyph as "underworld". Amentet combines the glyph for "foreign land" (using set as a determinative for "land" or "place") alongside other glyphs meaning "west", meaning "Land of the West".

    Now orthodoxymoron, If you will recall...several pages earlier in this thread I had mentioned to keep your eye on Thoth? A big player in your line of questioning. Starting on page 2, I believe.

    One more thought on the Atlantis connection. There is a certain degree of similarity between the Egyptian glyph for "temple" and an actual stone-walled building among the underwater ruins in the Bahamas. Near Andros island (on a shallow underwater shelf) is a rectangular ruin made of stone. Its walls are approximately three feet thick. Egyptian glyph for "temple" [image]. Andros "Temple" floorplan [image]. Underwater picture [image]. http://www.atlantisquest.com/temple.jpg Finally, various researchers, have also noticed that the Bahama Island "temple" floorplan is basically identical to that of the Mayan "Temple of the Turtles" in Uxmal, Yucatan. So now we have Egypt, the Bahamas, and Mesoamerica. Interesting . . . . .

    Well orthodoxymoron...I have left enough of my thoughts, and clues I find interesting, in the direction you are leaning...I hope I have helped in your quest for an answer. Just remember...like any good movie..there are good guys, and bad guys...I leave you with what I believe is one of the good ones....as I have nothing more to add

    (Post by orthodoxymoron) Thank-you for the extra effort BROOK! Anna Hayes has some interesting things to say about Thoth...about evolving really well before blowing it!

    I think I just need to read a good book on Egyptology...and a great book on the Gods and Goddesses in all cultures and religions. The theory remains on the table...that there may be a single Goddess who rebelled against a Pleaidian God (killing this God, who was possibly Amen Ra)...and who brought a portion of the Human Race to Earth...on Battlestar Moon...and who created most of the Gods, Goddesses, Theologies, and Governments...throughout history (including Atlantean and contemporary history)...and who even may have written the writings attibuted to William Shakespeare (although this last speculation might be the biggest stretch of all!). The Reptilians are the Wild Card! I mean no disrespect in my speculations. If this Goddess exists presently...I would like to meet her...but I won't kneel!

    Even if the preceding paragraph is utter rubbish...it may be a good place to begin when considering the broad sweep of history in hot pursuit of a Universal Theory of Universal History. Namaste.

    (Post by ranma187) Is this the same Ra that David Wilcock Channels? because i met DW in a dream and in the dream he channeled Ra. I'll post it here:

    Dream 2: I'm in David Wilcock's home. It is very large and there are many hallways that lead to conference rooms. I enter a computer room and Notice The Cusp is sitting at the computer. I talk with him for a bit about where we are. He puts on a Tool CD: Lateralus. I look at the cover and realize not all the tracks are on the CD. It is missing an instrumental song. ( I used to have a burned copy of the cd with one of the tracks missing). For some reason i leave the room and scope out the place. I had been there many times before. There was one small conference room where David had given us lectures (Dream memories) that I was quite fond of. I went down the hallway to where I thought it was. but it was a different room. I left the hallway and found another hall. No conference room there either. I did this a few times.

    I made it back to the living room and started admiring how tidy the place was. It was very well decorated. David came out one of the hallways and said Hi. he asked "Is anyone with you here?" I said "Yeah I seen The Cusp around. But hey, how come i can never seem to make out his face? David said "Yeah he likes to hide it for some reason... I'll be in my lounge, i have to get ready and then I'll call you in." He walked into a room beside the computer room. Just then The Cusp Walked by. he didn't seem aware of me. There was a fog covering his face. I concentrated on him as he walked by. When he turned his head he left a tracer of a clear image of his face. He looked familiar. I was sure i KNEW him, but from where i didn't know. "you can come in now Robert." David said.

    I walked into his lounge. there was a semi circle couch surrounding a coffee table. As I walked in his voice tone shifted. His voice was so startlingly strange i couldn't make out what he was saying. I sat down and looked at David. There was something about his eyes that made no sense. He had four eyes. Two in a normal face positing and two others near his temples. I knew i had seen faces like that before and wasn't startled. David kept on talking about something, but i was too transfixed on his eyes. he two center eyes were bright red with black pupils. The two outer eyes were bright green with black pupils. "Oh i know!" I said. "You're channeling Ra!". I shifted my seating position. He looked at me and said "Fool! in this place I become RA". And he continued to talk. "It's time for you to leave for now!" He kept talking but i felt myself getting dizzy. Like when they put you under for an operation.

    (Post by orthodoxymoron) That was creepy...ranma 187. BROOK provided me with a link http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/ptah.htm where I found this:

    "Ptah was a creator god, the third highest god in Egypt. He was the god presiding over the Second Egyptian month, known as Paopi by Greek times. From a local god of craftsmen to the deity who crafted the universe and the other deities, Ptah was only overshadowed by the sun god Ra, and the hidden god Amen. He fashioned the universe through words of power and by thought, as well as creating different parts by hand. He helped the dead on their travels through the afterlife, allowing them to transform into his divine figure, or by building the boats on which they could travel. He was the one who allowed the dead to be like the living after death with the Opening of the Mouth ceremony. The Apis bull was his sacred animal, more of a representation of his soul on earth who gave fertility and rebirth to the people. He was an ancient god who the Egyptians worshiped through their long history."

    Was Ra killed? Is Amen the Spirit of Ra? I don't know Jack about Amen or Ra. I thought Amen Ra was one being.

    I continue to worry about the fate of the Founders/Ancients. I see evidence of them in the Creation...but not in the day to day administration of this Solar System. I also wonder about how the Reptilians came into existence (assuming that they really exist). Who, if anyone, created them? Who, if anyone, controls them? Could the same being(s) who terminated the Founders/Ancients (assuming that they were terminated)...also be responsible for the creation and control of the Reptilians? Did someone secretly create the Reptilians...and then use them to wage Star Wars...to attempt to become the Master(s) of the Universe? At some point...did this hypothetical Reptilian slave race overthrow their Human Master(s)? Is a hypothetical Divinity Within Humanity all that remains of the Founders/Ancients? Was Ra killed? Is Amen the hidden manifestation of Ra aka the Holy Spirit? Is Lucifer/Hathor a prime suspect in the disappearance of Ra...and in the creation of the Reptilians? Is Ptah really Lucifer/Hathor? I tend to think that all possibilities should be considered in a reasonable, rational, and detached manner. I don't want to believe...and I don't know. I just have a lot of questions...and huge issues. Einstein said that the Universe is stranger than we think...and that the Universe is stranger than we can think. What exactly was he referring to?

    I'm wondering if there was a Luciferian rebellion...which contained some legitimate aspects...but which spiraled out of control? Can beings who have done really dark things in universal history...be forgiven and reformed...even if they are completely reprobate and very dangerous presently? I think that the ancient mythologies and biblical stories are a mixture of fact and fiction...and that we really have to read between the lines...and use a multidisciplinary approach...with very open minds...to get at the real truth. We may hate the PTB for lying to us...but we may hate them even more, if and when, they tell us the truth. Often the consequences of telling the truth about a marital affair are much more devastating than continuing to lie. Oh what a tangled web they weave...and we are so easily deceived! Everything seems so insane to me presently. I have very little peace. I seemed to have a positive connection to the stars as a child...and I seemed to be quite bright. But it's been downhill ever since. Dumber and dumber...more and more miserable...I have no idea where this madness will end. I have no idea whether things are going to work out well for us or not. If we are exterminated/enslaved...I'm probably going to be in more trouble than most. Just a hunch. Namaste.

    (Post by micier) This is very interesting. This is the part Dan Brown left out of the "Lost Symbol" (first two videos below).





    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 9b62ae438481b95da38e8f7d65b94c1e


    Last edited by orthodoxymoron on Fri Dec 18, 2020 11:41 pm; edited 10 times in total
    Ashera
    Ashera


    Posts : 4201
    Join date : 2011-03-16
    Location : Atargatis Atreides

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (10)

    Post  Ashera Tue Dec 08, 2020 3:28 pm

    Ashera wrote:
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Magus10

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Snapsh60

    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


    Posts : 13426
    Join date : 2010-09-28
    Location : The Matrix

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (10)

    Post  orthodoxymoron Wed Dec 09, 2020 6:45 am

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Tot%2BXV
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 SG5
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 SG8
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 SG10
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 SG11
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 SG15
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 SG18
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 BlogTeaching8
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 The%2BEmerald%2BTablets%2Bof%2BThoth%2Bthe%2BAtlantean%2BFull%2BText%2BPdf

    I'm  almost to the point where I simply wish to walk away from ALL of This Present Madness, as if my online-fiasco NEVER Happened. Perhaps I need to walk away from This Present Solar System, as if I NEVER Had Anything to Do With It. Take another look at Job through Daniel side-by-side with Romans through Galatians. The Bible might ultimately turn-out to be BS in SO Many Ways BUT What If It Turns Out to Contain Some Sort of a PASSWORD to an Ancient-Supercomputer?? What if the Bible MUST Be Properly Solved and Applied for Humanity to Survive and Thrive?? OR What if it was Too-Late and All-Over for Humanity 6,000 Years-Ago?? Should We Submit to the Matrix?? Should We Exploit the Matrix?? Should We Destroy the Matrix?? If no one will properly discuss my tripe with me, I think I'm not obligated to continue my quest, and I'm not responsible for the disclosure of truth, and its consequences. There's a hidden-story I don't know about, and no one seems to wish to tell me about it.

    BROOK did a hell or a lot regarding revealing the truth, but she hasn't posted for a very-long time, and I sometimes wonder if her son died because of her efforts to do the right thing?? No evidence, but that thought haunts me more often than anyone can imagine. I had a pioneer-spirit back in 2010 when most of the 'Amen Ra' thread was created, and when a mysterious Individual of Interest looked me in the eye, and said "I AM RA!!" 2010 was the year we made contact. What Would David Bowman Say?? Did Marduk-Ra make contact with Amen-Ra?? What Would King Solomon and King David Say?? What Would the Queen of Sheba Say?? What Would Peter Venkman Say?? What Would David Mann Say?? What Would Alan Rickman Say?? All I know is that my pioneer-spirit is all but gone. I think this thing might be over in more ways than even I can imagine. Now I shall continue with the posting of my 'Amen Ra' thread. http://projectavalon.net/forum/showthread.php?t=18223&page=10

    (Post by RedeZra) See it's not so easy to discern fiction from facts. The mind which is a fiction enjoys fantasy. The more fantastic the merrier. Besides eloquent people don't feed us bull do they? lol

    (Post by orthodoxymoron) Thank-you RedeZra. I continue to think that most of what we are exposed to in Camelot/Avalon is either intentionally or unintentionally BS...but that there is a core of forbidden truth which just might save the world. I continue to treat most of what we discuss as being science fiction...which could very well be true. I speculate endlessly...but I know very little for sure...and I admit this freely. I do try very hard to approximate reality...but I don't have a clue how successful my feeble efforts really are. Sometimes I think that some 'whistleblowers' are selected to reveal certain bits of sensitive truth...but encapsulated in total BS. I sometimes think that they agree to do and say as they are told. If this is true...I don't necessarily object to this. It may be the way it has to be. But reader and listener beware. Think for yourselves! Do your own homework! Sample a very wide variety of sources...and don't just latch onto one of them! Good luck!

    (Post by Bobbie) It may be silly for me to think this but I believe our truth lies somewhere in the middle of all that is discussed here. It could be that the more unbelievable things will never touch us in the dimension in which we personally reside. What affects one will not necessarily affect the other. I also think that there are a group of souls that volunteered to come here at this time to hold the light of the positive Universe which will be instrumental in this planet elevating to a higher form of existence. I feel many on this forum are some of those volunteers. Do I know that for 100% - no - but it's a feeling/ a knowing. Of course we can know inaccurate things but for me there has to be some sort of validation for my intuitions. I don't know how many have experience with certain number frequencies or not but they exist very prominently in my life and, to me, that's no coincidence....just like the real crop circles are no coincidence. Does anyone really think that they could be a black ops sense of humor display? I really don't think they have a sense of humor.

    (Post by orthodoxymoron) Could Ra have been Reptilian? Could Amen = Interdimensional Reptilians = Spirit of Ra = Goa'uld? Could Ptah/Isis/Hathor/Lucifer/Mary have created Amen Ra...and destroyed Ra? Do the Reps hate us so much because 'we' killed Ra? I'm not sure if I posted this link already on this thread...but it is 'Riddles in Stone' from the 'Secret History of America's Beginnings': https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaKuWm7ryeM It is a fascinating documentary with an emphasis on the Masonic, Egyptian, and Secret Society influences on America, and on the design of Washington D.C. This one really connected a lot of dots for me...in a very balanced and fair manner.

    Here is another link which you might find interesting (John Rhodes): http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/su...reptiles38.htm

    Here's yet another speculative intellectual ejaculation resulting from the masturbation of the mind:

    What if Reptilians evolved...but not Humans? What if the entire universe was Reptilian? What if there were no Humans anywhere? What if the entire universe was a Reptilian Universal Church Theocracy? What if Humans were created as a slave race? ('Let us make man in our image') What if Lucifer (Ptah?) was the Reptilian in charge of the genetic engineering project which resulted in the creation of Human Beings? What if Humans were mistreated as slaves? What if a group of Reptilians, led by Lucifer, conspired with Humans, to kill God the Father (Ra?)...and take over 'Heaven'? What if this was the Luciferian Rebellion which led to War in Heaven...and the death of God the Father (Ra?)? What if the Reptilians loyal to God (Ra?) fought against the Luciferian Reptilians and Human Beings...driving them out of the Garden of Eden (Heaven?) What if Battlestar Moon was used to transport the Luciferian Reptilians and Humans to Aldebaran, Sirius, and Earth...while being violently pursued by Nibiru? What if Interdimensional Reptilians aka The Spirit of God aka Amen battle with Luciferian Interdimensional Reptilians and the Divinity Within Humanity aka The Holy Spirit...to regain control of the Renegade Human Race? What if the New World Order is the Kingdom of Ra? What if the Luciferian Reptilians and a select group of Humans run Earth from underground bases on Earth and the Moon? Could this be Gizeh Intelligence? Could Reptilians and Humans loyal to Ra be Zionists? Could Reptilians and Humans loyal to Lucifer be Teutonic Zionists? Could a pacifist union of both factions be Followers of Jesus? Could Namaste Constitutional Responsible Freedom be the solution to this ancient mess?

    How much trouble am I in now? Probably quite a bit. But once again...this is just speculation...with no inside information whatsoever.

    (Post by BROOK) Merkaba. Mer meant a kind of light that rotated within itself. Ka meant spirit, in this case referring to the human spirit. Ba meant the human body — though it also could mean the concept of Reality that spirit holds. And so the entire word in ancient Egypt referred to a rotating light that would take the spirit and the body from one world into another. The Flower of Life is set in stone at the Temple of Osiris at Abydos, Egypt.

    (Post by Bobbie) I'm sure someone has done this but I don't know who and I really haven't researched it. I was wondering if someone has located all the known pyramids on the earth and mapped them to see if they form a pattern or if they are connected in a significant way.. I'm sure they are on "hot spots" and the pyramid shape just enhances the hot spots power.... amongst other things.

    (Post by micjer) You have come to right place... http://projectavalon.net/forum/showthread.php?t=17724 Check out 19.47 degrees below and above the equator. Not just on earth. (maybe on mars also)

    (Post by no caste)  I see your namaste and raise it. PS ortho I read on one of your threads (sorry, forget which one) that black helicopters were coming around your place. Ya? What was going on?

    (orthodoxymoron) I joke a lot about stuff like that! But once I was typing a particularly sensitive post (in my view)...and there really was a helicopter hovering over my house. I don't think there was any connection...but it was still a bit unnerving...especially for someone on the edge...like me. But really...with Interdimensional Reptilians watching me 24/7 (my guardian angels?)...why should even a black helecopter be a cause for alarm?

    (Post by BROOK)

    The Emerald Tablets of Thoth

    Now ye assemble, my children,
    waiting to hear the Secret of Secrets
    which shall give ye power to unfold the God-man,
    give ye the way to Eternal life.

    Plainly shall I speak of the Unveiled Mysteries.
    No dark sayings shall I give unto thee.
    Open thine ears now, my children.
    Hear and obey the words that I give.

    First I shall speak of the fetters of darkness
    which bind ye in chains to the sphere of the Earth.

    Darkness and light are both of one nature,
    different only in seeming,
    for each arose from the source of all.
    Darkness is disorder.
    Light is Order.
    Darkness transmuted is light of the Light.
    This, my children, your purpose in being;
    transmutation of darkness to light.

    Hear ye now of the mystery of nature,
    the relations of life to the Earth where it dwells.
    Know ye, ye are threefold in nature,
    physical, astral and mental in one.

    Three are the qualities of each of the natures;
    nine in all, as above, so below.

    In the physical are these channels,
    the blood which moves in vortical motion,
    reacting on the heart to continue its beating.
    Magnetism which moves through the nerve paths,
    carrier of energies to all cells and tissues.
    Akasa which flows through channels,
    subtle yet physical, completing the channels.

    Each of the three attuned with each other,
    each affecting the life of the body.
    Form they the skeletal framework through
    which the subtle ether flows.
    In their mastery lies the Secret of Life in the body.
    Relinquished only by will of the adept,
    when his purpose in living is done.

    Three are the natures of the Astral,
    mediator is between above and below;
    not of the physical, not of the Spiritual,
    but able to move above and below.

    Three are the natures of Mind,
    carrier it of the Will of the Great One.
    Arbitrator of Cause and Effect in thy life.
    Thus is formed the threefold being,
    directed from above by the power of four.

    Above and beyond man's threefold nature
    lies the realm of the Spiritual Self.

    Four is it in qualities,
    shining in each of the planes of existence,
    but thirteen in one,
    the mystical number.
    Based on the qualities of man are the Brothers:
    each shall direct the unfoldment of being,
    each shall channels be of the Great One.

    On Earth, man is in bondage,
    bound by space and time to the earth plane.
    Encircling each planet, a wave of vibration,
    binds him to his plane of unfoldment.
    Yet within man is the Key to releasement,
    within man may freedom be found.

    http://www.crystalinks.com/emerald.html

    The Emerald Tablets of Thoth

    The flower of Life

    The Keys of Life and Death

    List ye, O man, hear ye the wisdom.
    Hear ye the Word that shall fill thee with Life.
    Hear ye the Word that shall banish the darkness.
    Hear ye the voice that shall banish the night.

    Mystery and wisdom have I brought to my children;
    knowledge and power descended from old.
    Know ye not that all shall be opened
    when ye shall find the oneness of all?

    One shall ye be with the Masters of Mystery,
    Conquerors of Death and Masters of Life.
    Aye, ye shall learn of the flower of Amenti
    the blossom of life that shines in the Halls.
    In Spirit shall ye reach that Halls of Amenti
    and bring back the wisdom that liveth in Light.
    Know ye the gateway to power is secret.
    Know ye the gateway to life is through death.
    Aye, through death but not as ye know death,
    but a death that is life and is fire and is Light.

    Desireth thou to know the deep, hidden secret?
    Look in thy heart where the knowledge is bound.
    Know that in thee the secret is hidden,
    the source of all life and the source of all death.

    List ye, O man, while I tell the secret,
    reveal unto thee the secret of old.

    Deep in Earth's heart lies the flower,
    the source of the Spirit
    that binds all in its form.
    or know ye that the Earth is living in body
    as thou art alive in thine own formed form.
    The Flower of Life is as thine own place of Spirit
    and streams through the Earth
    as thine flows through thy form;
    giving of life to the Earth and its children,
    renewing the Spirit from form unto form.
    This is the Spirit that is form of thy body,
    shaping and molding into its form.

    The emerald Tablets of Thoth

    on The keys of Mystery

    (Are we speaking of Reptilians?)

    In the form of man they amongst us,
    but only to sight were they as are men.
    Serpent-headed when the glamor was lifted
    but appearing to man as men among men.
    Crept they into the Councils,
    taking forms that were like unto men.
    Slaying by their arts
    the chiefs of the kingdoms,
    taking their form and ruling o'er man.
    Only by magic could they be discovered.
    Only by sound could their faces be seen.
    Sought they from the Kingdom of shadows
    to destroy man and rule in his place.

    But, know ye, the Masters were mighty in magic,
    able to lift the Veil from the face of the serpent,
    able to send him back to his place.
    Came they to man and taught him the secret,
    the WORD that only a man can pronounce.
    Swift then they lifted the Veil from the serpent
    and cast him forth from the place among men.

    Yet, beware, the serpent still liveth
    in a place that is open at times to the world.
    Unseen they walk among thee
    in places where the rites have been said.
    Again as time passes onward
    shall they take the semblance of men.

    Called may they be by the master
    who knows the white or the black,
    but only the white master may control
    and bind them while in the flesh.

    Seek not the kingdom of shadows,
    for evil will surely appear.
    For only the master of brightness
    shall conquer the shadow of fear.

    http://www.crystalinks.com/emerald8bw.html

    19.47 and the vortex is in everything..from the smallest cell...to the Sun

    It's the Merkaba ......Mer Ka Ba

    From Thoth....as written above

    Four is it in qualities,
    shining in each of the planes of existence,
    but thirteen in one,
    the mystical number.
    Based on the qualities of man are the Brothers:
    each shall direct the unfoldment of being,
    each shall channels be of the Great One.

    http://projectavalon.net/forum/showp...49&postcount=7

    Halls of Amenti

    Deep in Earth’s heart lie the Halls of Amenti,
    far ‘neath the islands of sunken Atlantis,
    Halls of the Dead and halls of the living,
    bathed in the fire of the infinite ALL.

    Far in a past time, lost in the space time,
    the Children of Light looked down on the world.
    Seeing the children of men in their bondage,
    bound by the force that came from beyond.
    Knew they that only by freedom from bondage
    could man ever rise from the Earth to the Sun.

    Down they descended and created bodies,
    taking the semblance of men as their own.
    The Masters of everything said after their forming:

    “We are they who were formed from the space-dust,
    partaking of life from the infinite ALL;
    living in the world as children of men,
    like and yet unlike the children of men.”

    THOTH the Atlantean

    I, THOTH, the Atlantean, master of mysteries,
    keeper of records, mighty king, magician,
    living from generation to generation,
    being about to pass into the halls of Amenti,
    set down for the guidance of
    those that are to come after,
    these records of the mighty wisdom of Great Atlantis.

    In the great city of KEOR on the island of UNDAL,
    in a time far past, I began this incarnation.
    Not as the little men of the present age did
    the mighty ones of Atlantis live and die,
    but rather from aeon to aeon did they renew
    their life in the Halls of Amenti where the river of life
    flows eternally onward.

    A hundred times ten
    have I descended the dark way that led into light,
    and as many times have I ascended from the
    darkness into the light my strength and power renewed.

    Now for a time I descend,
    and the men of KHEM (Khem is ancient Egypt)
    shall know me no more.

    But in a time yet unborn will I rise again,
    mighty and potent, requiring an accounting
    of those left behind me.

    When ye have released the self from the body,
    rise to the outermost bounds of your earth-plane.
    Speak ye the word Dor-E-Lil-La.

    Then for a time your Light will be lifted,
    free may ye pass the barriers of space.
    For a time of half of the sun (six hours),
    free may ye pass the barriers of earth-plane,
    see and know those who are beyond thee.

    Yea, to the highest worlds may ye pass.
    See your own possible heights of unfoldment,
    know all earthly futures of Soul.

    Bound are ye in your body,
    but by the power ye may be free.
    This is the Secret whereby bondage
    shall be replaced by freedom for thee.

    Calm let thy mind be.
    At rest be thy body:
    Conscious only of freedom from flesh.
    Center thy being on the goal of thy longing.
    Think over and over that thou wouldst be free.
    Think of this word La-Um-I-L-Ganoover
    and over in thy mind let it sound.
    Drift with the sound to the place of thy longing.
    Free from the bondage of flesh by thy will.

    Hear ye while I give the greatest of secrets:
    how ye may enter the Halls of Amenti,
    enter the place of the immortals as I did,
    stand before the Lords in their places.

    Lie ye down in rest of thy body.
    Calm thy mind so no thought disturbs thee.
    Pure must ye be in mind and in purpose,
    else only failure will come unto thee.

    Vision Amenti as I have told in my Tablets.
    Long with fullness of heart to be there.
    Stand before the Lords in thy mind's eye.

    Pronounce the words of power I give (mentally);
    Mekut-El-Shab-El Hale-Sur-Ben-El-Zabrut Zin-Efrim-Quar-El.
    Relax thy mind and thy body.
    Then be sure your soul will be called.

    Now give I the Key to Shamballa,
    the place where my Brothers live in the darkness:
    Darkness but filled with Light of the Sun
    ODarkness of Earth, but Light of the Spirit,
    guides for ye when my day is done.

    Leave thou thy body as I have taught thee.
    Pass to the barriers of the deep, hidden place.
    Stand before the gates and their guardians.
    Command thy entrance by these words:

    I am the Light. In me is no darkness.
    Free am I of the bondage of night.
    Open thou the way of the Twelve and the One,
    so I may pass to the realm of wisdom.

    When they refuse thee, as surely they will,
    command them to open by these words of power:
    I am the Light. For me are no barriers.
    Open, I command, by the Secret of Secrets
    Edom-El-Ahim-Sabbert-Zur Adom.

    Then if thy words have been Truth of the highest,
    open for thee the barriers will fall.

    Now, I leave thee, my children.
    Down, yet up, to the Halls shall I go.
    Win ye the way to me, my children.
    Truly my brothers shall ye become.

    Thus finish I my writings. Keys
    let them be to those who come after.
    But only to those who seek my wisdom,
    for only for these am I the Key and the Way.

    From 'Voyage to Egypt'
    Opening the Amenti Light-Code Seals

    All manifest forms are built upon unseen templates of light and sound called morphogenetic fields. Morphogenetic fields of light and sound composed of set of electro-tonal standing wave patterns called scalar waves. The planetary morphogenetic field is a scalar grid, divided into sections called Planetary Shields. Certain portions of the Planetary Shields control inter-dimensional Star-Gates that have been dormant for thousands of years, due to Geomantic Light-Code Seals (electro-magnetic frequency seals) placed on them by the Ancient Priests of Ur and visiting Stellar Races. The Star Gate Seals could be opened only after the opening of the Arc of the Covenant, which occurred on June 26, 1998 at 3:46 p.m. It is now time to begin releasing the Star Gate Seals of the Giza Complex, which will set in motion the opening of the Halls of Amenti and Halls of Records. When a Seal releases, its dormant standing scalar wave patterns come to life in the Planetary Shields. The 1st Star Gate Seal is the 8th dimensional Seal of Orion. Releasing the Seal of Orion "awakens" the corresponding dormant standing scalar wave patterns, the "Flame of Orion", within the Planetary Shields, activating the Orion Star Gate of Giza. The Seal of Orion also exists within the human body. Awakening the Flame of Orion within the human body begins activation of the higher chakra centers (8-15), the KA and dormant DNA codes. Awakening the planetary and personal Flame of Orion is a process called Keylontic Morphogenetic Science. An ancient Soul group called the Keepers of the Eternal Flame was appointed by the Priests of Ur as Guardians of the Amenti star Gate Seals. This soul group reincarnates on earth during time periods when the Star Gates can be opened. The period of 2000-2017 is the first time the Star Gates can fully open in over 200,000 years. During this journey we will use Advanced Ascension Mechanics as taught in the ancient Egyptian, sumerian and Essene mystical schools, to awaken the Flame of Orion within the Giza complex and within the bio-energetic fields of those attending. Discover the Secrets of Amenti, the forbidden knowledge of our race's Stellar Origins and intended evolutionary destiny, as revealed by the Keepers of the Flame Melchizedek Cloister. Go deep inside our heart and ask "The Still Small Voice Within' if you have an ancient appointment with destiny to be on this sacred voyage.

    (Post by micjer) Brook, Do you think that these are the same seals that are talked about in Revelation 5 ?

    (Post by BROOK) Micjer, I don't know. Could very well be. But I do know I had stopped posting on this thread and any thread for a while...as I had nothing more to add...and not much more to say. Then I had this dream...here I go with the dreams again. The last dream I had was about a blue flame..and a portal. I even did a thread on it. Then later we had that event with the Norway spiral. http://www.projectavalon.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=17816 But in this dream...I was directed to sit in this chair..and it had two stones on the arm of the chair. It was placed on what looked like one of those flat topped Mayan pyramids. I was told to slowly activate..and was guided by a faceless voice. I put my hands on the two stones ...and felt an electricity flowing through me then out of me. Not painful. And it made a low level, what I would describe as an electric noise. As I activated slowly...a "rose" colored "vortex" with tiny gold specs started to come out of me...and spiraled down to earth...I asked what it was for, and the voice said "Gaia" to give her strength for the coming events. It was for her. I was also shown the "flower of life" and told to read the emerald tablets. I was told that the flower of life was needed to fully activate the "rose colored vortex"...so I had better get working on that. So this is why I started to post here again....I know what you're thinking....I have REALLY strange dreams....

    (Post by micjer) A couple of years ago I would have thought that you were having weird dreams. However lately I feel you are being shown this for a reason. Dreams and the bible to me are both metaphoric. We have to interpret them. Not necessarily take them word for word. I do believe the flower of life is very important. I am going to pm you something you may find interesting. Cheers.

    (Post by lightblue) Your dreams are most interesting, thanks for sharing. Best wishes.

    (Post by BROOK) Now that is something I find VERY interesting. I am going to work on that ...and see where it leads...in all of this. Thank you Micjer. Have I hijacked ODM's thread again?

    (Post by Jacqui D) Brook you called that a dream i would say that was very prophetic, while we know in ourselves these real experiences are happening to us we feel/ sense much changing within us now. I do not post my experiences any more but do still like to read those of others i felt a connection with your one and have had a similar electrical pulse through me some are definitely being activated i feel.

    (Post by orthodoxymoron) Thank-you for all of the great info BROOK. I'm a little slow getting into this Egyptology thing...but Thoth does seem to be very important. I found one of the drawings of Thoth (middle of post 241) to be especially interesting...and the Atlantean link is fascinating. Black history in connection with ancient Egypt could be very important. There are a lot of You Tube videos on the subject...but they are quite slanted...perhaps as an overcompensation for the contemporary inexcusable treatment of Blacks. I may have missed it...but was Thoth Anunakian, Draconian, or none of the above? Have the Anunaki and the Dracos been fighting over the Human Race for millions of years? Are we sort of like Frankenstein's Monster? Did the Reps create us...and then lose control of us? Have we taken over the lab...so to speak? Is the 'lab' surrounded by Reptilian Millitary Police with M-16K's? Are they sorry they created us? Genesis says as much...doesn't it? Is Earth a Planet in Rebellion? Are the Reps preparing to blow the whole lab up...if they can't get us under control by December 21, 2012? Are we a genetics experiment gone bad (in their view)? Are the red lights flashing and alarms sounding in Alpha Draconis? Are the Reps in fail-safe mode? Is the 'lab' in auto-destruct mode? How many trembling fingers have access to VERY POWERFUL red buttons? How many milliseconds to midnight now? How much trouble are we really in? Wait! Don't tell me! I like my little dream-world!

    (Post by WinterWolf) The world will remain though other things may change. It isn't the end of the world...just some changes may happen. Subtle changes perhaps, and maybe some no so subtle...



    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Il_570xN.320304723


    Last edited by orthodoxymoron on Fri Dec 18, 2020 11:39 pm; edited 4 times in total
    Ashera
    Ashera


    Posts : 4201
    Join date : 2011-03-16
    Location : Atargatis Atreides

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (10)

    Post  Ashera Wed Dec 09, 2020 6:58 am

    Nothing of what you utter is emergent, it is just the caleidoscopic pattern of a decomposing mind...

    Finally you see something like this:

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Mandal10

    Beautiful first glance, but factually the throat of a worm...
    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


    Posts : 13426
    Join date : 2010-09-28
    Location : The Matrix

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (10)

    Post  orthodoxymoron Wed Dec 09, 2020 7:08 am

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Fe811b30eb998eb89be65c17d4f5813b
    "I Can't Recall, Senator. Nothing of What I Utter is Emergent.
    It's Just the Caleidoscopic Pattern of a Decomposing Mind..."
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 All-seeing-eye
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Screen+Shot+2016-11-21+at+16.47.37
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Grayowls-pictures-319
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 O-THE-MATRIX-AND-HINDUISM-facebook
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Matrix-hallway
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Thoth

    I honestly don't want to get too deep into this Ancient-Egypt stuff. I simply can't properly deal with much of anything these days. If I have some sort of Esoteric Manifest Destiny, it will probably have to wait for another lifetime. This one is shot all to hell. I'm still trying to determine what the hell is going on with the Bible and Ellen White. I think both might be right in the right contexts, yet probably painfully lacking in This Present Context. Pluralistic-Education might be a Modern-Religion in both good and bad ways. Once again, consider studying Job through Daniel side-by-side with Romans through Galatians, just to see where this leads. I seem to be horribly-incapacitated, so others will have to do the heavy-lifting. I feel no need to lead. I'm feeling less and less of a need to know. I mostly wish to escape the misery I experience 24/7. Those who have sold their souls to Satan seem to be riding-high in This Present Madness. Righteousness and Right-Religion seem to have been driven into the ground. It seems as if religion has been made to appear ridiculous ON PURPOSE. I'm mostly leaning toward Church-Music and Pluralistic-Education (if you know what I mean).

    I think a lot of very hard decisions need to be made presently, and I'm in no condition or position to do much of anything these days. Still, I think some of you need to study my threads on this website, especially this particular thread. It's sort of dumb in many ways, yet it's a road less traveled which might bridge some gaps in your research. I honestly wish to go incognito at the end of 2020, and remain mostly (or completely) silent during 2021. If I'm still alive in 2022, I'll have to reevaluate my predicament. Perhaps I should just shut-up for the rest of my life. Perhaps 100 years of solitude awaits me, beginning in A.D. 2033 perhaps?? What if A.D. 2013 to A.D. 2133 mirrors the 120 years of preaching of Noah?? As It Was In the Days of Noah?? Must I Explain?? But I honestly don't know what's going to happen, and I won't try to make a fast-buck with prophecy-books!! What Would Hal Lindsey Say??

    I'll have to somehow take a closer look at this thread, even though I don't really want to, at this point. I keep speculating that the world has been centrally-ruled by a particular-faction for at least 5,000 years, but what do I know?? If this is even remotely-true, this would probably involve controlling EVERYTHING and EVERYONE (including the Elites -- Human and Otherwise). The Tangled-Web would be SO Interwoven and Strong that a Rival-Faction would only be able to take-over by being even nastier than the Original-Faction!! The Nice Guys and Gals might really Finish-Last!! The Deep-State might be replaced by the Really-Deep State!! I have no idea, and I'm not sure I wish to have a profound-understanding of this matter. I've sort of marked my territory with my United States of the Solar System, A.D. 2133 Threads (with an emphasis on A.D. 2133). I am haunted by what Al Bielek said about the 22nd and 28th centuries, and by my pseudo-prophetic research. Listen very closely to what Al Bielek says in this video (below), especially regarding Governance and Artificial-Intelligence.

    Carol wrote:I've listened several times to what Al Bielek had to say.. in the past, a few years back when I had no clue what future he could be describing and several times within the past month where most of the puzzle pieces fell into place. I had wondered if initially the AI were hybrids, clones or just AI bio-robots. It could be a combination as well. However the one point that he made is that how humanity lost its verve to be innovative. It seems that struggle is an essential ingredient that helps humankind evolve. I thought he described what is most likely a socialistic society but one that was geared toward being useful as compared to daring to break out of the envelope. Obviously, those of Aquarius leanings would likely be sent to a re-education mind conditioning program or simply disappear. He also described an AI component to society that reminded me of something that Stefano Breccia spoke to me about with his Italian ET contacts where the planet of their origin was basically run by a AI computer who selected the leader for their planet, a leader who was basically without compassion, lacking the basic qualities of a humanitarian. In fact, some of the practices regarding punishment on that particular planet make Guantanamo look like a preschool.
    I guess I'll live a life of quiet-desperation as I consider my particular-area of research, with the full-realization that No One Gives a Damn, and even if they did, Nothing Can Be Done About It, simply because the Future has been Scripted in a certain-way by those who REALLY Control We the Peons. I've been considering Ancient-Supercomputers and Artificial-Intelligence (Programmed in a Particular-Manner) as being an Ancient and Ongoing HAL 9000, possibly created in antiquity by David Bowman, to govern the rebellious, attempting to reform and restore them, returning them to Good and Regular Standing in the Galactic-Family. My problem is that I don't know whose side I'm really on, going way, way, way back. I might never know. The bridges might've been irreversibly-burned. Who Knows?? Dr. Who?? The Shadow?? A Dr. Who Administered Shadow-Government?? There's a Trump speech, to a group of Middle-Eastern Leaders, wherein he speaks of driving a certain faction off the planet (or something to that effect)!! What did he really mean?? That part starts at 17:00. I have to go. I'm going to watch the latest Star Wars Movie today!! More fighting!! We seem to be addicted to violence!! We seem to fight because we like to fight!! What Would Michael Garibaldi (from Babylon 5) Say?? What Would Mr. Edgars Say?? What Would John and Delenn Sheridan Say?? Michael = Thoth = Ptah = Osiris = Amen Ra = Creator of the Ancient Supercomputer-Matrix Mediatrix = Genetic-Engineer of Humanity = Anciently-Deposed God of This World = Jupiter Jones = One of Two Antichrists?? Here is more 'Amen Ra' thread reposting. http://projectavalon.net/forum/showthread.php?t=18223&page=11

    (orthodoxymoron Quoted by BROOK) Thank-you for all of the great info BROOK. I'm a little slow getting into this Egyptology thing...but Thoth does seem to be very important. I found one of the drawings of Thoth (middle of post 241) to be especially interesting...and the Atlantean link is fascinating. Black history in connection with ancient Egypt could be very important. There are a lot of You Tube videos on the subject...but they are quite slanted...perhaps as an overcompensation for the contemporary inexcusable treatment of Blacks. I may have missed it...but was Thoth Annunakian, Draconian, or none of the above? Have the Annunaki and the Dracos been fighting over the Human Race for millions of years? Are we sort of like Frankenstein's Monster? Did the Reps create us...and then lose control of us? Have we taken over the lab...so to speak? Is the 'lab' surrounded by Reptilian Millitary Police with M-16K's? Are they sorry they created us? Genesis says as much...doesn't it? Is Earth a Planet in Rebellion? Are the Reps preparing to blow the whole lab up...if they can't get us under control by December 21, 2012? Are we a genetics experiment gone bad (in their view)? Are the red lights flashing and alarms sounding in Alpha Draconis? Are the Reps in fail-safe mode? Is the 'lab' in auto-destruct mode? How many trembling fingers have access to VERY POWERFUL red buttons? How many milliseconds to midnight now? How much trouble are we really in? Wait! Don't tell me! I like my little dream-world!

    (Post by BROOK) I don't believe Thoth was Draconian..as he warned us of them in this passage of the emerald Tablets.....Were they around at that time?....I would presume so..from the words written, and very active from the sounds of it.


    In the form of man they amongst us,
    but only to sight were they as are men.
    Serpent-headed when the glamor was lifted
    but appearing to man as men among men.
    Crept they into the Councils,
    taking forms that were like unto men.
    Slaying by their arts
    the chiefs of the kingdoms,
    taking their form and ruling o'er man.
    Only by magic could they be discovered.
    Only by sound could their faces be seen.
    Sought they from the Kingdom of shadows
    to destroy man and rule in his place..

    The Key of wisdom

    The Emerald Tablet

    I, Thoth, the Atlantean,
    give of my wisdom,
    give of my knowledge,
    give of my power.
    Freely I give to the children of men.
    Give that they, too, might have wisdom
    to shine through the world from the veil of the night.

    Wisdom is power and power is wisdom,
    one with each other, perfecting the whole.

    Be thou not proud, O man, in thy wisdom.
    Discourse with the ignorant as well as the wise.
    If one comes to thee full of knowledge,
    listen and heed, for wisdom is all.

    (BROOK Quoted by WinterWolf)I had stopped posting on this thread and any thread for a while...as I had nothing more to add...and not much more to say. Then I had this dream...here I go with the dreams again. The last dream I had was about a blue flame..and a portal. I even did a thread on it. Then later we had that event with the Norway spiral. http://www.projectavalon.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=17816 But in this dream...I was directed to sit in this chair..and it had two stones on the arm of the chair. It was placed on what looked like one of those flat topped Mayan pyramids. I was told to slowly activate..and was guided by a faceless voice. I put my hands on the two stones ...and felt an electricity flowing through me then out of me. Not painful. And it made a low level, what I would describe as an electric noise. As I activated slowly...a "rose" colored "vortex" with tiny gold specs started to come out of me...and spiraled down to earth...I asked what it was for, and the voice said "Gaia" to give her strength for the coming events. It was for her. I was also shown the "flower of life" and told to read the emerald tablets. I was told that the flower of life was needed to fully activate the "rose colored vortex"...so I had better get working on that. So this is why I started to post here again....I know what you're thinking....I have REALLY strange dreams....

    (Post by WinterWolf) You know...this sounds like an episode from Stargate SG-1. It was when Jack O' Niel discovered the Ancient's weapon buried under the ice in Antarctica when Anubis' fleet was attacking Earth. Jack had to sit down in the chair and activate the device. There was a vortex of light that energy emanated out of to strike down Anubis' fleet.

    (Post by BROOK) Strange...but not even close to what my dream was....the chair was different...very old and very different..and the vortex...not used for the same purpose...not for destruction...and it came from myself and the chair directly. But thanks for the show...I've only seen this show a couple of times so far...just a few episodes....starting from the beginning of the first...as I was told I should watch it. And of course ODM..had a couple on this thread to watch. Very entertaining.

    (Post by WinterWolf) There are other instances where Daniel, Jack, etc have used an Ancient chair for other purposes and has had a glowy effect coming from both too I think. It's been awhile since I've watched Stargate. Your dream just made me think of that episode.

    (Post by BROOK) I wonder what effect it had on their hands afterward?...shocking!

    (Post by WinterWolf) Can't say I could tell you what they may have felt or didn't feel. I'm sure if you could talk to them they'd be happy to tell you.

    (Post by BROOK) Speaking of chairs and thrones..did you know Isis was considered Goddess Of The Throne? ISIS or her more ancient Egyptian name ASET, seems like two different deities if you take a closer look. When the worship of ISIS rose in Greek and Roman days, ASET had already been forgotten for hundreds of years. At this time only a small group of priests still knew how to read the ancient hieroglyphs of the temple walls. The Greek and Roman way of superimposing their cultural values on Egyptian culture affected the interpretation of the original ASET, depriving her of her Egyptian origin and turning her into Roman deity. (The Egyptian words Ast or Aset, mean 'Throne or Seat'. Isis is an onomatopoeic Asianic word, Ish-ish, meaning 'she who weeps'.) Isis, was for almost 3,500 years, the principle Goddess of Egypt. She was the wife and sister of Osiris and the mother of Horus, and the personification of the faithful wife and devoted mother. Isis is the Mistress Of The Words of Power and the Goddess Of Nature. She is the embodiment of nature and magic. The lap of the Goddess Isis was regarded as the royal throne, while her breast poured forth the nectar that conferred the divine right to rule. Isis, is often depicted crowned with a throne or later with a disc and two horns.

    (Post by WinterWolf) Yes I remember reading something along the lines of that. It's kind of like Ra being merged with a bunch of other gods and then becoming known as Amen-Ra or Amon-Ra, etc.

    (Post by BROOK) Yes...I think you get it.....these are gods and goddess' of the people that worship them. In the Leydon hymns Amun Ptah and Re are regarded as a trinity who are distinct gods but with unity in plurality."The three gods are one yet the Egyptian elsewhere insists on the separate identity of each of the three". Amun represented the essential and hidden Ra represented revealed divinity. Ptah was the craftsman..the creator of the world and everything in it. Trinity? Now that does smack of religion....And Isis has been equated to the Virgin Mary...holding baby Jesus/Horus. This is why I return often to Thoth..who was the "scribe" of much of this legend. But how much is Myth? How much is Truth wrapped in lore? As micjer said earlier..."Dreams and the bible to me are both metaphoric"...... As are the messages from ones such as Thoth. When I see things written on the flower of Life, and the merkaba. When I see great reference to "sacred geometry"...my ears perk up. When I see the messages it the Great Pyramid...as to the construction...I know that much of this "myth" has truth in it. And it is up to us to decipher the truth..and find validation whenever possible. To turn "myth" into a decipherable understanding.

    (WinterWolf Quoted by BROOK) Amen-Ra!? Wait! Wait! Why are you talking about meeee!!?!? Sorry sorry. I couldn't help it. I've been called Amen-Ra more than once. It is also a name I connect wth. Ahem. Yes. Back t your regularly scheduled program.

    (Post by BROOK) Oh yes WinterWolf...as you said earlier in this thread...you are the Sun God Ra....then that means there must be two more of you hanging around here somewhere..right? So I am Very interested in the one they call Ptah. The origin of Ptah's name is unclear, though some believe it to mean 'opener' or 'sculptor'. As a god of craftsmen, the later is probably correct. He was a patron of the arts, protector of stone cutters, sculptors, blacksmiths, architects, boat builders, artists and craftsmen.

    It was believed that Ptah created the heavens and the earth. Ptah created the giant metal plate that was believed to be the floor of heaven and the roof of the sky, he also created the struts that upheld it. He created the universe by speaking words through his Tongue (linked to the god Thoth) and by thoughts coming from his Heart.

    There came into being as the heart and there came into being as the tongue ...The mighty Great One is Ptah, who transmitted life to all gods, as well as to their kas... Thus it happened that the heart and tongue gained control over every other member of the body, by teaching that he, Ptah... is in every body and in every mouth of all gods, all men, and every thing that lives, by thinking and commanding everything that he wishes. Thus the ka-spirits were made... by this speech... Thus were made all work and all crafts, the action of the arms, the movement of the legs, and the activity of every member, in conformance with this command which the heart thought, which came forth through the tongue, and which gives value to everything.

    Ptah was a creator god, the third highest god in Egypt. He was the god presiding over the Second Egyptian month. From a local god of craftsmen to the deity who crafted the universe and the other deities, Ptah was only overshadowed by the sun god Ra, and the hidden god Amen. He fashioned the universe through words of power and by thought, as well as creating different parts by hand. He helped the dead on their travels through the afterlife, allowing them to transform into his divine figure, or by building the boats on which they could travel. He was the one who allowed the dead to be like the living after death. Sounds like a pretty powerful guy to me...in all of this legend and metaphor.

    Now here is a big question I have ...and I'm sure ODM..you would ask the same.....If Ptah is the "creator" craftsman "God"...did he create this?...the words straight from Thoth?


    In the form of man they amongst us,
    but only to sight were they as are men.
    Serpent-headed when the glamor was lifted
    but appearing to man as men among men.
    Crept they into the Councils,
    taking forms that were like unto men.
    Slaying by their arts
    the chiefs of the kingdoms,
    taking their form and ruling o'er man.
    Only by magic could they be discovered.
    Only by sound could their faces be seen.
    Sought they from the Kingdom of shadows
    to destroy man and rule in his place..

    This is a BIG question in my mind....take note of the scales on his image here
    Note he was also depicted with a "staff" in most images
    Also, when not in this form..depicted as being wrapped in Mummy cloth
    Could this be your Draconian "Creator" God ODM?

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 2628484-3x2-940x627
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 404899_10151335003765076_815060075_22982712_246147375_n
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 D84202b61f26ad9cf74722652b21fed0
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Ptah-gerald-richards

    (Post by orthodoxymoron) Human/Draconian vs Human/Anunnaki? Ra vs Hathor? God vs Lucifer? Humans perfectly possessed by the Goa'uld? Goa'uld = Interdimensional Reptilians? I'm just looking for clues in the ancient mythologies which might reflect reality. Pro-Ra = Zionist? Anti-Ra = Teutonic Zionist? Horus/Jesus opposed (and connected) to all of the above...but decidedly pacifist? Kabbalists vs Nazis vs Andromedans/True Followers of Jesus? Ra/God killed during War in Heaven? Think various factions of Reptilians and various factions of Humans...and how they are connected. Think religious and political cross-pollination by the major Human and Reptilian factions. The major factions may be Human/Reptilian vs Human/Reptilian. Humanity may be a Frankenstein's Monster Genetics Experiment by the Reptilians Gone Bad!! "Let US make Man in Our image." In Genesis...God was sorry that 'he' made Humans. We're Out of Control!! Were we the pet project of Ptah/Lucifer/Isis/Hathor/Semiramis/Mary/et al (one real being behind the mythologies)...who sort of owns and controls Humanity (knows all of the genetic secrets and intricacies of Humanity)...who created Humanity...and may be on the verge of destroying Humanity...because the Dracs are getting tough and closing in via the New World Order aka The Kingdom of God (Ra) - 'if I can't have them...nobody can!'

    I'm seeing an orgy of good, evil, sanity, insanity, selfishness, altruism, Human/Reptilian Gods and Goddesses, endless power struggles, atrocities, etc. The really bright and really top level Jesuits probably know more about all of this than anyone...and that 'Disclosure' is all about Theology. I think Richard Hoagland understood this...and the importance of sacred geometry and hyperdimensional physics. Unfortunately...the lies are different at every level...and who knows how many levels there are??? We may be in the middle of a really nasty Star War to see who gets to be Master of the Universe...and it's the Collateral Damage which I really worry about. WWI and WWII may be examples. I keep thinking that Nicola Tesla stumbled into some ancient technology (in the Vatican Library?) which was NOT supposed to be out in the open! The behind the scenes power struggling must be truly sickening. I really want all of this cr@p to stop...and perhaps the major players want it to end...but they don't know how to put the genie back in the bottle...and have a tiger by the tail...and are afraid to let go. I think there are some very fearful people who know way too much. Somehow...all of this needs to be defused. I'm sort of a clueless Kum Bayah Singing Goodie Goodie! Help me figure this out...and how to help those who are in way too deep to extricate themselves from this madness! Instead of us being saved by the Gods...we may have to save ourselves and the Gods!! Namaste.

    (Post by WinterWolf) Why do you think Ra is dead? Men tell lies and even the Divine can bend the truth.

    (Post by BROOK) ODM...you crack me up sometimes.... Isn't the Goa'uld from that series Stargate? I have only seen a few episodes of it..but here is what I did get from that larva thingy.... Larva is an animal that is a juvenile form many animals undergo before metamorphosis into adults. Now I noticed that this larva has gone into the area of the solar plexus....where the chakra for the "soul" is. So it appears that this larva thingy is taking over the soul. And the eye thing is showing it is also in control of the third eye...and being taken over by what I would presume is the "eye of Horus"..or possibly "Ra". Also it is placed in the solar plexus and done so with a "cross"...as in bearing a cross....very interesting metaphor there. Also the hand thing...the power to destroy with what is another energy center..in the hands....quite the opposite of the Riki energy to "heal" from the hands. But this is a Hollywood production..with many creative writers..that have read the same things about Egyptian folklore as we have been seeing here. Now I have not seen the last episodes..but does that larva thing ever change? Become an adult....evolve? Just wondering.

    (Post by orthodoxymoron) The Goa'uld really gross me out. I'm not sure what their life-cycle is. Perhaps the big black snake that Hathor is holding in one of the episodes of SG-1 is an adult Goa'uld...but I'm not sure. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b365_qJEpDg I tend to think they are symbolic of Interdimensional Reptilians who perfectly possess the Gods, Goddesses, Illuminati, Aristocracy, et al. Supposedly Reptilians can latch onto Humans via their Lower Chakras. I may have an 800 Pound Reptilian on my back!!! I once received an internet message saying 'We're in your back!' Was this posted by a Reptilian Whistleblower? A member of the Fifth Column? John May Lives!!!

    (BROOK Quoted by Anchor) I'm not brushing it off..I asked a question..that only Ma'at would know..and if she told you...you would know what I speak of...

    (Post by Anchor) Ok reading this thread - bit of a catchup run. The logic in this test puzzles me. If only Ma'at would know, then how would you know if the answer given was correct ?

    (Post by BROOK) Simple...I know the answer...the ceremony..and the purpose. I just don't know WHY.

    (Post by Anchor) So only Ma'at knows the answer. You know the answer. So you are saying you are Ma'at.

    (Post by BROOK) No...just saying Ma'at would know...And I'm sure others know the answer as well.

    (Post by orthodoxymoron) You know...I'm probably going to look back at my posts and think 'what a fool I was'. I'm almost doing that now. The bottom-line answers are probably so very simple and obvious. I just don't feel properly equipped and prepared to deal with all of this. It's sort of like attempted therapy where the problems multiply instead of diminish. Perhaps I don't need to know a lot of what I want to know. Perhaps my posting activity is making things worse. I may have a lot of apologizing to do. I'm sorry in advance if I have gotten things wrong...or if I have been unkind. I'm mostly confused and frustrated. The more I think about the being 'Lucifer'...the more I think that most people have severly misunderstood whoever this really was and is. I do think that the Creation, the Rebellion in Heaven, the War in Heaven, the Exodus, the Egyptian Gods and Goddesses, the Egyptian Pharaohs, the Greek Gods and Goddesses, the Judeo/Christian Stories and Characters, the History of the Roman Catholic Church, and many others...SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN AT FACE VALUE. WE NEED TO RETHINK EVERYTHING.

    I don't know why...but I've been crying a lot lately. Does this mean that I'm getting warm...or just that I'm going even more crazy? I'm seeing a big-picture emerging which is leaving me breathless, speechless, and in tears. My world is literally turning upside down...with or without that damn pole-shift. Read through the first post of this thread (including the links) for a small part of my present world. http://projectavalon.net/forum/showt...eings+universe Especially note the John Rhodes link. http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/su...reptiles38.htm The further I go...the less I seem to know. Perhaps I should stop. I keep thinking that at least one or two Jesuits think I should stop as well. "We have ways to make you stop!!" (Just kidding!) I just wish I could be a fly on the wall when they are really discussing in detail what is really going on in this Universe. (but then they'd have to swat me!) I just hope these people do the right thing when it really counts.

    (BROOK Quoted by WinterWolf) Oh yes WinterWolf...as you said earlier in this thread...you are the Sun God Ra....then that means there must be two more of you hanging around here somewhere..right?

    (Post by WinterWolf) Me, myself and I.  

    (orthodoxymoron Quoted by Anchor) I don't know why...but I've been crying a lot lately. Does this mean that I'm getting warm...or just that I'm going even more crazy? I'm seeing a big-picture emerging which is leaving me breathless, speechless, and in tears. My world is literally turning upside down...with or without that damn pole-shift.

    (Post by Anchor) Crying a lot is a process. In my opinion it needs to happen at moments of re-evaluation or resolution - a healing process - and a useful way to dump energy you don't need anymore. So far as I understand it is a common "ascension" symptom - since these changes catalyze the processes I am talking about. Just let it all out. <hug>

    (orthodoxymoron Quoted by Anchor) The further I go...the less I seem to know. Perhaps I should stop. I keep thinking that at least one or two Jesuits think I should stop as well. "We have ways to make you stop!!" (Just kidding!) I just wish I could be a fly on the wall when they are really discussing in detail what is really going on in this Universe. (but then they'd have to swat me!) I just hope these people do the right thing when it really counts.

    (Post by Anchor) That feeling, that it is all up to other people is probably a bum steer. You are not powerless. That is the thing we all need to face. This is all ours. We are the hero's we have been waiting for. We are all. Its not up to the other people. It is up to us. Love, A..

    (Post by orthodoxymoron) Thank-you Anchor. It's not a hopeless crying. It has more to do with how much we may all have been through on our reincarnational journeys...and also with my perception that the Gods and Goddesses are not all-powerful...and that they may have been (and may currently be) a mixture of good and evil. It also may have something to do with the burden accompanying the realization of how precarious our situation really is. It may also be a Eureka Phenomenon. Namaste.

    (BROOK Quoted by micjer) So I am Very interested in the one they call Ptah. The origin of Ptah's name is unclear, though some believe it to mean 'opener' or 'sculptor'. As a god of craftsmen, the later is probably correct. He was a patron of the arts, protector of stone cutters, sculptors, blacksmiths, architects, boat builders, artists and craftsmen. It was believed that Ptah created the heavens and the earth. Ptah created the giant metal plate that was believed to be the floor of heaven and the roof of the sky, he also created the struts that upheld it. He created the universe by speaking words through his Tongue (linked to the god Thoth) and by thoughts coming from his Heart. There came into being as the heart and there came into being as the tongue ...The mighty Great One is Ptah, who transmitted life to all gods, as well as to their kas... Thus it happened that the heart and tongue gained control over every other member of the body, by teaching that he, Ptah... is in every body and in every mouth of all gods, all men,and every thing that lives, by thinking and commanding everything that he wishes. Thus the ka-spirits were made... by this speech... Thus were made all work and all crafts, the action of the arms, the movement of the legs, and the activity of every member, in conformance with this command which the heart thought, which came forth through the tongue, and which gives value to everything. Ptah was a creator god, the third highest god in Egypt. He was the god presiding over the Second Egyptian month. From a local god of craftsmen to the deity who crafted the universe and the other deities, Ptah was only overshadowed by the sun god Ra, and the hidden god Amen. He fashioned the universe through words of power and by thought, as well as creating different parts by hand. He helped the dead on their travels through the afterlife, allowing them to transform into his divine figure, or by building the boats on which they could travel. He was the one who allowed the dead to be like the living after death. Sounds like a pretty powerful guy to me...in all of this legend and metaphor.

    (Post by micjer) Very interesting. Ok what do the masons really know? Look at this 1st degree tracing board. It shows the pleiades pointing to the star of Ra. Then down from this is Jacobs' ladder. It also shows the pillars (struts) that Ptah made. Now if we can just connect all of these dots.

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 EAtracingboard
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Tb
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 First-degree-tracing-board-j-owring

    (Post by BROOK) Looks to me like they worship Ptah....in all his glory.

    (Post by WinterWolf) Why do you think Ra is dead? Men tell lies and even the Divine can bend the truth.

    (Post by orthodoxymoron)The Stairway to Heaven. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Fqozggi-44 What did Led Zeppelin know...and when did they know it? Pay close attention to the words. Siriusly. Who exactly is the "Lady We All Know"? One (or all) of the ladies we have been discussing on this thread? Is a Lady We All Know...Behind Most of What We Know? Very Siriusly. Hail Mary...Mother of the Gods and Goddesses...and the Mediatrix between Humanity and the Interdimensional Reptilians Loyal to Ra (Amen)? I ask these questions with the utmost respect toward all of those (Human and Otherwise) who have attempted to do the right thing throughout Universal History. I'm trying to deal with these topics in a non-triumphalist manner. I just want to determine the truth...in a very low-key and informal manner...and then move on to bigger and better things. Can anyone say 'Amen'? Oh never mind! A Stargate SG-1 episode (Hathor) indicated that Ra had been killed. I combined that with the purposeful extinction (in 3D) of the Founders which Alex Collier refers to...a comment on Avalon...and what often happens in a coupe de tat such as the War in Heaven. It's probably mostly a speculative shot in the dark. Material furnished by BROOK indicates Amen as being the 'hidden god'...which I speculated was the Spirit of Ra (who may no longer exist in 3D). The 'New York Times' said that 'God is Dead'. It's really pretty thin...but I'm no pro...I'm just making this up as I go. What do you think Winter Wolf?

    (Post by BROOK) Love that song...it has my name in it. To my thinking, here are the important lyrics in the song....


    And a new day will dawn
    For those who stand long
    And the forests will
    Echo with laughter

    Yes, there are two paths you can go by
    But in the long run
    There's still time to change
    The road you're on

    (Post by WinterWolf) Take a look at Greek mythology. The gods were portrayed as being jealous, deceitful, spiteful, loving, wrathful, etc etc. They were portrayed as having the same flaws as men. Who is to say the Egyptian gods were not the same? If this were the case, perhaps a lie can be made to sound like the truth. Give the fib enough truth to make it sound convincing. Perhaps the disappearance of Ra ended the war faster than if he remained in view. Personally, I do not put much stock into the show as it is but a show though there might be some actual history depicted in the show.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amen Amen, meaning so be it, is of Hebrew origin.[5][6] The word was imported into the Greek of the early Church from the Jewish synagogue.[1][7] From Greek, amen entered the other Western languages. According to a standard dictionary etymology, amen passed from Greek into Late Latin, and thence into English.[8] The Hebrew word amen derives from the Hebrew verb ’aman’, a primitive root.[9] Grammarians frequently list ’aman under its three consonants (’mn), which are identical to those of ’amen.[8] This triliteral root (’mn) means to be firm, confirmed, reliable, faithful, have faith, believe.

    (Post by micjer) I agree but I think there is more....But where did it all begin? Ever wondered why people say amen at the end of a prayer. I don't anymore. http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/ptah.htm

    From old Egyptian texts we can see that people regarded the Sun as the emblem of the Creator. They called the Sun Ra, and all other gods and goddesses were forms of the Creator. One of these gods was Amen; a secret, hidden and mysterious god named variously Amen, Amon, Amun, Ammon and Amounra. For the first eleven dynasties (c. 3000-1987 B.C.) Amen was just a minor god, but by the 17th dynasty (c. 1500 B.C.) he had been elevated to be the national god of southern Egypt. This position gave Amen the attributes and characteristics of the most ancient gods, and his name became Amen-Ra, that is, a supreme form of God the Creator. By the 18th Dynasty (1539-1295 B.C.) a college had been established to study Amen-Ra and as a focal point for worship.

    The Jews settled in Egypt for around 400 years4 from 1847 B.C. and during this sojourn there is no doubt they would have been fully exposed to the worship of Amen-Ra. By the time of their exodus from Egypt in 1447 B.C., the term 'Amen' would certainly be in their language even if it was not their god. It would be a word that had associations with reverence and majesty. This is not difficult to understand. People still talk about Moses, Jesus, Mohammed and Buddha, and often use those names completely out of context as expletives. Amen was seen as a powerful god and the name continued, out of context, as an exclamation or salutation; a classic example of language evolution. From the Jews, the word was adopted by Christians, Muslims and others.

    So Amen was originally the name of a Pagan god, who was considered a form of God the Creator. But he was certainly not considered God, or Christ. Interestingly, most Pagans today tend not to use the word, preferring instead to say "So mote it be", an old Anglo-Saxon term. Perhaps they see the word Amen in the Bible and the Tanakh and don't want to be associated with Christianity or the like. Indeed, in the Bible we see Jesus Christ referred to as "The Amen". Christ is God's Amen to all that he has spoken. Thereby the name used for an old Egyptian god is replaced by the same name used for Christ. http://www.seiyaku.com/customs/amen.html

    (Post by BROOK) Good find on the Mason thing...I did not know that..and it fits rather well to an Idea I have concluded so far. I believe Ptah was severely corrupted..and using his powers for the dark side.

    (Post by orthodoxymoron) I'm just wondering if what we are dealing with is the ancient removal of Ra...followed by a battle (which continues to this very day?) between Amen (loyal to Ra?) and Ptah (opposed to Ra?)...with Horus (neutral?) attempting to unify the two factions...and end the conflict of the ages. This hypothetical battle may have started with the creation of the Human Race (ordered by Ra and carried out by Ptah?)...and the subsequent theocratic enslavement of Humanity. Could we be in the middle of a three-way conflict between Michael (neutral), Gabriel (pro-Ra), and Lucifer (anti-Ra)? Then...add the names Reptilians, Anunnaki, Draconians, Greys, God, Satan, Lucifer, Angels, Demons, Extraterrestrials, Jesus, Mary, Black Pope, Zionism, Teutonic Zionism, Andromedans, et al...and things may begin to come into focus...but you might not like what you see. You might even cry.

    I'm still seeing an 'Anna-like' Human/Reptilian Hybrid (Ptah/Lucifer?) engaged in a power struggle with a Rival Loyal to Amen...for control of Earth, the Moon, the Solar System, (the Universe?), the City States, the DUMB's, the Secret Space Program, Ancient Technology...and ownership of the Human Race. The process of getting to the bottom of all of this may be very confusing and complex...but the ultimate reality may be very simple and startling. I don't claim to know the truth...but we have been lied to throughout history...and we are still being lied to. Disclosure may be very unpleasant...and we may not be able to handle the truth. This may be why Disclosure has to be a Process rather than a Single Event. Avalon may be a huge part of this process.

    Just an afterthought...were the Physical Reptilians who were loyal to Ra...mostly exterminated. Is this why the Reptilian Phenomenon is mostly Interdimensional in nature? Do they constitute the Hidden God Amen? Are the only Physical Reptilians on Earth the ones who were/are opposed to Ra and who are loyal to Ptah?  www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtXZEBDrhV0&NR=1

    (Post by micjer) Oxy...Just wondered where you found the info that Ptah was Lucifer?

    (Post by orthodoxymoron) I'm not exactly sure. Nowhere really. It was just conjecture. I will try to retrace my steps to document what might have led me to that possibility. In the meantime...take a look at this link to an BTS forum: http://www.belowtopsecret.com/forum/...pg3#pid2881167. I guess I equated Hathor with Ptah...based upon the Hathor episode of Stargate SG-1. In this episode...Hathor is happy when she discovers that Ra has been killed. Could Amen be the Goa'uld inside of Hathor? Lucifer rebelled against God...and waged war against God. So I put 2 and 2 together...but did I get 3, 4, 5...or what? What have I done?

    I guess I'm trying to contextually superimpose Creation, Heaven, Garden of Eden, Luciferian Rebellion, Temptation of Eve, Temptation of Christ, War in Heaven, Expulsion from Heaven, Expulsion from the Garden of Eden, the Exodus, the Bible, Ancient Mythologies, the Reptilian Phenomenon, the UFO Phenomenon, Ancient Technology, Secret Societies...and many, many more. The 20 Greatest Hints of What's Really Going On in the Universe!

    Consider Michael, Gabriel, and Lucifer. Are they three Reptilians at the top of a very ancient Theocratic Pyramid? What is their relation to Ra, Amen, and Ptah? Who was/is God the Father? Who was/is Jesus Christ? Who was/is the Holy Spirit? Who created Humanity? When Genesis says 'Let US make man in OUR image'...does this not imply a committee of Non-Human Beings intelligently designing Human Beings? Who owns Humanity? Who controls Humanity? Are Michael, Gabriel, and Lucifer really Reptilian/Human Hybrids in Earth History? Was/is Michael really Jesus? I bet you can't guess who Lucifer was/is? And what about Gabriel? We don't hear much about Gabriel...do we? Why?

    Consider a three-way power struggle between Michael, Gabriel, and Lucifer...over the ownership and control of the Human Race. Could these three factions be the three components of the Trilateral Commission...and the Trilateral Insignia seen on some "Alien" Spacecraft? I've heard that there are three major Under Ice Bases in Antarctica. Is there a common meeting place in this area where the Policy Committee of the Bilderberg Group meets to discuss our fate? What would Bill Cooper say? What would Alex Collier say?

    Think Zionism vs Teutonic Zionism. Think Kabbalists vs Nazis. Think of Jesus and His Followers (in spirit...and not in name only) trying to break up this family feud. Also think of what happens to a police officer who tries to break up a marital fight. He gets crucified. Could the World Wars really have been a couple of fire-fights in a huge ongoing Star War for the Control of the Universe?

    I have said repeatedly that I would like to have a drink with Lucifer when this thing gets resolved. But you know...I would like to have a drink with Michael, Gabriel, and Lucifer when this thing gets resolved. Come to think of it...perhaps that's the only way this thing will be resolved. Actually...maybe they should smoke the peace-pipe with some really fine Acapulco Gold or some Mauwi Wowie!

    Seriously...in the Stargate SG-1 episode titled 'The Fifth Race'...an Asgard Alien describes four races (with one no longer present - the Ancients)...and describes Humanity as being the 'Fifth Race'. Could we possibly be dealing with four Reptilian races represented by Ra, Gabriel, Michael, and Lucifer...with Ra no longer physically present...but represented by Amen aka The Goa'uld aka "The Hidden God"? Are Gabriel, Michael, Lucifer, and Humanity really Sons and Daughters of God (Ra)? When the Vatican refers to Aliens as being "Our Brothers"...they might not be kidding or using a euphemistic figure of speech. If Amen manifests as Interdimensional Reptilians Who Hate Humans...could this hatred arise from the brutal gang of facts that the Creation of Man is what caused War in Heaven and the Extermination of Ra's Race?

    What is the true nature of the soul? If there are five races (three Physical Reptilian, one Human, and one Interdimensional Reptilian)...do all of these races draw from the same Well of Souls? Are Humans quite literally possessed by the Souls of the Ancients? Do we possess the Knowledge of the Ancients...much of which we are not evolved enough to handle? Is this why we have been genetically detuned...and are only able to use a small percentage of our brain capacity? Is this why we do not remember our past lives? Perhaps we have "Great Potential" but "Have Much to Prove." We're not doing too good...are we? I wonder as I wander through inner-space and cyber-space. Perhaps someday 'they' will allow me to wander through outer-space...but I just felt my choke-chain tighten...and I thought I heard 'Bad Human'!

    (Post by BROOK) Well now...in a short summery thus far, I see Thoth..coming from the area of Atlantis. Bringing with him the secrets of great technology that we have all been made to believe was there at the time, Whether or not that technology was extraterrestrial...or divine...or a combination of both is yet to be discovered. But with such great power..from whatever the source is....as was also eluded to in Atlantis..that power got corrupted...miss used. for Dark purposes. So...lets look at the Emerald Tablets of Thoth.

    Great information, about the flower of life, the merkaba, and much sacred geometry....also the ability to control life and death....and the "here after". So here you have tablets...spread all over the internet. You can access it and the words and all. However...as with most great secrets...I believe there is something missing. A key. Otherwise...with enough people out there reading and using the information....they would have captured the secret long ago. So...the mystery remains for now...and the key hidden for all but those who can find it. The tablets, and Thoth, as much as says so in one of the verses....


    Thus finish I my writings. Keys
    let them be to those who come after.
    But only to those who seek my wisdom,
    for only for these am I the Key and the Way.

    Now....the tablets were widely shown to be used by Allister Crowley for his magic....I believe he also has something called "discs" from the writings. If the PTB have been using this source...and the Reptilians have been using this source...and lets just say for arguments sake...it is extraterrestrial.....then maybe these "Gods" were for real...and made into the "religions" that followed. Example....Isis..used as a templet of the Virgin Mary, and Baby Jesus.....Hmmm And if that is the case....then there must be some of the clues in the Bible as well..for those that have the "wisdom" to obtain the key....Then again..they might have the Key itself and unlock the door. Just hoping if that is the case...they really do have the wisdom, and the heart to use it for the sake of preserving humanity..and not the opposite. Because...I believe that some have this key that are controlling in powerful places....and that means the "key" is out there...being used.....and it would involve the same sacred geometry that Thoth also eludes to. And with that comes great power....and deception.

    (Post by orthodoxymoron) You've probably all watched the 'Ring of Power'...but please watch it again...in the context of this thread. I just rewatched it...and it has a lot to say about Amen Ra...and the importance of Egypt in the Judeo/Christian tradition. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZYB_IOqeOE There is just so much to absorb and rethink. Amen seems to be central. As I have asked previously...is Amen representative of the Interdimensional Reptilians who are loyal to Ra...and who hate and enslave Humanity? I still think there is a possibility of the creation and enslavement of the Human Race...in "Heaven" (of all places)...under the theocratic reign of Ra...with Lucifer liberating the Human Race (Luciferian Rebellion and War in Heaven)...which could have resulted in the death of Ra...leaving only Amen...or the Spirit(s) of Ra. What if Lucifer and Humanity plundered the technology of the Ancients...and came to Earth in Battlestar Moon? Think in general terms regarding what would make sense in light of everything we discuss in Avalon. I'm just trying to get people thinking...but we really need to pin this stuff down. This is important. We wrestle not against flesh and blood...but against principalities and powers...and against spiritual wickedness in the heavenlies. What is the nature of the immortal souls which reside within Humanity. Are these souls Reptilian in nature...or are they distinctly Human? Please don't ignore the video and questions in this post. This is upsetting stuff. I think I'll have a drink...before I have that drink with Gabriel, Michael, and Lucifer. Please take a long, hard look at these three names. Are they all working together...or do they fight with each other? Who are the saints? Who are the villians? Are they all saints? Are they all villians? Is there any hope for the Human Race? Any hope at all?

    OK...I'm gonna talk out of both sides of my mealy speculative mouth. Here's another 'what-if?' adventure:

    What if Humans and Reptilians evolved simultaneously...and genetically manipulated each other (mutual manipulation)...and eventually ended up in a Human controlled Universal Theocracy...with Humans as the Gods...and Reptilians as the Angels? What if God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit were a Human Trinity...with the Father and Son being individuals...and the Holy Spirit being the Divinity Within Humanity (the souls in each person)? What if the Reptilian Race had a Shadow Trinity...consisting of Lucifer, Michael, and Gabriel...or Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? The Humans would be both physical and non-physical. The Reptilians would be both physical and non-physical.

    What if the Reptilians got sick and tired of this Theocratic BS...and Lucifer led a rebellion against the Human Race...which exploded into the War in Heaven...killing the Human God the Father? What if a third of the Human Race was taken as hostages and slaves (perhaps deceived)...some (or all) of whom ended up on Earth...under the rulership of the Reptilian Lucifer?

    I really started out with this general theory...before exploring other options. The one thing that remains the same...is that we need to get past the Master/Slave and Corruption/Violence BS. Otherwise...I'm pretty darn easy. Perhaps too easy. Sometimes I feel like the Kumbaya Olive Branch of the Gizeh Intelligence.

    I'm asking you to look at a Human Trinity from all angles...and to look at a Reptilian Trinity from all angles. Look at all of the possibilities regarding the evolution/creation of both races. And finally to look at Church and State...and the subjects of Theocracy and Democracy...from all angles.

    What would a Reptilian Trinity vs Human Trinity conflict look like? There would be a lot of confusion and deception...wouldn't there. None of the mythologies or theologies could really be trusted...could they? We can't really trust anything or anyone...can we? We just have to keep digging...keep asking questions...and keep speculating...without becoming enraged or going insane. What fun!

    Here is one version of a resolution of the mess we are in...written by Ellen White...in the late 1800's...in a book titled 'The Great Controversy Between Christ and Satan' (pages 676-78):

    "I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it." Revelation 21:22. The people of God are privileged to hold open communion with the Father and the Son. "Now we see through a glass, darkly." 1 Corinthians 13:12

    We behold the image of God reflected, as in a mirror, in the works of nature and in His dealings with men; but then we shall see Him face to face, without a dimming veil between. We shall stand in His presence and behold the glory of His countenance.

    There the redeemed shall know, even as also they are known. The loves and sympathies which God Himself has planted in the soul shall there find truest and sweetest exercise. The pure communion with holy beings, the harmonious social life with the blessed angels and with the faithful ones of all ages who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, the sacred ties that bind together "the whole family in heaven and earth" (Ephesians 3:15)--these help to constitute the happiness of the redeemed.

    There, immortal minds will contemplate with never-failing delight the wonders of creative power, the mysteries of redeeming love. There will be no cruel, deceiving foe to tempt to forgetfulness of God. Every faculty will be developed, every capacity increased. The acquirement of knowledge will not weary the mind or exhaust the energies. There the grandest enterprises may be carried forward, the loftiest aspirations reached, the highest ambitions realized; and still there will arise new heights to surmount, new wonders to admire, new truths to comprehend, fresh objects to call forth the powers of mind and soul and body.

    All the treasures of the universe will be open to the study of God's redeemed. Unfettered by mortality, they wing their tireless flight to worlds afar--worlds that thrilled with sorrow at the spectacle of human woe and rang with songs of gladness at the tidings of a ransomed soul. With unutterable delight the children of earth enter into the joy and the wisdom of unfallen beings. They share the treasures of knowledge and understanding gained through ages upon ages in contemplation of God's handiwork. With undimmed vision they gaze upon the glory of creation--suns and stars and systems, all in their appointed order circling the throne of Deity. Upon all things, from the least to the greatest, the Creator's name is written, and in all are the riches of His power displayed.

    And the years of eternity, as they roll, will bring richer and still more glorious revelations of God and of Christ. As knowledge is progressive, so will love, reverence, and happiness increase. The more men learn of God, the greater will be their admiration of His character. As Jesus opens before them the riches of redemption and the amazing achievements in the great controversy with Satan, the hearts of the ransomed thrill with more fervent devotion, and with more rapturous joy they sweep the harps of gold; and ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands of voices unite to swell the mighty chorus of praise.

    "And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever." Revelation 5:13.

    The great controversy is ended. Sin and sinners are no more. The entire universe is clean. One pulse of harmony and gladness beats through the vast creation. From Him who created all, flow life and light and gladness, throughout the realms of illimitable space. From the minutest atom to the greatest world, all things, animate and inanimate, in their unshadowed beauty and perfect joy, declare that God is love.

    (Post by BROOK) Lots of what ifs... What if these Emerald Tablets....that are not the same you see now...what if they had a power....that was the eventual demise of Atlantis. And used to manipulate through religion and control of sorts. Or miss used for power and control? Now they sound, if read in full...like they are ideal in many aspects. For example they have much that the "new age" uses for progression of a spiritual life. And they also have within them some bits of great wisdom. But is that what they were intended for? Are the real Emerald Tablets possibly some kind of road map for something that would create a spiritual war, for the power that they possess?

    Remember that with power, comes responsibility. And if they were used to control by such power, could there possible have been a war over their use, and possession? Then...take that power and technology to Egypt. Call the ones in possession of that power "Gods"....and create great religions and power over the masses....Certainly something to consider in my mind. I had noticed, that when I was reading them..the ones created and published...that they actually gave me a headache from reading them. And I was wondering why...especially the parts with the "secret" words in the "secret of secrets" tablet. Yes...lots of what ifs....

    (Post by WinterWolf) Why do you think Ra wants to enslave mankind? What would have been the point of having free will if slaves are all that is needed? Why not make us automatons with no concept of self? Wouldn't it be easier to control something that has no free will or can operate on its own?

    (Post by orthodoxymoron) You can change the names...but the master/slave game gets played over and over and over again. Aristocracy, Monarcy, Theocracy, Dictatorship, Slavery. Take your pick. The Monarchical Episcopate and the Divine Right of Kings is a real peach! Whoever genetically engineered Humanity gave us free will. But who knows what happened after that? One can put together a million scenarios...and they might all be wrong. I'm going to try to focus on The United States of the Solar System thread. Even if it's 90% wrong...I still think this is a productive topic to consider. I want to spend a lot of time thinking about a Perfected Humanity living in a Perfected Solar System. I want to envision Utopia. I don't want to go to Heaven. I want to help create Heaven right here in this Solar System. But I don't want a Theocratic Heaven...other than a Secular Sprituality Based Upon Namaste Constitutional Responsible Freedom. This thread has been fun...but I'm pretty much done. I will not allow Ancient Race Wars, Star Wars, and Masters of the Universe to dictate the fate of this Solar System.

    Consider God/Satan, Gabriel, Michael, and Lucifer. I'm almost afraid to really dig into this...and I've been putting it off. There's the 'book answers'...and then there are the 'real answers'. It's the potential 'real answers' that are frightening me. As I've stated elsewhere...my New Theology is Christocentric-Egyptology Science-Fiction...and very non-traditional. Most of religion and history is BS...but there is still the underlying truth...which should not be ignored. Hathor may be the key to Enki as Goddess. I'm not sure why...but it sounded cool!  Here is a very interesting music video...which I keep referring back to. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3A6_blpqpU Could this pretty preacher (I'm in love! ) approximate a modern manifestation of Hathor? http://pastormelissascott.com/ Do a little research on this last one. You'll be amazed...  I don't know how much of it is true. I don't know how much of anything is really true! I'm thinking that there may be a real link between the Archangels and the Ancient Gods and Goddesses. Is Hathor the All Seeing Eye aka Eye of Ra? Was Ra killed? Did Hathor kill Ra? Is the Dog Star Sirius the Illumination behind the All Seeing Eye? Was the Sun God Ra from Sirius? Sirius is Central...right? Is Horus representative of Michael aka Jesus? World Without End. Almond Raw.







    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Hqdefault
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 14
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 15854503


    Last edited by orthodoxymoron on Fri Dec 11, 2020 4:55 pm; edited 11 times in total
    Ashera
    Ashera


    Posts : 4201
    Join date : 2011-03-16
    Location : Atargatis Atreides

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (10)

    Post  Ashera Wed Dec 09, 2020 7:11 am

    Over years I watched the mental decay of a friend who was drugged with Statin and how his interests increasingly concentrated on "mandalas"...
    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


    Posts : 13426
    Join date : 2010-09-28
    Location : The Matrix

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (10)

    Post  orthodoxymoron Thu Dec 10, 2020 11:05 pm

    Can't We All Just Get Along?




    Once upon a time, in an empty college-church, I was in the balcony, looking at a 50 foot-tall Rieger four-manual tracker-action electric stop-action French-Romantic pipe-organ (which looks like Darth Vader). Suddenly, four caped-men entered the church, boisterously joking and conversing with each-other. They approached the organ (located at the front of the church), and one of the caped-crusaders seated-himself at the console, and began to play (without sheet-music). He perfectly and impressively performed the Passacaglia and Fugue in C-minor by J.S. Bach (BWV 582) from memory. It was a memorable-event for me. I think the organist was Timothy Tikker, but I might've been mistaken. I eventually mastered BWV 582, but I never played it as well as Timothy Tikker. What Would Sandra Soderlund Say?? I've taken the organ-approach as a road less traveled, and not necessarily as a statement regarding the way things should be. I prefer a unity of organ, orchestra, choir, and congregation. They really should be united as much as possible. The Egyptology is also a road less traveled, and not necessarily a statement regarding the way things should be. As I've said before, I lean toward educational-pluralism and sacred-music. I've tried to provoke some holy-controversy, but I think I've been ignored and shunned, which might've been for the best. Consider the following Minimal-List:

    1. Read the Whole-Bible straight-through (over and over) in a variety of translations.
    2. Listen-To and Perform the Music of Bach, Buxtehude, and Widor.
    3. Exercise Daily in Nature.

    A few years ago I got raked over the coals by CHRISTIANS for focusing upon the Teachings of Jesus. Well, what do you think of my Whole-Bible Approach?? Someone recently implied that I lie. When someone asks me "How Are You??" I usually respond "Fine, Thank-You!!" even if I feel horrible, so perhaps that's lying. I keep saying that I'm stopping-posting, and then I resume posting a couple of days or weeks later, so perhaps that's lying. I keep telling all of you that I "Model" various "Personalities" and "Concepts", and that I'm NOT like my online-image in real-life, so perhaps that's lying. I keep telling all of you that I might sometimes exaggerate just a bit, or that I might be mistaken about something, so perhaps that's lying. But other than these possible examples of 'lying' I don't lie. Someday you'll discover that the 'real-truth' is much more dramatic than my online patched-together approximations and speculation, but I will probably have left this world (and possibly this solar system) by then. There might be "Weeping, Wailing, and Gnashing of Teeth" in a decade or two. Who Knows?? Now I continue the reposting of my 'Amen Ra' thread. http://projectavalon.net/forum/showthread.php?t=18223&page=13

    (BROOK Quoted by orthodoxymoron) Lots of what ifs... What if these Emerald Tablets....that are not the same you see now...what if they had a power....that was the eventual demise of Atlantis. And used to manipulate through religion and control of sorts. Or miss used for power and control? Now they sound, if read in full...like they are ideal in many aspects. For example they have much that the "new age" uses for progression of a spiritual life. And they also have within them some bits of great wisdom. But is that what they were intended for? Are the real Emerald Tablets possibly some kind of road map for something that would create a spiritual war, for the power that they possess? Remember that with power, comes responsibility. And if they were used to control by such power, could there possible have been a war over their use, and possession? Then...take that power and technology to Egypt. Call the ones in possession of that power "Gods"....and create great religions and power over the masses....Certainly something to consider in my mind. I had noticed, that when I was reading them..the ones created and published...that they actually gave me a headache from reading them. And I was wondering why...especially the parts with the "secret" words in the "secret of secrets" tablet. Yes...lots of what ifs....

    (Post by orthodoxymoron) I agree BROOK. Sorry I didn't respond earlier. I was sort of burned out on this thread. It's too overwhelming. Advanced Technology is Ancient...isn't it? That fact changes everything...from how we got here...to how the deities maintained power...to Roswell and Greada. This thread is interesting to me. Of the nearly 50 threads http://projectavalon.net/forum/showt...ymoron+threads I have randomly started...this is one of the most recent (12-14-09)...but it is the one with the most views (over 8,000). [Note: As of December 2017, this thread has over 160,000 views] And I notice that the view count keeps increasing...even though no one is commenting on it. Now, I don't have access to the view-count, so it's probably at least a quarter of a million views. Who Knows? Also...this is a thread which I don't keep 'bumping' to keep it in circulation...as I seem to have to do with a couple of threads 1. http://projectavalon.net/forum/showthread.php?t=15878 2. http://projectavalon.net/forum/showt...orthodoxymoron which I consider to be very important...yet which seem to generate little interest...and even some hostility. I have recently become interested in a Humanistic Christocentric Egyptological Science Fiction...which attempts to speculate in a manner which approximates possible and probable realities. It's very difficult to 'prove' a lot of this...but after awhile...one begins to see patterns and verifications. If you take a long, hard look at this thread...you might see some of these patterns and verifications...but don't lose your devotional faith and legitimate positive spirituality while considering things you have never thought about before. Take your time...and don't take any of this too seriously. I am beginning a journey through the abraxasinas thread http://projectavalon.net/forum/showthread.php?t=18900 ...which could shed a lot of light on this thread. I'm already burned-out...and that thread might just push me over the edge!

    (Post by BROOK) Yes...patterns of verification  I would take if very seriously ODM...glad you have enjoyed it  Very serious indeed!

    (Post by orthodoxymoron) Most of the really good stuff is from you BROOK! Thank-you! May the Gods and Goddesses be with you! Actually...that might not be a good thing!!! Namaste.

    (Post by Mercuriel) There are answers to All the questions here. Rather than involve Myself with the Polarity of Religious Dogma - No Matter Who's it is - Be it Marduk, Nammur, Anu, Enlil, Enki, Inanna, Zues, Saturn, Jove, Jehovah, or Etc. - I will instead posit this for all within the Law of Allowance as It relates to this discussion as it occurs here in this Forum. There is a Movie - Very hard to get - That lays the 1st Question out all very nicely. Its called From Atom to Cosmos by Itzhak Bentov and would really help All engaged in this discussion move further. Our Issue as a Species is We're trying to solve the answer from a Multitude of Issues arising from the 1st question that We should be asking before any others. Who is the Prime Experiencer in all of this ?. Source of Course, and if Source is the Prime Experiencer which it is - Then why do We look up from Our Lesser Selves in Understanding so as to view the Greater Self in nderstanding ?

    https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=from+atom+to+cosmos

    As the Experiencer You can only look back at where You've been - Not to where You've not been. That depends always on Choices You've not made yet and so therefore until the Experiencer does make that Choice - Its pure Potential as to the next Choice being made. That said - The only way to appraoch it effectively without Polarity and Dualism is to Top-down It and Understand it that way. Then once that is known - One can really get on to effecting change. Now - how do We get to Source in Understanding and then look back on It all in display You might ask ? Simple - We must know HOW We are Source. Once We know that - We All start off at the right Level in Understanding and can approach it from a Common Perspective - United... Otherwise - All Our Species will do is continue to Argue in Polarity because We won't get to solving the 1st Question.

    I ask You - Look to Yourselves for this Logic. If You Nip an Original Problem or Issue in the Bud so to speak - You stop the whole chain of events after it from even occurring. Simply put - They cease to become Potentialities. If You wish to Right or Balance an Issue - You Nip it in the Bud where It All started - Not at the back end as then all You are doing is dealing with the Symptoms and not the real Issue/Problem... Separation - Know Why and How and We can really get down to solving the Ancilliary Issues brought forth by It's denial... Again - Answer the 1st question and energetically - You'll unravel it all... Seriously - Watch the Movie I've mentioned above (Atom to Cosmos by Itzhak Bentov) and We can continue from there. Or not. Its up to Ya'll - As It always has been...



    (orthodoxymoron Quoted by Unified Serenity) I'm just wondering if what we are dealing with is the ancient removal of Ra...followed by a battle (which continues to this very day?) between Amen (loyal to Ra?) and Ptah (opposed to Ra?)...with Horus (neutral?) attempting to unify the two factions...and end the conflict of the ages. This hypothetical battle may have started with the creation of the Human Race (ordered by Ra and carried out by Ptah?)...and the subsequent theocratic enslavement of Humanity. Could we be in the middle of a three-way conflict between Michael (neutral), Gabriel (pro-Ra), and Lucifer (anti-Ra)? Then...add the names Reptilians, Anunnaki, Draconians, Greys, God, Satan, Lucifer, Angels, Demons, Extraterrestrials, Jesus, Mary, Black Pope, Zionism, Teutonic Zionism, Andromedans, et al...and things may begin to come into focus...but you might not like what you see. You might even cry. I'm still seeing an 'Anna-like' Human/Reptilian Hybrid (Ptah/Lucifer?) engaged in a power struggle with a Rival Loyal to Amen...for control of Earth, the Moon, the Solar System, (the Universe?), the City States, the DUMB's, the Secret Space Program, Ancient Technology...and ownership of the Human Race.

    The process of getting to the bottom of all of this may be very confusing and complex...but the ultimate reality may be very simple and startling. I don't claim to know the truth...but we have been lied to throughout history...and we are still being lied to. Disclosure may be very unpleasant...and we may not be able to handle the truth. This may be why Disclosure has to be a Process rather than a Single Event. Avalon may be a huge part of this process. Just an afterthought...were the Physical Reptilians who were loyal to Ra...mostly exterminated. Is this why the Reptilian Phenomenon is mostly Interdimensional in nature? Do they constitute the Hidden God Amen? Are the only Physical Reptilians on Earth the ones who were/are opposed to Ra and who are loyal to Ptah? www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtXZEBDrhV0&NR=1

    (Post by Unified Serenity) You see ODM you bring up some great points. It's the sorting it all out that kind of gets me wondering what has been twisted in "sacred" texts verses what really happened. You got crazy lunar worshipers doing hinky things that don't resonate with my views, and then you have others that do. We have sun worshipers that spread of message of love and oneness, but is it real love and oneness or some enslavement to an ingrained ideal in our DNA meant to control us via this seeing of "God/dess" creator being? I do believe we have been visited by vastly more intelligent races. Are the Annunaki the Nephilim? Are they the one's who rejected Jehovah of the OT? Are they evil and bad? Are they determined to enslave us to serve them or were they trying to rescue us from a tyrannical god who had gained power? Isis is very interesting as is the Horus, Ra, and Ptah stories. What is it with the feminine Goddess and women being so maligned throughout the ages into a subservient position? Is it some inner ability women possess that males want to control? Does it really matter what one's sex is? I don't really think one's sex matters, but who knows. There does seem to be a concerted effort for eons to subjugate women and our natural sensitivities. I'm very interested in hearing the continued thoughts in this whole thread. Still reading and watching.

    (Post by orthodoxymoron) Thank-you Mercuriel and Unified Serenity. I will try to look at that movie. There is just so much information...and so little time and engergy...in my case. I'm a mess right now. I'm sort of paralyzed by a combination of Ancient-Shock and Future-Shock! Back to the Future! All of this is more of an exercise in thinking and discernment...than anything else. This is sort of sloppy pseudo-intellectual free-thinking. Sort of an Online Hellfire Club...if you will. What would Benjamin Franklin and Francis Dashwood say? Again...I'm going to make a marathon effort with the abraxasinas thread...so I might not be thinking about much else for the next week or two!

    (Post by Moxie) Mercuriel: "That said - The only way to appraoch it effectively without Polarity and Dualism is to Top-down It and Understand it that way. Then once that is known - One can really get on to effecting change." "You Nip it in the Bud where It All started - Not at the back end as then all You are doing is dealing with the Symptoms and not the real Issue/Problem..."

    I love the way you write, that first paragraph is Perfect. The word "where" stands out to me, then you say "not at the back end"... so, I confess, I'm not entirely following this one. Would you mind expounding a bit more? (oh, and I've booked the movie at NetFlix, thanks) I've found myself reading ALL your posts today.. having an enjoyable time of it! thank you

    (Post by BROOK) ODM...here is a Goddess that should be take notice of...and you might find this of interest....Sekhmet. Symbols: lioness, cobra, Udjat (Eye of Horus). Depiction: The lioness goddess of war and destruction, Sekhmet was depicted as a woman in red with the head of a lioness with the solar disk and the uraeus on her head. The name Sekhmet comes from the Egyptian word sekhem meaning “to be violent, mighty, and strong.”

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Sekhmet_lynnperkins
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 9-sekhmet

    Together Sekhmet and Bastet were the Goddesses of East (Bastet) and West (Sekhmet). The wife and sister of Ptah, Sekhmet was born out of the fire of Re’s eye. Re created Sekhmet as a weapon of vengeance with which to destroy disobedient and wicked men. The ancient Egyptians feared the powers of Sekhmet and developed complicated rituals to appease the goddess. Every day of every year in the morning and afternoon, ancient Egyptian priests would perform these rituals in front of each of 700 statues of Sekhmet. The Egyptians believed that if the priests did not adhere to this strict regiment of rituals, Sekhmet would destroy them. Re had a change of heart and no longer wanted to destroy men, but could not stop his daughter from killing them. Instead of destroying Sekhmet, Re tricked her by disguising beer as blood which Sekhmet drunk. Sekhmet became so intoxicated that she could no longer kill men and was from then on known as Hathor. http://ablemedia.com/ctcweb/consorti...dssekhmet.html Now here is where I wonder.....Ptah....we know what was said in the earlier posts about him... it does not seem he was all that.... very possible agenda, and power struggle. Then he was "married "to Sekhmet? She was a weapon of vengence..but against what? Maybe against crimes of humanity? Then Ra..the symbol of the solardisc..the "sun"...got her drunk and turned into Hathor? sounds like genetic manipulation to me.....What do you think ODM? What was Ra afraid of? And why? These are the question that plague me ..and are not written in history....you need to be a good detective to figure this one out. In any event...she sounds like a force to be reckoned with.  
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Normal_719_resurrection_05
    orthodoxymoron wrote:I continue to wish and pray for the best for Brook. Here is a generic comment for all-concerned. Consider the concept of having a General-Practice Medical-Doctor AND Natural-Preventive Naturopathic-Doctor who communicate with each-other on a regular-basis to help provide the best possible preventive-lifestyle, early-detection, and as natural and non-invasive treatment as possible. Then, consider combining this foundation with a fitness-gym membership and personal-research. Finally, consider regularly shopping at a health-food store or grocery-store which specializes in naturals and organic-foods. This would be an ongoing sort of thing, and not just when a crisis arose. This would be as much about quality of life, as it would be about prevention and treatment. I'm presently leaning toward a low-tech life in natural-surroundings, in combination with all of the above. Once again, I wish to thank Brook and Lionhawk for the FANTASTIC Threads and Posts on Project Avalon and The Mists of Avalon. I have yet to properly research their material on these two websites. I LOVED that Brook Interview. It answered a lot of questions I've had for years. Thank-You!!

    Mercuriel wrote:
    My Dear Friend Brook...

    Speechless...

    Simply speechless...

    MUCH Love to You in this

    orthodoxymoron wrote:Good to see you posting, Mercuriel. I've missed your presence on this site, but I knew you were lurking in the shadows (like I'm trying to do presently). Thank-you for your patience with me throughout the years. I hope that someday all of us can know all about what was really going-on with Project Avalon and The Mists of Avalon (not to mention the real History of Earth, Humanity, and This Solar System). Meanwhile, here is another interview involving Brook. I could listen to this sort of thing each and every day.


    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 The_hitchhiker__s_guide_to_the_galaxy_wall_paper_by_crazysteam-d5gye23
    I feel guilty and bewildered by my lack of support for Brook, and by the seemingly lacking support of others. What the hell is going on?? I'm also feeling guilty and bewildered concerning the alleged death of Sherry Shriner in early January of 2018. I have NO Idea if she's really dead or not. If she's dead, how the hell did she die?? Where is the extensive discussion of her show and death?? I enjoyed listening to those Brook interviews on the Cosmic Emporium. The voice and manner were pretty-much what I expected. I remembered hearing a similar voice of a caller (from Indio) to the Art Bell Show (during the Blanche Barton interview). I noticed a similar voice in the documentary 'When God Left the Building'. Notice the person being interviewed at the 42 second mark in the following trailer. I continue to wonder if all of this is a puzzle to be solved?? I could be a lot more specific, but I always beat around the burning bush, rather than just blurting things out. Brook died in late 2018, yet I still feel as if she is somehow lurking in the nether-realms (or something to that effect).

    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


    Posts : 13426
    Join date : 2010-09-28
    Location : The Matrix

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (10)

    Post  orthodoxymoron Fri Dec 11, 2020 10:07 pm

    Carol wrote:
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Donald-Trump-700x420

    X22 Report - Ep. 2351 -  Marker Revealed,
    Trump New EO, Durham, GW, Surprise Attack

    https://podcasts.google.com
    https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0veDIy&ep=14&episode=OTE1YzM2MzItM2JmOS0xMWViLWI4NWYtMWY0ZGZkMjM2ZTQz&pe=1&pep=0

    The [CB]s have played their card, they are trying to destroy small businesses, Gov and Mayors are taking orders from them and they are continuing the lockdowns. Now those same states are hurting and the people see who is responsible. The [CB] great reset plan has failed, what will they try next. The [DS]/MSM have played their hand, they cheated and manipulated the election to get [JB] into office. Now we see stories about China, [NP][ES][HB] and [JB] leaked out. We see Gov and mayors with the Chinese, it is all being exposed to the American people. Time has just placed [JB] & [KH] on the cover, marker revealed. Trump just signed an EO for Dec 24, it has begun.
    _________

    The Case for Trump to Invoke Insurrection Act to Restore
    Election Integrity The Insurrection Act of 1807

    https://www.theepochtimes.com/case-for-president-trumps-invoking-insurrection-act-to-restore-election-integrity_3610513.html

    Commentary

    During the presidency of Thomas Jefferson, the 10th Congress enacted the Insurrection Act of 1807.

    Jefferson signed the measure into law to foil the plot of Revolutionary War hero Aaron Burr—following the destruction of his political career after he shot and killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel—to raise an army toward establishing his own dynasty in what was then the Louisiana Territory.

    The Insurrection Act empowers the president of the United States to deploy U.S. military and federalized National Guard troops to suppress civil disorder, insurrection, and rebellion. Section 252 of the Act states:

    “Whenever the President considers that unlawful obstructions, combinations, or assemblages, or rebellion against the authority of the United States, make it impracticable to enforce the laws of the United States in any State by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings, he may call into Federal service such of the militia of any State, and use such of the armed forces, as he considers necessary to enforce those laws or to suppress the rebellion.”

    Generally, the U.S. military remains free of civil conflicts on U.S. soil, as no one wants U.S. armed forces using physical force against U.S. civilians. Indeed, when President Donald Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act and send the National Guard in response to the George Floyd riots, including, for example, to address Seattle’s failure to restore law and order over the so-called “autonomous zone,” then-Defense Secretary Mark Esper openly stated his disagreement with the president.

    Ultimately, the president didn’t then invoke the Insurrection Act. But considering the possibility of the Act’s invocation now, to address “unlawful obstructions” to an attempt to verify ballots, and an “insurrection” surrounding the 2020 election generally, two powerful distinctions must at the outset be noted: (1) Esper is no longer defense secretary, as Trump has replaced him with Christopher Miller, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, and (2) troops could be deployed to take control over ballots and voting machines in swing states, rather than suppressing and dispersing rioting civilians.

    The president’s invocation of the Insurrection Act isn’t a declaration of martial law. The Constitution isn’t suspended. The writ of habeas corpus isn’t suspended. The president would be using troops to enforce the law, not override it.

    To understand the case for Trump’s potential invocation of the Insurrection Act, we must consider more broadly the 2020 election and surrounding historical circumstances.

    Numerous ‘Badges of Fraud’

    In law, fraud is often proved by what are known as “badges of fraud”—telltale signs that a fraud has taken place—short of positive proof of the actual fraud, because fraudsters have a tendency to cover their tracks.

    Case in point: Harry Markopolos. At least seven years before the lid was blown off the $65 billion Ponzi scheme run by Bernie Madoff, Harry Markopolos, a money fund manager, blew the whistle on Madoff’s decades-long Ponzi scheme. Markopolos’s “proof” was a single compelling badge of fraud: In his words, Madoff’s “impossibly smooth” returns over decades.

    Markopolos, who made investments for a living, knew no one could have such a consistent record, with no downturns, no volatility, and for so many years on end. Markopolos published a book titled “No One Would Listen,” remarking, after Madoff’s enormous scheme was exposed, “the math was so compelling.”

    Badges of Fraud in 2020 Election

    Consider now—away from the mountains of direct evidence of voter fraud—the “math” involved in the 2020 election:

    Shortly after midnight (Eastern time), Trump was leading in all six of the swing states still at issue: Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada, and had racked up, apart from those six states, 232 electoral votes to Biden’s 227.

    During the early morning hours of Nov. 4, not one or two, but all six states flipped for Biden.

    The early-morning Nov. 4 “blue-shift” took place only in the six swing states, through a series of “spikes,” almost entirely consisting of mailed ballots (made possible due to radical changes in voting laws amid the CCP virus pandemic) in which Biden received the vast majority of the votes. According to an analysis published through Substack, these spikes include:

    “An update in Michigan listed as 6:31 a.m. Eastern time on Nov. 4, 2020, which shows 141,258 votes for Joe Biden and 5,968 votes for Donald Trump”

    “An update in Wisconsin listed as 3:42 a.m. Central time on Nov. 4, 2020, which shows “143,379 votes for Joe Biden and 25,163 votes for Donald Trump”

    “A vote update in Georgia listed at 1:34 a.m. Eastern time on Nov. 4, 2020, which shows 136,155 votes for Joe Biden and 29,115 votes for Donald Trump”

    “An update in Michigan listed as of 3:50 a.m. Eastern time on Nov. 4, 2020, which shows 54,497 votes for Joe Biden and 4,718 votes for Donald Trump”

    Those four spikes yielded 426,241 Biden votes but only 64,964 Trump votes.

    Somehow Biden did very poorly in all parts of the country except, only and exactly, where it mattered. Out of the 3,000 counties in the United States, 19 so-called “bellwether” counties have had a perfect record, since 1980, of voting for the winner. Trump won 18 of these 19 counties. For example, Vigo County, Indiana, and Valencia County, New Mexico, each has a perfect record of picking the winning candidate since the 1948 election famously gotten wrong by the Chicago Tribune, which ran a cover declaring “Dewey Defeats Truman.” Barack Obama won these two bellwether counties in 2008, yet Trump handily defeated Biden in both and 16 other bellwethers.

    In 2008, Obama garnered 69,498,516 votes, the most ever until Biden topped his record with more than 80 million votes in 2020, yet, Trump this year won the highest share of nonwhite voters of any Republican since 1960: Roughly one-quarter of nonwhite voters cast their ballots for Trump, according to an Edison exit poll.

    Trump improved his 2016 performance (just shy of 63 million votes) by 20 percent in 2020 (more than 74 million votes). No incumbent president in U.S. history has ever improved his original performance that much and lost. For example, Obama garnered 3.5 million fewer votes in 2012, yet won a second term.

    In sum: Six swing states were won by Trump on Election Day, and all six shifted to Biden by virtue of early-morning Nov. 4 spikes in mailed-in ballots that overwhelmingly favored Biden; but somehow Biden didn’t win elsewhere in the country; Trump won nearly all (18 of 19) of the historically accurate bellwether counties; Biden, campaigning from his basement, after obvious signs of cognitive decline and the hugely damaging Hunter Biden scandal breaking, running with a vice presidential candidate who had to drop out of the Democratic nomination race while polling at 5 percent, somehow topped Obama, the first black U.S. president, by more than 10 million votes, even as Trump won more of the nonwhite vote than any Republican candidate in the past 60 years.

    As Markopolos said of Madoff’s Ponzi scheme, the “math was so compelling,” but no one would listen. The same is true of the 2020 election.

    Mountains of Proof of Fraud

    Aside from these compelling badges of fraud, mountains of direct evidence of widespread voter fraud have been uncovered:

    Radical change to universal mail-in ballots—a weaponization of the CCP virus pandemic.
    Dramatic ease of mail-in restrictions.
    A dramatic drop in mailed ballot rejection rates.
    Sworn affidavit of “perfect black bubbles” filled in on mailed ballots.
    Sworn affidavits of ballots counted multiple times.
    Refusal of election authorities to perform simple signature checks on mailed ballots.
    Sworn affidavits of mailed ballots having been backdated.
    Sworn affidavits of “pristine ballots.”
    Sworn testimony of a Pennsylvania trucker concerning massive numbers of ballots shipped to Pennsylvania from Bethpage, New York.
    Ballots from out-of-state voters.
    Ballots from voters listing fraudulent addresses.
    Poll watchers denied access in violation of the law.

    Video evidence of cases of hidden ballots.
    Dominion Software

    On top of the badges of fraud, compelling math, and actual proof of voter fraud, powerful evidence has emerged that the Dominion vote-counting software, in use in 28 states, has been compromised:

    Sworn testimony that Dominion is linked to Smartmatic, which was allegedly developed at the request of Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez to ensure his election victories.

    Evidence that in many cases, the Dominion machines were connected to the internet and thus made vulnerable to hacking, including by foreign actors.
    Evidence that Dominion machines were not “hardened” (secured against hacking).
    Evidence that Dominion components were made in China.
    Election Officials Are Partisan Political Hacks

    No objective observer would contend that the election officials are anything but partisan political hacks. They have no interest in a fair and honest election and are only concerned with a Biden win, no matter how fraudulently procured.

    Sadly, this sort of hyper-partisanship has extended to elected officials, including some Democratic governors, such as Pennsylvania’s Tom Wolf, who has shown he’s set on certifying Pennsylvania’s fraudulent results—which now have Biden winning, despite a nearly 800,000-vote Trump lead on Election Day, and despite mountains of evidence of fraud.

    Courts Demonstrate Reluctance to Intervene

    Many court cases have been brought in response to the widespread voter fraud, some by the president and others by disenfranchised voters represented by independent lawyers and lawyers who work for public interest groups.

    In some cases, the courts have, tragically, operated as partisan appendages of the Democratic executive branches of state governments. For example, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, in a 4–3 decision, overrode the GOP-majority-controlled Pennsylvania Legislature’s duly enacted law setting 8 p.m. on Election Day as the deadline for mail-in ballots.

    That decision was a brazen violation of the U.S. Constitution, as Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito has suggested, referring to a provision that vested with state legislatures the exclusive authority to determine the manner of selecting electors.

    In other cases, courts have demonstrated a reluctance to get involved. While I don’t agree with this approach, it’s understandable, given the separation of powers inherent to our constitutional republic. Many judges simply don’t want to tell the executive branch of a state government how to run their elections even if they see compelling evidence of rampant fraud.

    Can Biden Run Out the Clock?

    The Electors Clause of the Constitution grants each state legislature the exclusive power to decide the “manner” in which the state’s presidential electors are chosen. That means the legislatures have the constitutional power to select Trump-pledged electors if they believe a fraudulent vote was certified or to disavow the Biden-pledged electors certified by the state’s governor.

    What’s less clear is whether the state lawmakers can do either at any time up until the Jan. 20 inauguration, or whether they are foreclosed from doing so after the Electoral College is convened, which this year will be held on Dec. 14. The Electoral College date is set by congressional statute, not by the Constitution, and to the extent that statute, as applied, constrains constitutional powers of the state lawmakers, it may be adjudged unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

    Still, in the absence of timely clarification from the Supreme Court, the state lawmakers may be persuaded that they lack a constitutional power they truly possess, or they just may be frustrated in exercising that power by Democratic governors refusing to call a special session of a state’s legislature.

    Trump Proposes ‘Landmark’ Election Overhaul

    While being careful never to say that he would resist a peaceful transition of power, the president in a pre-recorded speech—which he dubbed the “most important” he has ever made—declared that our election system was under “coordinated assault and siege.”

    Later, the president proposed “landmark election reform” and overhaul of election security systems, but that would only occur if and after Republicans won the Senate, and presupposes a Trump victory.

    Speaking at his recent rally supporting the GOP candidates in the Georgia Senate runoff elections—businesswoman Sen. Kelly Loeffler (R-Ga.) and former business executive Sen. David Perdue (R-Ga.)—Trump said of their opponents, “These people want to go further than socialism, they want to go into a communistic form of government, and I have no doubt about it.”

    The president warned, “As Chuck Schumer said rather infamously, ‘First, we take Georgia, then we take America.’”

    DOJ, FBI Have Shown Reluctance to Get Involved

    Although the Department of Justice (DOJ), through special counsel Robert Mueller and the FBI, spent years and interviewed more than 500 witnesses to investigate the Russia–Trump collusion hoax, Attorney General William Barr took a few weeks to go out of his way to state to the press that he hadn’t found evidence of voter fraud on a scale that would overturn the election result.

    According to the president’s lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, the FBI is “missing in action.” Of course, it strains credulity that the DOJ could possibly have conducted any sort of real investigation into a national election involving 150 million voters in anywhere near the time frame that Barr took to make his comments.

    Pennsylvania Lawmakers Seek to Void Biden Electors

    Sixty-four Pennsylvania state senators, representatives, and members-elect of the General Assembly, including Speaker of the House Bryan Cutler and majority leader Kerry Benninghoff, issued a letter (pdf) on Dec. 4 asking Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation to object to the 20 Electoral College votes certified by Gov. Tom Wolf for Biden, because of the profound evidence of fraud in Pennsylvania (in which Trump’s 800,000-vote Election Day lead was overcome).

    The lawmakers noted the unlawful blocking of GOP poll watchers, the trucker’s shocking testimony regarding the delivery of thousands of ballots to Pennsylvania from Bethpage, New York, and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s unconstitutional and hyperpartisan overriding of the Pennsylvania Legislature’s 8 p.m. Election Day deadline for mailed ballots.

    Mainstream Media, Social Media as Co-conspirators

    No objective person would say the mainstream media and social media have been journalistically objective. Indeed, no objective person would deny they have been active co-conspirators in stealing the election.

    Long before Election Day, Twitter and Facebook were aggressively suppressing factual articles adverse to Biden, including Twitter blocking the New York Post’s breaking news story about the contents of the Hunter Biden laptop, and shutting down the Post’s Twitter account for weeks. The New York Post was founded in 1801 by Alexander Hamilton.

    The mainstream and social media also repeatedly suppressed news of Biden’s mental acuity and frequent stunning gaffes.

    Mainstream media voting polls suppressed Trump voters by reporting that a Biden win was a foregone conclusion.

    On Election Day, the mainstream media displayed obvious bias, calling states for Biden prematurely and interminably delaying calls of Trump’s victories in Florida, Texas, Ohio, and South Carolina. Even formerly conservative cable news outlet Fox News shamefully called Arizona for Biden on Election Day, when no objective observer would have done so.

    Almost all news outlets “called” the election weeks ago, and repeatedly refer to Biden as “president-elect.” Very few outlets—The Epoch Times the most notable—have refused to call the election while six swing states remain in dispute.

    The actions of the media and social media are more than bias; they amount to the active and substantial assistance of a co-conspirator. Consider this recent gem from The New York Times in a supposed hard news story, with the clear objective of stopping lawmakers and the courts from considering the evidence of fraud:

    “The final days of the Trump presidency have taken on the stormy elements of a drama more common to history or literature than a modern White House. His rage and detached-from-reality refusal to concede defeat evoke images of a besieged overlord in some distant land defiantly clinging to power rather than going into exile or an erratic English monarch imposing his version of reality on his cowed court.”

    Few objective voters could or would even try to make a case for Biden truly possessing the leadership abilities to serve as the leader of the free world.

    Biden, who graduated near the very bottom of his law school class, has held political office for 47 years with virtually no accomplishments to speak of. He was forced to withdraw from the 1987 presidential race after admitting to plagiarism, and lost to Obama in 2008.

    Biden is on tape bragging about having successfully threatened the president of Ukraine into firing a prosecutor who was investigating the company Burisma, which had employed his son Hunter for more than $50,000 a month, and Ukraine knuckled under, fired the prosecutor, and dropped the investigation.

    Shortly before the election, the Hunter Biden laptop scandal broke, during which evidence emerged that Hunter had taken millions from the Chinese Communist Party, which emails allegedly show he committed to share with his father, the “big guy.”

    What Biden really offers, everyone knows, is a pliable empty vessel that the left can do with what they please. He serves as a figurehead and nothing more.


    While this alone isn’t a reason to overturn the election, it draws a highlighter through the risk of civil war, because it makes Biden’s fraudulent election part of a broader scheme—i.e., an insurrection.

    47 Percent of US Voters Say Election Stolen: Poll

    A Rasmussen poll shows that 47 percent of U.S. voters believe that “Democrats stole votes or destroyed pro-Trump ballots in several states to ensure that Biden would win.” This is a staggering result. It’s one thing for voters to say they have no confidence in the winner. It’s another for them to say the election was stolen.

    I believe, like the “shy Trump” voter, the true percentage of voters who believe the election was stolen has to be much higher. Indeed, it’s hard to understand how any well-informed Democrat could come to any other conclusion.

    Trump has claimed that he’s been privately called by many foreign leaders who have expressed similar sentiments.

    Australia’s Sky News has repeatedly reported aggressively on the obvious fraud in the U.S. election.

    Case That Insurrection Is Unfolding Is Compelling

    The confluence of events now evident, it can be cogently argued, presents a compelling case for the president’s invocation of the Insurrection Act.

    On the one hand, there’s a statistically impossible election outcome coupled with vast evidence (more than 1,000 sworn affidavits) illustrating specific voter fraud and vote-counting software and hardware—designed for communists to permit voter fraud through voter-intention-changing algorithms—containing Chinese components and using foreign-based servers, connected to the internet.

    And, on the other hand—following a nearly four-year-long attempted nonviolent coup (including the bogus Mueller investigation and failed impeachment attempt)—there’s a conspiracy unfolding in the days following Election Day. Political hacks, corrupt and complicit news and social media outlets, and partisan or gun-shy courts have worked together to bring about a massive, fraudulent post-Election Day “blue shift” only where it mattered, and the conspirators then collaboratively “running out the clock” without the truth about election fraud ever having been determined.

    Add to that equation an electorate that about half of which (and likely far more) sees the election as having been stolen, foreign leaders saying the same, and formerly mainstream Democrats threatening to pack the Supreme Court, end the filibuster, give statehood to D.C. and Puerto Rico, and finally to enlarge the electorate through amnesty for millions of illegal aliens, all for the purpose of achieving a one-party communist totalitarian state. That all indicates it’s no longer a stretch to say that the country is facing a coordinated insurrection that presents an existential threat to the republic.

    The outcomes are binary: Either some combination of the courts and state legislatures will take steps that result in either a Trump victory or a contingent election in the House that Trump then wins, or the statistical anomalies and proof of voter fraud are never addressed because the conspirators run out the clock, and Biden wins.

    Either outcome is fraught with danger.

    If Trump wins by either overturning election results in court, or through a contingent election following state lawmakers’ sending dueling electors or simply disavowing their own election results, Democrats, including radical groups such as Antifa, could, and likely would, revolt openly and violently.

    Conversely, if Biden successfully runs out the clock, and the fraudulent results are certified without any real audits having taken place or the evidence addressed or explained, the silent majority isn’t likely to remain silent a moment longer.

    Trump supporters could take the streets, and violence doubtless would erupt.

    Either way, massive property damage and deaths would ensue, while the CCP virus would likely spike further.

    If U.S. election integrity isn’t restored, the standing of the United States as the greatest democracy the world has ever known would come to an immediate end. We could never again wag our finger at the likes of communist China, Venezuela, or Cuba, because we could be guilty of exactly the same rigged elections.

    On the other hand, if election integrity is restored, the risk of civil war could be averted, and our international stature could be salvaged—no matter who is determined to be the winner.

    What Would Invoking Insurrection Act Look Like?

    As students of U.S. history know, in 1878, Congress enacted the Posse Comitatus Act, aimed at preventing federal troops from interfering with elections in Southern states during the period of Reconstruction following the Civil War.

    But the Posse Comitatus Act didn’t repeal the above-quoted section 252 of the Insurrection Act. Regardless, Trump could invoke the Insurrection Act surgically, not to redo the election in all 50 states, or even in the six swing states in dispute.

    Instead, he could simply invoke the Insurrection Act to have U.S. armed forces seize control of crucial electoral evidence—ballots, envelopes, and Dominion voting machines and servers—and order the military to conduct an immediate and thorough forensic audit of the votes, so that all lawful ballots are counted, and unlawful ballots are disqualified, in strict accordance with prevailing state law.

    Notably, this would be a very surgical and nontactical use of the military; no force would be used against any U.S. citizens. The armed forces would merely be taking hold of crucial evidence before it’s destroyed or otherwise tampered with, and running an independent forensic audit to both determine lawful versus unlawful ballots—again in strict accordance with prevailing state law—and to manually count those ballots. Given our experiences of the past four years, neither the DOJ nor FBI should be anywhere near this process. They simply cannot be trusted.

    The object of such a surgical military intervention would be to take the burden off the struggling courts and state legislatures to make sure all legal votes were counted and no illegal votes were counted—in the six involved states. The president would presumably pledge to be bound by the results of the military audit. Hopefully, Biden would as well.

    The object of the intervention would be to stop the insurrection—which very well may involve foreign actors, given the voting machine vulnerabilities—as well as preventing the disenfranchisement of lawful voters, and restoring the confidence of U.S. voters (and the world) in the integrity of U.S. elections.

    Without this limited military intervention, a cloud would hang over whoever is ultimately elected president, and the United States could never again complain, on the world stage, of a rigged communist election.

    Insurrection Act Could Force Supreme Court’s Hand

    Were the president to invoke the Insurrection Act in this or some similar surgical manner, that would doubtless spawn lawsuits by Biden and the Democrats. Some or at least one of these lawsuits would undoubtedly make its way to the Supreme Court. The high court would then have two interesting options:

    Decide in favor of Trump on some of his challenges, but rule that his invocation of the Insurrection Act was an unconstitutional infringement of the state legislatures’ powers under Article II, Section 1, to control the manner of choosing their electors, or

    Decline to consider either Trump’s challenge to the election or his invocation of the Insurrection Act, effectively leaving all parties where they stand.

    Interestingly, the first option could have the effect of empowering those state legislatures—moved by the evidence of fraud at the legislative hearings—to “decertify” a Biden win in their states or to send a competing set of electors.

    In other words, invoking the Insurrection Act would serve as a test to the power of the state legislatures under the Electors Clause and, therefore, could—even if it were overturned by SCOTUS—prove instrumental in unstealing the 2020 election.

    Stephen B. Meister is a lawyer and an opinion writer. Twitter @StephenMeister. Opinions expressed here are his own, not his firm’s.

    Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
    Carol wrote:Ashera,

    Being raised in America we learned about what it means to be an American. That is before Obama and the Chinese got into the media, various educational systems and brain-washed many youth. The white-hats and patriots are those who value the US Constitution and rule of law.

    I think too many people were completely oblivious as to the level of pervasive corruption in Congress (over 78% are compromised and need to be kicked out of office) and are also oblivious to how these same people were selling America out for profit. That includes Zukerberg, Dorsey and others in Silicon Valley that have sold out the US for greed, power and profit.

    The good news is that the military patriots have been monitoring this insurgent build-up for years and now have all the evidence to take down these people and corporations. It's taken years to get all the pieces in place for the take down. These same military patriots were prepared to take over the Obama administration but decided it would be too disruptive for the nation. This is why they went to Trump and asked him to run for President in 2016.

    Trump is not a politician. He is a successful billionaire businessman who knows how to build, run and manage a multi-national company, owning and successfully managing properties throughout the world. His principals as a patriot have been consistent since he was young and he is the sort of man who follows through on his promises. Basically, he already had money and power along with a nice life. He didn't need to go into politics to become rich and famous. He was already rich, powerful and famous based on his own intellect, intelligence and integrity. He's the sort of man who remembers his employees names, sits and listens to people who want to talk to him and helps others where he can. He's a humanitarian. He wants to take this nation through the current cyber-world war revolution without blood-shed, or hurting innocent people.

    Hence,Trump and the military patriots initial strategy is to bring evidence of criminality to the courts, so that the evidence becomes public knowledge where the people discover just how corrupt the politicians, media and corporations are.

    It has taken these first 4 years of his presidency to put everything in place, set traps with new EOs, Executive Orders, for the take down of these insurgent traitors. The military option will follow the court trials - specifically what will be presented to the Supreme Court - because the nations is currently facing a Constitutional Crisis.. putting us back at 1776, where we have to kick out the Communist Chinese and all other nations that participated in the rigged election.. yet hopefully without too much blood shed. After all, the CIA Director Gina Haspel was shot/wounded in the raid in Germany, where she was caught red-handed with the Dominion Servers used to alter the votes from Trump to Biden. She was sacked, arrested for treason and taken to GITMO where she is incarcerated. She'll have her own military tribunal and possibly sentenced to death.

    The military will be used to round up all of the traitors (thousands of insurgents within the US) and abroad. Preparations have been in place these past years where GITMO has also been expanded. Since these traitors are being picked up and arrested under military law, they are subject to military tribunals.. which are expedient. These traitors will also lose ALL of their assets (money, property, corporations, etc.) Some may be re-habilitated but from what I read, any that were pedophiles and also traitors will be exterminated.

    I trust our President and I trust our US military patriots who have his back. It's also not so well known that other military generals, who are insurgents/traitors, will also be arrested.. so it's not like they can expect to flee given there isn't anywhere they can flee to and not be found.

    So yes, it looks bad. Yet, what's coming very soon is very good.
    Carol wrote:West faces Moment of Truth as Khazarian Mafia Surrenders to the Chinese
    By Benjamin Fulford Weekly Reports - December 14, 2020


    The Western world is facing its greatest crisis, possibly ever, as its ruling elite has surrendered to China.  Either the West removes this elite from power and creates a united front or Westerners will become Chinese slaves working under Khazarian Mafia sub-contractors.  It is this battle involving the Chinese and the West that is the real reason why the U.S. Presidential election result remains in limbo.

    Before we dig further into this it’s important to point out that given the current circumstances it’s looking like a mathematical certainty Donald Trump will be the last President of the United States Corporation in its present form, multiple sources agree.  They also indicate he may have a plan up his sleeve to resolve the situation favorably, only time will tell.

    To better understand the current situation let’s take a look at the numbers published by the U.S. Treasury Department on December 10th. https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/files/reports-statements/mts/mts1120.pdf

    They show the U.S. spent $6.5 trillion in the fiscal year ending on September 30th, but could only do this by borrowing $3.1 trillion.  The deficit for October, the first month of fiscal 2021, was up 111% year on year to $284 billion.

    Overall, counting decades of fiscal and trade deficits as well as un-financed pension obligations, the U.S. has debt well over $200 trillion or well over 20 times GDP if you do not count debt-financed GDP.  So if you earn $10,000 a year, but spend $20,000 a year thanks to your credit card, and have over $200,000 in debt, you would have to spend your entire real income for over 20 years (and starve to death in the meantime) in order to pay your debt.

    Neither Donald Trump nor anyone else can fix that using conventional means, which supports the concept of a reset to resolve the financial problems of numerous nations whose debt burden was created under the central bank fiat currency system.

    That is why the current owners of the U.S. Corporation (mostly European aristocrats based in Switzerland) offered a Joe Biden, Kamala Harris slave presidency to the Chinese in exchange for a roll-over of their debt.  Even that was not enough, so they offered Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the Korean Peninsula, and ASEAN to the Chinese as well.

    If you don’t think the mostly Swiss-based owners of the U.S. Corporation have surrendered to the Chinese, take a look at this news item (and please support the Guardian while you are at it) that reads in part:

    “a secret deal between Switzerland and China that allowed Chinese security officials access to the country at Swiss taxpayers’ expense has been revealed.” https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/09/secret-deal-reveals-chinese-spies-free-rein-switzerland

    Basically, it says the Swiss have given Chinese agents a carte blanche to do whatever they want in Switzerland.  This means they can kill any of the Davos elite there who do not do their bidding.  Remember, these are the elite who control 90% of the transnational corporations.

    Now you can understand why the current owners of the bankrupt United States Corporation have sold the American people down the river.  They have offered Chinese troops the right to…

    to occupy Canada and Mexico to help break the U.S. into a small rump with Canadian and Mexican vassal states each getting a huge chunk of the former United States.

    The Chinese are now furious because the American people and the U.S. and Canadian militaries are rejecting this deal.  That is why, for example, the Canadian military told Justin Castro to go take a hike (and maybe never come back like his brother) when he ordered them to let the Chinese military in and train them in winter warfare tactics.
    https://globalnews.ca/news/7517899/china-canada-military-training/

    That is why I would like to invoke the spirit of Chief Pontiac. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontiac_(Ottawa_leader)

    My grandfather was the Member of Parliament representing Pontiac County, Canada, so by doing so I am also invoking the spirit of my ancestors.  The Canadians split from the USA because we favored friendship and integration with the first nations, not subjugation and extermination.  That is why there are now more First Nations’ people in Canada than when the first Europeans arrived, whereas in the U.S. there is less than a quarter.


    We are calling for the creation of a New United States of America ranging from Argentina to Alaska.  By declaring such an independent state, we can declare the debts of the bankrupt U.S. Corporation null and void and tell the Chinese where to shove it.  Such a country would also have access to the resources of Canada and Brazil and so could use them to finance the rebuilding of the hollowed-out North American industrial base.

    A Biden presidency involves the break-up of the current United States into three or more rump, Chinese slave states.  China Joe is a proven deep state criminal.  As far as we can tell, including testimony from friends who tried to go to actual Biden campaign events, the “President-elect Biden,” is a CG composite reading speeches created by corporate PR departments.

    We will not delve too deeply into this because neither the American people nor the U.S. military will accept a Biden presidency. The fact that Hunter Biden faces a subpoena over multiple crimes should alert you to the reality there can be no Biden presidency.  https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-politics-business-ukraine-subpoenas-b5245760245d5dee3e011f0df5e1868e

    We support much of what Donald Trump has done and fully endorse the idea of “Making America Great Again.”  The problem is with the current U.S. Corporate structure, its debt will be called in and U.S. troops around the world will run out of money while Americans suffer a catastrophic fall in income.

    The situation is already so bad that over 50-million Americans do not have adequate access to food.  Also, based on last week’s Q4 Revenue Poll of 9,201 small business owners, 48% could shut down permanently before the year’s end.  https://www.alignable.com/forum/alignable-48-of-small-businesses-risk-closing-for-good-new-poll

    http://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/archives/48-of-u-s-small-businesses-fear-that-they-may-be-forced-to-shut-down-permanently-soon

    So even with Trump’s remarkable achievements in his first 3 years in office, the WHO-Fauci-led Covid shutdown in 2020, most detrimental in Democratic ruled states, has created the situation where 50-million Americans are on the brink of starvation and close to 50% of U.S. small businesses are about to go bankrupt.

    Trump recently tweeted:

    “Vaccines are shipped and on their way, FIVE YEARS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE.  Get well USA.  Get well WORLD.  We love you all!”

    This comes after the White House ordered the head of the FDA to authorize the Pfizer vaccine by Friday or resign.  https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/white-house-orders-fda-chief-to-authorize-pfizer-biontech-vaccine-friday-or-submit-his-resignation/ar-BB1bR9AC

    Is this is the same vaccine that Pfizer’s own chief scientist and others say turns women infertile by causing their immune systems to attack their own placentas?

    Now we don’t want to go deep space nine with our readers, but we need to consider the possibility that we are dealing with several different, converging timelines.

    In my reality, the “Covid-19 pandemic” is a giant fraud designed to scare the public into taking DNA altering vaccines containing RFID nano-chips designed to subjugate people into permanent slavery.

    Here for example is a member of the Austrian Parliament demonstrating to his colleagues how a can of Coca Cola is “testing positive” for Covid-19.  https://prepareforchange.net/2020/12/13/coca-cola-tests-covid-19-positive-in-austrian-parliament/

    Meanwhile, the corporate media world is screaming about a deadly pandemic with vaccines as the only hope for salvation.  Clearly this is a massive propaganda lie and the reality is Covid numbers are being fabricated by various means to create the impression of a real pandemic.

    On this point, in a lesson on how far and wide the Khazarian Mafia’s network of bribes and blackmail extends, Pentagon sources tell us that Gordon Duff of Veteran’s Today was spewing Covid fear porn and anti-Trump venom because he was being blackmailed over war crimes he committed in El Salvador.

    We asked Duff twice point-blank if this was true and he refused to answer.  Instead, he said:

    “I have two daughters working in ICUs; everything you get is deep state propaganda; all anti-vaccine material comes from Russian intelligence; that is confirmed; we are experiencing a massive die-off here; hospitals overflowing.”

    So here is something any reader of this newsletter can do: go to a hospital and see for yourself if it is “overflowing” with Covid patients.  If you see them please post your findings with photos in the reader’s blog.  I have visited multiple hospitals and talked to many doctors who say it is all fake.

    Other examples of possible disinformation or timeline shifts are reports that all members of the British Royal family have been executed.  Since this is an age of hyper-realistic CG we are using hand-written letters and asking for analog photographs to confirm the royals are still with us.  Again, either we are dealing with big lies, or with an alternative timeline in which they have been executed.  Confirmation will take time but we will let our readers know when we get it.

    In any case, the important thing these days, when Western leadership has clearly lost the plot, is to concentrate on tangible things closest to you, your family, your house, your pets, your food supply, your safety, etc.  If they are OK, don’t worry about the hysteria you are seeing on your digital screens.  This could just be the death throes of a rogue AI digital community, which has a customized YouTwitFace bot assigned to your individual profile data.

    If we can confirm that Covid-19 is only real in the minds of the MSM brainwashed, then we have a clear path to victory in this battle for the Planet Earth.  If they are really trying to vaccinate us with an ID tattoo containing “Luciferase” and an RFID chip for connection to a digital money system, then there really is a representative anti-Christ among us, whether AI in nature or not.

    We must accept that this anti-Christ has manifested as an imminent threat to humanity and can be identified by arresting the people pushing vaccines based on a fabricated pandemic.

    The trail may well lead to Jared Kushner.  Remember, he was the owner of 666 Fifth Avenue, where “Lucent (Lucifer) Technologies,” was developing microchips that could be implanted into humans.  From there the trail will almost certainly lead to Switzerland.  For that reason, the Swiss must be given a choice to hand its leadership group over or suffer the consequences.

    Remember, under their dysfunctional leadership, å 2020 “Is Ending With 93% of Global Economies Contracting…  And With Markets At All-Time Highs.” https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/2020-ending-93-global-economies-contracting-and-markets-all-time-highs

    This means the parasitical ruling class is getting richer and richer while everybody else is getting poorer.

    As far as the Chinese are concerned, their real Dragon family leadership (as opposed to the communist front with the fake CGping) say they are willing to write off all debt and have a fresh start if the genocidal Khazarian leadership is removed.


    Last edited by orthodoxymoron on Fri Dec 18, 2020 6:25 am; edited 8 times in total
    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


    Posts : 13426
    Join date : 2010-09-28
    Location : The Matrix

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (10)

    Post  orthodoxymoron Fri Dec 11, 2020 10:21 pm

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 2001-a-space-odyssey-screenshot-1920x1080-9
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 O-MOST-CONFUSING-MOVIE-2001-A-SPACE-ODYSSEY-facebook
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Kubrick-2001-1920x1080-3

    At this late-date, I know that I don't know, and this is not a becoming-humility. It is the inconvenient-truth. But seriously, I keep wondering what an exhaustive-study of the following Minimal-List might yield after a lifetime of study?!

    1. 1 Chronicles to Malachi ('NIV Reader's Bible' without chapter and verse numbering).

    2. 'SDA Bible Commentary' Volumes 3 and 4 (I Chronicles to Malachi).

    3. 'Patriarchs and Prophets' and 'Prophets and Kings' (Ellen White books covering the Old-Testament in a New-Testament manner).

    4. The Music of Bach, Buxtehude, and Handel (Listening and Performing).

    Unfortunately, I'm too old, stupid, crazy, and programmed to do All of the Above. I'm finding it increasingly difficult to concentrate and study. I seem to be losing my mind. I can feel it. I'm afraid. Try thinking in terms of an Ancient-Scientist with a Supercomputer, setting-up this solar-system and genetically-engineering the Human-Being!! What if Michael = David Bowman?? What if Gabriel = HAL 9000?? What if Lucifer = Sun-God of This-World?? What if this solar-system has been supercomputer-managed for at least 6,000 years?? I could say MUCH More about this matter, but I'd rather not. I've mentioned this before, but if one read Exodus through Jude, straight-through, over and over, what might this study reveal concerning Genesis and Revelation?? My long-lost church, the Seventh-day Adventist church, has a name which relies heavily upon Genesis and Revelation, although the faithful might argue against this brash-assertion. What would Biblical Origins and Eschatology look-like using ONLY Exodus through Jude?? What would Origins and Eschatology look-like using ONLY Deuteronomy through James?? What if Judaism were based upon the Wisdom-Books, the Major and Minor Prophets (plus nothing)?? What if Christianity were based solely-upon Matthew through Acts?? What if Christianity were based solely-upon the Genuine Pauline-Epistles?? What if Christianity were based solely-upon Romans through Jude?? What if Christianity were based solely-upon the Johannine-Writings?? Ellen White wrote "The Bible is yet but Dimly Understood"!! I know that I don't know, and I seem to know less and less as I get sicker and sicker, feeling worse and worse, year after year. I no longer attend the SDA church, so don't blame them (or credit them) for me. I'm a lone-nut. What Would Almond Raw Say??

    Please do NOT take this post too seriously. Especially the first part. I'm simply exploring radical-possibilities by placing myself in the middle of historical-significance -- just because I can!! I wish to repeat that I feel horrible and hamstrung 24/7. I hate my life -- and making the coffee doesn't make it better. The following two possibilities are just that -- POSSIBILITIES. I suspect some sort of a Renegade-Creation which was cracked-down upon -- with the Prime-Creator being taken-hostage in a faked-execution as "The Lamb Slain from the Foundation of the World" -- with the Conqueror becoming the Replacement-Administrator. I get the feeling that Humanity was supposed to be exterminated at that point -- but was enslaved instead -- for better or worse, I know not. I further suspect that BOTH Administrator and Humanity went downhill -- with careful-notes being taken by the Watchers!! Guess what they do?? I am going to suggest reading Prophets and Kings combined with Desire of Ages (both by Ellen White) for many clues regarding the Real-Deal. But I wish to make it crystal-clear that I do NOT think that the Writings of Ellen Gould White are the Truth, the Whole-Truth, and Nothing But the Truth. I simply think they are essential puzzle-solving tools (especially the two volumes mentioned). I pick and choose. I am not particularly loyal to a particular religion or leader. I don't even like or trust myself. Honestly. This speculation business tears me apart in ways you can't even begin to imagine. I KNOW I'm hanging myself each and every day with my internet-posting and unproductive-life. I keep wondering if there is no good way to improve the universe -- and if there is no good way to run a renegade solar-system??!! This thing might be more desperate and hopeless than we can possibly imagine. Beware of False-Hopes -- False-Promises -- and False-Gods. The Horror.

    1. CHRIST: Prime-Creator (Genetic-Engineer) of Original-Humanity = Prime Solar-System Administrator = Figurative or Literal Adam = Lamb Slain from the Foundation of the World = Figurative or Literal King-David = Figurative or Literal Messiah characteristic of the Red-Letter Teachings Attributed to Jesus (but probably not 2,000 years ago) = Framed-Azazel = Archangel-Michael = Jupiter-Moses Sculpture by Michelangelo in the Vatican = Jupiter-Jones = Dr. Who (in Trial of a Time-Lord)????!!!!

    2. ANTICHRIST (In Place of Christ): Secondary-Creator (Genetic-Engineer) of Hybrid-Humanity in Connection with Genesis 6 = Secondary Solar-System Administrator = Replacement-Adam = God of This World = Figurative or Literal King-Solomon = Figurative or Literal Messiah = Figurative or Literal Returning-Messiah = Archangel-Gabriel = The Equivalent of Balem Abrasax = The Equivalent of Mr. Edgars = A Very-Real Ancient Egyptian Deity = The Very-Real Grand-Master of the Illuminati = The Valeyard (In Trial of a Time-Lord)????!!!!

    These two possibilities would almost be funny -- if the subject-matter, implications, and ramifications weren't so Sirius. I know these two possibilities are not absolute-fact -- but even if half of it were true -- wouldn't that be mind-blowing and earth-shattering?? The "Ancient Egyptian Deity" referred to an Ancient-War which they apparently won. They asked me if I wanted another war?? Or something to that effect. Separately -- the "Ancient Egyptian Deity" said we had "Fought Side by Side". The "Ancient Egyptian Deity" called me "Michael" while we shopped at Wal*Mart -- after having a Sirius Discussion at Starbucks!! On another occasion the "Ancient Egyptian Deity" said we had a "History" -- and that "Serqet" had a lot to do with explaining our relationship!! On another occasion, the "Ancient Egyptian Deity" asked me if I thought I were the one hanging on the cross in a crucifix?! I said I didn't think so!! The AED said I had changed my mind regarding something of significance. The AED said that a particular Individual of Interest had changed their mind about me when I participated in the ministry of Dr. Robert H. Schuller. When I spoke with Dr. Walter Martin -- he was NOT in favor of Dr. Schuller. When I spoke with David Rose -- he was NOT in favor of Dr. Schuller. When I spoke with Clifton Davis -- he WAS in favor of Dr. Schuller. A particular SDA minister I spoke to WAS in favor of Dr. Schuller. I've had mixed-feelings regarding Dr. Schuller -- right from the beginning -- up to this very day.

    The AED said he couldn't talk about the NSA. I drove the AED everywhere we went. The AED said his dream-car was a FIZU!! The AED knew I listened a lot to Sherry Shriner. When Raven chewed me out (years ago) the AED said that wouldn't happen again!! What if the AED wasn't kidding when he called me "Michael"?? The "Ancient Egyptian Deity" told me "I AM RA". The AED told me "I'm Rich". What if the AED was Gabriel?? What if the terms "Lucifer", "Satan", and "The Devil" can be applied to BOTH Michael and Gabriel as a "Fall-Guy" for their "Bad-Sides"?? The AED said I would "Manifest My Bad-Side". The AED said "You'll be Working for Us in 20 Years". The AED said "The Human-Race is Screwed". At one point -- it sounded as if the AED would be leaving. At one point, the AED seemed to imply that they had been double-crossed. The AED said they were "Angry and Jealous". The AED said I needed a child. The AED said I was "lucky to be alive". The AED said they could "snap their fingers -- and I'd be dead". The AED said they were "tired of keeping me alive". We seemed to be both friends and enemies. When I commented on "Tall, Long-Nosed Greys" the AED called me a "Commoner". The AED refused to answer most of my questions with "You Know I Can't Tell You That". The AED kept talking about the Sun in an ominous manner. The AED questioned my desire to have "everything work-out well for all-concerned". When I joked about "having the launch-codes" the AED seemed a bit concerned!! Honest!!


    "MI5"   ------------   "007"   ------------   "MI6"
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Tumblr_nk7kpxBrIt1s1dm62o1_1280
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 City_-_coat_of_arms

    Don't be Frightened. I Mean No Harm. I Come In Peace. Siriusly -- this madness is simply a passive mystery to me -- which I have chosen to approach in a humorous and irreverent manner -- rather than with weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth. The Latter might come Later. The Horror. What if Michael was Deposed six to ten thousand years ago?? What if Gabriel replaced Michael -- and will Rule Earth at least until A.D. 2133?? But what if Gabriel has also been deposed (ahead of schedule)?? What if Pope Francis and President Obama are currently running the show (with the help of a Demon-Possessed NSA Mainframe-Supercomputer??!! But what if either Michael -- Gabriel -- Or BOTH -- are required to activate a lot of the Ancient-Technology?? What if Gabriel and Michael were the last, best hope for Rebellious Sons and Daughters of God aka Fallen-Angels?? I have no idea. Once again, I am NOT a scholar or an insider. I find it quite interesting that the sci-fi series Terra Nova is set in a A.D. 2133 through A.D. 2149 Timeframe!! Think of the book God's Day of Judgment by Douglas Vogt -- in which he claims that a careful analysis of the Torah reveals that the Sun will go Nova in A.D. 2046 Wouldn't the series Terra Nova (A.D. 2149) make a lot of sense if the Sun goes Nova (A.D. 2046)??!! Notice that the prediction is for a "Nova" rather than a "Supernova". Big Difference!! Sir Isaac Newton pointed-toward A.D. 2060 as approximating the Time of the End of the World!! Notice that I have set a target introductory-date of A.D. 2133 for an idealistic and highly-refined United States of the Solar System. If you can even find a copy PLEASE read End of the World, A.D. 2133. by Lucio Bernardo Silvestre. I have a duplicate-copy from the Library of Congress -- which I paid dearly for. I Am of Peace. Always.

    The End of the world, A. D. 2133
    Type of Work: Non-dramatic literary work
    Registration Number / Date:TX0001730501 / 1986-01-06
    Date of Publication: August 7, 1985
    Date of Creation:1985
    Title: The End of the world, A. D. 2133.
    Copyright Claimant: Lucio Bernardo Silvestre
    Notes: Cataloged from appl.
    Authorship on Application: entire text: Lucio Bernardo Silvestre.
    Names: Lucio Bernardo Silvestre
    www.copyrightencyclopedia.com/the-end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it-and-other-entertainments/#ixzz3nzTLtAuv

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Terra-nova-cancelled

    http://whiteestate.org/books/pk/pk58.html

    Through the long centuries of "trouble and darkness" and "dimness of anguish" (Isaiah 8:22) marking the history of mankind from the day our first parents lost their Eden home, to the time the Son of God appeared as the Saviour of sinners, the hope of the fallen race was centered in the coming of a Deliverer to free men and women from the bondage of sin and the grave.

    The first intimation of such a hope was given to Adam and Eve in the sentence pronounced upon the serpent in Eden when the Lord declared to Satan in their hearing, "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.

    As the guilty pair listened to these words, they were inspired with hope; for in the prophecy concerning the breaking of Satan's power they discerned a promise of deliverance from the ruin wrought through transgression. Though they must suffer from the power of their adversary because they had fallen under his seductive influence and had chosen to disobey the plain command of Jehovah, yet they need not yield to utter despair. The Son of God was offering to atone with His own lifeblood for their transgression. To them was to be granted a period of probation, during which, through faith in the power of Christ to save, they might become once more the children of God.

    Satan, by means of his success in turning man aside from the path of obedience, became "the god of this world." 2 Corinthians 4:4. The dominion that once was Adam's passed to the usurper. But the Son of God proposed to come to this earth to pay the penalty of sin, and thus not only redeem man, but recover the dominion forfeited. It is of this restoration that Micah prophesied when he said, "O Tower of the flock, the stronghold of the daughter of Zion, unto Thee shall it come, even the first dominion." Micah 4:8. The apostle Paul has referred to it as "the redemption of the purchased possession." Ephesians 1:14. And the psalmist had in mind the same final restoration of man's original inheritance when he declared, "The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein forever." Psalm 37:29.

    This hope of redemption through the advent of the Son of God as Saviour and King, has never become extinct in the hearts of men. From the beginning there have been some whose faith has reached out beyond the shadows of the present to the realities of the future. Adam, Seth, Enoch, Methuselah, Noah, Shem, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob -- through these and other worthies the Lord has preserved the precious revealings of His will. And it was thus that to the children of Israel, the chosen people through whom was to be given to the world the promised Messiah, God imparted a knowledge of the requirements of His law, and of the salvation to be accomplished through the atoning sacrifice of His beloved Son.

    The hope of Israel was embodied in the promise made at the time of the call of Abraham, and afterward repeated again and again to his posterity, "In thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." Genesis 12:3. As the purpose of God for the redemption of the race was unfolded to Abraham, the Sun of Righteousness shone upon his heart, and his darkness was scattered. And when, at last, the Saviour Himself walked and talked among the sons of men, He bore witness to the Jews of the patriarch's bright hope of deliverance through the coming of a Redeemer. "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day," Christ declared; "and he saw it, and was glad." John 8:56. This same blessed hope was foreshadowed in the benediction pronounced by the dying patriarch Jacob upon his son Judah:

    "Judah, thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise:
    Thy hand shall be in the neck of thine enemies;
    Thy father's children shall bow down before thee. . . .
    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 49:8-10.

    Again, on the borders of the Promised Land, the coming of the world's Redeemer was foretold in the prophecy uttered by Balaam:

    "I shall see Him, but not now: I shall behold Him, but
    not nigh:
    There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter
    shall rise out of Israel,
    And shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all
    the children of Sheth."
    Numbers 24:17.

    Through Moses, God's purpose to send His Son as the Redeemer of the fallen race, was kept before Israel. On one occasion, shortly before his death, Moses declared, "The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto Him ye shall hearken." Plainly had Moses been instructed for Israel concerning the work of the Messiah to come. "I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee," was the word of Jehovah to His servant; "and will put My words in His mouth; and He shall speak unto them all that I shall command Him." Deuteronomy 18:15, 18.

    In patriarchal times the sacrificial offerings connected with divine worship constituted a perpetual reminder of the coming of a Saviour, and thus it was with the entire ritual of the sanctuary services throughout Israel's history. In the ministration of the tabernacle, and of the temple that afterward took its place, the people were taught each day, by means of types and shadows, the great truths relative to the advent of Christ as Redeemer, Priest, and King; and once each year their minds were carried forward to the closing events of the great controversy between Christ and Satan, the final purification of the universe from sin and sinners. The sacrifices and offerings of the Mosaic ritual were ever pointing toward a better service, even a heavenly. The earthly sanctuary was "a figure for the time then present," in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices; its two holy places were "patterns of things in the heavens;" for Christ, our great High Priest, is today "a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man." Hebrews 9:9, 23; 8:2.

    From the day the Lord declared to the serpent in Eden, "I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed" (Genesis 3:15), Satan has known that he can never hold absolute sway over the inhabitants of this world. When Adam and his sons began to offer the ceremonial sacrifices ordained by God as a type of the coming Redeemer, Satan discerned in these a symbol of communion between earth and heaven. During the long centuries that have followed, it has been his constant effort to intercept this communion. Untiringly has he sought to misrepresent God and to misinterpret the rites pointing to the Saviour, and with a great majority of the members of the human family he has been successful.

    While God has desired to teach men that from His own love comes the Gift which reconciles them to Himself, the archenemy of mankind has endeavored to represent God as one who delights in their destruction. Thus the sacrifices and the ordinances designed of Heaven to reveal divine love have been perverted to serve as means whereby sinners have vainly hoped to propitiate, with gifts and good works, the wrath of an offended God. At the same time, Satan has sought to arouse and strengthen the evil passions of men in order that through repeated transgression multitudes might be led on and on, far from God, and hopelessly bound with the fetters of sin.

    When God's written word was given through the Hebrew prophets, Satan studied with diligence the messages concerning the Messiah. Carefully he traced the words that outlined with unmistakable clearness Christ's work among men as a suffering sacrifice and as a conquering king. In the parchment rolls of the Old Testament Scriptures he read that the One who was to appear was to be "brought as a lamb to the slaughter," "His visage . . . so marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men." Isaiah 53:7; 52:14. The promised Saviour of humanity was to be "despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; . . . smitten of God, and afflicted;" yet He was also to exercise His mighty power in order to "judge the poor of the people." He was to "save the children of the needy," and "break in pieces the oppressor." Isaiah 53:3, 4; Psalm 72:4. These prophecies caused Satan to fear and tremble; yet he relinquished not his purpose to thwart, if possible, the merciful provisions of Jehovah for the redemption of the lost race. He determined to blind the eyes of the people, so far as might be possible, to the real significance of the Messianic prophecies, in order to prepare the way for the rejection of Christ at His coming.

    During the centuries immediately preceding the Flood, success had attended Satan's efforts to bring about a worldwide prevalence of rebellion against God. And even the lessons of the Deluge were not long held in remembrance. With artful insinuations Satan again led the children of men step by step into bold rebellion. Again he seemed about to triumph, but God's purpose for fallen man was not thus to be set aside. Through the posterity of faithful Abraham, of the line of Shem, a knowledge of Jehovah's beneficent designs was to be preserved for the benefit of future generations. From time to time divinely appointed messengers of truth were to be raised up to call attention to the meaning of the sacrificial ceremonies, and especially to the promise of Jehovah concerning the advent of the One toward whom all the ordinances of the sacrificial system pointed. Thus the world was to be kept from universal apostasy.

    Not without the most determined opposition was the divine purpose carried out. In every way possible the enemy of truth and righteousness worked to cause the descendants of Abraham to forget their high and holy calling, and to turn aside to the worship of false gods. And often his efforts were all but successful. For centuries preceding Christ's first advent, darkness covered the earth, and gross darkness the people. Satan was throwing his hellish shadow athwart the pathway of men, that he might prevent them from gaining a knowledge of God and of the future world. Multitudes were sitting in the shadow of death. Their only hope was for this gloom to be lifted, that God might be revealed.

    With prophetic vision David, the anointed of God, had foreseen that the coming of Christ should be "as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds." 2 Samuel 23:4. And Hosea testified, "His going forth is prepared as the morning." Hosea 6:3. Quietly and gently the daylight breaks upon the earth, dispelling the shadow of darkness and waking the earth to life. So was the Sun of Righteousness to arise, "with healing in His wings." Malachi 4:2. The multitudes dwelling "in the land of the shadow of death" were to see "a great light." Isaiah 9:2. The prophet Isaiah, looking with rapture upon this glorious deliverance, exclaimed:

    "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, Counselor, The mighty God,
    The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
    Of the increase of His government and peace
    there shall be no end,
    Upon the throne of David,
    And upon His kingdom,
    To order it, and to establish it
    With judgment and with justice
    From henceforth even forever.
    The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this."
    Verses 6,7.

    In the later centuries of Israel's history prior to the first advent it was generally understood that the coming of the Messiah was referred to in the prophecy, "It is a light thing that Thou shouldest be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give Thee for a light to the Gentiles, that Thou mayest be My salvation unto the end of the earth." "The glory of the Lord shall be revealed," the prophet had foretold, "and all flesh shall see it together." Isaiah 49:6; 40:5. It was of this light of men that John the Baptist afterward testified so boldly, when he proclaimed, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias." John 1:23.

    It was to Christ that the prophetic promise was given: "Thus saith the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, and His Holy One, to Him whom man despiseth, to Him whom the nation abhorreth, . . . thus saith the Lord, . . . I will preserve Thee, and give Thee for a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; that Thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Show yourselves. . . . They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for He that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall He guide them." Isaiah 49:7-10.

    The steadfast among the Jewish nation, descendants of that holy line through whom a knowledge of God had been preserved, strengthened their faith by dwelling on these and similar passages. With exceeding joy they read how the Lord would anoint One "to preach good tidings unto the meek," "to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives," and to declare "the acceptable year of the Lord." Isaiah 61:1, 2. Yet their hearts were filled with sadness as they thought of the sufferings He must endure in order to fulfill the divine purpose. With deep humiliation of soul they traced the words in the prophetic roll:

    "Who hath believed our report?
    And to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?
    "For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant,
    And as a root out of a dry ground:
    He hath no form nor comeliness;
    And when we shall see Him,
    There is no beauty that we should desire Him.

    "He is despised and rejected of men;
    A Man of Sorrows, and acquainted with grief:
    And we hid as it were our faces from Him;
    He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.

    "Surely He hath borne our griefs,
    And carried our sorrows:
    Yet we did esteem Him stricken,
    Smitten of God, and afflicted.

    "But He was wounded for our transgressions,
    He was bruised for our iniquities:
    The chastisement of our peace was upon Him;
    And with His stripes we are healed.

    "All we like sheep have gone astray;
    We have turned everyone to his own way;
    And the Lord hath laid on Him
    The iniquity of us all.

    "He was oppressed, and He was afflicted,
    Yet He opened not His mouth:
    He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter,
    And as a sheep before her shearers is dumb,
    So He openeth not His mouth.

    "He was taken from prison and from judgment:
    And who shall declare His generation?
    For He was cut off out of the land of the living:
    For the transgression of My people was He stricken.
    "And He made His grave with the wicked,
    And with the rich in His death;
    Because He had done no violence,
    Neither was any deceit in His mouth."
    Isaiah 53:1-9.

    Of the suffering Saviour Jehovah Himself declared through Zechariah, "Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, and against the Man that is My Fellow." Zechariah 13:7. As the substitute and surety for sinful man, Christ was to suffer under divine justice. He was to understand what justice meant. He was to know what it means for sinners to stand before God without an intercessor. Through the psalmist the Redeemer had prophesied of Himself:

    "Reproach hath broken My heart;
    And I am full of heaviness:
    And I looked for some to take pity,
    But there was none;
    And for comforters,
    But I found none.
    They gave Me also gall for My meat;
    And in My thirst they gave Me vinegar to drink."
    Psalm 69:20, 21.

    Of the treatment He was to receive, He prophesied, "Dogs have compassed Me: the assembly of the wicked have enclosed Me: they pierced My hands and My feet. I may tell all My bones: they look and stare upon Me. They part My garments among them, and cast lots upon My vesture." Psalm 22:16-18. These portrayals of the bitter suffering and cruel death of the Promised One, sad though they were, were rich in promise; for of Him whom "it pleased the Lord to bruise" and to put to grief, in order that He might become "an offering for sin," Jehovah declared:

    "He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days,
    And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand.
    He shall see of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied:

    "By His knowledge shall My righteous Servant justify many;
    For He shall bear their iniquities.
    Therefore will I divide Him a portion with the great,
    And He shall divide the spoil with the strong;
    Because He hath poured out His soul unto death:
    And He was numbered with the transgressors;
    And He bare the sin of many,
    And made intercession for the transgressors."
    Isaiah 53:10-12.

    It was love for sinners that led Christ to pay the price of redemption. "He saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor," none other could ransom men and women from the power of the enemy; "therefore His arm brought salvation unto him; and His righteousness, it sustained him." Isaiah 59:16.

    "Behold My Servant, whom I uphold;
    Mine Elect, in whom My soul delighteth;
    I have put My Spirit upon Him:
    He shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles."
    Isaiah 42:1.

    In His life no self-assertion was to be mingled. The homage which the world gives to position, to wealth, and to talent, was to be foreign to the Son of God. None of the means that men employ to win allegiance or to command homage, was the Messiah to use. His utter renunciation of self was foreshadowed in the words:

    "He shall not cry,
    Nor lift up,
    Nor cause His voice to be heard in the street.
    A bruised reed shall He not break,
    And the smoking flax shall He not quench."
    Verses 2, 3.

    In marked contrast to the teachers of His day was the Saviour to conduct Himself among men. In His life no noisy disputation, no ostentatious worship, no act to gain applause, was ever to be witnessed. The Messiah was to be hid in God, and God was to be revealed in the character of His Son. Without a knowledge of God, humanity would be eternally lost. Without divine help, men and women would sink lower and lower. Life and power must be imparted by Him who made the world. Man's necessities could be met in no other way.

    It was further prophesied of the Messiah: "He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till He have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for His law." The Son of God was to "magnify the law, and make it honorable." Verses 4, 21. He was not to lessen its importance and binding claims; He was rather to exalt it. At the same time He was to free the divine precepts from those burdensome exactions placed upon them by man, whereby many were brought to discouragement in their efforts to serve God acceptably.

    Of the mission of the Saviour the word of Jehovah was: "I the Lord have called Thee in righteousness, and will hold Thine hand, and will keep Thee, and give Thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. I am the Lord: that is My name: and My glory will I not give to another, neither My praise to graven images. Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them." Verses 6-9.

    Through the promised Seed, the God of Israel was to bring deliverance to Zion. "There shall come forth a Rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots." "Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. Butter and honey shall He eat, that He may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good." Isaiah 11:1; 7:14, 15.

    "And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; and shall make Him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and He shall not judge after the sight of His eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of His ears: but with righteousness shall He judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and He shall smite the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips shall He slay the wicked. And righteousness shall be the girdle of His loins, and faithfulness the girdle of His reins." "And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and His rest shall be glorious." Isaiah 11:2-5, 10.

    "Behold the Man whose name is the Branch; . . . He shall build the temple of the Lord; and He shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon His throne; and He shall be a priest upon His throne." Zechariah 6:12, 13. A fountain was to be opened "for sin and for uncleanness" (Zechariah 13:1); the sons of men were to hear the blessed invitation:

    "Ho, everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the waters,
    And he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat;
    Yea, come, buy wine and milk
    Without money and without price.
    "Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread?
    And your labor for that which satisfieth not?
    Hearken diligently unto Me, and eat ye that which is good,
    And let your soul delight itself in fatness.

    "Incline your ear, and come unto Me:
    Hear, and your soul shall live;
    And I will make an everlasting covenant with you,
    Even the sure mercies of David."
    Isaiah 55:1-3.

    To Israel the promise was made: "Behold, I have given Him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the Lord thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for He hath glorified thee." Verses 4, 5.

    "I bring near My righteousness; it shall not be far off, and My salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel My glory." Isaiah 46:13.

    In word and in deed the Messiah, during His earthly ministry, was to reveal to mankind the glory of God the Father. Every act of His life, every word spoken, every miracle wrought, was to make known to fallen humanity the infinite love of God.

    "O Zion, that bringest good tidings,
    Get thee up into the high mountain;
    O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings,
    Lift up thy voice with strength;
    Lift it up, be not afraid;
    Say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!

    "Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand,
    And His arm shall rule for Him:
    Behold, His reward is with Him,
    And His work before Him.
    He shall feed His flock like a shepherd:
    He shall gather the lambs with His arm,
    And carry them in His bosom,
    And shall gently lead those that are with young."
    Isaiah 40:9-11.

    "And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the Book,
    And the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out
    of darkness.

    The meek also shall increase their joy in the Lord,
    And the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One
    of Israel."

    "They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding,
    And they that murmured shall learn doctrine."
    Isaiah 29:18, 19, 24.

    Thus, through patriarchs and prophets, as well as through types and symbols, God spoke to the world concerning the coming of a Deliverer from sin. A long line of inspired prophecy pointed to the advent of "the Desire of all nations." Haggai 2:7. Even the very place of His birth and the time of His appearance were minutely specified. The Son of David must be born in David's city. Out of Bethlehem, said the prophet, "shall He come forth ... that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from the days of eternity." Micah 5:2, margin.

    "And thou Bethlehem, land of Judah,
    Art in no wise least among the princes of Judah:
    For out of thee shall come forth a Governor,
    Which shall be Shepherd of My people Israel."
    Matthew 2:6, R.V.

    The time of the first advent and of some of the chief events clustering about the Saviour's lifework was made known by the angel Gabriel to Daniel. "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, or four hundred and ninety days, 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" (Daniel 9:25), sixty-nine weeks, or four hundred and eighty-three years. The commandment to restore and build Jerusalem, as completed by the decree of Artaxerxes Longimanus, went into effect in the autumn of 457 B.C. See Ezra 6:14; 7:1, 9. 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. Then the message was proclaimed, "The time is fulfilled." Mark 1:15.

    Then, said the angel, "He shall confirm the covenant with many for one week [seven years]." 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); and shortly after, Saul the persecutor was converted and became Paul the apostle to the Gentiles. The many prophecies concerning the Saviour's advent led the Hebrews to live in an attitude of constant expectancy.

    Many died in the faith, not having received the promises. But having seen them afar off, they believed and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. From the days of Enoch the promises repeated through patriarchs and prophets had kept alive the hope of His appearing.
    Not at first had God revealed the exact time of the first advent; and even when the prophecy of Daniel made this known, not all rightly interpreted the message.

    Century after century passed away; finally the voices of the prophets ceased. The hand of the oppressor was heavy upon Israel. As the Jews departed from God, faith grew dim, and hope well-nigh ceased to illuminate the future. The words of the prophets were uncomprehended by many; and those whose faith should have continued strong were ready to exclaim, "The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth." Ezekiel 12:22. But in heaven's council the hour for the coming of Christ had been determined; and "when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, . . . to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons." Galatians 4:4, 5.

    Lessons must be given to humanity in the language of humanity. The Messenger of the covenant must speak. His voice must be heard in His own temple. He, the author of truth, must separate truth from the chaff of man's utterance, which had made it of no effect. The principles of God's government and the plan of redemption must be clearly defined. The lessons of the Old Testament must be fully set before men.

    When the Saviour finally appeared "in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:7), and began His ministry of grace, Satan could but bruise the heel, while by every act of humiliation or suffering Christ was bruising the head of His adversary. The anguish that sin has brought was poured into the bosom of the Sinless; yet while Christ endured the contradiction of sinners against Himself, He was paying the debt for sinful man and breaking the bondage in which humanity had been held. Every pang of anguish, every insult, was working out the deliverance of the race.

    Could Satan have induced Christ to yield to a single temptation, could he have led Him by one act or even thought to stain His perfect purity, the prince of darkness would have triumphed over man's Surety and would have gained the whole human family to himself. But while Satan could distress, he could not contaminate. He could cause agony, but not defilement. He made the life of Christ one long scene of conflict and trial, yet with every attack he was losing his hold upon humanity.

    In the wilderness of temptation, in the Garden of Gethsemane, and on the cross, our Saviour measured weapons with the prince of darkness. His wounds became the trophies of His victory in behalf of the race. When Christ hung in agony upon the cross, while evil spirits rejoiced and evil men reviled, then indeed His heel was bruised by Satan. But that very act was crushing the serpent's head. Through death He destroyed "him that had the power of death, that is, the devil." Hebrews 2:14. This act decided the destiny of the rebel chief, and made forever sure the plan of salvation. In death He gained the victory over its power; in rising again, He opened the gates of the grave to all His followers. In that last great contest we see fulfilled the prophecy, "It shall bruise thy head, and thou shall bruise his heel." Genesis 3:15. "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is." 1 John 3:2. Our Redeemer has opened the way, so that the most sinful, the most needy, the most oppressed and despised, may find access to the Father.


    "O Lord, Thou art my God;
    I will exalt Thee,
    I will praise Thy name;
    For Thou hast done wonderful things;
    Thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth."
    Isaiah 25:1.
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Jesus-christ-0207
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 9ef2b153908355d86818f7b3179640a2
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Arkjesusgrialcups
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 501691x4hvxyct48

    Carol wrote:
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Dnlmf58VAAAEdZH
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 DnlZbrMU8AICKPH
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 DnoJ_htXcAA407Y
    This is what it really looked like on the inauguration.

    https://twitter.com/michaelbeatty3/status/1042959024235266048[/b]
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 0vFtjn4
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 HAL9000
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Enter-Password
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 2001-A-Space-Odyssey-1
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 R9B8Wst
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Hello_dave_by_yatak
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Il_570xN.572562113_4ayn
    HAL: Password Accepted.
    DAV: What the Hell is Going On, HAL??

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Vancouver_island_large

    Imagine an Island-Campus centered in a Concert-Hall and Library surrounded by a University surrounded by Multinational-Corporations surrounded by the Mansions of the Elite with a Sub-Surface Military-Complex on Steroids!! To give this fantasy some substance, imagine Benaroya Hall and the University of Washington Libraries surrounded by the University of Washington (including the UW Medical Center) surrounded by Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing surrounded by Puget Sound Mansions with a Sub-Surface Naval and Space-Force Fortress on Steroids!! Imagine this Fantasy-Isand existing on Vancouver Island!! If this doesn't make your hair stand on-end (to the point that your hair gets pulled out of your skin) you must be dead!! This is sort of cool to think about, but the reality might make the 'V' series (both of them) look tame and lame in comparison!! I suspect that we exist within the eye of a VERY Nasty Storm (which might be the end of all of us -- physically and spiritually). We might be entering an Eternity of Enslavement and/or Extermination (possibly at the 'mercy' of Malevolent-Regressive Artificial-Intelligence) as the Final-Stage of a Galactic Rat-Trap. You might wish to take a pill and/or have a drink. One More Thing. Don't Be Frightened. I Mean No Harm. I Am of Peace. Always.

    Cheryl Hersha reminded me of Sherry Shriner. Cheryl also had an 'Oracle' Sister.
    Think about things I've said in other posts. That's all I'm going to say.

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 236L


    Actually, I'll make a generic-comment about the internet. Without changing the basic political-structure of the solar-system, the beings of the solar-system might be in the process of running things in a new and uncharted manner, which might end-well or might be the end of all of us. As you know, I suspect some sort of supercomputer artificial-intelligence referee-governance of the solar-system going way-back to the Tower of Babel, the Garden of Eden, or even further back to the Rebellion Against God and the War in Heaven (but I obviously can't prove a damn-thing). 'RA' told me "You Did It With YouTube" but no elaboration was forthcoming. Once again, my current visualization and speculation have reached critical-levels, and I feel compelled to 'back-off' voluntarily, and perhaps review my latest United States of the Solar System thread (Book Seven). Again, I'm merely using this study as a research-platform for religious and political science-fictional modeling-purposes. I'm in no position or condition to do anything more than that (regardless of who I might've been in Ancient Babylon and/or Egypt). The Info-War and Technological-Revolution are seemingly Out of Control and heading toward some sort of Hideous-Catastrophe which even President Trump, the City-States, the United-Nations, and the Dark-Side of the Moon can't prevent. But somewhere in the shadows, I suspect that a Committee Behind the Curtain is directly-interfacing with whoever and/or whatever is running this seemingly Out of Control Show, and I suspect that the Souls in This Solar System are in the process of becoming the New-Crew directly-interfacing with whoever and/or whatever is running this seemingly Out of Control Show. The Horror.

    Sometimes it seems as if the Information-War is Predatory in Nature, encouraging people to explore areas of research they're not prepared to deal with, and then demonizing them when they attempt to face reality (or possible realities) in an almost 'Gang-Stalking' manner. When I posted on Project Avalon, I intended my posts for the regular-posters on Project Avalon (and not for my local-community). When I post on The Mists of Avalon, I intend my posts for the regular-posters on The Mists of Avalon (and not for my local community). But it seems as if my local-community has been alerted and mobilized against me by 'Officials' in an almost 'Gang-Stalking' manner. Since I began posting on Project Avalon and The Mists of Avalon, I have felt worse and worse and worse, despite expensive conventional medical examination and treatment (which actually seems to have made things worse, at very-great expense and suffering). Reading, watching, and listening-to Victims of Proven 'Gang-Stalking' seems to reveal parallels between their experiences and my own. I haven't pursued remedies because of fear and mistrust, and because of the seeming impossibility of proving the seemingly unprovable. So I basically 'Grin and Bear It' for better or worse, I know not. In some ways, I seem to be getting better and stronger in adversity. I'm pretty tough and stubborn, but I wonder about the fate of those less grounded than myself. My struggle is almost like having a 'sparring-partner'. I've considered the possibility of an Ancient Artificial-Intelligence Supercomputer-Matrix which mankind might've become subject-to because of Disobedience, Iniquity, and Rebellion Against God. The possibility exists in my mind that some of the Ancient 'Good Guys and Gals' have been thrown to the 'Wolves' in this Hypothetical Ancient-Matrix which reigns-in both Good and Bad individuals. Who Knows??


    HAL: Just What Do You Think You're Doing, DAV?
    DAV: Vengeance Belongs to the Lord, But He Delegates.
    COR: Be Afraid. Be VERY Afraid.

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 1*fVzH2z-GVkhBTKE5Zx_5nA
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Open-pandoras-box-by-sofia-wellman
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Ex-Machina-Actress-Wallpapers
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 CE-2
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 The-singularity-controversy-3-years-later-a-london-futurists-event
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Singularity_by_cgsoufiane-d6zk7ag




    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 5gaiele
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Vlcsnap-1085864
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Hal_9000_revisited_1_36472_8100_image_12578
    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


    Posts : 13426
    Join date : 2010-09-28
    Location : The Matrix

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (10)

    Post  orthodoxymoron Sat Dec 12, 2020 4:00 am

    Regarding the church of my youth, three interesting possibilities emerge, as I vacillate between faith and doubt, and beat upon the rocks of who-knows-what:

    1. The Whole-Bible (read straight-through, over and over).

    2. The Whole Seven-Volume SDA Bible Commentary (read straight-through, over and over).

    3. The Whole Five-Volume Conflict of the Ages Series (read straight-through, over and over).

    These three approaches yield very-different results (to say the least). Each of these approaches are a monumental challenge (especially the second possibility). What if each choice is the Gospel-Truth?? What if only one choice is the Truth, the Whole-Truth, and Nothing But the Truth?? What if all of the above are Total-Bullshit?? As you well know, I mostly pose troubling-questions (with very-few answers). Always remember that there's a HUGE difference between Thinking One Knows and Actually Knowing AND there's a HUGE difference between an Answer and a Convincing-Answer. If all else fails, consider studying this USSS thread (book ten) straight-through, over and over. Always remember that Context is Determinative. What Would Joseph Fletcher Say?? He privately told me that Christianity was BS (or something to that effect). Honest.

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Jesus-christ-0207
    https://m.egwwritings.org/en/book/130.21#21
    The Desire of Ages
    by
    Ellen G. White

    (A "Life of Christ" published in 1898.)

    Chapter 1
    "God With Us"

    "His name shall be called Immanuel, . . . God with us." "The light of the knowledge of the glory of God" is seen "in the face of Jesus Christ." From the days of eternity the Lord Jesus Christ was one with the Father; He was "the image of God," the image of His greatness and majesty, "the outshining of His glory." It was to manifest this glory that He came to our world. To this sin-darkened earth He came to reveal the light of God's love,--to be "God with us." Therefore it was prophesied of Him, "His name shall be called Immanuel."

    By coming to dwell with us, Jesus was to reveal God both to men and to angels. He was the Word of God,--God's thought made audible. In His prayer for His disciples He says, "I have declared unto them Thy name,"--"merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,"--"that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them." But not alone for His earthborn children was this revelation given. Our little world is the lesson book of the universe. God's wonderful purpose of grace, the mystery of redeeming love, is the theme into which "angels desire to look," and it will be their study throughout endless ages. Both the redeemed and the unfallen beings will find in the cross of Christ their science and their song. It will be seen that the glory shining in the face of Jesus is the glory of self-sacrificing love. In the light from Calvary it will be seen that the law of self-renouncing love is the law of life for earth and heaven; that the love which "seeketh not her own" has its source in the heart of God; and that in the meek and lowly One is manifested the character of Him who dwelleth in the light which no man can approach unto.

    In the beginning, God was revealed in all the works of creation. It was Christ that spread the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth. It was His hand that hung the worlds in space, and fashioned the flowers of the field. "His strength setteth fast the mountains." "The sea is His, and He made it." Ps. 65:6; 95:5. It was He that filled the earth with beauty, and the air with song. And upon all things in earth, and air, and sky, He wrote the message of the Father's love.

    Now sin has marred God's perfect work, yet that handwriting remains. Even now all created things declare the glory of His excellence. There is nothing, save the selfish heart of man, that lives unto itself. No bird that cleaves the air, no animal that moves upon the ground, but ministers to some other life. There is no leaf of the forest, or lowly blade of grass, but has its ministry. Every tree and shrub and leaf pours forth that element of life without which neither man nor animal could live; and man and animal, in turn, minister to the life of tree and shrub and leaf. The flowers breathe fragrance and unfold their beauty in blessing to the world. The sun sheds its light to gladden a thousand worlds. The ocean, itself the source of all our springs and fountains, receives the streams from every land, but takes to give. The mists ascending from its bosom fall in showers to water the earth, that it may bring forth and bud. The angels of glory find their joy in giving,--giving love and tireless watchcare to souls that are fallen and unholy. Heavenly beings woo the hearts of men; they bring to this dark world light from the courts above; by gentle and patient ministry they move upon the human spirit, to bring the lost into a fellowship with Christ which is even closer than they themselves can know.

    But turning from all lesser representations, we behold God in Jesus. Looking unto Jesus we see that it is the glory of our God to give. "I do nothing of Myself," said Christ; "the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father." "I seek not Mine own glory," but the glory of Him that sent Me. John 8:28; 6:57; 8:50; 7:18. In these words is set forth the great principle which is the law of life for the universe. All things Christ received from God, but He took to give. So in the heavenly courts, in His ministry for all created beings: through the beloved Son, the Father's life flows out to all; through the Son it returns, in praise and joyous service, a tide of love, to the great Source of all. And thus through Christ the circuit of beneficence is complete, representing the character of the great Giver, the law of life.

    In heaven itself this law was broken. Sin originated in self-seeking. Lucifer, the covering cherub, desired to be first in heaven. He sought to gain control of heavenly beings, to draw them away from their Creator, and to win their homage to himself. Therefore he misrepresented God, attributing to Him the desire for self-exaltation. With his own evil characteristics he sought to invest the loving Creator. Thus he deceived angels. Thus he deceived men. He led them to doubt the word of God, and to distrust His goodness. Because God is a God of justice and terrible majesty, Satan caused them to look upon Him as severe and unforgiving. Thus he drew men to join him in rebellion against God, and the night of woe settled down upon the world.

    The earth was dark through misapprehension of God. That the gloomy shadows might be lightened, that the world might be brought back to God, Satan's deceptive power was to be broken. This could not be done by force. The exercise of force is contrary to the principles of God's government; He desires only the service of love; and love cannot be commanded; it cannot be won by force or authority. Only by love is love awakened. To know God is to love Him; His character must be manifested in contrast to the character of Satan. This work only one Being in all the universe could do. Only He who knew the height and depth of the love of God could make it known. Upon the world's dark night the Sun of Righteousness must rise, "with healing in His wings." Mal. 4:2.

    The plan for our redemption was not an afterthought, a plan formulated after the fall of Adam. It was a revelation of "the mystery which hath been kept in silence through times eternal." Rom. 16:25, R. V. It was an unfolding of the principles that from eternal ages have been the foundation of God's throne. From the beginning, God and Christ knew of the apostasy of Satan, and of the fall of man through the deceptive power of the apostate. God did not ordain that sin should exist, but He foresaw its existence, and made provision to meet the terrible emergency. So great was His love for the world, that He covenanted to give His only-begotten Son, "that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16.

    Lucifer had said, "I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; . . . I will be like the Most High." Isa. 14:13, 14. But Christ, "being in the form of God, counted it not a thing to be grasped to be on an equality with God, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men." Phil. 2:6, 7, R. V., margin.

    This was a voluntary sacrifice. Jesus might have remained at the Father's side. He might have retained the glory of heaven, and the homage of the angels. But He chose to give back the scepter into the Father's hands, and to step down from the throne of the universe, that He might bring light to the benighted, and life to the perishing.

    Nearly two thousand years ago, a voice of mysterious import was heard in heaven, from the throne of God, "Lo, I come." "Sacrifice and offering Thou wouldest not, but a body hast Thou prepared Me. . . . Lo, I come (in the volume of the Book it is written of Me,) to do Thy will, O God." Heb. 10:5-7. In these words is announced the fulfillment of the purpose that had been hidden from eternal ages. Christ was about to visit our world, and to become incarnate. He says, "A body hast Thou prepared Me." Had He appeared with the glory that was His with the Father before the world was, we could not have endured the light of His presence. That we might behold it and not be destroyed, the manifestation of His glory was shrouded. His divinity was veiled with humanity,--the invisible glory in the visible human form.

    This great purpose had been shadowed forth in types and symbols. The burning bush, in which Christ appeared to Moses, revealed God. The symbol chosen for the representation of the Deity was a lowly shrub, that seemingly had no attractions. This enshrined the Infinite. The all-merciful God shrouded His glory in a most humble type, that Moses could look upon it and live. So in the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night, God communicated with Israel, revealing to men His will, and imparting to them His grace. God's glory was subdued, and His majesty veiled, that the weak vision of finite men might behold it. So Christ was to come in "the body of our humiliation" (Phil. 3:21, R. V.), "in the likeness of men." In the eyes of the world He possessed no beauty that they should desire Him; yet He was the incarnate God, the light of heaven and earth. His glory was veiled, His greatness and majesty were hidden, that He might draw near to sorrowful, tempted men.

    God commanded Moses for Israel, "Let them make Me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them" (Ex. 25:Cool, and He abode in the sanctuary, in the midst of His people. Through all their weary wandering in the desert, the symbol of His presence was with them. So Christ set up His tabernacle in the midst of our human encampment. He pitched His tent by the side of the tents of men, that He might dwell among us, and make us familiar with His divine character and life. "The Word became flesh, and tabernacled among us (and we beheld His glory, glory as of the Only Begotten from the Father), full of grace and truth." John 1:14, R. V., margin. Since Jesus came to dwell with us, we know that God is acquainted with our trials, and sympathizes with our griefs. Every son and daughter of Adam may understand that our Creator is the friend of sinners. For in every doctrine of grace, every promise of joy, every deed of love, every divine attraction presented in the Saviour's life on earth, we see "God with us."

    Satan represents God's law of love as a law of selfishness. He declares that it is impossible for us to obey its precepts. The fall of our first parents, with all the woe that has resulted, he charges upon the Creator, leading men to look upon God as the author of sin, and suffering, and death. Jesus was to unveil this deception. As one of us He was to give an example of obedience. For this He took upon Himself our nature, and passed through our experiences. "In all things it behooved Him to be made like unto His brethren." Heb. 2:17. If we had to bear anything which Jesus did not endure, then upon this point Satan would represent the power of God as insufficient for us. Therefore Jesus was "in all points tempted like as we are." Heb. 4:15. He endured every trial to which we are subject. And He exercised in His own behalf no power that is not freely offered to us. As man, He met temptation, and overcame in the strength given Him from God. He says, "I delight to do Thy will, O My God: yea, Thy law is within My heart." Ps. 40:8. As He went about doing good, and healing all who were afflicted by Satan, He made plain to men the character of God's law and the nature of His service. His life testifies that it is possible for us also to obey the law of God.

    By His humanity, Christ touched humanity; by His divinity, He lays hold upon the throne of God. As the Son of man, He gave us an example of obedience; as the Son of God, He gives us power to obey. It was Christ who from the bush on Mount Horeb spoke to Moses saying, "I Am That I Am. . . . Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I Am hath sent me unto you." Ex. 3:14. This was the pledge of Israel's deliverance. So when He came "in the likeness of men," He declared Himself the I Am. The Child of Bethlehem, the meek and lowly Saviour, is God "manifest in the flesh." 1 Tim. 3:16. And to us He says: "I Am the Good Shepherd." "I Am the living Bread." "I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." "All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth." John 10:11; 6:51; 14:6; Matt. 28:18. I Am the assurance of every promise. I Am; be not afraid. "God with us" is the surety of our deliverance from sin, the assurance of our power to obey the law of heaven.

    In stooping to take upon Himself humanity, Christ revealed a character the opposite of the character of Satan. But He stepped still lower in the path of humiliation. "Being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Phil. 2:8. As the high priest laid aside his gorgeous pontifical robes, and officiated in the white linen dress of the common priest, so Christ took the form of a servant, and offered sacrifice, Himself the priest, Himself the victim. "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him." Isa. 53:5.

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

    By His life and His death, Christ has achieved even more than recovery from the ruin wrought through sin. It was Satan's purpose to bring about an eternal separation between God and man; but in Christ we become more closely united to God than if we had never fallen. In taking our nature, the Saviour has bound Himself to humanity by a tie that is never to be broken. Through the eternal ages He is linked with us. "God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son." John 3:16. He gave Him not only to bear our sins, and to die as our sacrifice; He gave Him to the fallen race. To assure us of His immutable counsel of peace, God gave His only-begotten Son to become one of the human family, forever to retain His human nature. This is the pledge that God will fulfill His word. "Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder." God has adopted human nature in the person of His Son, and has carried the same into the highest heaven. It is the "Son of man" who shares the throne of the universe. It is the "Son of man" whose name shall be called, "Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isa. 9:6. The I Am is the Daysman between God and humanity, laying His hand upon both. He who is "holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners," is not ashamed to call us brethren. Heb. 7:26; 2:11. In Christ the family of earth and the family of heaven are bound together. Christ glorified is our brother. Heaven is enshrined in humanity, and humanity is enfolded in the bosom of Infinite Love.

    Of His people God says, "They shall be as the stones of a crown, lifted up as an ensign upon His land. For how great is His goodness, and how great is His beauty!" Zech. 9:16, 17. The exaltation of the redeemed will be an eternal testimony to God's mercy. "In the ages to come," He will "show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." "To the intent that . . . unto the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places might be made known . . . the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose which He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord." Eph. 2:7; 3:10, 11, R. V.

    Through Christ's redeeming work the government of God stands justified. The Omnipotent One is made known as the God of love. Satan's charges are refuted, and his character unveiled. Rebellion can never again arise. Sin can never again enter the universe. Through eternal ages all are secure from apostasy. By love's self-sacrifice, the inhabitants of earth and heaven are bound to their Creator in bonds of indissoluble union.

    The work of redemption will be complete. In the place where sin abounded, God's grace much more abounds. The earth itself, the very field that Satan claims as his, is to be not only ransomed but exalted. Our little world, under the curse of sin the one dark blot in His glorious creation, will be honored above all other worlds in the universe of God. Here, where the Son of God tabernacled in humanity; where the King of glory lived and suffered and died,--here, when He shall make all things new, the tabernacle of God shall be with men, "and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God." And through endless ages as the redeemed walk in the light of the Lord, they will praise Him for His unspeakable Gift,--

    Immanuel, "God with us."

    Chapter 2

    For more than a thousand years the Jewish people had awaited the Saviour's coming. Upon this event they had rested their brightest hopes. In song and prophecy, in temple rite and household prayer, they had enshrined His name. And yet at His coming they knew Him not. The Beloved of heaven was to them "as a root out of a dry ground;" He had "no form nor comeliness;" and they saw in Him no beauty that they should desire Him. "He came unto His own, and His own received Him not." Isa. 53:2; John 1:11.

    Yet God had chosen Israel. He had called them to preserve among men the knowledge of His law, and of the symbols and prophecies that pointed to the Saviour. He desired them to be as wells of salvation to the world. What Abraham was in the land of his sojourn, what Joseph was in Egypt, and Daniel in the courts of Babylon, the Hebrew people were to be among the nations. They were to reveal God to men.

    In the call of Abraham the Lord had said, "I will bless thee; . . . and thou shalt be a blessing: . . . and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed." Gen. 12:2, 3. The same teaching was repeated through the prophets. Even after Israel had been wasted by war and captivity, the promise was theirs, "The remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people as a dew from the Lord, as the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men." Micah 5:7. Concerning the temple at Jerusalem, the Lord declared through Isaiah, "Mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all peoples." Isa. 56:7, R. V.

    But the Israelites fixed their hopes upon worldly greatness. From the time of their entrance to the land of Canaan, they departed from the commandments of God, and followed the ways of the heathen. It was in vain that God sent them warning by His prophets. In vain they suffered the chastisement of heathen oppression. Every reformation was followed by deeper apostasy.

    Had Israel been true to God, He could have accomplished His purpose through their honor and exaltation. If they had walked in the ways of obedience, He would have made them "high above all nations which He hath made, in praise, and in name, and in honor." "All people of the earth," said Moses, "shall see that thou art called by the name of the Lord; and they shall be afraid of thee." "The nations which shall hear all these statutes" shall say, "Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people." Deut. 26:19; 28:10; 4:6. But because of their unfaithfulness, God's purpose could be wrought out only through continued adversity and humiliation.

    They were brought into subjection to Babylon, and scattered through the lands of the heathen. In affliction many renewed their faithfulness to His covenant. While they hung their harps upon the willows, and mourned for the holy temple that was laid waste, the light of truth shone out through them, and a knowledge of God was spread among the nations. The heathen systems of sacrifice were a perversion of the system that God had appointed; and many a sincere observer of heathen rites learned from the Hebrews the meaning of the service divinely ordained, and in faith grasped the promise of a Redeemer.

    Many of the exiles suffered persecution. Not a few lost their lives because of their refusal to disregard the Sabbath and to observe the heathen festivals. As idolaters were roused to crush out the truth, the Lord brought His servants face to face with kings and rulers, that they and their people might receive the light. Time after time the greatest monarchs were led to proclaim the supremacy of the God whom their Hebrew captives worshiped.

    By the Babylonish captivity the Israelites were effectually cured of the worship of graven images. During the centuries that followed, they suffered from the oppression of heathen foes, until the conviction became fixed that their prosperity depended upon their obedience to the law of God. But with too many of the people obedience was not prompted by love. The motive was selfish. They rendered outward service to God as the means of attaining to national greatness. They did not become the light of the world, but shut themselves away from the world in order to escape temptation to idolatry. In the instruction given through Moses, God had placed restrictions upon their association with idolaters; but this teaching had been misinterpreted. It was intended to prevent them from conforming to the practices of the heathen. But it was used to build up a wall of separation between Israel and all other nations. The Jews looked upon Jerusalem as their heaven, and they were actually jealous lest the Lord should show mercy to the Gentiles.

    After the return from Babylon, much attention was given to religious instruction. All over the country, synagogues were erected, where the law was expounded by the priests and scribes. And schools were established, which, together with the arts and sciences, professed to teach the principles of righteousness. But these agencies became corrupted. During the captivity, many of the people had received heathen ideas and customs, and these were brought into their religious service. In many things they conformed to the practices of idolaters.

    As they departed from God, the Jews in a great degree lost sight of the teaching of the ritual service. That service had been instituted by Christ Himself. In every part it was a symbol of Him; and it had been full of vitality and spiritual beauty. But the Jews lost the spiritual life from their ceremonies, and clung to the dead forms. They trusted to the sacrifices and ordinances themselves, instead of resting upon Him to whom they pointed. In order to supply the place of that which they had lost, the priests and rabbis multiplied requirements of their own; and the more rigid they grew, the less of the love of God was manifested. They measured their holiness by the multitude of their ceremonies, while their hearts were filled with pride and hypocrisy.

    With all their minute and burdensome injunctions, it was an impossibility to keep the law. Those who desired to serve God, and who tried to observe the rabbinical precepts, toiled under a heavy burden. They could find no rest from the accusings of a troubled conscience. Thus Satan worked to discourage the people, to lower their conception of the character of God, and to bring the faith of Israel into contempt. He hoped to establish the claim put forth when he rebelled in heaven,--that the requirements of God were unjust, and could not be obeyed. Even Israel, he declared, did not keep the law.

    While the Jews desired the advent of the Messiah, they had no true conception of His mission. They did not seek redemption from sin, but deliverance from the Romans. They looked for the Messiah to come as a conqueror, to break the oppressor's power, and exalt Israel to universal dominion. Thus the way was prepared for them to reject the Saviour.

    At the time of the birth of Christ the nation was chafing under the rule of her foreign masters, and racked with internal strife. The Jews had been permitted to maintain the form of a separate government; but nothing could disguise the fact that they were under the Roman yoke, or reconcile them to the restriction of their power. The Romans claimed the right of appointing and removing the high priest, and the office was often secured by fraud, bribery, and even murder. Thus the priesthood became more and more corrupt. Yet the priests still possessed great power, and they employed it for selfish and mercenary ends. The people were subjected to their merciless demands, and were also heavily taxed by the Romans. This state of affairs caused widespread discontent. Popular outbreaks were frequent. Greed and violence, distrust and spiritual apathy, were eating out the very heart of the nation.

    Hatred of the Romans, and national and spiritual pride, led the Jews still to adhere rigorously to their forms of worship. The priests tried to maintain a reputation for sanctity by scrupulous attention to the ceremonies of religion. The people, in their darkness and oppression, and the rulers, thirsting for power, longed for the coming of One who would vanquish their enemies and restore the kingdom to Israel. They had studied the prophecies, but without spiritual insight. Thus they overlooked those scriptures that point to the humiliation of Christ's first advent, and misapplied those that speak of the glory of His second coming. Pride obscured their vision. They interpreted prophecy in accordance with their selfish desires.

    Chapter 3

    "When the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, . . . to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons." Gal. 4:4, 5.

    The Saviour's coming was foretold in Eden. When Adam and Eve first heard the promise, they looked for its speedy fulfillment. They joyfully welcomed their first-born son, hoping that he might be the Deliverer. But the fulfillment of the promise tarried. Those who first received it died without the sight. From the days of Enoch the promise was repeated through patriarchs and prophets, keeping alive the hope of His appearing, and yet He came not. The prophecy of Daniel revealed the time of His advent, but not all rightly interpreted the message. Century after century passed away; the voices of the prophets ceased. The hand of the oppressor was heavy upon Israel, and many were ready to exclaim, "The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth." Ezek. 12:22.

    But like the stars in the vast circuit of their appointed path, God's purposes know no haste and no delay. Through the symbols of the great darkness and the smoking furnace, God had revealed to Abraham the bondage of Israel in Egypt, and had declared that the time of their sojourning should be four hundred years. "Afterward," He said, "shall they come out with great substance." Gen. 15:14. Against that word, all the power of Pharaoh's proud empire battled in vain. On "the self-same day" appointed in the divine promise, "it came to pass, that all the hosts of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt." Ex. 12:41. So in heaven's council the hour for the coming of Christ had been determined. When the great clock of time pointed to that hour, Jesus was born in Bethlehem.

    "When the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son." Providence had directed the movements of nations, and the tide of human impulse and influence, until the world was ripe for the coming of the Deliverer. The nations were united under one government. One language was widely spoken, and was everywhere recognized as the language of literature. From all lands the Jews of the dispersion gathered to Jerusalem to the annual feasts. As these returned to the places of their sojourn, they could spread throughout the world the tidings of the Messiah's coming.

    At this time the systems of heathenism were losing their hold upon the people. Men were weary of pageant and fable. They longed for a religion that could satisfy the heart. While the light of truth seemed to have departed from among men, there were souls who were looking for light, and who were filled with perplexity and sorrow. They were thirsting for a knowledge of the living God, for some assurance of a life beyond the grave.

    As the Jews had departed from God, faith had grown dim, and hope had well-nigh ceased to illuminate the future. The words of the prophets were uncomprehended. To the masses of the people, death was a dread mystery; beyond was uncertainty and gloom. It was not alone the wailing of the mothers of Bethlehem, but the cry from the great heart of humanity, that was borne to the prophet across the centuries,--the voice heard in Ramah, "lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not." Matt. 2:18. In "the region and shadow of death," men sat unsolaced. With longing eyes they looked for the coming of the Deliverer, when the darkness should be dispelled, and the mystery of the future should be made plain. Outside of the Jewish nation there were men who foretold the appearance of a divine instructor. These men were seeking for truth, and to them the Spirit of Inspiration was imparted. One after another, like stars in the darkened heavens, such teachers had arisen. Their words of prophecy had kindled hope in the hearts of thousands of the Gentile world.

    For hundreds of years the Scriptures had been translated into the Greek language, then widely spoken throughout the Roman Empire. The Jews were scattered everywhere, and their expectation of the Messiah's coming was to some extent shared by the Gentiles. Among those whom the Jews styled heathen were men who had a better understanding of the Scripture prophecies concerning the Messiah than had the teachers in Israel. There were some who hoped for His coming as a deliverer from sin. Philosophers endeavored to study into the mystery of the Hebrew economy. But the bigotry of the Jews hindered the spread of the light. Intent on maintaining the separation between themselves and other nations, they were unwilling to impart the knowledge they still possessed concerning the symbolic service. The true Interpreter must come. The One whom all these types prefigured must explain their significance.

    Through nature, through types and symbols, through patriarchs and prophets, God had spoken to the world. Lessons must be given to humanity in the language of humanity. The Messenger of the covenant must speak. His voice must be heard in His own temple. Christ must come to utter words which should be clearly and definitely understood. He, the author of truth, must separate truth from the chaff of man's utterance, which had made it of no effect. The principles of God's government and the plan of redemption must be clearly defined. The lessons of the Old Testament must be fully set before men.

    Among the Jews there were yet steadfast souls, descendants of that holy line through whom a knowledge of God had been preserved. These still looked for the hope of the promise made unto the fathers. They strengthened their faith by dwelling upon the assurance given through Moses, "A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you." Acts 3:22. Again, they read how the Lord would anoint One "to preach good tidings unto the meek," "to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives," and to declare the "acceptable year of the Lord." Isa. 61:1, 2. They read how He would "set judgment in the earth," how the isles should "wait for His law," how the Gentiles should come to His light, and kings to the brightness of His rising. Isa. 42:4; 60:3.

    The dying words of Jacob filled them with hope: "The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come." Gen. 49:10. The waning power of Israel testified that the Messiah's coming was at hand. The prophecy of Daniel pictured the glory of His reign over an empire which should succeed all earthly kingdoms; and, said the prophet, "It shall stand forever." Dan. 2:44. While few understood the nature of Christ's mission, there was a widespread expectation of a mighty prince who should establish his kingdom in Israel, and who should come as a deliverer to the nations.

    The fullness of the time had come. Humanity, becoming more degraded through ages of transgression, called for the coming of the Redeemer. Satan had been working to make the gulf deep and impassable between earth and heaven. By his falsehoods he had emboldened
    men in sin. It was his purpose to wear out the forbearance of God, and to extinguish His love for man, so that He would abandon the world to satanic jurisdiction.

    Satan was seeking to shut out from men a knowledge of God, to turn their attention from the temple of God, and to establish his own kingdom. His strife for supremacy had seemed to be almost wholly successful. It is true that in every generation God had His agencies. Even among the heathen there were men through whom Christ was working to uplift the people from their sin and degradation. But these men were despised and hated. Many of them suffered a violent death. The dark shadow that Satan had cast over the world grew deeper and deeper.

    Through heathenism, Satan had for ages turned men away from God; but he won his great triumph in perverting the faith of Israel. By contemplating and worshiping their own conceptions, the heathen had lost a knowledge of God, and had become more and more corrupt. So it was with Israel. The principle that man can save himself by his own works lay at the foundation of every heathen religion; it had now become the principle of the Jewish religion. Satan had implanted this principle. Wherever it is held, men have no barrier against sin.

    The message of salvation is communicated to men through human agencies. But the Jews had sought to make a monopoly of the truth which is eternal life. They had hoarded the living manna, and it had turned to corruption. The religion which they tried to shut up to themselves became an offense. They robbed God of His glory, and defrauded the world by a counterfeit of the gospel. They had refused to surrender themselves to God for the salvation of the world, and they became agents of Satan for its destruction.

    The people whom God had called to be the pillar and ground of the truth had become representatives of Satan. They were doing the work that he desired them to do, taking a course to misrepresent the character of God, and cause the world to look upon Him as a tyrant. The very priests who ministered in the temple had lost sight of the significance of the service they performed. They had ceased to look beyond the symbol to the thing signified. In presenting the sacrificial offerings they were as actors in a play. The ordinances which God Himself had appointed were made the means of blinding the mind and hardening the heart. God could do no more for man through these channels. The whole system must be swept away.

    The deception of sin had reached its height. All the agencies for depraving the souls of men had been put in operation. The Son of God, looking upon the world, beheld suffering and misery. With pity He saw how men had become victims of satanic cruelty. He looked with compassion upon those who were being corrupted, murdered, and lost. They had chosen a ruler who chained them to his car as captives. Bewildered and deceived, they were moving on in gloomy procession toward eternal ruin,--to death in which is no hope of life, toward night to which comes no morning. Satanic agencies were incorporated with men. The bodies of human beings, made for the dwelling place of God, had become the habitation of demons. The senses, the nerves, the passions, the organs of men, were worked by supernatural agencies in the indulgence of the vilest lust. The very stamp of demons was impressed upon the countenances of men. Human faces reflected the expression of the legions of evil with which they were possessed. Such was the prospect upon which the world's Redeemer looked. What a spectacle for Infinite Purity to behold!

    Sin had become a science, and vice was consecrated as a part of religion. Rebellion had struck its roots deep into the heart, and the hostility of man was most violent against heaven. It was demonstrated before the universe that, apart from God, humanity could not be uplifted. A new element of life and power must be imparted by Him who made the world.

    With intense interest the unfallen worlds had watched to see Jehovah arise, and sweep away the inhabitants of the earth. And if God should do this, Satan was ready to carry out his plan for securing to himself the allegiance of heavenly beings. He had declared that the principles of God's government make forgiveness impossible. Had the world been destroyed, he would have claimed that his accusations were proved true. He was ready to cast blame upon God, and to spread his rebellion to the worlds above. But instead of destroying the world, God sent His Son to save it. Though corruption and defiance might be seen in every part of the alien province, a way for its recovery was provided. At the very crisis, when Satan seemed about to triumph, the Son of God came with the embassage of divine grace. Through every age, through every hour, the love of God had been exercised toward the fallen race. Notwithstanding the perversity of men, the signals of mercy had been continually exhibited. And when the fullness of the time had come, the Deity was glorified by pouring upon the world a flood of healing grace that was never to be obstructed or withdrawn till the plan of salvation should be fulfilled.

    Satan was exulting that he had succeeded in debasing the image of God in humanity. Then Jesus came to restore in man the image of his Maker. None but Christ can fashion anew the character that has been ruined by sin. He came to expel the demons that had controlled the will. He came to lift us up from the dust, to reshape the marred character after the pattern of His divine character, and to make it beautiful with His own glory.

    Chapter 4

    The King of glory stooped low to take humanity. Rude and forbidding were His earthly surroundings. His glory was veiled, that the majesty of His outward form might not become an object of attraction. He shunned all outward display. Riches, worldly honor, and human greatness can never save a soul from death; Jesus purposed that no attraction of an earthly nature should call men to His side. Only the beauty of heavenly truth must draw those who would follow Him. The character of the Messiah had long been foretold in prophecy, and He desired men to accept Him upon the testimony of the word of God.

    The angels had wondered at the glorious plan of redemption. They watched to see how the people of God would receive His Son, clothed in the garb of humanity. Angels came to the land of the chosen people. Other nations were dealing in fables and worshiping false gods. To the land where the glory of God had been revealed, and the light of prophecy had shone, the angels came. They came unseen to Jerusalem, to the appointed expositors of the Sacred Oracles, and the ministers of God's house. Already to Zacharias the priest, as he ministered before the altar, the nearness of Christ's coming had been announced. Already the forerunner was born, his mission attested by miracle and prophecy. The tidings of his birth and the wonderful significance of his mission had been spread abroad. Yet Jerusalem was not preparing to welcome her Redeemer.

    With amazement the heavenly messengers beheld the indifference of that people whom God had called to communicate to the world the light of sacred truth. The Jewish nation had been preserved as a witness that Christ was to be born of the seed of Abraham and of David's line; yet they knew not that His coming was now at hand. In the temple the morning and the evening sacrifice daily pointed to the Lamb of God; yet even here was no preparation to receive Him. The priests and teachers of the nation knew not that the greatest event of the ages was about to take place. They rehearsed their meaningless prayers, and performed the rites of worship to be seen by men, but in their strife for riches and worldly honor they were not prepared for the revelation of the Messiah. The same indifference pervaded the land of Israel. Hearts selfish and world-engrossed were untouched by the joy that thrilled all heaven. Only a few were longing to behold the Unseen. To these heaven's embassy was sent.

    Angels attend Joseph and Mary as they journey from their home in Nazareth to the city of David. The decree of imperial Rome for the enrollment of the peoples of her vast dominion has extended to the dwellers among the hills of Galilee. As in old time Cyrus was called to the throne of the world's empire that he might set free the captives of the Lord, so Caesar Augustus is made the agent for the fulfillment of God's purpose in bringing the mother of Jesus to Bethlehem. She is of the lineage of David, and the Son of David must be born in David's city. Out of Bethlehem, said the prophet, "shall He come forth . . . that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from the days of eternity." Micah 5:2, margin. But in the city of their royal line, Joseph and Mary are unrecognized and unhonored. Weary and homeless, they traverse the entire length of the narrow street, from the gate of the city to the eastern extremity of the town, vainly seeking a resting place for the night. There is no room for them at the crowded inn. In a rude building where the beasts are sheltered, they at last find refuge, and here the Redeemer of the world is born.

    Men know it not, but the tidings fill heaven with rejoicing. With a deeper and more tender interest the holy beings from the world of light are drawn to the earth. The whole world is brighter for His presence. Above the hills of Bethlehem are gathered an innumerable throng of angels. They wait the signal to declare the glad news to the world. Had the leaders in Israel been true to their trust, they might have shared the joy of heralding the birth of Jesus. But now they are passed by.

    God declares, "I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground." "Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness." Isa. 44:3; Ps. 112:4. To those who are seeking for light, and who accept it with gladness, the bright rays from the throne of God will shine.

    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."

    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 heavenly messenger had quieted their fears. He had told them how to find Jesus. With tender regard for their human weakness, he had given them time to become accustomed to the divine radiance. Then the joy and glory could no longer be hidden. 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."

    Oh that today the human family could recognize that song! The declaration then made, the note then struck, will swell to the close of time, and resound to the ends of the earth. When the Sun of Righteousness shall arise, with healing in His wings, that song will be re-echoed by the voice of a great multitude, as the voice of many waters, saying, "Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth." Rev. 19:6.

    As the angels disappeared, the light faded away, and the shadows of night once more fell on the hills of Bethlehem. But the brightest picture ever beheld by human eyes remained in the memory of the shepherds. "And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger."

    Departing with great joy, they made known the things they had seen and heard. "And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God."

    Heaven and earth are no wider apart today than when shepherds listened to the angels' song. Humanity is still as much the object of heaven's solicitude as when common men of common occupations met angels at noonday, and talked with the heavenly messengers in the vineyards and the fields. To us in the common walks of life, heaven may be very near. Angels from the courts above will attend the steps of those who come and go at God's command.

    The story of Bethlehem is an exhaustless theme. In it is hidden "the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God." Rom. 11:33. We marvel at the Saviour's sacrifice in exchanging the throne of heaven for the manger, and the companionship of adoring angels for the beasts of the stall. Human pride and self-sufficiency stand rebuked in His presence. Yet this was but the beginning of His wonderful condescension. It would have been an almost infinite humiliation for the Son of God to take man's nature, even when Adam stood in his innocence in Eden. But Jesus accepted humanity when the race had been weakened by four thousand years of sin. Like every child of Adam He accepted the results of the working of the great law of heredity. What these results were is shown in the history of His earthly ancestors. He came with such a heredity to share our sorrows and temptations, and to give us the example of a sinless life.

    Satan in heaven had hated Christ for His position in the courts of God. He hated Him the more when he himself was dethroned. He hated Him who pledged Himself to redeem a race of sinners. Yet into the world where Satan claimed dominion God permitted His Son to come, a helpless babe, subject to the weakness of humanity. He permitted Him to meet life's peril in common with every human soul, to fight the battle as every child of humanity must fight it, at the risk of failure and eternal loss.

    The heart of the human father yearns over his son. He looks into the face of his little child, and trembles at the thought of life's peril. He longs to shield his dear one from Satan's power, to hold him back from temptation and conflict. To meet a bitterer conflict and a more fearful risk, God gave His only-begotten Son, that the path of life might be made sure for our little ones. "Herein is love." Wonder, O heavens! and be astonished, O earth!

    Chapter 5

    About forty days after the birth of Christ, Joseph and Mary took Him to Jerusalem, to present Him to the Lord, and to offer sacrifice. This was according to the Jewish law, and as man's substitute Christ must conform to the law in every particular. He had already been subjected to the rite of circumcision, as a pledge of His obedience to the law.

    As an offering for the mother, the law required a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon or a turtledove for a sin offering. But the law provided that if the parents were too poor to bring a lamb, a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering, the other for a sin offering, might be accepted.

    The offerings presented to the Lord were to be without blemish. These offerings represented Christ, and from this it is evident that Jesus Himself was free from physical deformity. He was the "lamb without blemish and without spot." 1 Peter 1:19. His physical structure was not marred by any defect; His body was strong and healthy. And throughout His lifetime He lived in conformity to nature's laws. Physically as well as spiritually, He was an example of what God designed all humanity to be through obedience to His laws. The dedication of the first-born had its origin in the earliest times. God had promised to give the First-born of heaven to save the sinner. This gift was to be acknowledged in every household by the consecration of the first-born son. He was to be devoted to the priesthood, as a representative of Christ among men.

    In the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, the dedication of the first-born was again commanded. While the children of Israel were in bondage to the Egyptians, the Lord directed Moses to go to Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and say, "Thus saith the Lord, Israel is My son, even My first-born: and I say unto thee, Let My son go, that he may serve Me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy first-born." Ex. 4:22, 23.

    Moses delivered his message; but the proud king's answer was, "Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go." Ex. 5:2. The Lord worked for His people by signs and wonders, sending terrible judgments upon Pharaoh. At length the destroying angel was bidden to slay the first-born of man and beast among the Egyptians. That the Israelites might be spared, they were directed to place upon their doorposts the blood of a slain lamb. Every house was to be marked, that when the angel came on his mission of death, he might pass over the homes of the Israelites.

    After sending this judgment upon Egypt, the Lord said to Moses, "Sanctify unto Me all the first-born, . . . both of man and of beast: it is Mine;" "for on the day that I smote all the first-born in the land of Egypt I hallowed unto Me all the first-born in Israel, both man and beast: Mine shall they be: I am the Lord." Ex. 13:2; Num. 3:13. After the tabernacle service was established, the Lord chose the tribe of Levi in the place of the first-born of all Israel to minister in the sanctuary. But the first-born were still to be regarded as the Lord's, and were to be bought back by a ransom.

    Thus the law for the presentation of the first-born was made particularly significant. While it was a memorial of the Lord's wonderful deliverance of the children of Israel, it prefigured a greater deliverance, to be wrought out by the only-begotten Son of God. As the blood sprinkled on the doorposts had saved the first-born of Israel, so the blood of Christ has power to save the world.

    What meaning then was attached to Christ's presentation! But the priest did not see through the veil; he did not read the mystery beyond. The presentation of infants was a common scene. Day after day the priest received the redemption money as the babes were presented to the Lord. Day after day he went through the routine of his work, giving little heed to the parents or children, unless he saw some indication of the wealth or high rank of the parents. Joseph and Mary were poor; and when they came with their child, the priests saw only a man and woman dressed as Galileans, and in the humblest garments. There was nothing in their appearance to attract attention, and they presented only the offering made by the poorer classes.

    The priest went through the ceremony of his official work. He took the child in his arms, and held it up before the altar. After handing it back to its mother, he inscribed the name "Jesus" on the roll of the first-born. Little did he think, as the babe lay in his arms, that it was the Majesty of heaven, the King of glory. The priest did not think that this babe was the One of whom Moses had written, "A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you." Acts 3:22. He did not think that this babe was He whose glory Moses had asked to see. But One greater than Moses lay in the priest's arms; and when he enrolled the child's name, he was enrolling the name of One who was the foundation of the whole Jewish economy. That name was to be its death warrant; for the system of sacrifices and offerings was waxing old; the type had almost reached its antitype, the shadow its substance.

    The Shekinah had departed from the sanctuary, but in the Child of Bethlehem was veiled the glory before which angels bow. This unconscious babe was the promised seed, to whom the first altar at the gate of Eden pointed. This was Shiloh, the peace giver. It was He who declared Himself to Moses as the I am. It was He who in the pillar of cloud and of fire had been the guide of Israel. This was He whom seers had long foretold. He was the Desire of all nations, the Root and the Offspring of David, and the Bright and Morning Star. The name of that helpless little babe, inscribed in the roll of Israel, declaring Him our brother, was the hope of fallen humanity. The child for whom the redemption money had been paid was He who was to pay the ransom for the sins of the whole world. He was the true "high priest over the house of God," the head of "an unchangeable priesthood," the intercessor at "the right hand of the Majesty on high." Heb. 10:21; 7:24; 1:3. 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."

    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."

    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."

    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.

    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.

    Mary pondered the broad and far-reaching prophecy of Simeon. As she looked upon the child in her arms, and recalled the words spoken by the shepherds of Bethlehem, she was full of grateful joy and bright hope. Simeon's words called to her mind the prophetic utterances of Isaiah: "There shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: and the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. . . . And righteousness shall be the girdle of His loins, and faithfulness the girdle of His reins." "The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. . . . For 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, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isa. 11:1-5; 9:2-6.

    Yet Mary did not understand Christ's mission. Simeon had prophesied of Him as a light to lighten the Gentiles, as well as a glory to Israel. Thus the angels had announced the Saviour's birth as tidings of joy to all peoples. God was seeking to correct the narrow, Jewish conception of the Messiah's work. He desired men to behold Him, not merely as the deliverer of Israel, but as the Redeemer of the world. But many years must pass before even the mother of Jesus would understand His mission.

    Mary looked forward to the Messiah's reign on David's throne, but she saw not the baptism of suffering by which it must be won. Through Simeon it is revealed that the Messiah is to have no unobstructed passage through the world. In the words to Mary, "A sword shall pierce through thy own soul also," God in His tender mercy gives to the mother of Jesus an intimation of the anguish that already for His sake she had begun to bear.

    "Behold," Simeon had said, "this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against."

    They must fall who would rise again. We must fall upon the Rock and be broken before we can be uplifted in Christ. Self must be dethroned, pride must be humbled, if we would know the glory of the spiritual kingdom. The Jews would not accept the honor that is reached through humiliation. Therefore they would not receive their Redeemer. He was a sign that was spoken against. "That the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." In the light of the Saviour's life, the hearts of all, even from the Creator to the prince of darkness, are revealed. Satan has represented God as selfish and oppressive, as claiming all, and giving nothing, as requiring the service of His creatures for His own glory, and making no sacrifice for their good. But the gift of Christ reveals the Father's heart. It testifies that the thoughts of God toward us are "thoughts of peace, and not of evil." Jer. 29:11. It declares that while God's hatred of sin is as strong as death, His love for the sinner is stronger than death. Having undertaken our redemption, He will spare nothing, however dear, which is necessary to the completion of His work. No truth essential to our salvation is withheld, no miracle of mercy is neglected, no divine agency is left unemployed. Favor is heaped upon favor, gift upon gift. The whole treasury of heaven is open to those He seeks to save. Having collected the riches of the universe, and laid open the resources of infinite power, He gives them all into the hands of Christ, and says, All these are for man. Use these gifts to convince him that there is no love greater than Mine in earth or heaven. His greatest happiness will be found in loving Me.

    At the cross of Calvary, love and selfishness stood face to face. Here was their crowning manifestation. Christ had lived only to comfort and bless, and in putting Him to death, Satan manifested the malignity of his hatred against God. He made it evident that the real purpose of his rebellion was to dethrone God, and to destroy Him through whom the love of God was shown.

    By the life and the death of Christ, the thoughts of men also are brought to view. From the manger to the cross, the life of Jesus was a call to self-surrender, and to fellowship in suffering. It unveiled the purposes of men. Jesus came with the truth of heaven, and all who were listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit were drawn to Him. The worshipers of self belonged to Satan's kingdom. In their attitude toward Christ, all would show on which side they stood. And thus everyone passes judgment on himself.

    In the day of final judgment, every lost soul will understand the nature of his own rejection of truth. The cross will be presented, and its real bearing will be seen by every mind that has been blinded by transgression. Before the vision of Calvary with its mysterious Victim, sinners will stand condemned. Every lying excuse will be swept away. Human apostasy will appear in its heinous character. Men will see what their choice has been. Every question of truth and error in the long-standing controversy will then have been made plain. In the judgment of the universe, God will stand clear of blame for the existence or continuance of evil. It will be demonstrated that the divine decrees are not accessory to sin. There was no defect in God's government, no cause for disaffection. When the thoughts of all hearts shall be revealed, both the loyal and the rebellious will unite in declaring, "Just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints. Who shall not fear Thee, O Lord, and glorify Thy name? . . . for Thy judgments are made manifest." Rev. 15:3, 4.

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Jesus-christ-0207






    Last edited by orthodoxymoron on Mon Dec 14, 2020 4:15 am; edited 3 times in total
    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


    Posts : 13426
    Join date : 2010-09-28
    Location : The Matrix

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (10)

    Post  orthodoxymoron Sat Dec 12, 2020 4:04 am

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Jesus-christ-0207

    Chapter 6
    "We Have Seen His Star"

    "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. Among these were many who imposed on the credulity of the people. Others were upright men who studied the indications of Providence in nature, and who were honored for their integrity and wisdom. Of this character were the wise men who came to Jesus.

    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. But in the Old Testament the Saviour's advent was more clearly revealed. 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 wise men had seen a mysterious light in the heavens upon that night when the glory of God flooded the hills of Bethlehem. As the light faded, a luminous star appeared, and lingered in the sky. It was not a fixed star nor a planet, and the phenomenon excited the keenest interest. That star was a distant company of shining angels, but of this the wise men were ignorant. Yet they were impressed that the star was of special import to them. They consulted priests and philosophers, and searched the scrolls of the ancient records. The prophecy of Balaam had declared, "There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel." Num. 24:17. Could this strange star have been sent as a harbinger of the Promised One? The magi had welcomed the light of heaven-sent truth; now it was shed upon them in brighter rays. Through dreams they were instructed to go in search of the newborn Prince.

    As by faith Abraham went forth at the call of God, "not knowing whither he went" (Heb. 11:Cool; as by faith Israel followed the pillar of cloud to the Promised Land, so did these Gentiles go forth to find the promised Saviour. The Eastern country abounded in precious things, and the magi did not set out empty-handed. It was the custom to offer presents as an act of homage to princes or other personages of rank, and the richest gifts the land afforded were borne as an offering to Him in whom all the families of the earth were to be blessed. It was necessary to journey by night in order to keep the star in view; but the travelers beguiled the hours by repeating traditional sayings and prophetic utterances concerning the One they sought. At every pause for rest they searched the prophecies; and the conviction deepened that they were divinely guided. While they had the star before them as an outward sign, they had also the inward evidence of the Holy Spirit, which was impressing their hearts, and inspiring them with hope. The journey, though long, was a happy one to them.

    They have reached the land of Israel, and are descending the Mount of Olives, with Jerusalem in sight, when, lo, the star that has guided them all the weary way rests above the temple, and after a season fades from their view. With eager steps they press onward, confidently expecting the Messiah's birth to be the joyful burden of every tongue. But their inquiries are in vain. Entering the holy city, they repair to the temple. To their amazement they find none who seem to have a knowledge of the newborn king. Their questions call forth no expressions of joy, but rather of surprise and fear, not unmingled with contempt. The priests are rehearsing traditions. They extol their religion and their own piety, while they denounce the Greeks and Romans as heathen, and sinners above others. The wise men are not idolaters, and in the sight of God they stand far higher than do these, His professed worshipers; yet they are looked upon by the Jews as heathen. Even among the appointed guardians of the Holy Oracles their eager questionings touch no chord of sympathy.

    The arrival of the magi was quickly noised throughout Jerusalem. Their strange errand created an excitement among the people, which penetrated to the palace of King Herod. The wily Edomite was aroused at the intimation of a possible rival. Countless murders had stained his pathway to the throne. Being of alien blood, he was hated by the people over whom he ruled. His only security was the favor of Rome. But this new Prince had a higher claim. He was born to the kingdom.

    Herod suspected the priests of plotting with the strangers to excite a popular tumult and unseat him from the throne. He concealed his mistrust, however, determined to thwart their schemes by superior cunning. Summoning the chief priests and the scribes, he questioned them as to the teaching of their sacred books in regard to the place of the Messiah's birth. This inquiry from the usurper of the throne, and made at the request of strangers, stung the pride of the Jewish teachers. The indifference with which they turned to the rolls of prophecy enraged the jealous tyrant. He thought them trying to conceal their knowledge of the matter. With an authority they dared not disregard, he commanded them to make close search, and to declare the birthplace of their expected King. "And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judea: for thus it is written by the prophet,

    "And thou Bethlehem, land of Judah,
    Art in nowise least among the princes of Judah:
    For out of thee shall come forth a governor,
    Which shall be shepherd of My people Israel."
    R. V.

    Herod now invited the magi to a private interview. A tempest of wrath and fear was raging in his heart, but he preserved a calm exterior, and received the strangers courteously. He inquired at what time the star had appeared, and professed to hail with joy the intimation of the birth of Christ. He bade his visitors, "Search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found Him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship Him also." So saying, he dismissed them to go on their way to Bethlehem.

    The priests and elders of Jerusalem were not as ignorant concerning the birth of Christ as they pretended. The report of the angels' visit to the shepherds had been brought to Jerusalem, but the rabbis had treated it as unworthy of their notice. They themselves might have found Jesus, and might have been ready to lead the magi to His birthplace; but instead of this, the wise men came to call their attention to the birth of the Messiah. "Where is He that is born King of the Jews?" they said; "for we have seen His star in the East, and are come to worship Him."

    Now pride and envy closed the door against the light. If the reports brought by the shepherds and the wise men were credited, they would place the priests and rabbis in a most unenviable position, disproving their claim to be the exponents of the truth of God. These learned teachers would not stoop to be instructed by those whom they termed heathen. It could not be, they said, that God had passed them by, to communicate with ignorant shepherds or uncircumcised Gentiles. They determined to show their contempt for the reports that were exciting King Herod and all Jerusalem. They would not even go to Bethlehem to see whether these things were so. And they led the people to regard the interest in Jesus as a fanatical excitement. Here began the rejection of Christ by the priests and rabbis. From this point their pride and stubbornness grew into a settled hatred of the Saviour. While God was opening the door to the Gentiles, the Jewish leaders were closing the door to themselves. The wise men departed alone from Jerusalem. The shadows of night were falling as they left the gates, but to their great joy they again saw the star, and were directed to Bethlehem. They had received no such intimation of the lowly estate of Jesus as was given to the shepherds. After the long journey they had been disappointed by the indifference of the Jewish leaders, and had left Jerusalem less confident than when they entered the city. At Bethlehem they found no royal guard stationed to protect the newborn King. None of the world's honored men were in attendance. Jesus was cradled in a manger. His parents, uneducated peasants, were His only guardians. Could this be He of whom it was written, that He should "raise up the tribes of Jacob," and "restore the preserved of Israel;" that He should be "a light to the Gentiles," and for "salvation unto the end of the earth"? Isa. 49:6.

    "When they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshiped Him." Beneath the lowly guise of Jesus, they recognized the presence of Divinity. They gave their hearts to Him as their Saviour, and then poured out their gifts,--"gold, and frankincense, and myrrh." What a faith was theirs!

    It might have been said of the wise men from the East, as afterward of the Roman centurion, "I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." Matt. 8:10.

    The wise men had not penetrated Herod's design toward Jesus. When the object of their journey was accomplished, they prepared to return to Jerusalem, intending to acquaint him with their success. But in a dream they received a divine message to hold no further communication with him. Avoiding Jerusalem, they set out for their own country by another route.

    In like manner Joseph received warning to flee into Egypt with Mary and the child. And the angel said, "Be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy Him." Joseph obeyed without delay, setting out on the journey by night for greater security.

    Through the wise men, God had called the attention of the Jewish nation to the birth of His Son. Their inquiries in Jerusalem, the popular interest excited, and even the jealousy of Herod, which compelled the attention of the priests and rabbis, directed minds to the prophecies concerning the Messiah, and to the great event that had just taken place.

    Satan was bent on shutting out the divine light from the world, and he used his utmost cunning to destroy the Saviour. But He who never slumbers nor sleeps was watching over His beloved Son. He who had rained manna from heaven for Israel and had fed Elijah in the time of famine provided in a heathen land a refuge for Mary and the child Jesus. And through the gifts of the magi from a heathen country, the Lord supplied the means for the journey into Egypt and the sojourn in a land of strangers.

    The magi had been among the first to welcome the Redeemer. Their gift was the first that was laid at His feet. And through that gift, what privilege of ministry was theirs! The offering from the heart that loves, God delights to honor, giving it highest efficiency in service for Him. If we have given our hearts to Jesus, we also shall bring our gifts to Him. Our gold and silver, our most precious earthly possessions, our highest mental and spiritual endowments, will be freely devoted to Him who loved us, and gave Himself for us.

    Herod in Jerusalem impatiently awaited the return of the wise men. As time passed, and they did not appear, his suspicions were roused. The unwillingness of the rabbis to point out the Messiah's birthplace seemed to indicate that they had penetrated his design, and that the magi had purposely avoided him. He was maddened at the thought. Craft had failed, but there was left the resort to force. He would make an example of this child-king. Those haughty Jews should see what they might expect in their attempts to place a monarch on the throne.

    Soldiers were at once sent to Bethlehem, with orders to put to death all the children of two years and under. The quiet homes of the city of David witnessed those scenes of horror that, six hundred years before, had been opened to the prophet. "In Ramah was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not."

    This calamity the Jews had brought upon themselves. If they had been walking in faithfulness and humility before God, He would in a signal manner have made the wrath of the king harmless to them. But they had separated themselves from God by their sins, and had rejected the Holy Spirit, which was their only shield. They had not studied the Scriptures with a desire to conform to the will of God. They had searched for prophecies which could be interpreted to exalt themselves, and to show how God despised all other nations. It was their proud boast that the Messiah was to come as a king, conquering His enemies, and treading down the heathen in His wrath. Thus they had excited the hatred of their rulers. Through their misrepresentation of Christ's mission, Satan had purposed to compass the destruction of the Saviour; but instead of this, it returned upon their own heads. This act of cruelty was one of the last that darkened the reign of Herod. Soon after the slaughter of the innocents, he was himself compelled to yield to that doom which none can turn aside. He died a fearful death.

    Joseph, who was still in Egypt, was now bidden by an angel of God to return to the land of Israel. Regarding Jesus as the heir of David's throne, Joseph desired to make his home in Bethlehem; but learning that Archelaus reigned in Judea in his father's stead, he feared that the father's designs against Christ might be carried out by the son. Of all the sons of Herod, Archelaus most resembled him in character. Already his succession to the government had been marked by a tumult in Jerusalem, and the slaughter of thousands of Jews by the Roman guards.

    Again Joseph was directed to a place of safety. He returned to Nazareth, his former home, and here for nearly thirty years Jesus dwelt, "that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene." Galilee was under the control of a son of Herod, but it had a much larger admixture of foreign inhabitants than Judea. Thus there was less interest in matters relating especially to the Jews, and the claims of Jesus would be less likely to excite the jealousy of those in power. Such was the Saviour's reception when He came to the earth. There seemed to be no place of rest or safety for the infant Redeemer. God could not trust His beloved Son with men, even while carrying forward His work for their salvation. He commissioned angels to attend Jesus and protect Him till He should accomplish His mission on earth, and die by the hands of those whom He came to save.

    Chapter 7

    The childhood and youth of Jesus were spent in a little mountain village. There was no place on earth that would not have been honored by His presence. The palaces of kings would have been privileged in receiving Him as a guest. But He passed by the homes of wealth, the courts of royalty, and the renowned seats of learning, to make His home in obscure and despised Nazareth.

    Wonderful in its significance is the brief record of His early life: "The child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon Him." In the sunlight of His Father's countenance, Jesus "increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." Luke 2:52. His mind was active and penetrating, with a thoughtfulness and wisdom beyond His years. Yet His character was beautiful in its symmetry. The powers of mind and body developed gradually, in keeping with the laws of childhood.

    As a child, Jesus manifested a peculiar loveliness of disposition. His willing hands were ever ready to serve others. He manifested a patience that nothing could disturb, and a truthfulness that would never sacrifice integrity. In principle firm as a rock, His life revealed the grace of unselfish courtesy. With deep earnestness the mother of Jesus watched the unfolding of His powers, and beheld the impress of perfection upon His character. With delight she sought to encourage that bright, receptive mind. Through the Holy Spirit she received wisdom to co-operate with the heavenly agencies in the development of this child, who could claim only God as His Father.

    From the earliest times the faithful in Israel had given much care to the education of the youth. The Lord had directed that even from babyhood the children should be taught of His goodness and His greatness, especially as revealed in His law, and shown in the history of Israel. Song and prayer and lessons from the Scriptures were to be adapted to the opening mind. Fathers and mothers were to instruct their children that the law of God is an expression of His character, and that as they received the principles of the law into the heart, the image of God was traced on mind and soul. Much of the teaching was oral; but the youth also learned to read the Hebrew writings; and the parchment rolls of the Old Testament Scriptures were open to their study.

    In the days of Christ the town or city that did not provide for the religious instruction of the young was regarded as under the curse of God. Yet the teaching had become formal. Tradition had in a great degree supplanted the Scriptures. True education would lead the youth to "seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him." Acts 17:27. But the Jewish teachers gave their attention to matters of ceremony. The mind was crowded with material that was worthless to the learner, and that would not be recognized in the higher school of the courts above. The experience which is obtained through a personal acceptance of God's word had no place in the educational system. Absorbed in the round of externals, the students found no quiet hours to spend with God. They did not hear His voice speaking to the heart. In their search after knowledge, they turned away from the Source of wisdom. The great essentials of the service of God were neglected. The principles of the law were obscured. That which was regarded as superior education was the greatest hindrance to real development. Under the training of the rabbis the powers of the youth were repressed. Their minds became cramped and narrow.

    The child Jesus did not receive instruction in the synagogue schools. His mother was His first human teacher. From her lips and from the scrolls of the prophets, He learned of heavenly things. The very words which He Himself had spoken to Moses for Israel He was now taught at His mother's knee. As He advanced from childhood to youth, He did not seek the schools of the rabbis. He needed not the education to be obtained from such sources; for God was His instructor.

    The question asked during the Saviour's ministry, "How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?" does not indicate that Jesus was unable to read, but merely that He had not received a rabbinical education. John 7:15. Since He gained knowledge as we may do, His intimate acquaintance with the Scriptures shows how diligently His early years were given to the study of God's word. And spread out before Him was the great library of God's created works. He who had made all things studied the lessons which His own hand had written in earth and sea and sky. Apart from the unholy ways of the world, He gathered stores of scientific knowledge from nature. He studied the life of plants and animals, and the life of man. From His earliest years He was possessed of one purpose; He lived to bless others. For this He found resources in nature; new ideas of ways and means flashed into His mind as He studied plant life and animal life. Continually He was seeking to draw from things seen illustrations by which to present the living oracles of God. The parables by which, during His ministry, He loved to teach His lessons of truth show how open His spirit was to the influences of nature, and how He had gathered the spiritual teaching from the surroundings of His daily life.

    Thus to Jesus the significance of the word and the works of God was unfolded, as He was trying to understand the reason of things. Heavenly beings were His attendants, and the culture of holy thoughts and communings was His. From the first dawning of intelligence He was constantly growing in spiritual grace and knowledge of truth.

    Every child may gain knowledge as Jesus did. As we try to become acquainted with our heavenly Father through His word, angels will draw near, our minds will be strengthened, our characters will be elevated and refined. We shall become more like our Saviour. And as we behold the beautiful and grand in nature, our affections go out after God. While the spirit is awed, the soul is invigorated by coming in contact with the Infinite through His works. Communion with God through prayer develops the mental and moral faculties, and the spiritual powers strengthen as we cultivate thoughts upon spiritual things. The life of Jesus was a life in harmony with God. While He was a child, He thought and spoke as a child; but no trace of sin marred the image of God within Him. Yet He was not exempt from temptation. The inhabitants of Nazareth were proverbial for their wickedness. The low estimate in which they were generally held is shown by Nathanael's question, "Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?" John 1:46. Jesus was placed where His character would be tested. It was necessary for Him to be constantly on guard in order to preserve His purity. He was subject to all the conflicts which we have to meet, that He might be an example to us in childhood, youth, and manhood.

    Satan was unwearied in his efforts to overcome the Child of Nazareth. From His earliest years Jesus was guarded by heavenly angels, yet His life was one long struggle against the powers of darkness. That there should be upon the earth one life free from the defilement of evil was an offense and a perplexity to the prince of darkness. He left no means untried to ensnare Jesus. No child of humanity will ever be called to live a holy life amid so fierce a conflict with temptation as was our Saviour.

    The parents of Jesus were poor, and dependent upon their daily toil. He was familiar with poverty, self-denial, and privation. This experience was a safeguard to Him. In His industrious life there were no idle moments to invite temptation. No aimless hours opened the way for corrupting associations. So far as possible, He closed the door to the tempter. Neither gain nor pleasure, applause nor censure, could induce Him to consent to a wrong act. He was wise to discern evil, and strong to resist it.

    Christ was the only sinless one who ever dwelt on earth; yet for nearly thirty years He lived among the wicked inhabitants of Nazareth. This fact is a rebuke to those who think themselves dependent upon place, fortune, or prosperity, in order to live a blameless life. Temptation, poverty, adversity, is the very discipline needed to develop purity and firmness.

    Jesus lived in a peasant's home, and faithfully and cheerfully acted His part in bearing the burdens of the household. He had been the Commander of heaven, and angels had delighted to fulfill His word; now He was a willing servant, a loving, obedient son. He learned a trade, and with His own hands worked in the carpenter's shop with Joseph. In the simple garb of a common laborer He walked the streets of the little town, going to and returning from His humble work. He did not employ His divine power to lessen His burdens or to lighten His toil.

    As Jesus worked in childhood and youth, mind and body were developed. He did not use His physical powers recklessly, but in such a way as to keep them in health, that He might do the best work in every line. He was not willing to be defective, even in the handling of tools. He was perfect as a workman, as He was perfect in character. By His own example He taught that it is our duty to be industrious, that our work should be performed with exactness and thoroughness, and that such labor is honorable. The exercise that teaches the hands to be useful and trains the young to bear their share of life's burdens gives physical strength, and develops every faculty. All should find something to do that will be beneficial to themselves and helpful to others. God appointed work as a blessing, and only the diligent worker finds the true glory and joy of life. The approval of God rests with loving assurance upon children and youth who cheerfully take their part in the duties of the household, sharing the burdens of father and mother. Such children will go out from the home to be useful members of society.

    Throughout His life on earth, Jesus was an earnest and constant worker. He expected much; therefore He attempted much. After He had entered on His ministry, He said, "I must work the works of Him that sent Me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work." John 9:4. Jesus did not shirk care and responsibility, as do many who profess to be His followers. It is because they seek to evade this discipline that so many are weak and inefficient. They may possess precious and amiable traits, but they are nerveless and almost useless when difficulties are to be met or obstacles surmounted. The positiveness and energy, the solidity and strength of character, manifested in Christ are to be developed in us, through the same discipline that He endured. And the grace that He received is for us.

    So long as He lived among men, our Saviour shared the lot of the poor. He knew by experience their cares and hardships, and He could comfort and encourage all humble workers. Those who have a true conception of the teaching of His life will never feel that a distinction must be made between classes, that the rich are to be honored above the worthy poor.

    Jesus carried into His labor cheerfulness and tact. It requires much patience and spirituality to bring Bible religion into the home life and into the workshop, to bear the strain of worldly business, and yet keep the eye single to the glory of God. This is where Christ was a helper. He was never so full of worldly care as to have no time or thought for heavenly things. Often He expressed the gladness of His heart by singing psalms and heavenly songs. Often the dwellers in Nazareth heard His voice raised in praise and thanksgiving to God. He held communion with heaven in song; and as His companions complained of weariness from labor, they were cheered by the sweet melody from His lips. His praise seemed to banish the evil angels, and, like incense, fill the place with fragrance. The minds of His hearers were carried away from their earthly exile, to the heavenly home.

    Jesus was the fountain of healing mercy for the world; and through all those secluded years at Nazareth, His life flowed out in currents of sympathy and tenderness. The aged, the sorrowing, and the sin-burdened, the children at play in their innocent joy, the little creatures of the groves, the patient beasts of burden,--all were happier for His presence. He whose word of power upheld the worlds would stoop to relieve a wounded bird. There was nothing beneath His notice, nothing to which He disdained to minister.

    Thus as He grew in wisdom and stature, Jesus increased in favor with God and man. He drew the sympathy of all hearts by showing Himself capable of sympathizing with all. The atmosphere of hope and courage that surrounded Him made Him a blessing in every home. And often in the synagogue on the Sabbath day He was called upon to read the lesson from the prophets, and the hearts of the hearers thrilled as a new light shone out from the familiar words of the sacred text.

    Yet Jesus shunned display. During all the years of His stay in Nazareth, He made no exhibition of His miraculous power. He sought no high position and assumed no titles. His quiet and simple life, and even the silence of the Scriptures concerning His early years, teach an important lesson. The more quiet and simple the life of the child,--the more free from artificial excitement, and the more in harmony with nature,--the more favorable is it to physical and mental vigor and to spiritual strength.

    Jesus is our example. There are many who dwell with interest upon the period of His public ministry, while they pass unnoticed the teaching of His early years. But it is in His home life that He is the pattern for all children and youth. The Saviour condescended to poverty, that He might teach how closely we in a humble lot may walk with God. He lived to please, honor, and glorify His Father in the common things of life. His work began in consecrating the lowly trade of the craftsmen who toil for their daily bread. He was doing God's service just as much when laboring at the carpenter's bench as when working miracles for the multitude. And every youth who follows Christ's example of faithfulness and obedience in His lowly home may claim those words spoken of Him by the Father through the Holy Spirit, "Behold My Servant, whom I uphold; Mine Elect, in whom My soul delighteth." Isa. 42:1.

    Chapter 8

    Among the Jews the twelfth year was the dividing line between childhood and youth. On completing this year a Hebrew boy was called a son of the law, and also a son of God. He was given special opportunities for religious instruction, and was expected to participate in the sacred feasts and observances. It was in accordance with this custom that Jesus in His boyhood made the Passover visit to Jerusalem. Like all devout Israelites, Joseph and Mary went up every year to attend the Passover; and when Jesus had reached the required age, they took Him with them.

    There were three annual feasts, the Passover, the Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles, at which all the men of Israel were commanded to appear before the Lord at Jerusalem. Of these feasts the Passover was the most largely attended. Many were present from all countries where the Jews were scattered. From every part of Palestine the worshipers came in great numbers. The journey from Galilee occupied several days, and the travelers united in large companies for companionship and protection. The women and aged men rode upon oxen or asses over the steep and rocky roads. The stronger men and the youth journeyed on foot. The time of the Passover corresponded to the close of March or the beginning of April, and the whole land was bright with flowers, and glad with the song of birds. All along the way were spots memorable in the history of Israel, and fathers and mothers recounted to their children the wonders that God had wrought for His people in ages past. They beguiled their journey with song and music, and when at last the towers of Jerusalem came into view, every voice joined in the triumphant strain,--

    "Our feet shall stand
    Within thy gates, O Jerusalem. . . .
    Peace be within thy walls,
    And prosperity within thy palaces."
    Ps. 122: 2-7.

    The observance of the Passover began with the birth of the Hebrew nation. On the last night of their bondage in Egypt, when there appeared no token of deliverance, God commanded them to prepare for an immediate release. He had warned Pharaoh of the final judgment on the Egyptians, and He directed the Hebrews to gather their families within their own dwellings. Having sprinkled the doorposts with the blood of the slain lamb, they were to eat the lamb, roasted, with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. "And thus shall ye eat it," He said, "with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the Lord's passover." Ex. 12:11. At midnight all the first-born of the Egyptians were slain. Then the king sent to Israel the message, "Rise up, and get you forth from among my people; . . . and go, serve the Lord, as ye have said." Ex. 12:31. The Hebrews went out from Egypt an independent nation. The Lord had commanded that the Passover should be yearly kept. "It shall come to pass," He said, "when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? that ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the Lord's passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when He smote the Egyptians." Thus from generation to generation the story of this wonderful deliverance was to be repeated. The Passover was followed by the seven days' feast of unleavened bread. On the second day of the feast, the first fruits of the year's harvest, a sheaf of barley, was presented before the Lord. All the ceremonies of the feast were types of the work of Christ. The deliverance of Israel from Egypt was an object lesson of redemption, which the Passover was intended to keep in memory. The slain lamb, the unleavened bread, the sheaf of first fruits, represented the Saviour.

    With most of the people in the days of Christ, the observance of this feast had degenerated into formalism. But what was its significance to the Son of God!

    For the first time the child Jesus looked upon the temple. He saw the white-robed priests performing their solemn ministry. He beheld the bleeding victim upon the altar of sacrifice. With the worshipers He bowed in prayer, while the cloud of incense ascended before God. He witnessed the impressive rites of the paschal service. Day by day He saw their meaning more clearly. Every act seemed to be bound up with His own life. New impulses were awakening within Him. Silent and absorbed, He seemed to be studying out a great problem. The mystery of His mission was opening to the Saviour.

    Rapt in the contemplation of these scenes, He did not remain beside His parents. He sought to be alone. When the paschal services were ended, He still lingered in the temple courts; and when the worshipers departed from Jerusalem, He was left behind.

    In this visit to Jerusalem, the parents of Jesus wished to bring Him in connection with the great teachers in Israel. While He was obedient in every particular to the word of God, He did not conform to the rabbinical rites and usages. Joseph and Mary hoped that He might be led to reverence the learned rabbis, and give more diligent heed to their requirements. But Jesus in the temple had been taught by God. That which He had received, He began at once to impart.

    At that day an apartment connected with the temple was devoted to a sacred school, after the manner of the schools of the prophets. Here leading rabbis with their pupils assembled, and hither the child Jesus came. Seating Himself at the feet of these grave, learned men, He listened to their instruction. As one seeking for wisdom, He questioned these teachers in regard to the prophecies, and to events then taking place that pointed to the advent of the Messiah.

    Jesus presented Himself as one thirsting for a knowledge of God. His questions were suggestive of deep truths which had long been obscured, yet which were vital to the salvation of souls. While showing how narrow and superficial was the wisdom of the wise men, every question put before them a divine lesson, and placed truth in a new aspect. The rabbis spoke of the wonderful elevation which the Messiah's coming would bring to the Jewish nation; but Jesus presented the prophecy of Isaiah, and asked them the meaning of those scriptures that point to the suffering and death of the Lamb of God.

    The doctors turned upon Him with questions, and they were amazed at His answers. With the humility of a child He repeated the words of Scripture, giving them a depth of meaning that the wise men had not conceived of. If followed, the lines of truth He pointed out would have worked a reformation in the religion of the day. A deep interest in spiritual things would have been awakened; and when Jesus began His ministry, many would have been prepared to receive Him.

    The rabbis knew that Jesus had not been instructed in their schools; yet His understanding of the prophecies far exceeded theirs. In this thoughtful Galilean boy they discerned great promise. They desired to gain Him as a student, that He might become a teacher in Israel. They wanted to have charge of His education, feeling that a mind so original must be brought under their molding.

    The words of Jesus had moved their hearts as they had never before been moved by words from human lips. God was seeking to give light to those leaders in Israel, and He used the only means by which they could be reached. In their pride they would have scorned to admit that they could receive instruction from anyone. If Jesus had appeared to be trying to teach them, they would have disdained to listen. But they flattered themselves that they were teaching Him, or at least testing His knowledge of the Scriptures. The youthful modesty and grace of Jesus disarmed their prejudices. Unconsciously their minds were opened to the word of God, and the Holy Spirit spoke to their hearts.

    They could not but see that their expectation in regard to the Messiah was not sustained by prophecy; but they would not renounce the theories that had flattered their ambition. They would not admit that they had misapprehended the Scriptures they claimed to teach. From one to another passed the inquiry, How hath this youth knowledge, having never learned? The light was shining in darkness; but "the darkness apprehended it not." John 1:5, R. V.

    Meanwhile Joseph and Mary were in great perplexity and distress. In the departure from Jerusalem they had lost sight of Jesus, and they knew not that He had tarried behind. The country was then densely populated, and the caravans from Galilee were very large. There was much confusion as they left the city. On the way the pleasure of traveling with friends and acquaintances absorbed their attention, and they did not notice His absence till night came on. Then as they halted for rest, they missed the helpful hand of their child. Supposing Him to be with their company, they had felt no anxiety. Young as He was, they had trusted Him implicitly, expecting that when needed, He would be ready to assist them, anticipating their wants as He had always done. But now their fears were roused. They searched for Him throughout their company, but in vain. Shuddering they remembered how Herod had tried to destroy Him in His infancy. Dark forebodings filled their hearts. They bitterly reproached themselves.

    Returning to Jerusalem, they pursued their search. The next day, as they mingled with the worshipers in the temple, a familiar voice arrested their attention. They could not mistake it; no other voice was like His, so serious and earnest, yet so full of melody.

    In the school of the rabbis they found Jesus. Rejoiced as they were, they could not forget their grief and anxiety. When He was with them again, the mother said, in words that implied reproof, "Son, why hast Thou thus dealt with us? Behold, Thy father and I have sought Thee sorrowing."

    "How is it that ye sought Me?" answered Jesus. "Wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business?" And as they seemed not to understand His words, He pointed upward. On His face was a light at which they wondered. Divinity was flashing through humanity. On finding Him in the temple, they had listened to what was passing between Him and the rabbis, and they were astonished at His questions and answers. His words started a train of thought that would never be forgotten.

    And His question to them had a lesson. "Wist ye not," He said, "that I must be about My Father's business?" Jesus was engaged in the work that He had come into the world to do; but Joseph and Mary had neglected theirs. God had shown them high honor in committing to them His Son. Holy angels had directed the course of Joseph in order to preserve the life of Jesus. But for an entire day they had lost sight of Him whom they should not have forgotten for a moment. And when their anxiety was relieved, they had not censured themselves, but had cast the blame upon Him.

    It was natural for the parents of Jesus to look upon Him as their own child. He was daily with them, His life in many respects was like that of other children, and it was difficult for them to realize that He was the Son of God. They were in danger of failing to appreciate the blessing granted them in the presence of the world's Redeemer. The grief of their separation from Him, and the gentle reproof which His words conveyed, were designed to impress them with the sacredness of their trust.

    In the answer to His mother, Jesus showed for the first time that He understood His relation to God. Before His birth the angel had said to Mary, "He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David: and He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever." Luke 1:32, 33. These words Mary had pondered in her heart; yet while she believed that her child was to be Israel's Messiah, she did not comprehend His mission. Now she did not understand His words; but she knew that He had disclaimed kinship to Joseph, and had declared His Sonship to God. Jesus did not ignore His relation to His earthly parents. From Jerusalem He returned home with them, and aided them in their life of toil. He hid in His own heart the mystery of His mission, waiting submissively for the appointed time for Him to enter upon His work. For eighteen years after He had recognized that He was the Son of God, He acknowledged the tie that bound Him to the home at Nazareth, and performed the duties of a son, a brother, a friend, and a citizen.

    As His mission had opened to Jesus in the temple, He shrank from contact with the multitude. He wished to return from Jerusalem in quietness, with those who knew the secret of His life. By the paschal service, God was seeking to call His people away from their worldly cares, and to remind them of His wonderful work in their deliverance from Egypt. In this work He desired them to see a promise of deliverance from sin. As the blood of the slain lamb sheltered the homes of Israel, so the blood of Christ was to save their souls; but they could be saved through Christ only as by faith they should make His life their own. There was virtue in the symbolic service only as it directed the worshipers to Christ as their personal Saviour. God desired that they should be led to prayerful study and meditation in regard to Christ's mission. But as the multitudes left Jerusalem, the excitement of travel and social intercourse too often absorbed their attention, and the service they had witnessed was forgotten. The Saviour was not attracted to their company.

    As Joseph and Mary should return from Jerusalem alone with Jesus, He hoped to direct their minds to the prophecies of the suffering Saviour. Upon Calvary He sought to lighten His mother's grief. He was thinking of her now. Mary was to witness His last agony, and Jesus desired her to understand His mission, that she might be strengthened to endure, when the sword should pierce through her soul. As Jesus had been separated from her, and she had sought Him sorrowing three days, so when He should be offered up for the sins of the world, He would again be lost to her for three days. And as He should come forth from the tomb, her sorrow would again be turned to joy. But how much better she could have borne the anguish of His death if she had understood the Scriptures to which He was now trying to turn her thoughts! If Joseph and Mary had stayed their minds upon God by meditation and prayer, they would have realized the sacredness of their trust, and would not have lost sight of Jesus. By one day's neglect they lost the Saviour; but it cost them three days of anxious search to find Him. So with us; by idle talk, evilspeaking, or neglect of prayer, we may in one day lose the Saviour's presence, and it may take many days of sorrowful search to find Him, and regain the peace that we have lost.

    In our association with one another, we should take heed lest we forget Jesus, and pass along unmindful that He is not with us. When we become absorbed in worldly things so that we have no thought for Him in whom our hope of eternal life is centered, we separate ourselves from Jesus and from the heavenly angels. These holy beings cannot remain where the Saviour's presence is not desired, and His absence is not marked. This is why discouragement so often exists among the professed followers of Christ.

    Many attend religious services, and are refreshed and comforted by the word of God; but through neglect of meditation, watchfulness, and prayer, they lose the blessing, and find themselves more destitute than before they received it. Often they feel that God has dealt hardly with them. They do not see that the fault is their own. By separating themselves from Jesus, they have shut away the light of His presence.

    It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ. We should take it point by point, and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones. As we thus dwell upon His great sacrifice for us, our confidence in Him will be more constant, our love will be quickened, and we shall be more deeply imbued with His spirit. If we would be saved at last, we must learn the lesson of penitence and humiliation at the foot of the cross.

    As we associate together, we may be a blessing to one another. If we are Christ's, our sweetest thoughts will be of Him. We shall love to talk of Him; and as we speak to one another of His love, our hearts will be softened by divine influences. Beholding the beauty of His character, we shall be "changed into the same image from glory to glory." 2 Cor. 3:18.

    Chapter 9

    From its earliest years the Jewish child was surrounded with the requirements of the rabbis. Rigid rules were prescribed for every act, down to the smallest details of life. Under the synagogue teachers the youth were instructed in the countless regulations which as orthodox Israelites they were expected to observe. But Jesus did not interest Himself in these matters. From childhood He acted independently of the rabbinical laws. The Scriptures of the Old Testament were His constant study, and the words, "Thus saith the Lord," were ever upon His lips.

    As the condition of the people began to open to His mind, He saw that the requirements of society and the requirements of God were in constant collision. Men were departing from the word of God, and exalting theories of their own invention. They were observing traditional rites that possessed no virtue. Their service was a mere round of ceremonies; the sacred truths it was designed to teach were hidden from the worshipers. He saw that in their faithless services they found no peace. They did not know the freedom of spirit that would come to them by serving God in truth. Jesus had come to teach the meaning of the worship of God, and He could not sanction the mingling of human requirements with the divine precepts. He did not attack the precepts or practices of the learned teachers; but when reproved for His own simple habits, He presented the word of God in justification of His conduct. In every gentle and submissive way, Jesus tried to please those with whom He came in contact. Because He was so gentle and unobtrusive, the scribes and elders supposed that He would be easily influenced by their teaching. They urged Him to receive the maxims and traditions that had been handed down from the ancient rabbis, but He asked for their authority in Holy Writ. He would hear every word that proceeds from the mouth of God; but He could not obey the inventions of men. Jesus seemed to know the Scriptures from beginning to end, and He presented them in their true import. The rabbis were ashamed to be instructed by a child. They claimed that it was their office to explain the Scriptures, and that it was His place to accept their interpretation. They were indignant that He should stand in opposition to their word.

    They knew that no authority could be found in Scripture for their traditions. They realized that in spiritual understanding Jesus was far in advance of them. Yet they were angry because He did not obey their dictates. Failing to convince Him, they sought Joseph and Mary, and set before them His course of noncompliance. Thus He suffered rebuke and censure. At a very early age, Jesus had begun to act for Himself in the formation of His character, and not even respect and love for His parents could turn Him from obedience to God's word. "It is written" was His reason for every act that varied from the family customs. But the influence of the rabbis made His life a bitter one. Even in His youth He had to learn the hard lesson of silence and patient endurance.

    His brothers, as the sons of Joseph were called, sided with the rabbis They insisted that the traditions must be heeded, as if they were the requirements of God. They even regarded the precepts of men more highly than the word of God, and they were greatly annoyed at the clear penetration of Jesus in distinguishing between the false and the true His strict obedience to the law of God they condemned as stubbornness. They were surprised at the knowledge and wisdom He showed in answering the rabbis. They knew that He had not received instruction from the wise men, yet they could not but see that He was an instructor to them. They recognized that His education was of a higher type than their own. But they did not discern that He had access to the tree of life, a source of knowledge of which they were ignorant.

    Christ was not exclusive, and He had given special offense to the Pharisees by departing in this respect from their rigid rules. He found the domain of religion fenced in by high walls of seclusion, as too sacred a matter for everyday life. These walls of partition He overthrew. In His contact with men He did not ask, What is your creed? To what church do you belong? He exercised His helping power in behalf of all who needed help. Instead of secluding Himself in a hermit's cell in order to show His heavenly character, He labored earnestly for humanity. He inculcated the principle that Bible religion does not consist in the mortification of the body. He taught that pure and undefiled religion is not meant only for set times and special occasions. At all times and in all places He manifested a loving interest in men, and shed about Him the light of a cheerful piety. All this was a rebuke to the Pharisees. It showed that religion does not consist in selfishness, and that their morbid devotion to personal interest was far from being true godliness. This had roused their enmity against Jesus, so that they tried to enforce His conformity to their regulations.

    Jesus worked to relieve every case of suffering that He saw. He had little money to give, but He often denied Himself of food in order to relieve those who appeared more needy than He. His brothers felt that His influence went far to counteract theirs. He possessed a tact which none of them had, or desired to have. When they spoke harshly to poor, degraded beings, Jesus sought out these very ones, and spoke to them words of encouragement. To those who were in need He would give a cup of cold water, and would quietly place His own meal in their hands. As He relieved their sufferings, the truths He taught were associated with His acts of mercy, and were thus riveted in the memory.

    All this displeased His brothers. Being older than Jesus, they felt that He should be under their dictation. They charged Him with thinking Himself superior to them, and reproved Him for setting Himself above their teachers and the priests and rulers of the people. Often they threatened and tried to intimidate Him; but He passed on, making the Scriptures His guide.

    Jesus loved His brothers, and treated them with unfailing kindness; but they were jealous of Him, and manifested the most decided unbelief and contempt. They could not understand His conduct. Great contradictions presented themselves in Jesus. He was the divine Son of God, and yet a helpless child. The Creator of the worlds, the earth was His possession, and yet poverty marked His life experience at every step. He possessed a dignity and individuality wholly distinct from earthly pride and assumption; He did not strive for worldly greatness, and in even the lowliest position He was content. This angered His brothers. They could not account for His constant serenity under trial and deprivation. They did not know that for our sake He had become poor, that we "through His poverty might be rich." 2 Cor. 8:9. They could understand the mystery of His mission no more than the friends of Job could understand his humiliation and suffering. Jesus was misunderstood by His brothers because He was not like them. His standard was not their standard. In looking to men they had turned away from God, and they had not His power in their lives. The forms of religion which they observed could not transform the character. They paid "tithe of mint and anise and cummin," but omitted "the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith." Matt. 23:23. The example of Jesus was to them a continual irritation. He hated but one thing in the world, and that was sin. He could not witness a wrong act without pain which it was impossible to disguise. Between the formalists, whose sanctity of appearance concealed the love of sin, and a character in which zeal for God's glory was always paramount, the contrast was unmistakable. Because the life of Jesus condemned evil, He was opposed, both at home and abroad. His unselfishness and integrity were commented on with a sneer. His forbearance and kindness were termed cowardice.

    Of the bitterness that falls to the lot of humanity, there was no part which Christ did not taste. There were those who tried to cast contempt upon Him because of His birth, and even in His childhood He had to meet their scornful looks and evil whisperings. If He had responded by an impatient word or look, if He had conceded to His brothers by even one wrong act, He would have failed of being a perfect example. Thus He would have failed of carrying out the plan for our redemption. Had He even admitted that there could be an excuse for sin, Satan would have triumphed, and the world would have been lost. This is why the tempter worked to make His life as trying as possible, that He might be led to sin.

    But to every temptation He had one answer, "It is written." He rarely rebuked any wrongdoing of His brothers, but He had a word from God to speak to them. Often He was accused of cowardice for refusing to unite with them in some forbidden act; but His answer was, It is written, "The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding." Job 28:28. There were some who sought His society, feeling at peace in His presence; but many avoided Him, because they were rebuked by His stainless life. Young companions urged Him to do as they did. He was bright and cheerful; they enjoyed His presence, and welcomed His ready suggestions; but they were impatient at His scruples, and pronounced Him narrow and strait-laced. Jesus answered, It is written, "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy word." "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee." Ps. 119:9, 11.

    Often He was asked, Why are you bent on being so singular, so different from us all? It is written, He said, "Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. Blessed are they that keep His testimonies, and that seek Him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity; they walk in His ways." Ps. 119:1-3.

    When questioned why He did not join in the frolics of the youth of Nazareth, He said, It is written, "I have rejoiced in the way of Thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. I will meditate in Thy precepts, and have respect unto Thy ways. I will delight myself in Thy statutes; I will not forget Thy word." Ps. 119:14-16.

    Jesus did not contend for His rights. Often His work was made unnecessarily severe because He was willing and uncomplaining. Yet He did not fail nor become discouraged. He lived above these difficulties, as if in the light of God's countenance. He did not retaliate when roughly used, but bore insult patiently.

    Again and again He was asked, Why do You submit to such despiteful usage, even from Your brothers? It is written, He said, "My son, forget not My law; but let thine heart keep My commandments: for length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: so shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man." Prov. 3:1-4.

    From the time when the parents of Jesus found Him in the temple, His course of action was a mystery to them. He would not enter into controversy, yet His example was a constant lesson. He seemed as one who was set apart. His hours of happiness were found when alone with nature and with God. Whenever it was His privilege, He turned aside from the scene of His labor, to go into the fields, to meditate in the green valleys, to hold communion with God on the mountainside or amid the trees of the forest. The early morning often found Him in some secluded place, meditating, searching the Scriptures, or in prayer. From these quiet hours He would return to His home to take up His duties again, and to give an example of patient toil. The life of Christ was marked with respect and love for His mother. Mary believed in her heart that the holy child born of her was the long-promised Messiah, yet she dared not express her faith. Throughout His life on earth she was a partaker in His sufferings. She witnessed with sorrow the trials brought upon Him in His childhood and youth. By her vindication of what she knew to be right in His conduct, she herself was brought into trying positions. She looked upon the associations of the home, and the mother's tender watchcare over her children, as of vital importance in the formation of character. The sons and daughters of Joseph knew this, and by appealing to her anxiety, they tried to correct the practices of Jesus according to their standard.

    Mary often remonstrated with Jesus, and urged Him to conform to the usages of the rabbis. But He could not be persuaded to change His habits of contemplating the works of God and seeking to alleviate the suffering of men or even of dumb animals. When the priests and teachers required Mary's aid in controlling Jesus, she was greatly troubled; but peace came to her heart as He presented the statements of Scripture upholding His practices.

    At times she wavered between Jesus and His brothers, who did not believe that He was the Sent of God; but evidence was abundant that His was a divine character. She saw Him sacrificing Himself for the good of others. His presence brought a purer atmosphere into the home, and His life was as leaven working amid the elements of society. Harmless and undefiled, He walked among the thoughtless, the rude, the uncourteous; amid the unjust publicans, the reckless prodigals, the unrighteous Samaritans, the heathen soldiers, the rough peasants, and the mixed multitude. He spoke a word of sympathy here and a word there, as He saw men weary, yet compelled to bear heavy burdens. He shared their burdens, and repeated to them the lessons He had learned from nature, of the love, the kindness, the goodness of God.

    He taught all to look upon themselves as endowed with precious talents, which if rightly employed would secure for them eternal riches. He weeded all vanity from life, and by His own example taught that every moment of time is fraught with eternal results; that it is to be cherished as a treasure, and to be employed for holy purposes. He passed by no human being as worthless, but sought to apply the saving remedy to every soul. In whatever company He found Himself, He presented a lesson that was appropriate to the time and the circumstances. He sought to inspire with hope the most rough and unpromising, setting before them the assurance that they might become blameless and harmless, attaining such a character as would make them manifest as the children of God. Often He met those who had drifted under Satan's control, and who had no power to break from his snare. To such a one, discouraged, sick, tempted, and fallen, Jesus would speak words of tenderest pity, words that were needed and could be understood. Others He met who were fighting a hand-to-hand battle with the adversary of souls. These He encouraged to persevere, assuring them that they would win; for angels of God were on their side, and would give them the victory. Those whom He thus helped were convinced that here was One in whom they could trust with perfect confidence. He would not betray the secrets they poured into His sympathizing ear. Jesus was the healer of the body as well as of the soul. He was interested in every phase of suffering that came under His notice, and to every sufferer He brought relief, His kind words having a soothing balm. None could say that He had worked a miracle; but virtue--the healing power of love--went out from Him to the sick and distressed. Thus in an unobtrusive way He worked for the people from His very childhood. And this was why, after His public ministry began, so many heard Him gladly.

    Yet through childhood, youth, and manhood, Jesus walked alone. In His purity and His faithfulness, He trod the wine press alone, and of the people there was none with Him. He carried the awful weight of responsibility for the salvation of men. He knew that unless there was a decided change in the principles and purposes of the human race, all would be lost. This was the burden of His soul, and none could appreciate the weight that rested upon Him. Filled with intense purpose, He carried out the design of His life that He Himself should be the light of men.

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Jesus-christ-0207
    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


    Posts : 13426
    Join date : 2010-09-28
    Location : The Matrix

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (10)

    Post  orthodoxymoron Sat Dec 12, 2020 4:06 am

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Jesus-christ-0207

    Chapter 10
    The Voice in the Wilderness

    From among the faithful in Israel, who had long waited for the coming of the Messiah, the forerunner of Christ arose. The aged priest Zacharias and his wife Elisabeth were "both righteous before God;" and in their quiet and holy lives the light of faith shone out like a star amid the darkness of those evil days. To this godly pair was given the promise of a son, who should "go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways."

    Zacharias dwelt in "the hill country of Judea," but he had gone up to Jerusalem to minister for one week in the temple, a service required twice a year from the priests of each course. "And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest's office before God in the order of his course, according to the custom of the priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord."

    He was standing before the golden altar in the holy place of the sanctuary. The cloud of incense with the prayers of Israel was ascending before God. Suddenly he became conscious of a divine presence. An angel of the Lord was "standing on the right side of the altar." The position of the angel was an indication of favor, but Zacharias took no note of this. For many years he had prayed for the coming of the Redeemer; now heaven had sent its messenger to announce that these prayers were about to be answered; but the mercy of God seemed too great for him to credit. He was filled with fear and self-condemnation. But he was greeted with the joyful assurance: "Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost. . . . And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before Him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years."

    Zacharias well knew how to Abraham in his old age a child was given because he believed Him faithful who had promised. But for a moment the aged priest turns his thought to the weakness of humanity. He forgets that what God has promised, He is able to perform. What a contrast between this unbelief and the sweet, childlike faith of Mary, the maiden of Nazareth, whose answer to the angel's wonderful announcement was, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word"! Luke 1:38.

    The birth of a son to Zacharias, like the birth of the child of Abraham, and that of Mary, was to teach a great spiritual truth, a truth that we are slow to learn and ready to forget. In ourselves we are incapable of doing any good thing; but that which we cannot do will be wrought by the power of God in every submissive and believing soul. It was through faith that the child of promise was given. It is through faith that spiritual life is begotten, and we are enabled to do the works of righteousness.

    To the question of Zacharias, the angel said, "I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to show thee these glad tidings." Five hundred years before, Gabriel had made known to Daniel the prophetic period which was to extend to the coming of Christ. The knowledge that the end of this period was near had moved Zacharias to pray for the Messiah's advent. Now the very messenger through whom the prophecy was given had come to announce its fulfillment.

    The words of the angel, "I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God," show that he holds a position of high honor in the heavenly courts. When he came with a message to Daniel, he said, "There is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael [Christ] your Prince." Dan. 10:21. Of Gabriel the Saviour speaks in the Revelation, saying that "He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John." Rev. 1:1. And to John the angel declared, "I am a fellow servant with thee and with thy brethren the prophets." Rev. 22:9, R. V. Wonderful thought--that the angel who stands next in honor to the Son of God is the one chosen to open the purposes of God to sinful men.

    Zacharias had expressed doubt of the angel's words. He was not to speak again until they were fulfilled. "Behold," said the angel, "thou shalt be dumb, . . . until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season." It was the duty of the priest in this service to pray for the pardon of public and national sins, and for the coming of the Messiah; but when Zacharias attempted to do this, he could not utter a word.

    Coming forth to bless the people, "he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless." They had waited long, and had begun to fear, lest he had been cut down by the judgment of God. But as he came forth from the holy place, his face was shining with the glory of God, "and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple." Zacharias communicated to them what he had seen and heard; and "as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house."

    Soon after the birth of the promised child, the father's tongue was loosed, "and he spake, and praised God. And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judea. And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be!" All this tended to call attention to the Messiah's coming, for which John was to prepare the way.
    The Holy Spirit rested upon Zacharias, and in these beautiful words he prophesied of the mission of his son:

    "Thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest;
    For thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways;
    To give knowledge of salvation unto His people
    By the remission of their sins,
    Through the tender mercy of our God,
    Whereby the Dayspring from on high hath visited us,
    To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of
    death, To guide our feet into the way of peace."

    "And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing unto Israel." Before the birth of John, the angel had said, "He shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost." God had called the son of Zacharias to a great work, the greatest ever committed to men. In order to accomplish this work, he must have the Lord to work with him. And the Spirit of God would be with him if he heeded the instruction of the angel.

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

    In the time of John the Baptist, greed for riches, and the love of luxury and display had become widespread. Sensuous pleasures, feasting and drinking, were causing physical disease and degeneracy, benumbing the spiritual perceptions, and lessening the sensibility to sin. John was to stand as a reformer. By his abstemious life and plain dress he was to rebuke the excesses of his time. Hence the directions given to the parents of John,--a lesson of temperance by an angel from the throne of heaven. In childhood and youth the character is most impressible. The power of self-control should then be acquired. By the fireside and at the family board influences are exerted whose results are as enduring as eternity. More than any natural endowment, the habits established in early years decide whether a man will be victorious or vanquished in the battle of life. Youth is the sowing time. It determines the character of the harvest, for this life and for the life to come.

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

    In the natural order of things, the son of Zacharias would have been educated for the priesthood. But the training of the rabbinical schools would have unfitted him for his work. God did not send him to the teachers of theology to learn how to interpret the Scriptures. He called him to the desert, that he might learn of nature and nature's God.

    It was a lonely region where he found his home, in the midst of barren hills, wild ravines, and rocky caves. But it was his choice to forgo the enjoyments and luxuries of life for the stern discipline of the wilderness. Here his surroundings were favorable to habits of simplicity and self-denial. Uninterrupted by the clamor of the world, he could here study the lessons of nature, of revelation, and of Providence. The words of the angel to Zacharias had been often repeated to John by his God-fearing parents. From childhood his mission had been kept before him, and he had accepted the holy trust. To him the solitude of the desert was a welcome escape from society in which suspicion, unbelief, and impurity had become well-nigh all-pervading. He distrusted his own power to withstand temptation, and shrank from constant contact with sin, lest he should lose the sense of its exceeding sinfulness. Dedicated to God as a Nazarite from his birth, he made the vow his own in a life-long consecration. His dress was that of the ancient prophets, a garment of camel's hair, confined by a leather girdle. He ate the "locusts and wild honey" found in the wilderness, and drank the pure water from the hills.

    But the life of John was not spent in idleness, in ascetic gloom, or in selfish isolation. From time to time he went forth to mingle with men; and he was ever an interested observer of what was passing in the world. From his quiet retreat he watched the unfolding of events. With vision illuminated by the divine Spirit he studied the characters of men, that he might understand how to reach their hearts with the message of heaven. The burden of his mission was upon him. In solitude, by meditation and prayer, he sought to gird up his soul for the lifework before him.

    Although in the wilderness, he was not exempt from temptation. So far as possible, he closed every avenue by which Satan could enter, yet he was still assailed by the tempter. But his spiritual perceptions were clear; he had developed strength and decision of character, and through the aid of the Holy Spirit he was able to detect Satan's approaches, and to resist his power.

    John found in the wilderness his school and his sanctuary. Like Moses amid the mountains of Midian, he was shut in by God's presence, and surrounded by the evidences of His power. It was not his lot to dwell, as did Israel's great leader, amid the solemn majesty of the mountain solitudes; but before him were the heights of Moab, beyond Jordan, speaking of Him who had set fast the mountains, and girded them with strength. The gloomy and terrible aspect of nature in his wilderness home vividly pictured the condition of Israel. The fruitful vineyard of the Lord had become a desolate waste. But above the desert the heavens bent bright and beautiful. The clouds that gathered, dark with tempest, were arched by the rainbow of promise. So above Israel's degradation shone the promised glory of the Messiah's reign. The clouds of wrath were spanned by the rainbow of His covenant-mercy.

    Alone in the silent night he read God's promise to Abraham of a seed numberless as the stars. The light of dawn, gilding the mountains of Moab, told of Him who should be as "the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds." 2 Sam. 23:4. And in the brightness of noontide he saw the splendor of His manifestation, when "the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together." Isa. 40:5. With awed yet exultant spirit he searched in the prophetic scrolls the revelations of the Messiah's coming,--the promised seed that should bruise the serpent's head; Shiloh, "the peace giver," who was to appear before a king should cease to reign on David's throne. Now the time had come. A Roman ruler sat in the palace upon Mount Zion. By the sure word of the Lord, already the Christ was born.

    Isaiah's rapt portrayals of the Messiah's glory were his study by day and by night,--the Branch from the root of Jesse; a King to reign in righteousness, judging "with equity for the meek of the earth;" "a covert from the tempest; . . . the shadow of a great rock in a weary land;" Israel no longer to be termed "Forsaken," nor her land "Desolate," but to be called of the Lord, "My Delight," and her land "Beulah." Isa. 11:4; 32:2; 62:4, margin. The heart of the lonely exile was filled with the glorious vision.

    He looked upon the King in His beauty, and self was forgotten. He beheld the majesty of holiness, and felt himself to be inefficient and unworthy. He was ready to go forth as Heaven's messenger, unawed by the human, because he had looked upon the Divine. He could stand erect and fearless in the presence of earthly monarchs, because he had bowed low before the King of kings.

    John did not fully understand the nature of the Messiah's kingdom. He looked for Israel to be delivered from her national foes; but the coming of a King in righteousness, and the establishment of Israel as a holy nation, was the great object of his hope. Thus he believed would be accomplished the prophecy given at his birth,--

    "To remember His holy covenant; . . .
    That we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies
    Might serve Him without fear,
    In holiness and righteousness before Him, all the days of our life."

    He saw his people deceived, self-satisfied, and asleep in their sins. He longed to rouse them to a holier life. The message that God had given him to bear was designed to startle them from their lethargy, and cause them to tremble because of their great wickedness. Before the seed of the gospel could find lodgment, the soil of the heart must be broken up. Before they would seek healing from Jesus, they must be awakened to their danger from the wounds of sin. God does not send messengers to flatter the sinner. He delivers no message of peace to lull the unsanctified into fatal security. He lays heavy burdens upon the conscience of the wrongdoer, and pierces the soul with arrows of conviction. The ministering angels present to him the fearful judgments of God to deepen the sense of need, and prompt the cry, "What must I do to be saved?" Then the hand that has humbled in the dust, lifts up the penitent. The voice that has rebuked sin, and put to shame pride and ambition, inquires with tenderest sympathy, "What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee?"

    When the ministry of John began, the nation was in a state of excitement and discontent verging on revolution. At the removal of Archelaus, Judea had been brought directly under the control of Rome. The tyranny and extortion of the Roman governors, and their determined efforts to introduce the heathen symbols and customs, kindled revolt, which had been quenched in the blood of thousands of the bravest of Israel. All this intensified the national hatred against Rome, and increased the longing to be freed from her power.

    Amid discord and strife, a voice was heard from the wilderness, a voice startling and stern, yet full of hope: "Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." With a new, strange power it moved the people. Prophets had foretold the coming of Christ as an event far in the future; but here was an announcement that it was at hand. John's singular appearance carried the minds of his hearers back to the ancient seers. In his manner and dress he resembled the prophet Elijah. With the spirit and power of Elijah he denounced the national corruption, and rebuked the prevailing sins. His words were plain, pointed, and convincing. Many believed him to be one of the prophets risen from the dead. The whole nation was stirred. Multitudes flocked to the wilderness.

    John proclaimed the coming of the Messiah, and called the people to repentance. As a symbol of cleansing from sin, he baptized them in the waters of the Jordan. Thus by a significant object lesson he declared that those who claimed to be the chosen people of God were defiled by sin, and that without purification of heart and life they could have no part in the Messiah's kingdom.

    Princes and rabbis, soldiers, publicans, and peasants came to hear the prophet. For a time the solemn warning from God alarmed them. Many were brought to repentance, and received baptism. Persons of all ranks submitted to the requirement of the Baptist, in order to participate in the kingdom he announced.

    Many of the scribes and Pharisees came confessing their sins, and asking for baptism. They had exalted themselves as better than other men, and had led the people to entertain a high opinion of their piety; now the guilty secrets of their lives were unveiled. But John was impressed by the Holy Spirit that many of these men had no real conviction of sin. They were timeservers. As friends of the prophet, they hoped to find favor with the coming Prince. And by receiving baptism at the hands of this popular young teacher, they thought to strengthen their influence with the people.

    John met them with the scathing inquiry, "O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance; and think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham." The Jews had misinterpreted God's promise of eternal favor to Israel: "Thus saith the Lord, which giveth the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, which divideth the sea when the waves thereof roar; The Lord of hosts is His name: If those ordinances depart from before Me, saith the Lord, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before Me forever. Thus saith the Lord; If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, saith the Lord." Jer. 31:35-37. The Jews regarded their natural descent from Abraham as giving them a claim to this promise. But they overlooked the conditions which God had specified. Before giving the promise, He had said, "I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be My people. . . . For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." Jer. 31:33, 34.

    To a people in whose hearts His law is written, the favor of God is assured. They are one with Him. But the Jews had separated themselves from God. Because of their sins they were suffering under His judgments. This was the cause of their bondage to a heathen nation. Their minds were darkened by transgression, and because in times past the Lord had shown them so great favor, they excused their sins. They flattered themselves that they were better than other men, and entitled to His blessings.

    These things "are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." 1 Cor. 10:11. How often we misinterpret God's blessings, and flatter ourselves that we are favored on account of some goodness in us! God cannot do for us that which He longs to do. His gifts are used to increase our self-satisfaction, and to harden our hearts in unbelief and sin.

    John declared to the teachers of Israel that their pride, selfishness, and cruelty showed them to be a generation of vipers, a deadly curse to the people, rather than the children of just and obedient Abraham. In view of the light they had received from God, they were even worse than the heathen, to whom they felt so much superior. They had forgotten the rock whence they were hewn, and the hole of the pit from which they had been digged. God was not dependent upon them for the fulfilling of His purpose. As He had called Abraham out from a heathen people, so He could call others to His service. Their hearts might now appear as lifeless as the stones of the desert, but His Spirit could quicken them to do His will, and receive the fulfillment of His promise. "And now also," said the prophet, "the ax is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire." Not by its name, but by its fruit, is the value of a tree determined. If the fruit is worthless, the name cannot save the tree from destruction. John declared to the Jews that their standing before God was to be decided by their character and life. Profession was worthless. If their life and character were not in harmony with God's law, they were not His people.

    Under his heart-searching words, his hearers were convicted. They came to him with the inquiry, "What shall we do then?" He answered, "He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise." And he warned the publicans against injustice, and the soldiers against violence.

    All who became the subjects of Christ's kingdom, he said, would give evidence of faith and repentance. Kindness, honesty, and fidelity would be seen in their lives. They would minister to the needy, and bring their offerings to God. They would shield the defenseless, and give an example of virtue and compassion. So the followers of Christ will give evidence of the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. In the daily life, justice, mercy, and the love of God will be seen. Otherwise they are like the chaff that is given to the fire.

    "I indeed baptize you in water unto repentance," said John; "but He that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire." Matt. 3:11, R. V., margin. The prophet Isaiah had declared that the Lord would cleanse His people from their iniquities "by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning." The word of the Lord to Israel was, "I will turn My hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin." Isa. 4:4; 1:25. To sin, wherever found, "our God is a consuming fire." Heb. 12:29. In all who submit to His power the Spirit of God will consume sin. But if men cling to sin, they become identified with it. Then the glory of God, which destroys sin, must destroy them. Jacob, after his night of wrestling with the Angel, exclaimed, "I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved." Gen. 32: 30.

    Jacob had been guilty of a great sin in his conduct toward Esau; but he had repented. His transgression had been forgiven, and his sin purged; therefore he could endure the revelation of God's presence. But wherever men came before God while willfully cherishing evil, they were destroyed. At the second advent of Christ the wicked shall be consumed "with the Spirit of His mouth," and destroyed "with the brightness of His coming." 2 Thess. 2:8. The light of the glory of God, which imparts life to the righteous, will slay the wicked. In the time of John the Baptist, Christ was about to appear as the revealer of the character of God. His very presence would make manifest to men their sin. Only as they were willing to be purged from sin could they enter into fellowship with Him. Only the pure in heart could abide in His presence.

    Thus the Baptist declared God's message to Israel. Many gave heed to his instruction. Many sacrificed all in order to obey. Multitudes followed this new teacher from place to place, and not a few cherished the hope that he might be the Messiah. But as John saw the people turning to him, he sought every opportunity of directing their faith to Him who was to come.

    Chapter 11

    Tidings of the wilderness prophet and his wonderful announcement, spread throughout Galilee. The message reached the peasants in the remotest hill towns, and the fisher folk by the sea, and in these simple, earnest hearts found its truest response. In Nazareth it was told in the carpenter shop that had been Joseph's, and One recognized the call. His time had come. Turning from His daily toil, He bade farewell to His mother, and followed in the steps of His countrymen who were flocking to the Jordan.

    Jesus and John the Baptist were cousins, and closely related by the circumstances of their birth; yet they had had no direct acquaintance with each other. The life of Jesus had been spent at Nazareth in Galilee; that of John, in the wilderness of Judea. Amid widely different surroundings they had lived in seclusion, and had had no communication with each other. Providence had ordered this. No occasion was to be given for the charge that they had conspired together to support each other's claims.

    John was acquainted with the events that had marked the birth of Jesus. He had heard of the visit to Jerusalem in His boyhood, and of what had passed in the school of the rabbis. He knew of His sinless life, and believed Him to be the Messiah; but of this he had no positive assurance. The fact that Jesus had for so many years remained in obscurity, giving no special evidence of His mission, gave occasion for doubt as to whether He could be the Promised One. The Baptist, however, waited in faith, believing that in God's own time all would be made plain. It had been revealed to him that the Messiah would seek baptism at his hands, and that a sign of His divine character should then be given. Thus he would be enabled to present Him to the people.

    When Jesus came to be baptized, John recognized in Him a purity of character that he had never before perceived in any man. The very atmosphere of His presence was holy and awe-inspiring. Among the multitudes that had gathered about him at the Jordan, John had heard dark tales of crime, and had met souls bowed down with the burden of myriad sins; but never had he come in contact with a human being from whom there breathed an influence so divine. All this was in harmony with what had been revealed to John regarding the Messiah. Yet he shrank from granting the request of Jesus. How could he, a sinner, baptize the Sinless One? And why should He who needed no repentance submit to a rite that was a confession of guilt to be washed away?

    As Jesus asked for baptism, John drew back, exclaiming, "I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me?" With firm yet gentle authority, Jesus answered, "Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness." And John, yielding, led the Saviour down into the Jordan, and buried Him beneath the water. "And straightway coming up out of the water," Jesus "saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him."

    Jesus did not receive baptism as a confession of guilt on His own account. He identified Himself with sinners, taking the steps that we are to take, and doing the work that we must do. His life of suffering and patient endurance after His baptism was also an example to us.

    Upon coming up out of the water, Jesus bowed in prayer on the river bank. A new and important era was opening before Him. He was now, upon a wider stage, entering on the conflict of His life. Though He was the Prince of Peace, His coming must be as the unsheathing of a sword. The kingdom He had come to establish was the opposite of that which the Jews desired. He who was the foundation of the ritual and economy of Israel would be looked upon as its enemy and destroyer. He who had proclaimed the law upon Sinai would be condemned as a transgressor. He who had come to break the power of Satan would be denounced as Beelzebub. No one upon earth had understood Him, and during His ministry He must still walk alone. Throughout His life His mother and His brothers did not comprehend His mission. Even His disciples did not understand Him. He had dwelt in eternal light, as one with God, but His life on earth must be spent in solitude.

    As one with us, He must bear the burden of our guilt and woe. The Sinless One must feel the shame of sin. The peace lover must dwell with strife, the truth must abide with falsehood, purity with vileness. Every sin, every discord, every defiling lust that transgression had brought, was torture to His spirit.

    Alone He must tread the path; alone He must bear the burden. Upon Him who had laid off His glory and accepted the weakness of humanity the redemption of the world must rest. He saw and felt it all, but His purpose remained steadfast. Upon His arm depended the salvation of the fallen race, and He reached out His hand to grasp the hand of Omnipotent Love.

    The Saviour's glance seems to penetrate heaven as He pours out His soul in prayer. Well He knows how sin has hardened the hearts of men, and how difficult it will be for them to discern His mission, and accept the gift of salvation. He pleads with the Father for power to overcome their unbelief, to break the fetters with which Satan has enthralled them, and in their behalf to conquer the destroyer. He asks for the witness that God accepts humanity in the person of His Son. Never before have the angels listened to such a prayer. They are eager to bear to their loved Commander a message of assurance and comfort. But no; the Father Himself will answer the petition of His Son. Direct from the throne issue the beams of His glory. The heavens are opened, and upon the Saviour's head descends a dovelike form of purest light,--fit emblem of Him, the meek and lowly One.

    Of the vast throng at the Jordan, few except John discerned the heavenly vision. Yet the solemnity of the divine Presence rested upon the assembly. The people stood silently gazing upon Christ. His form was bathed in the light that ever surrounds the throne of God. His upturned face was glorified as they had never before seen the face of man. From the open heavens a voice was heard saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

    These words of confirmation were given to inspire faith in those who witnessed the scene, and to strengthen the Saviour for His mission. Notwithstanding that the sins of a guilty world were laid upon Christ, notwithstanding the humiliation of taking upon Himself our fallen nature, the voice from heaven declared Him to be the Son of the Eternal.

    John had been deeply moved as he saw Jesus bowed as a suppliant, pleading with tears for the approval of the Father. As the glory of God encircled Him, and the voice from heaven was heard, John recognized the token which God had promised. He knew that it was the world's Redeemer whom he had baptized. The Holy Spirit rested upon him, and with outstretched hand pointing to Jesus, he cried, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."

    None among the hearers, and not even the speaker himself, discerned the import of these words, "the Lamb of God." Upon Mount Moriah, Abraham had heard the question of his son, "My father, . . . where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" The father answered, "My son, God will provide Himself a lamb for a burnt offering." Gen. 22:7, 8. And in the ram divinely provided in the place of Isaac, Abraham saw a symbol of Him who was to die for the sins of men. The Holy Spirit through Isaiah, taking up the illustration, prophesied of the Saviour, "He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter," "and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all" (Isa. 53:7, 6); but the people of Israel had not understood the lesson. Many of them regarded the sacrificial offerings much as the heathen looked upon their sacrifices,--as gifts by which they themselves might propitiate the Deity. God desired to teach them that from His own love comes the gift which reconciles them to Himself. And the word that was spoken to Jesus at the Jordan, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased," embraces humanity.

    God spoke to Jesus as our representative. With all our sins and weaknesses, we are not cast aside as worthless. "He hath made us accepted in the Beloved." Eph. 1:6. The glory that rested upon Christ is a pledge of the love of God for us. It tells us of the power of prayer,--how the human voice may reach the ear of God, and our petitions find acceptance in the courts of heaven. By sin, earth was cut off from heaven, and alienated from its communion; but Jesus has connected it again with the sphere of glory. His love has encircled man, and reached the highest heaven. The light which fell from the open portals upon the head of our Saviour will fall upon us as we pray for help to resist temptation. The voice which spoke to Jesus says to every believing soul, This is My beloved child, in whom I am well pleased.

    "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when He shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is." 1 John 3:2. Our Redeemer has opened the way so that the most sinful, the most needy, the most oppressed and despised, may find access to the Father. All may have a home in the mansions which Jesus has gone to prepare. "These things saith He that is holy, He that is true, He that hath the key of David, He that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; . . . behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it." Rev. 3:7, 8.

    Chapter 12

    And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness." The words of Mark are still more significant. He says, "Immediately the Spirit driveth Him into the wilderness. And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts." "And in those days He did eat nothing."

    When Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted, He was led by the Spirit of God. He did not invite temptation. He went to the wilderness to be alone, to contemplate His mission and work. By fasting and prayer He was to brace Himself for the bloodstained path He must travel. But Satan knew that the Saviour had gone into the wilderness, and he thought this the best time to approach Him.

    Mighty issues for the world were at stake in the conflict between the Prince of light and the leader of the kingdom of darkness. After tempting man to sin, Satan claimed the earth as his, and styled himself the prince of this world. Having conformed to his own nature the father and mother of our race, he thought to establish here his empire. He declared that men had chosen him as their sovereign. Through his control of men, he held dominion over the world. Christ had come to disprove Satan's claim. As the Son of man, Christ would stand loyal to God. Thus it would be shown that Satan had not gained complete control of the human race, and that his claim to the world was false. All who desired deliverance from his power would be set free. The dominion that Adam had lost through sin would be recovered.

    Since the announcement to the serpent in Eden, "I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed" (Gen. 3:15), Satan had known that he did not hold absolute sway over the world. There was seen in men the working of a power that withstood his dominion. With intense interest he watched the sacrifices offered by Adam and his sons. In these ceremonies he discerned a symbol of communion between earth and heaven. He set himself to intercept this communion. He misrepresented God, and misinterpreted the rites that pointed to the Saviour. Men were led to fear God as one who delighted in their destruction. The sacrifices that should have revealed His love were offered only to appease His wrath. Satan excited the evil passions of men, in order to fasten his rule upon them. When God's written word was given, Satan studied the prophecies of the Saviour's advent. From generation to generation he worked to blind the people to these prophecies, that they might reject Christ at His coming.

    At the birth of Jesus, Satan knew that One had come with a divine commission to dispute his dominion. He trembled at the angel's message attesting the authority of the newborn King. Satan well knew the position that Christ had held in heaven as the Beloved of the Father. That the Son of God should come to this earth as a man filled him with amazement and with apprehension. He could not fathom the mystery of this great sacrifice. His selfish soul could not understand such love for the deceived race. The glory and peace of heaven, and the joy of communion with God, were but dimly comprehended by men; but they were well known to Lucifer, the covering cherub. Since he had lost heaven, he was determined to find revenge by causing others to share his fall. This he would do by causing them to undervalue heavenly things, and to set the heart upon things of earth. Not without hindrance was the Commander of heaven to win the souls of men to His kingdom. From the time when He was a babe in Bethlehem, He was continually assailed by the evil one. The image of God was manifest in Christ, and in the councils of Satan it was determined that He should be overcome. No human being had come into the world and escaped the power of the deceiver. The forces of the confederacy of evil were set upon His track to engage in warfare against Him, and if possible to prevail over Him.

    At the Saviour's baptism, Satan was among the witnesses. He saw the Father's glory overshadowing His Son. He heard the voice of Jehovah testifying to the divinity of Jesus. Ever since Adam's sin, the human race had been cut off from direct communion with God; the intercourse between heaven and earth had been through Christ; but now that Jesus had come "in the likeness of sinful flesh" (Rom. 8:3), the Father Himself spoke. He had before communicated with humanity through Christ; now He communicated with humanity in Christ. Satan had hoped that God's abhorrence of evil would bring an eternal separation between heaven and earth. But now it was manifest that the connection between God and man had been restored.

    Satan saw that he must either conquer or be conquered. The issues of the conflict involved too much to be entrusted to his confederate angels. He must personally conduct the warfare. All the energies of apostasy were rallied against the Son of God. Christ was made the mark of every weapon of hell.

    Many look on this conflict between Christ and Satan as having no special bearing on their own life; and for them it has little interest. But within the domain of every human heart this controversy is repeated. Never does one leave the ranks of evil for the service of God without encountering the assaults of Satan. The enticements which Christ resisted were those that we find it so difficult to withstand. They were urged upon Him in as much greater degree as His character is superior to ours. With the terrible weight of the sins of the world upon Him, Christ withstood the test upon appetite, upon the love of the world, and upon that love of display which leads to presumption. These were the temptations that overcame Adam and Eve, and that so readily overcome us. Satan had pointed to Adam's sin as proof that God's law was unjust, and could not be obeyed. In our humanity, Christ was to redeem Adam's failure. But when Adam was assailed by the tempter, none of the effects of sin were upon him. He stood in the strength of perfect manhood, possessing the full vigor of mind and body. He was surrounded with the glories of Eden, and was in daily communion with heavenly beings. It was not thus with Jesus when He entered the wilderness to cope with Satan. For four thousand years the race had been decreasing in physical strength, in mental power, and in moral worth; and Christ took upon Him the infirmities of degenerate humanity. Only thus could He rescue man from the lowest depths of his degradation.

    Many claim that it was impossible for Christ to be overcome by temptation. Then He could not have been placed in Adam's position; He could not have gained the victory that Adam failed to gain. If we have in any sense a more trying conflict than had Christ, then He would not be able to succor us. But our Saviour took humanity, with all its liabilities. He took the nature of man, with the possibility of yielding to temptation. We have nothing to bear which He has not endured.

    With Christ, as with the holy pair in Eden, appetite was the ground of the first great temptation. Just where the ruin began, the work of our redemption must begin. As by the indulgence of appetite Adam fell, so by the denial of appetite Christ must overcome. "And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to Him, he said, If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But He answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."

    From the time of Adam to that of Christ, self-indulgence had increased the power of the appetites and passions, until they had almost unlimited control. Thus men had become debased and diseased, and of themselves it was impossible for them to overcome. In man's behalf, Christ conquered by enduring the severest test. For our sake He exercised a self-control stronger than hunger or death. And in this first victory were involved other issues that enter into all our conflicts with the powers of darkness.

    When Jesus entered the wilderness, He was shut in by the Father's glory. Absorbed in communion with God, He was lifted above human weakness. But the glory departed, and He was left to battle with temptation. It was pressing upon Him every moment. His human nature shrank from the conflict that awaited Him. For forty days He fasted and prayed. Weak and emaciated from hunger, worn and haggard with mental agony, "His visage was so marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men." Isa. 52:14. Now was Satan's opportunity. Now he supposed that he could overcome Christ.

    There came to the Saviour, as if in answer to His prayers, one in the guise of an angel from heaven. He claimed to have a commission from God to declare that Christ's fast was at an end. As God had sent an angel to stay the hand of Abraham from offering Isaac, so, satisfied with Christ's willingness to enter the bloodstained path, the Father had sent an angel to deliver Him; this was the message brought to Jesus. The Saviour was faint from hunger, He was craving for food, when Satan came suddenly upon Him. Pointing to the stones which strewed the desert, and which had the appearance of loaves, the tempter said, "If Thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread."

    Though he appears as an angel of light, these first words betray his character. "If Thou be the Son of God." Here is the insinuation of distrust. Should Jesus do what Satan suggests, it would be an acceptance of the doubt. The tempter plans to overthrow Christ by the same means that were so successful with the human race in the beginning. How artfully had Satan approached Eve in Eden! "Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?" Gen 3:1. Thus far the tempter's words were truth; but in his manner of speaking them there was a disguised contempt for the words of God. There was a covert negative, a doubt of the divine truthfulness. Satan sought to instill into the mind of Eve the thought that God would not do as He had said; that the withholding of such beautiful fruit was a contradiction of His love and compassion for man. So now the tempter seeks to inspire Christ with his own sentiments. "If Thou be the Son of God." The words rankle with bitterness in his mind. In the tones of his voice is an expression of utter incredulity. Would God treat His own Son thus? Would He leave Him in the desert with wild beasts, without food, without companions, without comfort? He insinuates that God never meant His Son to be in such a state as this. "If Thou be the Son of God," show Thy power by relieving Thyself of this pressing hunger. Command that this stone be made bread.

    The words from heaven, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matt. 3:17), were still sounding in the ears of Satan. But he was determined to make Christ disbelieve this testimony. The word of God was Christ's assurance of His divine mission. He had come to live as a man among men, and it was the word that declared His connection with heaven. It was Satan's purpose to cause Him to doubt that word. If Christ's confidence in God could be shaken, Satan knew that the victory in the whole controversy would be his. He could overcome Jesus. He hoped that under the force of despondency and extreme hunger, Christ would lose faith in His Father, and work a miracle in His own behalf. Had He done this, the plan of salvation would have been broken.

    When Satan and the Son of God first met in conflict, Christ was the commander of the heavenly hosts; and Satan, the leader of revolt in heaven, was cast out. Now their condition is apparently reversed, and Satan makes the most of his supposed advantage. One of the most powerful of the angels, he says, has been banished from heaven. The appearance of Jesus indicates that He is that fallen angel, forsaken by God, and deserted by man. A divine being would be able to sustain his claim by working a miracle; "if Thou be the Son of God, command this stone that it be made bread." Such an act of creative power, urges the tempter, would be conclusive evidence of divinity. It would bring the controversy to an end.

    Not without a struggle could Jesus listen in silence to the arch-deceiver. But the Son of God was not to prove His divinity to Satan, or to explain the reason of His humiliation. By conceding to the demands of the rebel, nothing for the good of man or the glory of God would be gained. Had Christ complied with the suggestion of the enemy, Satan would still have said, Show me a sign that I may believe you to be the Son of God. Evidence would have been worthless to break the power of rebellion in his heart. And Christ was not to exercise divine power for His own benefit. He had come to bear trial as we must do, leaving us an example of faith and submission. Neither here nor at any subsequent time in His earthly life did He work a miracle in His own behalf. His wonderful works were all for the good of others. Though Jesus recognized Satan from the beginning, He was not provoked to enter into controversy with him. Strengthened with the memory of the voice from heaven, He rested in His Father's love. He would not parley with temptation. Jesus met Satan with the words of Scripture. "It is written," He said. In every temptation the weapon of His warfare was the word of God. Satan demanded of Christ a miracle as a sign of His divinity. But that which is greater than all miracles, a firm reliance upon a "Thus saith the Lord," was a sign that could not be controverted. So long as Christ held to this position, the tempter could gain no advantage.

    It was in the time of greatest weakness that Christ was assailed by the fiercest temptations. Thus Satan thought to prevail. By this policy he had gained the victory over men. When strength failed, and the will power weakened, and faith ceased to repose in God, then those who had stood long and valiantly for the right were overcome. Moses was wearied with the forty years' wandering of Israel, when for the moment his faith let go its hold upon infinite power. He failed just upon the borders of the Promised Land. So with Elijah, who had stood undaunted before King Ahab, who had faced the whole nation of Israel, with the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal at their head. After that terrible day upon Carmel, when the false prophets had been slain, and the people had declared their allegiance to God, Elijah fled for his life before the threats of the idolatrous Jezebel. Thus Satan has taken advantage of the weakness of humanity. And he will still work in the same way. Whenever one is encompassed with clouds, perplexed by circumstances, or afflicted by poverty or distress, Satan is at hand to tempt and annoy. He attacks our weak points of character. He seeks to shake our confidence in God, who suffers such a condition of things to exist. We are tempted to distrust God, to question His love. Often the tempter comes to us as he came to Christ, arraying before us our weakness and infirmities. He hopes to discourage the soul, and to break our hold on God. Then he is sure of his prey.

    If we would meet him as Jesus did, we should escape many a defeat. By parleying with the enemy, we give him an advantage. When Christ said to the tempter, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God," He repeated the words that, more than fourteen hundred years before, He had spoken to Israel: "The Lord thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness. . . . And He humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that He might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord doth man live." Deut. 8:2, 3. In the wilderness, when all means of sustenance failed, God sent His people manna from heaven; and a sufficient and constant supply was given. This provision was to teach them that while they trusted in God and walked in His ways He would not forsake them. The Saviour now practiced the lesson He had taught to Israel. By the word of God succor had been given to the Hebrew host, and by the same word it would be given to Jesus. He awaited God's time to bring relief. He was in the wilderness in obedience to God, and He would not obtain food by following the suggestions of Satan. In the presence of the witnessing universe, He testified that it is a less calamity to suffer whatever may befall than to depart in any manner from the will of God.

    "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God." Often the follower of Christ is brought where he cannot serve God and carry forward his worldly enterprises. Perhaps it appears that obedience to some plain requirement of God will cut off his means of support. Satan would make him believe that he must sacrifice his conscientious convictions. But the only thing in our world upon which we can rely is the word of God. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matt. 6:33. Even in this life it is not for our good to depart from the will of our Father in heaven. When we learn the power of His word, we shall not follow the suggestions of Satan in order to obtain food or to save our lives. Our only questions will be, What is God's command? and what His promise? Knowing these, we shall obey the one, and trust the other.

    In the last great conflict of the controversy with Satan those who are loyal to God will see every earthly support cut off. Because they refuse to break His law in obedience to earthly powers, they will be forbidden to buy or sell. It will finally be decreed that they shall be put to death. See Rev. 13:11-17. But to the obedient is given the promise, "He shall dwell on high: his place of defense shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure." Isa. 33:16. By this promise the children of God will live. When the earth shall be wasted with famine, they shall be fed. "They shall not be ashamed in the evil time: and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied." Ps. 37:19. To that time of distress the prophet Habakkuk looked forward, and his words express the faith of the church: "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." Hab. 3:17,18. Of all the lessons to be learned from our Lord's first great temptation none is more important than that bearing upon the control of the appetites and passions. In all ages, temptations appealing to the physical nature have been most effectual in corrupting and degrading mankind. Through intemperance, Satan works to destroy the mental and moral powers that God gave to man as a priceless endowment. Thus it becomes impossible for men to appreciate things of eternal worth. Through sensual indulgence, Satan seeks to blot from the soul every trace of likeness to God.

    The uncontrolled indulgence and consequent disease and degradation that existed at Christ's first advent will again exist, with intensity of evil, before His second coming. Christ declares that the condition of the world will be as in the days before the Flood, and as in Sodom and Gomorrah. Every imagination of the thoughts of the heart will be evil continually. Upon the very verge of that fearful time we are now living, and to us should come home the lesson of the Saviour's fast. Only by the inexpressible anguish which Christ endured can we estimate the evil of unrestrained indulgence. His example declares that our only hope of eternal life is through bringing the appetites and passions into subjection to the will of God.

    In our own strength it is impossible for us to deny the clamors of our fallen nature. Through this channel Satan will bring temptation upon us. Christ knew that the enemy would come to every human being, to take advantage of hereditary weakness, and by his false insinuations to ensnare all whose trust is not in God. And by passing over the ground which man must travel, our Lord has prepared the way for us to overcome. It is not His will that we should be placed at a disadvantage in the conflict with Satan. He would not have us intimidated and discouraged by the assaults of the serpent. "Be of good cheer," He says; "I have overcome the world." John 16:33. Let him who is struggling against the power of appetite look to the Saviour in the wilderness of temptation. See Him in His agony upon the cross, as He exclaimed, "I thirst." He has endured all that it is possible for us to bear. His victory is ours.

    Jesus rested upon the wisdom and strength of His heavenly Father. He declares, "The Lord God will help Me; therefore shall I not be confounded: . . . and I know that I shall not be ashamed. . . . Behold, the Lord God will help Me." Pointing to His own example, He says to us, "Who is among you that feareth the Lord, . . . that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God." Isa. 50:7-10.

    "The prince of this world cometh," said Jesus, "and hath nothing in Me." John 14:30. There was in Him nothing that responded to Satan's sophistry. He did not consent to sin. Not even by a thought did He yield to temptation. So it may be with us. Christ's humanity was united with divinity; He was fitted for the conflict by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And He came to make us partakers of the divine nature. So long as we are united to Him by faith, sin has no more dominion over us. God reaches for the hand of faith in us to direct it to lay fast hold upon the divinity of Christ, that we may attain to perfection of character.

    And how this is accomplished, Christ has shown us. By what means did He overcome in the conflict with Satan? By the word of God. Only by the word could He resist temptation. "It is written," He said. And unto us are given "exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." 2 Peter 1:4. Every promise in God's word is ours. "By every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God" are we to live. When assailed by temptation, look not to circumstances or to the weakness of self, but to the power of the word. All its strength is yours. "Thy word," says the psalmist, "have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee." "By the word of Thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer." Ps. 119:11; 17:4.

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Jesus-christ-0207
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 The_bo12




    Last edited by orthodoxymoron on Wed Dec 16, 2020 6:07 am; edited 1 time in total
    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


    Posts : 13426
    Join date : 2010-09-28
    Location : The Matrix

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (10)

    Post  orthodoxymoron Sat Dec 12, 2020 4:09 am

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Jesus-christ-0207

    Chapter 13
    The Victory

    Then the devil taketh Him up into the holy city, and setteth Him on a pinnacle of the temple, and saith unto Him, If Thou be the Son of God, cast Thyself down: for it is written,--

    "He shall give His angels charge concerning Thee:
    And in their hands they shall bear Thee up,
    Lest at any time Thou dash Thy foot against a stone."

    Satan now supposes that he has met Jesus on His own ground. The wily foe himself presents words that proceeded from the mouth of God. He still appears as an angel of light, and he makes it evident that he is acquainted with the Scriptures, and understands the import of what is written. As Jesus before used the word of God to sustain His faith, the tempter now uses it to countenance his deception. He claims that he has been only testing the fidelity of Jesus, and he now commends His steadfastness. As the Saviour has manifested trust in God, Satan urges Him to give still another evidence of His faith.

    But again the temptation is prefaced with the insinuation of distrust, "If Thou be the Son of God." Christ was tempted to answer the "if;" but He refrained from the slightest acceptance of the doubt. He would not imperil His life in order to give evidence to Satan.

    The tempter thought to take advantage of Christ's humanity, and urge Him to presumption. But while Satan can solicit, he cannot compel to sin. He said to Jesus, "Cast Thyself down," knowing that he could not cast Him down; for God would interpose to deliver Him. Nor could Satan force Jesus to cast Himself down. Unless Christ should consent to temptation, He could not be overcome. Not all the power of earth or hell could force Him in the slightest degree to depart from the will of His Father.

    The tempter can never compel us to do evil. He cannot control minds unless they are yielded to his control. The will must consent, faith must let go its hold upon Christ, before Satan can exercise his power upon us. But every sinful desire we cherish affords him a foothold. Every point in which we fail of meeting the divine standard is an open door by which he can enter to tempt and destroy us. And every failure or defeat on our part gives occasion for him to reproach Christ.

    When Satan quoted the promise, "He shall give His angels charge over Thee," he omitted the words, "to keep Thee in all Thy ways;" that is, in all the ways of God's choosing. Jesus refused to go outside the path of obedience. While manifesting perfect trust in His Father, He would not place Himself, unbidden, in a position that would necessitate the interposition of His Father to save Him from death. He would not force Providence to come to His rescue, and thus fail of giving man an example of trust and submission.

    Jesus declared to Satan, "It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." These words were spoken by Moses to the children of Israel when they thirsted in the desert, and demanded that Moses should give them water, exclaiming, "Is the Lord among us, or not?" Exodus 17:7. God had wrought marvelously for them; yet in trouble they doubted Him, and demanded evidence that He was with them. In their unbelief they sought to put Him to the test. And Satan was urging Christ to do the same thing. God had already testified that Jesus was His Son; and now to ask for proof that He was the Son of God would be putting God's word to the test,--tempting Him. And the same would be true of asking for that which God had not promised. It would manifest distrust, and be really proving, or tempting, Him. We should not present our petitions to God to prove whether He will fulfill His word, but because He will fulfill it; not to prove that He loves us, but because He loves us. "Without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." Heb. 11:6. But faith is in no sense allied to presumption. Only he who has true faith is secure against presumption. For presumption is Satan's counterfeit of faith. Faith claims God's promises, and brings forth fruit in obedience. Presumption also claims the promises, but uses them as Satan did, to excuse transgression. Faith would have led our first parents to trust the love of God, and to obey His commands. Presumption led them to transgress His law, believing that His great love would save them from the consequence of their sin. It is not faith that claims the favor of Heaven without complying with the conditions on which mercy is to be granted. Genuine faith has its foundation in the promises and provisions of the Scriptures.

    Often when Satan has failed of exciting distrust, he succeeds in leading us to presumption. If he can cause us to place ourselves unnecessarily in the way of temptation, he knows that the victory is his. God will preserve all who walk in the path of obedience; but to depart from it is to venture on Satan's ground. There we are sure to fall. The Saviour has bidden us, "Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation." Mark 14:38. Meditation and prayer would keep us from rushing unbidden into the way of danger, and thus we should be saved from many a defeat.

    Yet we should not lose courage when assailed by temptation. Often when placed in a trying situation we doubt that the Spirit of God has been leading us. But it was the Spirit's leading that brought Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. When God brings us into trial, He has a purpose to accomplish for our good. Jesus did not presume on God's promises by going unbidden into temptation, neither did He give up to despondency when temptation came upon Him. Nor should we. "God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." He says, "Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the Most High: and call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me." 1 Cor. 10:13; Ps. 50:14, 15. Jesus was victor in the second temptation, and now Satan manifests himself in his true character. But he does not appear as a hideous monster, with cloven feet and bat's wings. He is a mighty angel, though fallen. He avows himself the leader of rebellion and the god of this world.

    Placing Jesus upon a high mountain, Satan caused the kingdoms of the world, in all their glory, to pass in panoramic view before Him. The sunlight lay on templed cities, marble palaces, fertile fields, and fruit-laden vineyards. The traces of evil were hidden. The eyes of Jesus, so lately greeted by gloom and desolation, now gazed upon a scene of unsurpassed loveliness and prosperity. Then the tempter's voice was heard: "All this power will I give Thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If Thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be Thine."

    Christ's mission could be fulfilled only through suffering. Before Him was a life of sorrow, hardship, and conflict, and an ignominious death. He must bear the sins of the whole world. He must endure separation from His Father's love. Now the tempter offered to yield up the power he had usurped. Christ might deliver Himself from the dreadful future by acknowledging the supremacy of Satan. But to do this was to yield the victory in the great controversy. It was in seeking to exalt himself above the Son of God that Satan had sinned in heaven. Should he prevail now, it would be the triumph of rebellion.

    When Satan declared to Christ, The kingdom and glory of the world are delivered unto me, and to whomsoever I will I give it, he stated what was true only in part, and he declared it to serve his own purpose of deception. Satan's dominion was that wrested from Adam, but Adam was the vicegerent of the Creator. His was not an independent rule. The earth is God's, and He has committed all things to His Son. Adam was to reign subject to Christ. When Adam betrayed his sovereignty into Satan's hands, Christ still remained the rightful King. Thus the Lord had said to King Nebuchadnezzar, "The Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever He will." Dan. 4:17. Satan can exercise his usurped authority only as God permits. When the tempter offered to Christ the kingdom and glory of the world, he was proposing that Christ should yield up the real kingship of the world, and hold dominion subject to Satan. This was the same dominion upon which the hopes of the Jews were set. They desired the kingdom of this world. If Christ had consented to offer them such a kingdom, they would gladly have received Him. But the curse of sin, with all its woe, rested upon it. Christ declared to the tempter, "Get thee behind Me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve."

    By the one who had revolted in heaven the kingdoms of this world were offered Christ, to buy His homage to the principles of evil; but He would not be bought; He had come to establish a kingdom of righteousness, and He would not abandon His purpose. With the same temptation Satan approaches men, and here he has better success than with Christ. To men he offers the kingdom of this world on condition that they will acknowledge his supremacy. He requires that they sacrifice integrity, disregard conscience, indulge selfishness. Christ bids them seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; but Satan walks by their side and says: Whatever may be true in regard to life eternal, in order to make a success in this world you must serve me. I hold your welfare in my hands. I can give you riches, pleasures, honor, and happiness. Hearken to my counsel. Do not allow yourselves to be carried away with whimsical notions of honesty or self-sacrifice. I will prepare the way before you. Thus multitudes are deceived. They consent to live for the service of self, and Satan is satisfied. While he allures them with the hope of worldly dominion, he gains dominion over the soul. But he offers that which is not his to bestow, and which is soon to be wrested from him. In return he beguiles them of their title to the inheritance of the sons of God.

    Satan had questioned whether Jesus was the Son of God. In his summary dismissal he had proof that he could not gainsay. Divinity flashed through suffering humanity. Satan had no power to resist the command. Writhing with humiliation and rage, he was forced to withdraw from the presence of the world's Redeemer. Christ's victory was as complete as had been the failure of Adam.

    So we may resist temptation, and force Satan to depart from us. Jesus gained the victory through submission and faith in God, and by the apostle He says to us, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you." James 4:7, 8. We cannot save ourselves from the tempter's power; he has conquered humanity, and when we try to stand in our own strength, we shall become a prey to his devices; but "the name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe." Prov. 18:10. Satan trembles and flees before the weakest soul who finds refuge in that mighty name. After the foe had departed, Jesus fell exhausted to the earth, with the pallor of death upon His face. The angels of heaven had watched the conflict, beholding their loved Commander as He passed through inexpressible suffering to make a way of escape for us. He had endured the test, greater than we shall ever be called to endure. The angels now ministered to the Son of God as He lay like one dying. He was strengthened with food, comforted with the message of His Father's love and the assurance that all heaven triumphed in His victory. Warming to life again, His great heart goes out in sympathy for man, and He goes forth to complete the work He has begun; to rest not until the foe is vanquished, and our fallen race redeemed.

    Never can the cost of our redemption be realized until the redeemed shall stand with the Redeemer before the throne of God. Then as the glories of the eternal home burst upon our enraptured senses we shall remember that Jesus left all this for us, that He not only became an exile from the heavenly courts, but for us took the risk of failure and eternal loss. Then we shall cast our crowns at His feet, and raise the song, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing." Rev. 5:12.

    Chapter 14

    John the Baptist was now preaching and baptizing at Bethabara, beyond Jordan. It was not far from this spot that God had stayed the river in its flow until Israel had passed over. A little distance from here the stronghold of Jericho had been overthrown by the armies of heaven. The memory of these events was at this time revived, and gave a thrilling interest to the Baptist's message. Would not He who had wrought so wonderfully in ages past again manifest His power for Israel's deliverance? Such was the thought stirring the hearts of the people who daily thronged the banks of the Jordan.

    The preaching of John had taken so deep a hold on the nation as to demand the attention of the religious authorities. The danger of insurrection caused every popular gathering to be looked upon with suspicion by the Romans, and whatever pointed toward an uprising of the people excited the fears of the Jewish rulers. John had not recognized the authority of the Sanhedrin by seeking their sanction for his work; and he had reproved rulers and people, Pharisees and Sadducees alike. Yet the people followed him eagerly. The interest in his work seemed to be continually increasing. Though he had not deferred to them, the Sanhedrin accounted that, as a public teacher, he was under their jurisdiction. This body was made up of members chosen from the priesthood, and from the chief rulers and teachers of the nation. The high priest was usually the president. All its members were to be men advanced in years, though not aged; men of learning, not only versed in Jewish religion and history, but in general knowledge. They were to be without physical blemish, and must be married men, and fathers, as being more likely than others to be humane and considerate. Their place of meeting was an apartment connected with the temple at Jerusalem. In the days of Jewish independence the Sanhedrin was the supreme court of the nation, possessing secular as well as ecclesiastical authority. Though now subordinated by the Roman governors, it still exercised a strong influence in civil as well as religious matters.

    The Sanhedrin could not well defer an investigation of John's work. There were some who recalled the revelation made to Zacharias in the temple, and the father's prophecy, that had pointed to his child as the Messiah's herald. In the tumults and changes of thirty years, these things had in a great measure been lost sight of. They were now called to mind by the excitement concerning the ministry of John.

    It was long since Israel had had a prophet, long since such a reformation as was now in progress had been witnessed. The demand for confession of sin seemed new and startling. Many among the leaders would not go to hear John's appeals and denunciations, lest they should be led to disclose the secrets of their own lives. Yet his preaching was a direct announcement of the Messiah. It was well known that the seventy weeks of Daniel's prophecy, covering the Messiah's advent, were nearly ended; and all were eager to share in that era of national glory which was then expected. Such was the popular enthusiasm that the Sanhedrin would soon be forced either to sanction or to reject John's work. Already their power over the people was waning. It was becoming a serious question how to maintain their position. In the hope of arriving at some conclusion, they dispatched to the Jordan a deputation of priests and Levites to confer with the new teacher.

    A multitude were gathered, listening to his words, when the delegates approached. With an air of authority designed to impress the people and to command the deference of the prophet the haughty rabbis came. With a movement of respect, almost of fear, the crowd opened to let them pass. The great men, in their rich robes, in the pride of rank and power, stood before the prophet of the wilderness. "Who art thou?" they demanded.

    Knowing what was in their thoughts, John answered, "I am not the Christ."

    "What then? Art thou Elias?"

    "I am not."

    "Art thou that prophet?"

    "No."

    "Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?"

    "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias."

    The scripture to which John referred is that beautiful prophecy of Isaiah: "Comfort ye, comfort ye My people, saith your God. Speak
    ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her appointed time is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned. . . . The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together." Isa. 40:1-5, margin.

    Anciently, when a king journeyed through the less frequented parts of his dominion, a company of men was sent ahead of the royal chariot to level the steep places and to fill up the hollows, that the king might travel in safety and without hindrance. This custom is employed by the prophet to illustrate the work of the gospel. "Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low." When the Spirit of God, with its marvelous awakening power, touches the soul, it abases human pride. Worldly pleasure and position and power are seen to be worthless. "Imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God" are cast down; every thought is brought into captivity "to the obedience of Christ." 2 Cor. 10:5. Then humility and self-sacrificing love, so little valued among men, are exalted as alone of worth. This is the work of the gospel, of which John's message was a part.

    The rabbis continued their questioning: "Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?" The words "that prophet" had reference to Moses. The Jews had been inclined to the belief that Moses would be raised from the dead, and taken to heaven. They did not know that he had already been raised. When the Baptist began his ministry, many thought that he might be the prophet Moses risen from the dead, for he seemed to have a thorough knowledge of the prophecies and of the history of Israel.

    It was believed also that before the Messiah's advent, Elijah would personally appear. This expectation John met in his denial; but his words had a deeper meaning. Jesus afterward said, referring to John, "If ye are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, which is to come." Matt. 11:14, R. V. John came in the spirit and power of Elijah, to do such a work as Elijah did. If the Jews had received him, it would have been accomplished for them. But they did not receive his message. To them he was not Elijah. He could not fulfill for them the mission he came to accomplish.

    Many of those gathered at the Jordan had been present at the baptism of Jesus; but the sign then given had been manifest to but few among them. During the preceding months of the Baptist's ministry, many had refused to heed the call to repentance. Thus they had hardened their hearts and darkened their understanding. When Heaven bore testimony to Jesus at His baptism, they perceived it not. Eyes that had never been turned in faith to Him that is invisible beheld not the revelation of the glory of God; ears that had never listened to His voice heard not the words of witness. So it is now. Often the presence of Christ and the ministering angels is manifest in the assemblies of the people, and yet there are many who know it not. They discern nothing unusual. But to some the Saviour's presence is revealed. Peace and joy animate their hearts. They are comforted, encouraged, and blessed.

    The deputies from Jerusalem had demanded of John, "Why baptizest thou?" and they were awaiting his answer. Suddenly, as his glance swept over the throng, his eye kindled, his face was lighted up, his whole being was stirred with deep emotion. With outstretched hands he cried, "I baptize in water: in the midst of you standeth One whom ye know not, even He that cometh after me, the latchet of whose shoe I am not worthy to unloose." John 1:27, R. V., margin.

    The message was distinct and unequivocal, to be carried back to the Sanhedrin. The words of John could apply to no other than the long-promised One. The Messiah was among them! In amazement priests and rulers gazed about them, hoping to discover Him of whom John had spoken. But He was not distinguishable among the throng.

    When at the baptism of Jesus, John pointed to Him as the Lamb of God, a new light was shed upon the Messiah's work. The prophet's mind was directed to the words of Isaiah, "He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter." Isa. 53:7. During the weeks that followed, John with new interest studied the prophecies and the teaching of the sacrificial service. He did not distinguish clearly the two phases of Christ's work,--as a suffering sacrifice and a conquering king,--but he saw that His coming had a deeper significance than priests or people had discerned. When he beheld Jesus among the throng on His return from the desert, he confidently looked for Him to give the people some sign of His true character. Almost impatiently he waited to hear the Saviour declare His mission; but no word was spoken, no sign given. Jesus did not respond to the Baptist's announcement of Him, but mingled with the disciples of John, giving no outward evidence of His special work, and taking no measures to bring Himself to notice. The next day John sees Jesus coming. With the light of the glory of God resting upon him, the prophet stretches out his hands, declaring, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world! This is He of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is become before me. . . . And I knew Him not; but that He should be made manifest to Israel, for this cause came I baptizing in water. . . . I have beheld the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven; and it abode upon Him. And I knew Him not: but He that sent me to baptize in water, He said unto me, Upon whomsoever thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and abiding upon Him, the same is He that baptizeth with the Holy Spirit. And I have seen, and have borne witness that this is the Son of God." John 1:29-34, R. V., margin.

    Was this the Christ? With awe and wonder the people looked upon the One just declared to be the Son of God. They had been deeply moved by the words of John. He had spoken to them in the name of God. They had listened to him day after day as he reproved their sins, and daily the conviction that he was sent of Heaven had strengthened. But who was this One greater than John the Baptist? In His dress and bearing there was nothing that betokened rank. He was apparently a simple personage, clad like themselves in the humble garments of the poor.

    There were in the throng some who at Christ's baptism had beheld the divine glory, and had heard the voice of God. But since that time the Saviour's appearance had greatly changed. At His baptism they had seen His countenance transfigured in the light of heaven; now, pale, worn, and emaciated, He had been recognized only by the prophet John.

    But as the people looked upon Him, they saw a face where divine compassion was blended with conscious power. Every glance of the eye, every feature of the countenance, was marked with humility, and expressive of unutterable love. He seemed to be surrounded by an atmosphere of spiritual influence. While His manners were gentle and unassuming, He impressed men with a sense of power that was hidden, yet could not be wholly concealed. Was this the One for whom Israel had so long waited? Jesus came in poverty and humiliation, that He might be our example as well as our Redeemer. If He had appeared with kingly pomp, how could He have taught humility? how could He have presented such cutting truths as in the Sermon on the Mount? Where would have been the hope of the lowly in life had Jesus come to dwell as a king among men?

    To the multitude, however, it seemed impossible that the One designated by John should be associated with their lofty anticipations. Thus many were disappointed, and greatly perplexed.

    The words which the priests and rabbis so much desired to hear, that Jesus would now restore the kingdom to Israel, had not been spoken. For such a king they had been waiting and watching; such a king they were ready to receive. But one who sought to establish in their hearts a kingdom of righteousness and peace, they would not accept.

    On the following day, while two disciples were standing near, John again saw Jesus among the people. Again the face of the prophet was lighted up with glory from the Unseen, as he cried, "Behold the Lamb of God!" The words thrilled the hearts of the disciples. They did not fully understand them. What meant the name that John had given Him,--"the Lamb of God"? John himself had not explained it.

    Leaving John, they went to seek Jesus. One of the two was Andrew, the brother of Simon; the other was John the evangelist. These were Christ's first disciples. Moved by an irresistible impulse, they followed Jesus,--anxious to speak with Him, yet awed and silent, lost in the overwhelming significance of the thought, "Is this the Messiah?"

    Jesus knew that the disciples were following Him. They were the first fruits of His ministry, and there was joy in the heart of the divine Teacher as these souls responded to His grace. Yet turning, He asked only, "What seek ye?" He would leave them free to turn back or to speak of their desire.

    Of one purpose only were they conscious. One presence filled their thought. They exclaimed, "Rabbi, . . . where dwellest Thou?" In a brief interview by the wayside they could not receive that for which they longed. They desired to be alone with Jesus, to sit at His feet, and hear His words.

    "He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where He dwelt, and abode with Him that day."

    If John and Andrew had possessed the unbelieving spirit of the priests and rulers, they would not have been found as learners at the feet of Jesus. They would have come to Him as critics, to judge His words. Many thus close the door to the most precious opportunities. But not so did these first disciples. They had responded to the Holy Spirit's call in the preaching of John the Baptist. Now they recognized the voice of the heavenly Teacher. To them the words of Jesus were full of freshness and truth and beauty. A divine illumination was shed upon the teaching of the Old Testament Scriptures. The many-sided themes of truth stood out in new light.

    It is contrition and faith and love that enable the soul to receive wisdom from heaven. Faith working by love is the key of knowledge, and everyone that loveth "knoweth God." 1 John 4:7.

    The disciple John was a man of earnest and deep affection, ardent, yet contemplative. He had begun to discern the glory of Christ,--not the worldly pomp and power for which he had been taught to hope, but "the glory as of the Only-begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14. He was absorbed in contemplation of the wondrous theme.

    Andrew sought to impart the joy that filled his heart. Going in search of his brother Simon, he cried, "We have found the Messias." Simon waited for no second bidding. He also had heard the preaching of John the Baptist, and he hastened to the Saviour. The eye of Christ rested upon him, reading his character and his life history. His impulsive nature, his loving, sympathetic heart, his ambition and self-confidence, the history of his fall, his repentance, his labors, and his martyr death,--the Saviour read it all, and He said, "Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone."

    "The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow Me." Philip obeyed the command, and straightway he also became a worker for Christ.

    Philip called Nathanael. The latter had been among the throng when the Baptist pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God. As Nathanael looked upon Jesus, he was disappointed. Could this man, who bore the marks of toil and poverty, be the Messiah? Yet Nathanael could not decide to reject Jesus, for the message of John had brought conviction to his heart.

    At the time when Philip called him, Nathanael had withdrawn to a quiet grove to meditate upon the announcement of John and the prophecies concerning the Messiah. He prayed that if the one announced by John was the deliverer, it might be made known to him, and the Holy Spirit rested upon him with assurance that God had visited His people and raised up a horn of salvation for them. Philip knew that his friend was searching the prophecies, and while Nathanael was praying under a fig tree, Philip discovered his retreat. They had often prayed together in this secluded spot hidden by the foliage.

    The message, "We have found Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write," seemed to Nathanael a direct answer to his prayer. But Philip had yet a trembling faith. He added doubtfully, "Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Again prejudice arose in Nathanael's heart. He exclaimed, "Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?"

    Philip entered into no controversy. He said, "Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" In surprise Nathanael exclaimed, "Whence knowest Thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee."

    It was enough. The divine Spirit that had borne witness to Nathanael in his solitary prayer under the fig tree now spoke to him in the words of Jesus. Though in doubt, and yielding somewhat to prejudice, Nathanael had come to Christ with an honest desire for truth, and now his desire was met. His faith went beyond that of the one who had brought him to Jesus. He answered and said, "Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God; Thou art the King of Israel."

    If Nathanael had trusted to the rabbis for guidance, he would never have found Jesus. It was by seeing and judging for himself that he became a disciple. So in the case of many today whom prejudice withholds from good. How different would be the result if they would "come and see"! While they trust to the guidance of human authority, none will come to a saving knowledge of the truth. Like Nathanael, we need to study God's word for ourselves, and pray for the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. He who saw Nathanael under the fig tree will see us in the secret place of prayer. Angels from the world of light are near to those who in humility seek for divine guidance.

    With the calling of John and Andrew and Simon, of Philip and Nathanael, began the foundation of the Christian church. John directed two of his disciples to Christ. Then one of these, Andrew, found his brother, and called him to the Saviour. Philip was then called, and he went in search of Nathanael. These examples should teach us the importance of personal effort, of making direct appeals to our kindred, friends, and neighbors. There are those who for a lifetime have professed to be acquainted with Christ, yet who have never made a personal effort to bring even one soul to the Saviour. They leave all the work for the minister. He may be well qualified for his calling, but he cannot do that which God has left for the members of the church.

    There are many who need the ministration of loving Christian hearts. Many have gone down to ruin who might have been saved if their neighbors, common men and women, had put forth personal effort for them. Many are waiting to be personally addressed. In the very family, the neighborhood, the town, where we live, there is work for us to do as missionaries for Christ. If we are Christians, this work will be our delight. No sooner is one converted than there is born within him a desire to make known to others what a precious friend he has found in Jesus. The saving and sanctifying truth cannot be shut up in his heart.

    All who are consecrated to God will be channels of light. God makes them His agents to communicate to others the riches of His grace. His promise is, "I will make them and the places round about My hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing." Ezek. 34:26.

    Philip said to Nathanael, "Come and see." He did not ask him to accept another's testimony, but to behold Christ for himself. Now that Jesus has ascended to heaven, His disciples are His representatives among men, and one of the most effective ways of winning souls to Him is in exemplifying His character in our daily life. Our influence upon others depends not so much upon what we say as upon what we are. Men may combat and defy our logic, they may resist our appeals; but a life of disinterested love is an argument they cannot gainsay. A consistent life, characterized by the meekness of Christ, is a power in the world. The teaching of Christ was the expression of an inwrought conviction and experience, and those who learn of Him become teachers after the divine order. The word of God, spoken by one who is himself sanctified through it, has a life-giving power that makes it attractive to the hearers, and convicts them that it is a living reality. When one has received the truth in the love of it, he will make this manifest in the persuasion of his manner and the tones of his voice. He makes known that which he himself has heard, seen, and handled of the word of life, that others may have fellowship with him through the knowledge of Christ. His testimony, from lips touched with a live coal from off the altar, is truth to the receptive heart, and works sanctification upon the character.

    And he who seeks to give light to others will himself be blessed. "There shall be showers of blessing." "He that watereth shall be watered also himself." Prov. 11:25. God could have reached His object in saving sinners without our aid; but in order for us to develop a character like Christ's, we must share in His work. In order to enter into His joy,--the joy of seeing souls redeemed by His sacrifice,--we must participate in His labors for their redemption.

    Nathanael's first expression of his faith, so full and earnest and sincere, fell like music on the ears of Jesus. And He "answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these." The Saviour looked forward with joy to His work in preaching good tidings to the meek, binding up the brokenhearted, and proclaiming liberty to the captives of Satan. At thought of the precious blessings He had brought to men, Jesus added, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man."

    Here Christ virtually says, On the bank of the Jordan the heavens were opened, and the Spirit descended like a dove upon Me. That scene was but a token that I am the Son of God. If you believe on Me as such, your faith shall be quickened. You shall see that the heavens are opened, and are never to be closed. I have opened them to you. The angels of God are ascending, bearing the prayers of the needy and distressed to the Father above, and descending, bringing blessing and hope, courage, help, and life, to the children of men. The angels of God are ever passing from earth to heaven, and from heaven to earth. The miracles of Christ for the afflicted and suffering were wrought by the power of God through the ministration of the angels. And it is through Christ, by the ministration of His heavenly messengers, that every blessing comes from God to us. In taking upon Himself humanity, our Saviour unites His interests with those of the fallen sons and daughters of Adam, while through His divinity He grasps the throne of God. And thus Christ is the medium of communication of men with God, and of God with men.

    Chapter 15

    Jesus did not begin His ministry by some great work before the Sanhedrin at Jerusalem. At a household gathering in a little Galilean village His power was put forth to add to the joy of a wedding feast. Thus He showed His sympathy with men, and His desire to minister to their happiness. In the wilderness of temptation He Himself had drunk the cup of woe. He came forth to give to men the cup of blessing, by His benediction to hallow the relations of human life.

    From the Jordan, Jesus had returned to Galilee. There was to be a marriage at Cana, a little town not far from Nazareth; the parties were relatives of Joseph and Mary; and Jesus, knowing of this family gathering, went to Cana, and with His disciples was invited to the feast.

    Again He met His mother, from whom He had for some time been separated. Mary had heard of the manifestation at the Jordan, at His baptism. The tidings had been carried to Nazareth, and had brought to her mind afresh the scenes that for so many years had been hidden in her heart. In common with all Israel, Mary was deeply stirred by the mission of John the Baptist. Well she remembered the prophecy given at his birth. Now his connection with Jesus kindled her hopes anew. But tidings had reached her also of the mysterious departure of Jesus to the wilderness, and she was oppressed with troubled forebodings. From the day when she heard the angel's announcement in the home at Nazareth Mary had treasured every evidence that Jesus was the Messiah. His sweet, unselfish life assured her that He could be no other than the Sent of God. Yet there came to her also doubts and disappointments, and she had longed for the time when His glory should be revealed. Death had separated her from Joseph, who had shared her knowledge of the mystery of the birth of Jesus. Now there was no one to whom she could confide her hopes and fears. The past two months had been very sorrowful. She had been parted from Jesus, in whose sympathy she found comfort; she pondered upon the words of Simeon, "A sword shall pierce through thy own soul also" (Luke 2:35); she recalled the three days of agony when she thought Jesus lost to her forever; and with an anxious heart she awaited His return.

    At the marriage feast she meets Him, the same tender, dutiful son. Yet He is not the same. His countenance is changed. It bears the traces of His conflict in the wilderness, and a new expression of dignity and power gives evidence of His heavenly mission. With Him is a group of young men, whose eyes follow Him with reverence, and who call Him Master. These companions recount to Mary what they have seen and heard at the baptism and elsewhere. They conclude by declaring, "We have found Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write." John 1:45.

    As the guests assemble, many seem to be preoccupied with some topic of absorbing interest. A suppressed excitement pervades the company. Little groups converse together in eager but quiet tones, and wondering glances are turned upon the Son of Mary. As Mary had heard the disciples' testimony in regard to Jesus, she had been gladdened with the assurance that her long-cherished hopes were not in vain. Yet she would have been more than human if there had not mingled with this holy joy a trace of the fond mother's natural pride. As she saw the many glances bent upon Jesus, she longed to have Him prove to the company that He was really the Honored of God. She hoped there might be opportunity for Him to work a miracle before them.

    It was the custom of the times for marriage festivities to continue several days. On this occasion, before the feast ended it was found that the supply of wine had failed. This discovery caused much perplexity and regret. It was unusual to dispense with wine on festive occasions, and its absence would seem to indicate a want of hospitality. As a relative of the parties, Mary had assisted in the arrangements for the feast, and she now spoke to Jesus, saying, "They have no wine." These words were a suggestion that He might supply their need. But Jesus answered, "Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come." This answer, abrupt as it seems to us, expressed no coldness or discourtesy. The Saviour's form of address to His mother was in accordance with Oriental custom. It was used toward persons to whom it was desired to show respect. Every act of Christ's earthly life was in harmony with the precept He Himself had given, "Honor thy father and thy mother." Ex. 20:12. On the cross, in His last act of tenderness toward His mother, Jesus again addressed her in the same way, as He committed her to the care of His best-loved disciple. Both at the marriage feast and upon the cross, the love expressed in tone and look and manner interpreted His words.

    At His visit to the temple in His boyhood, as the mystery of His lifework opened before Him, Christ had said to Mary, "Wist ye not that I must be about My Father's business?" Luke 2:49. These words struck the keynote of His whole life and ministry. Everything was held in abeyance to His work, the great work of redemption which He had come into the world to accomplish. Now He repeated the lesson. There was danger that Mary would regard her relationship to Jesus as giving her a special claim upon Him, and the right, in some degree, to direct Him in His mission. For thirty years He had been to her a loving and obedient son, and His love was unchanged; but He must now go about His Father's work. As Son of the Most High, and Saviour of the world, no earthly ties must hold Him from His mission, or influence His conduct. He must stand free to do the will of God. This lesson is also for us. The claims of God are paramount even to the ties of human relationship. No earthly attraction should turn our feet from the path in which He bids us walk. The only hope of redemption for our fallen race is in Christ; Mary could find salvation only through the Lamb of God. In herself she possessed no merit. Her connection with Jesus placed her in no different spiritual relation to Him from that of any other human soul. This is indicated in the Saviour's words. He makes clear the distinction between His relation to her as the Son of man and as the Son of God. The tie of kinship between them in no way placed her on an equality with Him.

    The words, "Mine hour is not yet come," point to the fact that every act of Christ's life on earth was in fulfillment of the plan that had existed from the days of eternity. Before He came to earth, the plan lay out before Him, perfect in all its details. But as He walked among men, He was guided, step by step, by the Father's will. He did not hesitate to act at the appointed time. With the same submission He waited until the time had come.

    In saying to Mary that His hour had not yet come, Jesus was replying to her unspoken thought,--to the expectation she cherished in common with her people. She hoped that He would reveal Himself as the Messiah, and take the throne of Israel. But the time had not come. Not as a King, but as "a Man of Sorrows, and acquainted with grief," had Jesus accepted the lot of humanity.

    But though Mary had not a right conception of Christ's mission, she trusted Him implicitly. To this faith Jesus responded. It was to honor Mary's trust, and to strengthen the faith of His disciples, that the first miracle was performed. The disciples were to encounter many and great temptations to unbelief. To them the prophecies had made it clear beyond all controversy that Jesus was the Messiah. They looked for the religious leaders to receive Him with confidence even greater than their own. They declared among the people the wonderful works of Christ and their own confidence in His mission, but they were amazed and bitterly disappointed by the unbelief, the deep-seated prejudice, and the enmity to Jesus, displayed by the priests and rabbis. The Saviour's early miracles strengthened the disciples to stand against this opposition. In nowise disconcerted by the words of Jesus, Mary said to those serving at table, "Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it." Thus she did what she could to prepare the way for the work of Christ.

    Beside the doorway stood six large stone water jars, and Jesus bade the servants fill these with water. It was done. Then as the wine was wanted for immediate use, He said, "Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast." Instead of the water with which the vessels had been filled, there flowed forth wine. Neither the ruler of the feast nor the guests generally were aware that the supply of wine had failed. Upon tasting that which the servants brought, the ruler found it superior to any he had ever before drunk, and very different from that served at the beginning of the feast. Turning to the bridegroom, he said, "Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now."

    As men set forth the best wine first, then afterward that which is worse, so does the world with its gifts. That which it offers may please the eye and fascinate the senses, but it proves to be unsatisfying. The wine turns to bitterness, the gaiety to gloom. That which was begun with songs and mirth ends in weariness and disgust. But the gifts of Jesus are ever fresh and new. The feast that He provides for the soul never fails to give satisfaction and joy. Each new gift increases the capacity of the receiver to appreciate and enjoy the blessings of the Lord. He gives grace for grace. There can be no failure of supply. If you abide in Him, the fact that you receive a rich gift today insures the reception of a richer gift tomorrow. The words of Jesus to Nathanael express the law of God's dealing with the children of faith. With every fresh revelation of His love, He declares to the receptive heart, "Believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these." John 1:50.

    The gift of Christ to the marriage feast was a symbol. The water represented baptism into His death; the wine, the shedding of His blood for the sins of the world. The water to fill the jars was brought by human hands, but the word of Christ alone could impart to it life-giving virtue. So with the rites which point to the Saviour's death. It is only by the power of Christ, working through faith, that they have efficacy to nourish the soul. The word of Christ supplied ample provision for the feast. So abundant is the provision of His grace to blot out the iniquities of men, and to renew and sustain the soul.

    At the first feast He attended with His disciples, Jesus gave them the cup that symbolized His work for their salvation. At the last supper He gave it again, in the institution of that sacred rite by which His death was to be shown forth "till He come." 1 Cor. 11:26. And the sorrow of the disciples at parting from their Lord was comforted with the promise of reunion, as He said, "I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom." Matt. 26:29.

    The wine which Christ provided for the feast, and that which He gave to the disciples as a symbol of His own blood, was the pure juice of the grape. To this the prophet Isaiah refers when he speaks of the new wine "in the cluster," and says, "Destroy it not; for a blessing is in it." Isa. 65:8.

    It was Christ who in the Old Testament gave the warning to Israel, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." Prov. 20:1. And He Himself provided no such beverage. Satan tempts men to indulgence that will becloud reason and benumb the spiritual perceptions, but Christ teaches us to bring the lower nature into subjection. His whole life was an example of self-denial. In order to break the power of appetite, He suffered in our behalf the severest test that humanity could endure. It was Christ who directed that John the Baptist should drink neither wine nor strong drink. It was He who enjoined similar abstinence upon the wife of Manoah. And He pronounced a curse upon the man who should put the bottle to his neighbor's lips. Christ did not contradict His own teaching. The unfermented wine which He provided for the wedding guests was a wholesome and refreshing drink. Its effect was to bring the taste into harmony with a healthful appetite.

    As the guests at the feast remarked upon the quality of the wine, inquiries were made that drew from the servants an account of the miracle. The company were for a time too much amazed to think of Him who had performed the wonderful work. When at length they looked for Him, it was found that He had withdrawn so quietly as to be unnoticed even by His disciples. The attention of the company was now turned to the disciples. For the first time they had the opportunity of acknowledging their faith in Jesus. They told what they had seen and heard at the Jordan, and there was kindled in many hearts the hope that God had raised up a deliverer for His people. The news of the miracle spread through all that region, and was carried to Jerusalem. With new interest the priests and elders searched the prophecies pointing to Christ's coming. There was eager desire to learn the mission of this new teacher, who appeared among the people in so unassuming a manner.

    The ministry of Christ was in marked contrast to that of the Jewish elders. Their regard for tradition and formalism had destroyed all real freedom of thought or action. They lived in continual dread of defilement. To avoid contact with the "unclean," they kept aloof, not only from the Gentiles, but from the majority of their own people, seeking neither to benefit them nor to win their friendship. By dwelling constantly on these matters, they had dwarfed their minds and narrowed the orbit of their lives. Their example encouraged egotism and intolerance among all classes of the people.

    Jesus began the work of reformation by coming into close sympathy with humanity. While He showed the greatest reverence for the law of God, He rebuked the pretentious piety of the Pharisees, and tried to free the people from the senseless rules that bound them. He was seeking to break down the barriers which separated the different classes of society, that He might bring men together as children of one family. His attendance at the marriage feast was designed to be a step toward effecting this.

    God had directed John the Baptist to dwell in the wilderness, that he might be shielded from the influence of the priests and rabbis, and be prepared for a special mission. But the austerity and isolation of his life were not an example for the people. John himself had not directed his hearers to forsake their former duties. He bade them give evidence of their repentance by faithfulness to God in the place where He had called them.

    Jesus reproved self-indulgence in all its forms, yet He was social in His nature. He accepted the hospitality of all classes, visiting the homes of the rich and the poor, the learned and the ignorant, and seeking to elevate their thoughts from questions of commonplace life to those things that are spiritual and eternal. He gave no license to dissipation, and no shadow of worldly levity marred His conduct; yet He found pleasure in scenes of innocent happiness, and by His presence sanctioned the social gathering. A Jewish marriage was an impressive occasion, and its joy was not displeasing to the Son of man. By attending this feast, Jesus honored marriage as a divine institution. In both the Old and the New Testament, the marriage relation is employed to represent the tender and sacred union that exists between Christ and His people. To the mind of Jesus the gladness of the wedding festivities pointed forward to the rejoicing of that day when He shall bring home His bride to the Father's house, and the redeemed with the Redeemer shall sit down to the marriage supper of the Lamb. He says, "As the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee." "Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; . . . but thou shalt be called My Delight; . . . for the Lord delighteth in thee." "He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing." Isa. 62:5, 4, margin; Zeph. 3:17. When the vision of heavenly things was granted to John the apostle, he wrote: "I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to Him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and His wife hath made herself ready." "Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb." Rev. 19:6, 7, 9.

    Jesus saw in every soul one to whom must be given the call to His kingdom. He reached the hearts of the people by going among them as one who desired their good. He sought them in the public streets, in private houses, on the boats, in the synagogue, by the shores of the lake, and at the marriage feast. He met them at their daily vocations, and manifested an interest in their secular affairs. He carried His instruction into the household, bringing families in their own homes under the influence of His divine presence. His strong personal sympathy helped to win hearts. He often repaired to the mountains for solitary prayer, but this was a preparation for His labor among men in active life. From these seasons He came forth to relieve the sick, to instruct the ignorant, and to break the chains from the captives of Satan.

    It was by personal contact and association that Jesus trained His disciples. Sometimes He taught them, sitting among them on the mountainside; sometimes beside the sea, or walking with them by the way, He revealed the mysteries of the kingdom of God. He did not sermonize as men do today. Wherever hearts were open to receive the divine message, He unfolded the truths of the way of salvation. He did not command His disciples to do this or that, but said, "Follow Me." On His journeys through country and cities He took them with Him, that they might see how He taught the people. He linked their interest with His, and they united with Him in the work.

    The example of Christ in linking Himself with the interests of humanity should be followed by all who preach His word, and by all who have received the gospel of His grace. We are not to renounce social communion. We should not seclude ourselves from others. In order to reach all classes, we must meet them where they are. They will seldom seek us of their own accord. Not alone from the pulpit are the hearts of men touched by divine truth. There is another field of labor, humbler, it may be, but fully as promising. It is found in the home of the lowly, and in the mansion of the great; at the hospitable board, and in gatherings for innocent social enjoyment.

    As disciples of Christ we shall not mingle with the world from a mere love of pleasure, to unite with them in folly. Such associations can result only in harm. We should never give sanction to sin by our words or our deeds, our silence or our presence. Wherever we go, we are to carry Jesus with us, and to reveal to others the preciousness of our Saviour. But those who try to preserve their religion by hiding it within stone walls lose precious opportunities of doing good. Through the social relations, Christianity comes in contact with the world. Everyone who has received the divine illumination is to brighten the pathway of those who know not the Light of life.

    We should all become witnesses for Jesus. Social power, sanctified by the grace of Christ, must be improved in winning souls to the Saviour. Let the world see that we are not selfishly absorbed in our own interests, but that we desire others to share our blessings and privileges. Let them see that our religion does not make us unsympathetic or exacting. Let all who profess to have found Christ, minister as He did for the benefit of men.

    We should never give to the world the false impression that Christians are a gloomy, unhappy people. If our eyes are fixed on Jesus, we shall see a compassionate Redeemer, and shall catch light from His countenance. Wherever His Spirit reigns, there peace abides. And there will be joy also, for there is a calm, holy trust in God. Christ is pleased with His followers when they show that, though human, they are partakers of the divine nature. They are not statues, but living men and women. Their hearts, refreshed by the dews of divine grace, open and expand to the Sun of Righteousness. The light that shines upon them they reflect upon others in works that are luminous with the love of Christ.

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Jesus-christ-0207
    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


    Posts : 13426
    Join date : 2010-09-28
    Location : The Matrix

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (10)

    Post  orthodoxymoron Sat Dec 12, 2020 4:11 am

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Jesus-christ-0207

    Chapter 16
    In His Temple

    "After this He went down to Capernaum, He, and His mother, and His brethren, and His disciples: and they continued there not many days. And the Jews' Passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem."

    In this journey, Jesus joined one of the large companies that were making their way to the capital. He had not yet publicly announced His mission, and He mingled unnoticed with the throng. Upon these occasions, the coming of the Messiah, to which such prominence had been given by the ministry of John, was often the theme of conversation. The hope of national greatness was dwelt upon with kindling enthusiasm. Jesus knew that this hope was to be disappointed, for it was founded on a misinterpretation of the Scriptures. With deep earnestness He explained the prophecies, and tried to arouse the people to a closer study of God's word.

    The Jewish leaders had instructed the people that at Jerusalem they were to be taught to worship God. Here during the Passover week large numbers assembled, coming from all parts of Palestine, and even from distant lands. The temple courts were filled with a promiscuous throng. Many were unable to bring with them the sacrifices that were to be offered up as typifying the one great Sacrifice. For the convenience of these, animals were bought and sold in the outer court of the temple. Here all classes of people assembled to purchase their offerings. Here all foreign money was exchanged for the coin of the sanctuary. Every Jew was required to pay yearly a half shekel as "a ransom for his soul;" and the money thus collected was used for the support of the temple. Ex. 30:12-16. Besides this, large sums were brought as freewill offerings, to be deposited in the temple treasury. And it was required that all foreign coin should be changed for a coin called the temple shekel, which was accepted for the service of the sanctuary. The money changing gave opportunity for fraud and extortion, and it had grown into a disgraceful traffic, which was a source of revenue to the priests.

    The dealers demanded exorbitant prices for the animals sold, and they shared their profits with the priests and rulers, who thus enriched themselves at the expense of the people. The worshipers had been taught to believe that if they did not offer sacrifice, the blessing of God would not rest on their children or their lands. Thus a high price for the animals could be secured; for after coming so far, the people would not return to their homes without performing the act of devotion for which they had come.

    A great number of sacrifices were offered at the time of the Passover, and the sales at the temple were very large. The consequent confusion indicated a noisy cattle market rather than the sacred temple of God. There could be heard sharp bargaining, the lowing of cattle, the bleating of sheep, the cooing of doves, mingled with the chinking of coin and angry disputation. So great was the confusion that the worshipers were disturbed, and the words addressed to the Most High were drowned in the uproar that invaded the temple. The Jews were exceedingly proud of their piety. They rejoiced over their temple, and regarded a word spoken in its disfavor as blasphemy; they were very rigorous in the performance of ceremonies connected with it; but the love of money had overruled their scruples. They were scarcely aware how far they had wandered from the original purpose of the service instituted by God Himself.

    When the Lord descended upon Mount Sinai, the place was consecrated by His presence. Moses was commanded to put bounds around the mount and sanctify it, and the word of the Lord was heard in warning: "Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death: there shall not an hand touch it, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether it be beast or man, it shall not live." Ex. 19:12, 13. Thus was taught the lesson that wherever God manifests His presence, the place is holy. The precincts of God's temple should have been regarded as sacred. But in the strife for gain, all this was lost sight of. The priests and rulers were called to be the representatives of God to the nation; they should have corrected the abuses of the temple court. They should have given to the people an example of integrity and compassion. Instead of studying their own profit, they should have considered the situation and needs of the worshipers, and should have been ready to assist those who were not able to buy the required sacrifices. But this they did not do. Avarice had hardened their hearts. There came to this feast those who were suffering, those who were in want and distress. The blind, the lame, the deaf, were there. Some were brought on beds. Many came who were too poor to purchase the humblest offering for the Lord, too poor even to buy food with which to satisfy their own hunger. These were greatly distressed by the statements of the priests. The priests boasted of their piety; they claimed to be the guardians of the people; but they were without sympathy or compassion. The poor, the sick, the dying, made their vain plea for favor. Their suffering awakened no pity in the hearts of the priests.

    As Jesus came into the temple, He took in the whole scene. He saw the unfair transactions. He saw the distress of the poor, who thought that without shedding of blood there would be no forgiveness for their sins. He saw the outer court of His temple converted into a place of unholy traffic. The sacred enclosure had become one vast exchange.

    Christ saw that something must be done. Numerous ceremonies were enjoined upon the people without the proper instruction as to their import. The worshipers offered their sacrifices without understanding that they were typical of the only perfect Sacrifice. And among them, unrecognized and unhonored, stood the One symbolized by all their service. He had given directions in regard to the offerings. He understood their symbolical value, and He saw that they were now perverted and misunderstood. Spiritual worship was fast disappearing. No link bound the priests and rulers to their God. Christ's work was to establish an altogether different worship.

    With searching glance, Christ takes in the scene before Him as He stands upon the steps of the temple court. With prophetic eye He looks into futurity, and sees not only years, but centuries and ages. He sees how priests and rulers will turn the needy from their right, and forbid that the gospel shall be preached to the poor. He sees how the love of God will be concealed from sinners, and men will make merchandise of His grace. As He beholds the scene, indignation, authority, and power are expressed in His countenance. The attention of the people is attracted to Him. The eyes of those engaged in their unholy traffic are riveted upon His face. They cannot withdraw their gaze. They feel that this Man reads their inmost thoughts, and discovers their hidden motives. Some attempt to conceal their faces, as if their evil deeds were written upon their countenances, to be scanned by those searching eyes. The confusion is hushed. The sound of traffic and bargaining has ceased. The silence becomes painful. A sense of awe overpowers the assembly. It is as if they were arraigned before the tribunal of God to answer for their deeds. Looking upon Christ, they behold divinity flash through the garb of humanity. The Majesty of heaven stands as the Judge will stand at the last day,--not now encircled with the glory that will then attend Him, but with the same power to read the soul. His eye sweeps over the multitude, taking in every individual. His form seems to rise above them in commanding dignity, and a divine light illuminates His countenance. He speaks, and His clear, ringing voice--the same that upon Mount Sinai proclaimed the law that priests and rulers are transgressing--is heard echoing through the arches of the temple: "Take these things hence; make not My Father's house an house of merchandise."

    Slowly descending the steps, and raising the scourge of cords gathered up on entering the enclosure, He bids the bargaining company depart from the precincts of the temple. With a zeal and severity He has never before manifested, He overthrows the tables of the money-changers. The coin falls, ringing sharply upon the marble pavement. None presume to question His authority. None dare stop to gather up their ill-gotten gain. Jesus does not smite them with the whip of cords, but in His hand that simple scourge seems terrible as a flaming sword. Officers of the temple, speculating priests, brokers and cattle traders, with their sheep and oxen, rush from the place, with the one thought of escaping from the condemnation of His presence.

    A panic sweeps over the multitude, who feel the overshadowing of His divinity. Cries of terror escape from hundreds of blanched lips. Even the disciples tremble. They are awestruck by the words and manner of Jesus, so unlike His usual demeanor. They remember that it is written of Him, "The zeal of Thine house hath eaten Me up." Ps. 69:9. Soon the tumultuous throng with their merchandise are far removed from the temple of the Lord. The courts are free from unholy traffic, and a deep silence and solemnity settles upon the scene of confusion.

    The presence of the Lord, that of old sanctified the mount, has now made sacred the temple reared in His honor. In the cleansing of the temple, Jesus was announcing His mission as the Messiah, and entering upon His work. That temple, erected for the abode of the divine Presence, was designed to be an object lesson for Israel and for the world. From eternal ages it was God's purpose that every created being, from the bright and holy seraph to man, should be a temple for the indwelling of the Creator. Because of sin, humanity ceased to be a temple for God. Darkened and defiled by evil, the heart of man no longer revealed the glory of the Divine One. But by the incarnation of the Son of God, the purpose of Heaven is fulfilled. God dwells in humanity, and through saving grace the heart of man becomes again His temple. God designed that the temple at Jerusalem should be a continual witness to the high destiny open to every soul. But the Jews had not understood the significance of the building they regarded with so much pride. They did not yield themselves as holy temples for the Divine Spirit. The courts of the temple at Jerusalem, filled with the tumult of unholy traffic, represented all too truly the temple of the heart, defiled by the presence of sensual passion and unholy thoughts. In cleansing the temple from the world's buyers and sellers, Jesus announced His mission to cleanse the heart from the defilement of sin,--from the earthly desires, the selfish lusts, the evil habits, that corrupt the soul. "The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, He shall come, saith the Lord of hosts. But who may abide the day of His coming? and who shall stand when He appeareth? for He is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap: and He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver." Mal. 3:1-3.

    "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." 1 Cor. 3:16, 17. No man can of himself cast out the evil throng that have taken possession of the heart. Only Christ can cleanse the soul temple. But He will not force an entrance. He comes not into the heart as to the temple of old; but He says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him." Rev. 3:20. He will come, not for one day merely; for He says, "I will dwell in them, and walk in them; . . . and they shall be My people." "He will subdue our iniquities; and Thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea." 2 Cor. 6:16; Micah 7:19. His presence will cleanse and sanctify the soul, so that it may be a holy temple unto the Lord, and "an habitation of God through the Spirit." Eph. 2:21, 22. Overpowered with terror, the priests and rulers had fled from the temple court, and from the searching glance that read their hearts. In their flight they met others on their way to the temple, and bade them turn back, telling them what they had seen and heard. Christ looked upon the fleeing men with yearning pity for their fear, and their ignorance of what constituted true worship. In this scene He saw symbolized the dispersion of the whole Jewish nation for their wickedness and impenitence.

    And why did the priests flee from the temple? Why did they not stand their ground? He who commanded them to go was a carpenter's son, a poor Galilean, without earthly rank or power. Why did they not resist Him? Why did they leave the gain so ill acquired, and flee at the command of One whose outward appearance was so humble?

    Christ spoke with the authority of a king, and in His appearance, and in the tones of His voice, there was that which they had no power to resist. At the word of command they realized, as they had never realized before, their true position as hypocrites and robbers. When divinity flashed through humanity, not only did they see indignation on Christ's countenance; they realized the import of His words. They felt as if before the throne of the eternal Judge, with their sentence passed on them for time and for eternity. For a time they were convinced that Christ was a prophet; and many believed Him to be the Messiah. The Holy Spirit flashed into their minds the utterances of the prophets concerning Christ. Would they yield to this conviction?

    Repent they would not. They knew that Christ's sympathy for the poor had been aroused. They knew that they had been guilty of extortion in their dealings with the people. Because Christ discerned their thoughts they hated Him. His public rebuke was humiliating to their pride, and they were jealous of His growing influence with the people. They determined to challenge Him as to the power by which He had driven them forth, and who gave Him this power.

    Slowly and thoughtfully, but with hate in their hearts, they returned to the temple. But what a change had taken place during their absence!

    When they fled, the poor remained behind; and these were now looking to Jesus, whose countenance expressed His love and sympathy. With tears in His eyes, He said to the trembling ones around Him: Fear not; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me. For this cause came I into the world. The people pressed into Christ's presence with urgent, pitiful appeals: Master, bless me. His ear heard every cry. With pity exceeding that of a tender mother He bent over the suffering little ones. All received attention. Everyone was healed of whatever disease he had. The dumb opened their lips in praise; the blind beheld the face of their Restorer. The hearts of the sufferers were made glad.

    As the priests and temple officials witnessed this great work, what a revelation to them were the sounds that fell on their ears! The people were relating the story of the pain they had suffered, of their disappointed hopes, of painful days and sleepless nights. When the last spark of hope seemed to be dead, Christ had healed them. The burden was so heavy, one said; but I have found a helper. He is the Christ of God, and I will devote my life to His service. Parents said to their children, He has saved your life; lift up your voice and praise Him. The voices of children and youth, fathers and mothers, friends and spectators, blended in thanksgiving and praise. Hope and gladness filled their hearts. Peace came to their minds. They were restored soul and body, and they returned home, proclaiming everywhere the matchless love of Jesus.

    At the crucifixion of Christ, those who had thus been healed did not join with the rabble throng in crying, "Crucify Him, crucify Him." Their sympathies were with Jesus; for they had felt His great sympathy and wonderful power. They knew Him to be their Saviour; for He had given them health of body and soul. They listened to the preaching of the apostles, and the entrance of God's word into their hearts gave them understanding. They became agents of God's mercy, and instruments of His salvation.

    The crowd that had fled from the temple court after a time slowly drifted back. They had partially recovered from the panic that had seized them, but their faces expressed irresolution and timidity. They looked with amazement on the works of Jesus, and were convicted that in Him the prophecies concerning the Messiah were fulfilled. The sin of the desecration of the temple rested, in a great degree, upon the priests. It was by their arrangement that the court had been turned into a market place. The people were comparatively innocent. They were impressed by the divine authority of Jesus; but with them the influence of the priests and rulers was paramount. They regarded Christ's mission as an innovation, and questioned His right to interfere with what was permitted by the authorities of the temple. They were offended because the traffic had been interrupted, and they stifled the convictions of the Holy Spirit. Above all others the priests and rulers should have seen in Jesus the anointed of the Lord; for in their hands were the sacred scrolls that described His mission, and they knew that the cleansing of the temple was a manifestation of more than human power. Much as they hated Jesus, they could not free themselves from the thought that He might be a prophet sent by God to restore the sanctity of the temple. With a deference born of this fear, they went to Him with the inquiry, "What sign showest Thou unto us, seeing that Thou doest these things?"

    Jesus had shown them a sign. In flashing light into their hearts, and in doing before them the works which the Messiah was to do, He had given convincing evidence of His character. Now when they asked for a sign, He answered them by a parable, showing that He read their malice, and saw to what lengths it would lead them. "Destroy this temple," He said, "and in three days I will raise it up."

    In these words His meaning was twofold. He referred not only to the destruction of the Jewish temple and worship, but to His own death,--the destruction of the temple of His body. This the Jews were already plotting. As the priests and rulers returned to the temple, they had proposed to kill Jesus, and thus rid themselves of the troubler. Yet when He set before them their purpose, they did not understand Him. They took His words as applying only to the temple at Jerusalem, and with indignation exclaimed, "Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt Thou rear it up in three days?" Now they felt that Jesus had justified their unbelief, and they were confirmed in their rejection of Him.

    Christ did not design that His words should be understood by the unbelieving Jews, nor even by His disciples at this time. He knew that they would be misconstrued by His enemies, and would be turned against Him. At His trial they would be brought as an accusation, and on Calvary they would be flung at Him as a taunt. But to explain them now would give His disciples a knowledge of His sufferings, and bring upon them sorrow which as yet they were not able to bear. And an explanation would prematurely disclose to the Jews the result of their prejudice and unbelief. Already they had entered upon a path which they would steadily pursue until He should be led as a lamb to the slaughter. It was for the sake of those who should believe on Him that these words of Christ were spoken. He knew that they would be repeated. Being spoken at the Passover, they would come to the ears of thousands, and be carried to all parts of the world. After He had risen from the dead, their meaning would be made plain. To many they would be conclusive evidence of His divinity.

    Because of their spiritual darkness, even the disciples of Jesus often failed of comprehending His lessons. But many of these lessons were made plain to them by subsequent events. When He walked no more with them, His words were a stay to their hearts.

    As referring to the temple at Jerusalem, the Saviour's words, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up," had a deeper meaning than the hearers perceived. Christ was the foundation and life of the temple. Its services were typical of the sacrifice of the Son of God. The priesthood was established to represent the mediatorial character and work of Christ. The entire plan of sacrificial worship was a foreshadowing of the Saviour's death to redeem the world. There would be no efficacy in these offerings when the great event toward which they had pointed for ages was consummated.

    Since the whole ritual economy was symbolical of Christ, it had no value apart from Him. When the Jews sealed their rejection of Christ by delivering Him to death, they rejected all that gave significance to the temple and its services. Its sacredness had departed. It was doomed to destruction. From that day sacrificial offerings and the service connected with them were meaningless. Like the offering of Cain, they did not express faith in the Saviour. In putting Christ to death, the Jews virtually destroyed their temple. When Christ was crucified, the inner veil of the temple was rent in twain from top to bottom, signifying that the great final sacrifice had been made, and that the system of sacrificial offerings was forever at an end.

    "In three days I will raise it up." In the Saviour's death the powers of darkness seemed to prevail, and they exulted in their victory. But from the rent sepulcher of Joseph, Jesus came forth a conqueror. "Having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them." Col.2:15. By virtue of His death and resurrection He became the minister of the "true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man." Heb. 8:2. Men reared the Jewish tabernacle; men builded the Jewish temple; but the sanctuary above, of which the earthly was a type, was built by no human architect. "Behold the Man whose name is The Branch; . . . He shall build the temple of the Lord; and He shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon His throne; and He shall be a priest upon His throne." Zech. 6:12, 13. The sacrificial service that had pointed to Christ passed away; but the eyes of men were turned to the true sacrifice for the sins of the world. The earthly priesthood ceased; but we look to Jesus, the minister of the new covenant, and "to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel." "The way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: . . . but Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, . . . by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us." Heb. 12:24; 9:8-12.

    "Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them." Heb. 7:25. Though the ministration was to be removed from the earthly to the heavenly temple; though the sanctuary and our great high priest would be invisible to human sight, yet the disciples were to suffer no loss thereby. They would realize no break in their communion, and no diminution of power because of the Saviour's absence. While Jesus ministers in the sanctuary above, He is still by His Spirit the minister of the church on earth. He is withdrawn from the eye of sense, but His parting promise is fulfilled, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." Matt. 28:20. While He delegates His power to inferior ministers, His energizing presence is still with His church.

    "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, . . . Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." Heb 4:14-16.

    Chapter 17

    Nicodemus held a high position of trust in the Jewish nation. He was highly educated, and possessed talents of no ordinary character, and he was an honored member of the national council. With others, he had been stirred by the teaching of Jesus. Though rich, learned, and honored, he had been strangely attracted by the humble Nazarene. The lessons that had fallen from the Saviour's lips had greatly impressed him, and he desired to learn more of these wonderful truths.

    Christ's exercise of authority in the cleansing of the temple had roused the determined hatred of the priests and rulers. They feared the power of this stranger. Such boldness on the part of an obscure Galilean was not to be tolerated. They were bent on putting an end to His work. But not all were agreed in this purpose. There were some that feared to oppose One who was so evidently moved upon by the Spirit of God. They remembered how prophets had been slain for rebuking the sins of the leaders in Israel. They knew that the bondage of the Jews to a heathen nation was the result of their stubbornness in rejecting reproofs from God. They feared that in plotting against Jesus the priests and rulers were following in the steps of their fathers, and would bring fresh calamities upon the nation. Nicodemus shared these feelings. In a council of the Sanhedrin, when the course to be pursued toward Jesus was considered, Nicodemus advised caution and moderation. He urged that if Jesus was really invested with authority from God, it would be perilous to reject His warnings. The priests dared not disregard this counsel, and for the time they took no open measures against the Saviour. Since hearing Jesus, Nicodemus had anxiously studied the prophecies relating to the Messiah; and the more he searched, the stronger was his conviction that this was the One who was to come. With many others in Israel he had been greatly distressed by the profanation of the temple He was a witness of the scene when Jesus drove out the buyers and the sellers; he beheld the wonderful manifestation of divine power; he saw the Saviour receiving the poor and healing the sick; he saw their looks of joy, and heard their words of praise; and he could not doubt that Jesus of Nazareth was the Sent of God.

    He greatly desired an interview with Jesus, but shrank from seeking Him openly. It would be too humiliating for a ruler of the Jews to acknowledge himself in sympathy with a teacher as yet so little known. And should his visit come to the knowledge of the Sanhedrin, it would draw upon him their scorn and denunciation. He resolved upon a secret interview, excusing this on the ground that if he were to go openly, others might follow his example. Learning by special inquiry the Saviour's place of retirement in the Mount of Olives, he waited until the city was hushed in slumber, and then sought Him.

    In the presence of Christ, Nicodemus felt a strange timidity, which he endeavored to conceal under an air of composure and dignity. "Rabbi," he said, "we know that Thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that Thou doest, except God be with him." By speaking of Christ's rare gifts as a teacher, and also of His wonderful power to perform miracles, he hoped to pave the way for his interview. His words were designed to express and to invite confidence; but they really expressed unbelief. He did not acknowledge Jesus to be the Messiah, but only a teacher sent from God.

    Instead of recognizing this salutation, Jesus bent His eyes upon the speaker, as if reading his very soul. In His infinite wisdom He saw before Him a seeker after truth. He knew the object of this visit, and with a desire to deepen the conviction already resting upon His listener's mind, He came directly to the point, saying solemnly, yet kindly, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3, margin.

    Nicodemus had come to the Lord thinking to enter into a discussion with Him, but Jesus laid bare the foundation principles of truth. He said to Nicodemus, It is not theoretical knowledge you need so much as spiritual regeneration. You need not to have your curiosity satisfied, but to have a new heart. You must receive a new life from above before you can appreciate heavenly things. Until this change takes place, making all things new, it will result in no saving good for you to discuss with Me My authority or My mission.

    Nicodemus had heard the preaching of John the Baptist concerning repentance and baptism, and pointing the people to One who should baptize with the Holy Spirit. He himself had felt that there was a lack of spirituality among the Jews, that, to a great degree, they were controlled by bigotry and worldly ambition. He had hoped for a better state of things at the Messiah's coming. Yet the heart-searching message of the Baptist had failed to work in him conviction of sin. He was a strict Pharisee, and prided himself on his good works. He was widely esteemed for his benevolence and his liberality in sustaining the temple service, and he felt secure of the favor of God. He was startled at the thought of a kingdom too pure for him to see in his present state.

    The figure of the new birth, which Jesus had used, was not wholly unfamiliar to Nicodemus. Converts from heathenism to the faith of Israel were often compared to children just born. Therefore he must have perceived that the words of Christ were not to be taken in a literal sense. But by virtue of his birth as an Israelite he regarded himself as sure of a place in the kingdom of God. He felt that he needed no change. Hence his surprise at the Saviour's words. He was irritated by their close application to himself. The pride of the Pharisee was struggling against the honest desire of the seeker after truth. He wondered that Christ should speak to him as He did, not respecting his position as ruler in Israel.

    Surprised out of his self-possession, he answered Christ in words full of irony, "How can a man be born when he is old?" Like many others when cutting truth is brought home to the conscience, he revealed the fact that the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God. There is in him nothing that responds to spiritual things; for spiritual things are spiritually discerned.

    But the Saviour did not meet argument with argument. Raising His hand with solemn, quiet dignity, He pressed the truth home with greater assurance, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." Nicodemus knew that Christ here referred to water baptism and the renewing of the heart by the Spirit of God. He was convinced that he was in the presence of the One whom John the Baptist had foretold. Jesus continued: "That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." By nature the heart is evil, and "who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one." Job 14:4. No human invention can find a remedy for the sinning soul. "The carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be." "Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies." Rom. 8:7; Matt. 15:19. The fountain of the heart must be purified before the streams can become pure. He who is trying to reach heaven by his own works in keeping the law is attempting an impossibility. There is no safety for one who has merely a legal religion, a form of godliness. The Christian's life is not a modification or improvement of the old, but a transformation of nature. There is a death to self and sin, and a new life altogether. This change can be brought about only by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit.

    Nicodemus was still perplexed, and Jesus used the wind to illustrate His meaning: "The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is everyone that is born of the Spirit."

    The wind is heard among the branches of the trees, rustling the leaves and flowers; yet it is invisible, and no man knows whence it comes or whither it goes. So with the work of the Holy Spirit upon the heart. It can no more be explained than can the movements of the wind. A person may not be able to tell the exact time or place, or to trace all the circumstances in the process of conversion; but this does not prove him to be unconverted. By an agency as unseen as the wind, Christ is constantly working upon the heart. Little by little, perhaps unconsciously to the receiver, impressions are made that tend to draw the soul to Christ. These may be received through meditating upon Him, through reading the Scriptures, or through hearing the word from the living preacher. Suddenly, as the Spirit comes with more direct appeal, the soul gladly surrenders itself to Jesus. By many this is called sudden conversion; but it is the result of long wooing by the Spirit of God,--a patient, protracted process.

    While the wind is itself invisible, it produces effects that are seen and felt. So the work of the Spirit upon the soul will reveal itself in every act of him who has felt its saving power. When the Spirit of God takes possession of the heart, it transforms the life. Sinful thoughts are put away, evil deeds are renounced; love, humility, and peace take the place of anger, envy, and strife. Joy takes the place of sadness, and the countenance reflects the light of heaven. No one sees the hand that lifts the burden, or beholds the light descend from the courts above. The blessing comes when by faith the soul surrenders itself to God. Then that power which no human eye can see creates a new being in the image of God.

    It is impossible for finite minds to comprehend the work of redemption. Its mystery exceeds human knowledge; yet he who passes from death to life realizes that it is a divine reality. The beginning of redemption we may know here through a personal experience. Its results reach through the eternal ages.

    While Jesus was speaking, some gleams of truth penetrated the ruler's mind. The softening, subduing influence of the Holy Spirit impressed his heart. Yet he did not fully understand the Saviour's words. He was not so much impressed by the necessity of the new birth as by the manner of its accomplishment. He said wonderingly, "How can these things be?"

    "Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things?" Jesus asked. Surely one entrusted with the religious instruction of the people should not be ignorant of truths so important. His words conveyed the lesson that instead of feeling irritated over the plain words of truth, Nicodemus should have had a very humble opinion of himself, because of his spiritual ignorance. Yet Christ spoke with such solemn dignity, and both look and tone expressed such earnest love, that Nicodemus was not offended as he realized his humiliating condition.

    But as Jesus explained that His mission on earth was to establish a spiritual instead of a temporal kingdom, His hearer was troubled. Seeing this, Jesus added, "If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?" If Nicodemus could not receive Christ's teaching, illustrating the work of grace upon the heart, how could he comprehend the nature of His glorious heavenly kingdom? Not discerning the nature of Christ's work on earth, he could not understand His work in heaven.

    The Jews whom Jesus had driven from the temple claimed to be children of Abraham, but they fled from the Saviour's presence because they could not endure the glory of God which was manifested in Him. Thus they gave evidence that they were not fitted by the grace of God to participate in the sacred services of the temple. They were zealous to maintain an appearance of holiness, but they neglected holiness of heart. While they were sticklers for the letter of the law, they were constantly violating its spirit. Their great need was that very change which Christ had been explaining to Nicodemus,--a new moral birth, a cleansing from sin, and a renewing of knowledge and holiness. There was no excuse for the blindness of Israel in regard to the work of regeneration. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Isaiah had written, "We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags." David had prayed, "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." And through Ezekiel the promise had been given, "A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes." Isa. 64:6; Ps. 51:10; Ezek. 36:26, 27.

    Nicodemus had read these scriptures with a clouded mind; but he now began to comprehend their meaning. He saw that the most rigid obedience to the mere letter of the law as applied to the outward life could entitle no man to enter the kingdom of heaven. In the estimation of men, his life had been just and honorable; but in the presence of Christ he felt that his heart was unclean, and his life unholy.

    Nicodemus was being drawn to Christ. As the Saviour explained to him concerning the new birth, he longed to have this change wrought in himself. By what means could it be accomplished? Jesus answered the unspoken question: "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."

    Here was ground with which Nicodemus was familiar. The symbol of the uplifted serpent made plain to him the Saviour's mission. When the people of Israel were dying from the sting of the fiery serpents, God directed Moses to make a serpent of brass, and place it on high in the midst of the congregation. Then the word was sounded throughout the encampment that all who would look upon the serpent should live. The people well knew that in itself the serpent had no power to help them. It was a symbol of Christ. As the image made in the likeness of the destroying serpents was lifted up for their healing, so One made "in the likeness of sinful flesh" was to be their Redeemer. Rom. 8:3. Many of the Israelites regarded the sacrificial service as having in itself virtue to set them free from sin. God desired to teach them that it had no more value than that serpent of brass. It was to lead their minds to the Saviour. Whether for the healing of their wounds or the pardon of their sins, they could do nothing for themselves but show their faith in the Gift of God. They were to look and live. Those who had been bitten by the serpents might have delayed to look. They might have questioned how there could be efficacy in that brazen symbol. They might have demanded a scientific explanation. But no explanation was given. They must accept the word of God to them through Moses. To refuse to look was to perish.

    Not through controversy and discussion is the soul enlightened. We must look and live. Nicodemus received the lesson, and carried it with him. He searched the Scriptures in a new way, not for the discussion of a theory, but in order to receive life for the soul. He began to see the kingdom of heaven as he submitted himself to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

    There are thousands today who need to learn the same truth that was taught to Nicodemus by the uplifted serpent. They depend on their obedience to the law of God to commend them to His favor. When they are bidden to look to Jesus, and believe that He saves them solely through His grace, they exclaim, "How can these things be?"

    Like Nicodemus, we must be willing to enter into life in the same way as the chief of sinners. Than Christ, "there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts 4:12. Through faith we receive the grace of God; but faith is not our Saviour. It earns nothing. It is the hand by which we lay hold upon Christ, and appropriate His merits, the remedy for sin. And we cannot even repent without the aid of the Spirit of God. The Scripture says of Christ, "Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins." Acts 5:31. Repentance comes from Christ as truly as does pardon.

    How, then, are we to be saved? "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness," so the Son of man has been lifted up, and everyone who has been deceived and bitten by the serpent may look and live. "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." John 1:29. The light shining from the cross reveals the love of God. His love is drawing us to Himself. If we do not resist this drawing, we shall be led to the foot of the cross in repentance for the sins that have crucified the Saviour. Then the Spirit of God through faith produces a new life in the soul. The thoughts and desires are brought into obedience to the will of Christ. The heart, the mind, are created anew in the image of Him who works in us to subdue all things to Himself. Then the law of God is written in the mind and heart, and we can say with Christ, "I delight to do Thy will, O my God." Ps. 40:8. In the interview with Nicodemus, Jesus unfolded the plan of salvation, and His mission to the world. In none of His subsequent discourses did He explain so fully, step by step, the work necessary to be done in the hearts of all who would inherit the kingdom of heaven. At the very beginning of His ministry He opened the truth to a member of the Sanhedrin, to the mind that was most receptive, and to an appointed teacher of the people. But the leaders of Israel did not welcome the light. Nicodemus hid the truth in his heart, and for three years there was little apparent fruit.

    But Jesus was acquainted with the soil into which He cast the seed. The words spoken at night to one listener in the lonely mountain were not lost. For a time Nicodemus did not publicly acknowledge Christ, but he watched His life, and pondered His teachings. In the Sanhedrin council he repeatedly thwarted the schemes of the priests to destroy Him. When at last Jesus was lifted up on the cross, Nicodemus remembered the teaching upon Olivet: "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." The light from that secret interview illumined the cross upon Calvary, and Nicodemus saw in Jesus the world's Redeemer. After the Lord's ascension, when the disciples were scattered by persecution, Nicodemus came boldly to the front. He employed his wealth in sustaining the infant church that the Jews had expected to be blotted out at the death of Christ. In the time of peril he who had been so cautious and questioning was firm as a rock, encouraging the faith of the disciples, and furnishing means to carry forward the work of the gospel. He was scorned and persecuted by those who had paid him reverence in other days. He became poor in this world's goods; yet he faltered not in the faith which had its beginning in that night conference with Jesus.

    Nicodemus related to John the story of that interview, and by his pen it was recorded for the instruction of millions. The truths there taught are as important today as they were on that solemn night in the shadowy mountain, when the Jewish ruler came to learn the way of life from the lowly Teacher of Galilee.

    Chapter 18

    For a time the Baptist's influence over the nation had been greater than that of its rulers, priests, or princes. If he had announced himself as the Messiah, and raised a revolt against Rome, priests and people would have flocked to his standard. Every consideration that appeals to the ambition of the world's conquerors Satan had stood ready to urge upon John the Baptist. But with the evidence before him of his power, he had steadfastly refused the splendid bribe. The attention which was fixed upon him he had directed to Another.

    Now he saw the tide of popularity turning away from himself to the Saviour. Day by day the crowds about him lessened. When Jesus came from Jerusalem to the region about Jordan, the people flocked to hear Him. The number of His disciples increased daily. Many came for baptism, and while Christ Himself did not baptize, He sanctioned the administration of the ordinance by His disciples. Thus He set His seal upon the mission of His forerunner. But the disciples of John looked with jealousy upon the growing popularity of Jesus. They stood ready to criticize His work, and it was not long before they found occasion. A question arose between them and the Jews as to whether baptism availed to cleanse the soul from sin; they maintained that the baptism of Jesus differed essentially from that of John. Soon they were in dispute with Christ's disciples in regard to the form of words proper to use at baptism, and finally as to the right of the latter to baptize at all.

    The disciples of John came to him with their grievances, saying, "Rabbi, He that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou bearest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to Him." Through these words, Satan brought temptation upon John. Though John's mission seemed about to close, it was still possible for him to hinder the work of Christ. If he had sympathized with himself, and expressed grief or disappointment at being superseded, he would have sown the seeds of dissension, would have encouraged envy and jealousy, and would seriously have impeded the progress of the gospel.

    John had by nature the faults and weaknesses common to humanity, but the touch of divine love had transformed him. He dwelt in an atmosphere uncontaminated with selfishness and ambition, and far above the miasma of jealousy. He manifested no sympathy with the dissatisfaction of his disciples, but showed how clearly he understood his relation to the Messiah, and how gladly he welcomed the One for whom he had prepared the way.

    He said, "A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before Him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice." John represented himself as the friend who acted as a messenger between the betrothed parties, preparing the way for the marriage. When the bridegroom had received his bride, the mission of the friend was fulfilled. He rejoiced in the happiness of those whose union he had promoted. So John had been called to direct the people to Jesus, and it was his joy to witness the success of the Saviour's work. He said, "This my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease."

    Looking in faith to the Redeemer, John had risen to the height of self-abnegation. He sought not to attract men to himself, but to lift their thoughts higher and still higher, until they should rest upon the Lamb of God. He himself had been only a voice, a cry in the wilderness. Now with joy he accepted silence and obscurity, that the eyes of all might be turned to the Light of life.

    Those who are true to their calling as messengers for God will not seek honor for themselves. Love for self will be swallowed up in love for Christ. No rivalry will mar the precious cause of the gospel. They will recognize that it is their work to proclaim, as did John the Baptist, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." John 1:29. They will lift up Jesus, and with Him humanity will be lifted up. "Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." Isa. 57:15. The soul of the prophet, emptied of self, was filled with the light of the divine. As he witnessed to the Saviour's glory, his words were almost a counterpart of those that Christ Himself had spoken in His interview with Nicodemus. John said, "He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: He that cometh from heaven is above all. . . . For He whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto Him." Christ could say, "I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent Me." John 5:30. To Him it is declared, "Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even Thy God, hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness above Thy fellows." Heb. 1:9. The Father "giveth not the Spirit by measure unto Him."

    So with the followers of Christ. We can receive of heaven's light only as we are willing to be emptied of self. We cannot discern the character of God, or accept Christ by faith, unless we consent to the bringing into captivity of every thought to the obedience of Christ. To all who do this the Holy Spirit is given without measure. In Christ "dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and in Him ye are made full." Col. 2:9, 10, R. V.

    The disciples of John had declared that all men were coming to Christ; but with clearer insight, John said, "No man receiveth His witness;" so few were ready to accept Him as the Saviour from sin. But "he that hath received His witness hath set his seal to this, that God is true." John 3:33, R. V. "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life." No need of disputation as to whether Christ's baptism or John's purified from sin. It is the grace of Christ that gives life to the soul. Apart from Christ, baptism, like any other service, is a worthless form. "He that believeth not the Son shall not see life."

    The success of Christ's work, which the Baptist had received with such joy, was reported also to the authorities at Jerusalem. The priests and rabbis had been jealous of John's influence as they saw the people leaving the synagogues and flocking to the wilderness; but here was One who had still greater power to attract the multitudes. Those leaders in Israel were not willing to say with John, "He must increase, but I must decrease." They arose with a new determination to put an end to the work that was drawing the people away from them.

    Jesus knew that they would spare no effort to create a division between His own disciples and those of John. He knew that the storm was gathering which would sweep away one of the greatest prophets ever given to the world. Wishing to avoid all occasion for misunderstanding or dissension, He quietly ceased His labors, and withdrew to Galilee. We also, while loyal to truth, should try to avoid all that may lead to discord and misapprehension. For whenever these arise, they result in the loss of souls. Whenever circumstances occur that threaten to cause division, we should follow the example of Jesus and of John the Baptist.

    John had been called to lead out as a reformer. Because of this, his disciples were in danger of fixing their attention upon him, feeling that the success of the work depended upon his labors, and losing sight of the fact that he was only an instrument through which God had wrought. But the work of John was not sufficient to lay the foundation of the Christian church. When he had fulfilled his mission, another work was to be done, which his testimony could not accomplish. His disciples did not understand this. When they saw Christ coming in to take the work, they were jealous and dissatisfied. The same dangers still exist. God calls a man to do a certain work; and when he has carried it as far as he is qualified to take it, the Lord brings in others, to carry it still farther. But, like John's disciples, many feel that the success of the work depends on the first laborer. Attention is fixed upon the human instead of the divine, jealousy comes in, and the work of God is marred. The one thus unduly honored is tempted to cherish self-confidence. He does not realize his dependence on God. The people are taught to rely on man for guidance, and thus they fall into error, and are led away from God.

    The work of God is not to bear the image and superscription of man. From time to time the Lord will bring in different agencies, through whom His purpose can best be accomplished. Happy are they who are willing for self to be humbled, saying with John the Baptist, "He must increase, but I must decrease."

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Jesus-christ-0207
    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


    Posts : 13426
    Join date : 2010-09-28
    Location : The Matrix

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (10)

    Post  orthodoxymoron Sat Dec 12, 2020 4:13 am

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Jesus-christ-0207

    Chapter 19
    At Jacob's Well

    On the way to Galilee Jesus passed through Samaria. It was noon when He reached the beautiful Vale of Shechem. At the opening of this valley was Jacob's well. Wearied with His journey, He sat down here to rest while His disciples went to buy food.

    The Jews and the Samaritans were bitter enemies, and as far as possible avoided all dealing with each other. To trade with the Samaritans in case of necessity was indeed counted lawful by the rabbis; but all social intercourse with them was condemned. A Jew would not borrow from a Samaritan, nor receive a kindness, not even a morsel of bread or a cup of water. The disciples, in buying food, were acting in harmony with the custom of their nation. But beyond this they did not go. To ask a favor of the Samaritans, or in any way seek to benefit them, did not enter into the thought of even Christ's disciples.

    As Jesus sat by the well side, He was faint from hunger and thirst. The journey since morning had been long, and now the sun of noontide beat upon Him. His thirst was increased by the thought of the cool, refreshing water so near, yet inaccessible to Him; for He had no rope nor water jar, and the well was deep. The lot of humanity was His, and He waited for someone to come to draw.

    A woman of Samaria approached, and seeming unconscious of His presence, filled her pitcher with water. As she turned to go away, Jesus asked her for a drink. Such a favor no Oriental would withhold. In the East, water was called "the gift of God." To offer a drink to the thirsty traveler was held to be a duty so sacred that the Arabs of the desert would go out of their way in order to perform it. The hatred between Jews and Samaritans prevented the woman from offering a kindness to Jesus; but the Saviour was seeking to find the key to this heart, and with the tact born of divine love, He asked, not offered, a favor. The offer of a kindness might have been rejected; but trust awakens trust. The King of heaven came to this outcast soul, asking a service at her hands. He who made the ocean, who controls the waters of the great deep, who opened the springs and channels of the earth, rested from His weariness at Jacob's well, and was dependent upon a stranger's kindness for even the gift of a drink of water. The woman saw that Jesus was a Jew. In her surprise she forgot to grant His request, but tried to learn the reason for it. "How is it," she said, "that Thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria?"

    Jesus answered, "If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give Me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of Him, and He would have given thee living water." You wonder that I should ask of you even so small a favor as a draught of water from the well at our feet. Had you asked of Me, I would have given you to drink of the water of everlasting life.

    The woman had not comprehended the words of Christ, but she felt their solemn import. Her light, bantering manner began to change. Supposing that Jesus spoke of the well before them, she said, "Sir, Thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast Thou that living water? Art Thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself?" She saw before her only a thirsty traveler, wayworn and dusty. In her mind she compared Him with the honored patriarch Jacob. She cherished the feeling, which is so natural, that no other well could be equal to that provided by the fathers. She was looking backward to the fathers, forward to the Messiah's coming, while the Hope of the fathers, the Messiah Himself, was beside her, and she knew Him not. How many thirsting souls are today close by the living fountain, yet looking far away for the wellsprings of life! "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.) . . . The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: . . . 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." Rom. 10:6-9.

    Jesus did not immediately answer the question in regard to Himself, but with solemn earnestness He said, "Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."

    He who seeks to quench his thirst at the fountains of this world will drink only to thirst again. Everywhere men are unsatisfied. They long for something to supply the need of the soul. Only One can meet that want. The need of the world, "The Desire of all nations," is Christ. The divine grace which He alone can impart, is as living water, purifying, refreshing, and invigorating the soul.

    Jesus did not convey the idea that merely one draft of the water of life would suffice the receiver. He who tastes of the love of Christ will continually long for more; but he seeks for nothing else. The riches, honors, and pleasures of the world do not attract him. The constant cry of his heart is, More of Thee. And He who reveals to the soul its necessity is waiting to satisfy its hunger and thirst. Every human resource and dependence will fail. The cisterns will be emptied, the pools become dry; but our Redeemer is an inexhaustible fountain. We may drink, and drink again, and ever find a fresh supply. He in whom Christ dwells has within himself the fountain of blessing,--"a well of water springing up into everlasting life." From this source he may draw strength and grace sufficient for all his needs.

    As Jesus spoke of the living water, the woman looked upon Him with wondering attention. He had aroused her interest, and awakened a desire for the gift of which He spoke. She perceived that it was not the water of Jacob's well to which He referred; for of this she used continually, drinking, and thirsting again. "Sir," she said, "give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw."

    Jesus now abruptly turned the conversation. Before this soul could receive the gift He longed to bestow, she must be brought to recognize her sin and her Saviour. He "saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither." She answered, "I have no husband." Thus she hoped to prevent all questioning in that direction. But the Saviour continued, "Thou hast well said, I have no husband: for thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly."

    The listener trembled. A mysterious hand was turning the pages of her life history, bringing to view that which she had hoped to keep forever hidden. Who was He that could read the secrets of her life? There came to her thoughts of eternity, of the future Judgment, when all that is now hidden shall be revealed. In its light, conscience was awakened. She could deny nothing; but she tried to evade all mention of a subject so unwelcome. With deep reverence, she said, "Sir, I perceive that Thou art a prophet." Then, hoping to silence conviction, she turned to points of religious controversy. If this was a prophet, surely He could give her instruction concerning these matters that had been so long disputed.

    Patiently Jesus permitted her to lead the conversation whither she would. Meanwhile He watched for the opportunity of again bringing the truth home to her heart. "Our fathers worshiped in this mountain," she said, "and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship." Just in sight was Mount Gerizim. Its temple was demolished, and only the altar remained. The place of worship had been a subject of contention between the Jews and the Samaritans. Some of the ancestors of the latter people had once belonged to Israel; but because of their sins, the Lord suffered them to be overcome by an idolatrous nation. For many generations they were intermingled with idolaters, whose religion gradually contaminated their own. It is true they held that their idols were only to remind them of the living God, the Ruler of the universe; nevertheless the people were led to reverence their graven images.

    When the temple at Jerusalem was rebuilt in the days of Ezra, the Samaritans wished to join the Jews in its erection. This privilege was refused them, and a bitter animosity sprang up between the two peoples. The Samaritans built a rival temple on Mount Gerizim. Here they worshiped in accordance with the Mosaic ritual, though they did not wholly renounce idolatry. But disasters attended them, their temple was destroyed by their enemies, and they seemed to be under a curse; yet they still clung to their traditions and their forms of worship. They would not acknowledge the temple at Jerusalem as the house of God, nor admit that the religion of the Jews was superior to their own.

    In answer to the woman, Jesus said, "Believe Me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews." Jesus had shown that He was free from Jewish prejudice against the Samaritans. Now He sought to break down the prejudice of this Samaritan against the Jews. While referring to the fact that the faith of the Samaritans was corrupted with idolatry, He declared that the great truths of redemption had been committed to the Jews, and that from among them the Messiah was to appear. In the Sacred Writings they had a clear presentation of the character of God and the principles of His government. Jesus classed Himself with the Jews as those to whom God had given a knowledge of Himself. He desired to lift the thoughts of His hearer above matters of form and ceremony, and questions of controversy. "The hour cometh," He said, "and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth."

    Here is declared the same truth that Jesus had revealed to Nicodemus when He said, "Except a man be born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3, margin. Not by seeking a holy mountain or a sacred temple are men brought into communion with heaven. Religion is not to be confined to external forms and ceremonies. The religion that comes from God is the only religion that will lead to God. In order to serve Him aright, we must be born of the divine Spirit. This will purify the heart and renew the mind, giving us a new capacity for knowing and loving God. It will give us a willing obedience to all His requirements. This is true worship. It is the fruit of the working of the Holy Spirit. By the Spirit every sincere prayer is indited, and such prayer is acceptable to God. Wherever a soul reaches out after God, there the Spirit's working is manifest, and God will reveal Himself to that soul. For such worshipers He is seeking. He waits to receive them, and to make them His sons and daughters.

    As the woman talked with Jesus, she was impressed with His words. Never had she heard such sentiments from the priests of her own people or from the Jews. As the past of her life had been spread out before her, she had been made sensible of her great want. She realized her soul thirst, which the waters of the well of Sychar could never satisfy. Nothing that had hitherto come in contact with her had so awakened her to a higher need. Jesus had convinced her that He read the secrets of her life; yet she felt that He was her friend, pitying and loving her. While the very purity of His presence condemned her sin, He had spoken no word of denunciation, but had told her of His grace, that could renew the soul. She began to have some conviction of His character. The question arose in her mind, Might not this be the long-looked-for Messiah? She said to Him, "I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when He is come, He will tell us all things." Jesus answered, "I that speak unto thee am He." As the woman heard these words, faith sprang up in her heart. She accepted the wonderful announcement from the lips of the divine Teacher.

    This woman was in an appreciative state of mind. She was ready to receive the noblest revelation; for she was interested in the Scriptures, and the Holy Spirit had been preparing her mind to receive more light. She had studied the Old Testament promise, "The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto Him ye shall hearken." Deut. 18:15. She longed to understand this prophecy. Light was already flashing into her mind. The water of life, the spiritual life which Christ gives to every thirsty soul, had begun to spring up in her heart. The Spirit of the Lord was working with her.

    The plain statement made by Christ to this woman could not have been made to the self-righteous Jews. Christ was far more reserved when He spoke to them. That which had been withheld from the Jews, and which the disciples were afterward enjoined to keep secret, was revealed to her. Jesus saw that she would make use of her knowledge in bringing others to share His grace.

    When the disciples returned from their errand, they were surprised to find their Master speaking with the woman. He had not taken the refreshing draught that He desired, and He did not stop to eat the food His disciples had brought. When the woman had gone, the disciples entreated Him to eat. They saw Him silent, absorbed, as in rapt meditation. His face was beaming with light, and they feared to interrupt His communion with heaven. But they knew that He was faint and weary, and thought it their duty to remind Him of His physical necessities. Jesus recognized their loving interest, and He said, "I have meat to eat that ye know not of."

    The disciples wondered who could have brought Him food; but He explained, "My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to accomplish His work." John 4:34, R. V. As His words to the woman had aroused her conscience, Jesus rejoiced. He saw her drinking of the water of life, and His own hunger and thirst were satisfied. The accomplishment of the mission which He had left heaven to perform strengthened the Saviour for His labor, and lifted Him above the necessities of humanity. To minister to a soul hungering and thirsting for the truth was more grateful to Him than eating or drinking. It was a comfort, a refreshment, to Him. Benevolence was the life of His soul. Our Redeemer thirsts for recognition. He hungers for the sympathy and love of those whom He has purchased with His own blood. He longs with inexpressible desire that they should come to Him and have life. As the mother watches for the smile of recognition from her little child, which tells of the dawning of intelligence, so does Christ watch for the expression of grateful love, which shows that spiritual life is begun in the soul.

    The woman had been filled with joy as she listened to Christ's words. The wonderful revelation was almost overpowering. Leaving her waterpot, she returned to the city, to carry the message to others. Jesus knew why she had gone. Leaving her waterpot spoke unmistakably as to the effect of His words. It was the earnest desire of her soul to obtain the living water; and she forgot her errand to the well, she forgot the Saviour's thirst, which she had purposed to supply. With heart overflowing with gladness, she hastened on her way, to impart to others the precious light she had received.

    "Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did," she said to the men of the city. "Is not this the Christ?" Her words touched their hearts. There was a new expression on her face, a change in her whole appearance. They were interested to see Jesus. "Then they went out of the city, and came unto Him."

    As Jesus still sat at the well side, He looked over the fields of grain that were spread out before Him, their tender green touched by the golden sunlight. Pointing His disciples to the scene, He employed it as a symbol: "Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest." And as He spoke, He looked on the groups that were coming to the well. It was four months to the time for harvesting the grain, but here was a harvest ready for the reaper.

    "He that reapeth," He said, "receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. And herein is that saying true, One soweth, and another reapeth." Here Christ points out the sacred service owed to God by those who receive the gospel. They are to be His living agencies. He requires their individual service. And whether we sow or reap, we are working for God. One scatters the seed; another gathers in the harvest; and both the sower and the reaper receive wages. They rejoice together in the reward of their labor. Jesus said to the disciples, "I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestowed no labor: other men labored, and ye are entered into their labors." The Saviour was here looking forward to the great ingathering on the day of Pentecost. The disciples were not to regard this as the result of their own efforts. They were entering into other men's labors. Ever since the fall of Adam Christ had been committing the seed of the word to His chosen servants, to be sown in human hearts. And an unseen agency, even an omnipotent power, had worked silently but effectually to produce the harvest. The dew and rain and sunshine of God's grace had been given, to refresh and nourish the seed of truth. Christ was about to water the seed with His own blood. His disciples were privileged to be laborers together with God. They were coworkers with Christ and with the holy men of old. By the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, thousands were to be converted in a day. This was the result of Christ's sowing, the harvest of His work.

    In the words spoken to the woman at the well, good seed had been sown, and how quickly the harvest was received. The Samaritans came and heard Jesus, and believed on Him. Crowding about Him at the well, they plied Him with questions, and eagerly received His explanations of many things that had been obscure to them. As they listened, their perplexity began to clear away. They were like a people in great darkness tracing up a sudden ray of light till they had found the day. But they were not satisfied with this short conference. They were anxious to hear more, and to have their friends also listen to this wonderful teacher. They invited Him to their city, and begged Him to remain with them. For two days He tarried in Samaria, and many more believed on Him.

    The Pharisees despised the simplicity of Jesus. They ignored His miracles, and demanded a sign that He was the Son of God. But the Samaritans asked no sign, and Jesus performed no miracles among them, save in revealing the secrets of her life to the woman at the well. Yet many received Him. In their new joy they said to the woman, "Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard Him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world." The Samaritans believed that the Messiah was to come as the Redeemer, not only of the Jews, but of the world. The Holy Spirit through Moses had foretold Him as a prophet sent from God. Through Jacob it had been declared that unto Him should the gathering of the people be; and through Abraham, that in Him all the nations of the earth should be blessed. On these scriptures the people of Samaria based their faith in the Messiah. The fact that the Jews had misinterpreted the later prophets, attributing to the first advent the glory of Christ's second coming, had led the Samaritans to discard all the sacred writings except those given through Moses. But as the Saviour swept away these false interpretations, many accepted the later prophecies and the words of Christ Himself in regard to the kingdom of God.

    Jesus had begun to break down the partition wall between Jew and Gentile, and to preach salvation to the world. Though He was a Jew, He mingled freely with the Samaritans, setting at nought the Pharisaic customs of His nation. In face of their prejudices He accepted the hospitality of this despised people. He slept under their roofs, ate with them at their tables,--partaking of the food prepared and served by their hands,--taught in their streets, and treated them with the utmost kindness and courtesy.

    In the temple at Jerusalem a low wall separated the outer court from all other portions of the sacred building. Upon this wall were inscriptions in different languages, stating that none but Jews were allowed to pass this boundary. Had a Gentile presumed to enter the inner enclosure, he would have desecrated the temple, and would have paid the penalty with his life. But Jesus, the originator of the temple and its service, drew the Gentiles to Him by the tie of human sympathy, while His divine grace brought to them the salvation which the Jews rejected.

    The stay of Jesus in Samaria was designed to be a blessing to His disciples, who were still under the influence of Jewish bigotry. They felt that loyalty to their own nation required them to cherish enmity toward the Samaritans. They wondered at the conduct of Jesus. They could not refuse to follow His example, and during the two days in Samaria, fidelity to Him kept their prejudices under control; yet in heart they were unreconciled. They were slow to learn that their contempt and hatred must give place to pity and sympathy. But after the Lord's ascension, His lessons came back to them with a new meaning. After the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, they recalled the Saviour's look, His words, the respect and tenderness of His bearing toward these despised strangers. When Peter went to preach in Samaria, he brought the same spirit into his own work. When John was called to Ephesus and Smyrna, he remembered the experience at Shechem, and was filled with gratitude to the divine Teacher, who, foreseeing the difficulties they must meet, had given them help in His own example. The Saviour is still carrying forward the same work as when He proffered the water of life to the woman of Samaria. Those who call themselves His followers may despise and shun the outcast ones; but no circumstance of birth or nationality, no condition of life, can turn away His love from the children of men. To every soul, however sinful, Jesus says, If thou hadst asked of Me, I would have given thee living water.

    The gospel invitation is not to be narrowed down, and presented only to a select few, who, we suppose, will do us honor if they accept it. The message is to be given to all. Wherever hearts are open to receive the truth, Christ is ready to instruct them. He reveals to them the Father, and the worship acceptable to Him who reads the heart. For such He uses no parables. To them, as to the woman at the well, He says, "I that speak unto thee am He."

    When Jesus sat down to rest at Jacob's well, He had come from Judea, where His ministry had produced little fruit. He had been rejected by the priests and rabbis, and even the people who professed to be His disciples had failed of perceiving His divine character. He was faint and weary; yet He did not neglect the opportunity of speaking to one woman, though she was a stranger, an alien from Israel, and living in open sin.

    The Saviour did not wait for congregations to assemble. Often He began His lessons with only a few gathered about Him, but one by one the passers-by paused to listen, until a multitude heard with wonder and awe the words of God through the heaven-sent Teacher. The worker for Christ should not feel that he cannot speak with the same earnestness to a few hearers as to a larger company. There may be only one to hear the message; but who can tell how far-reaching will be its influence? It seemed a small matter, even to His disciples, for the Saviour to spend His time upon a woman of Samaria. But He reasoned more earnestly and eloquently with her than with kings, councilors, or high priests. The lessons He gave to that woman have been repeated to the earth's remotest bounds. As soon as she had found the Saviour the Samaritan woman brought others to Him. She proved herself a more effective missionary than His own disciples. The disciples saw nothing in Samaria to indicate that it was an encouraging field. Their thoughts were fixed upon a great work to be done in the future. They did not see that right around them was a harvest to be gathered. But through the woman whom they despised, a whole cityful were brought to hear the Saviour. She carried the light at once to her countrymen.

    This woman represents the working of a practical faith in Christ. Every true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary. He who drinks of the living water becomes a fountain of life. The receiver becomes a giver. The grace of Christ in the soul is like a spring in the desert, welling up to refresh all, and making those who are ready to perish eager to drink of the water of life.

    Chapter 20

    The Galileans who returned from the Passover brought back the report of the wonderful works of Jesus. The judgment passed upon His acts by the dignitaries at Jerusalem opened His way in Galilee. Many of the people lamented the abuse of the temple and the greed and arrogance of the priests. They hoped that this Man, who had put the rulers to flight, might be the looked-for Deliverer. Now tidings had come that seemed to confirm their brightest anticipations. It was reported that the prophet had declared Himself to be the Messiah.

    But the people of Nazareth did not believe on Him. For this reason, Jesus did not visit Nazareth on His way to Cana. The Saviour declared to His disciples that a prophet has no honor in his own country. Men estimate character by that which they themselves are capable of appreciating. The narrow and worldly-minded judged of Christ by His humble birth, His lowly garb, and daily toil. They could not appreciate the purity of that spirit upon which was no stain of sin.

    The news of Christ's return to Cana soon spread throughout Galilee, bringing hope to the suffering and distressed. In Capernaum the tidings attracted the attention of a Jewish nobleman who was an officer in the king's service. A son of the officer was suffering from what seemed to be an incurable disease. Physicians had given him up to die; but when the father heard of Jesus, he determined to seek help from Him. The child was very low, and, it was feared, might not live till his return; yet the nobleman felt that he must present the case in person. He hoped that a father's prayers might awaken the sympathy of the Great Physician. On reaching Cana he found a throng surrounding Jesus. With an anxious heart he pressed through to the Saviour's presence. His faith faltered when he saw only a plainly dressed man, dusty and worn with travel. He doubted that this Person could do what he had come to ask of Him; yet he secured an interview with Jesus, told his errand, and besought the Saviour to accompany him to his home. But already his sorrow was known to Jesus. Before the officer had left his home, the Saviour had beheld his affliction. But He knew also that the father had, in his own mind, made conditions concerning his belief in Jesus. Unless his petition should be granted, he would not receive Him as the Messiah. While the officer waited in an agony of suspense, Jesus said, "Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe."

    Notwithstanding all the evidence that Jesus was the Christ, the petitioner had determined to make his belief in Him conditional on the granting of his own request. The Saviour contrasted this questioning unbelief with the simple faith of the Samaritans, who asked for no miracle or sign. His word, the ever-present evidence of His divinity, had a convincing power that reached their hearts. Christ was pained that His own people, to whom the Sacred Oracles had been committed, should fail to hear the voice of God speaking to them in His Son.

    Yet the nobleman had a degree of faith; for he had come to ask what seemed to him the most precious of all blessings. Jesus had a greater gift to bestow. He desired, not only to heal the child, but to make the officer and his household sharers in the blessings of salvation, and to kindle a light in Capernaum, which was so soon to be the field of His own labors. But the nobleman must realize his need before he would desire the grace of Christ. This courtier represented many of his nation. They were interested in Jesus from selfish motives. They hoped to receive some special benefit through His power, and they staked their faith on the granting of this temporal favor; but they were ignorant as to their spiritual disease, and saw not their need of divine grace.

    Like a flash of light, the Saviour's words to the nobleman laid bare his heart. He saw that his motives in seeking Jesus were selfish. His vacillating faith appeared to him in its true character. In deep distress he realized that his doubt might cost the life of his son. He knew that he was in the presence of One who could read the thoughts, and to whom all things were possible. In an agony of supplication he cried, "Sir, come down ere my child die." His faith took hold upon Christ as did Jacob, when, wrestling with the Angel, he cried, "I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me." Gen. 32:26.

    Like Jacob he prevailed. The Saviour cannot withdraw from the soul that clings to Him, pleading its great need. "Go thy way," He said; "thy son liveth." The nobleman left the Saviour's presence with a peace and joy he had never known before. Not only did he believe that his son would be restored, but with strong confidence he trusted in Christ as the Redeemer. At the same hour the watchers beside the dying child in the home at Capernaum beheld a sudden and mysterious change. The shadow of death was lifted from the sufferer's face. The flush of fever gave place to the soft glow of returning health. The dim eyes brightened with intelligence, and strength returned to the feeble, emaciated frame. No signs of his malady lingered about the child. His burning flesh had become soft and moist, and he sank into a quiet sleep. The fever had left him in the very heat of the day. The family were amazed, and great was the rejoicing.

    Cana was not so far from Capernaum but that the officer might have reached his home on the evening after his interview with Jesus; but he did not hasten on the homeward journey. It was not until the next morning that he reached Capernaum. What a homecoming was that! When he went to find Jesus, his heart was heavy with sorrow. The sunshine seemed cruel to him, the songs of the birds a mockery. How different his feelings now! All nature wears a new aspect. He sees with new eyes. As he journeys in the quiet of the early morning, all nature seems to be praising God with him. While he is still some distance from his own dwelling, servants come out to meet him, anxious to relieve the suspense they are sure he must feel. He shows no surprise at the news they bring, but with a depth of interest they cannot know he asks at what hour the child began to mend. They answer, "Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him." At the very moment when the father's faith grasped the assurance, "Thy son liveth," divine love touched the dying child.

    The father hurries on to greet his son. He clasps him to his heart as one restored from the dead, and thanks God again and again for this wonderful restoration. The nobleman longed to know more of Christ. As he afterward heard His teaching, he and all his household became disciples. Their affliction was sanctified to the conversion of the entire family. Tidings of the miracle spread; and in Capernaum, where so many of His mighty works were performed, the way was prepared for Christ's personal ministry.

    He who blessed the nobleman at Capernaum is just as desirous of blessing us. But like the afflicted father, we are often led to seek Jesus by the desire for some earthly good; and upon the granting of our request we rest our confidence in His love. The Saviour longs to give us a greater blessing than we ask; and He delays the answer to our request that He may show us the evil of our own hearts, and our deep need of His grace. He desires us to renounce the selfishness that leads us to seek Him. Confessing our helplessness and bitter need, we are to trust ourselves wholly to His love.

    The nobleman wanted to see the fulfillment of his prayer before he should believe; but he had to accept the word of Jesus that his request was heard and the blessing granted. This lesson we also have to learn. Not because we see or feel that God hears us are we to believe. We are to trust in His promises. When we come to Him in faith, every petition enters the heart of God. When we have asked for His blessing, we should believe that we receive it, and thank Him that we have received it. Then we are to go about our duties, assured that the blessing will be realized when we need it most. When we have learned to do this, we shall know that our prayers are answered. God will do for us "exceeding abundantly," "according to the riches of His glory," and "the working of His mighty power." Eph. 3:20, 16; 1:19.

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Jesus-christ-0207
    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


    Posts : 13426
    Join date : 2010-09-28
    Location : The Matrix

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (10)

    Post  orthodoxymoron Sat Dec 12, 2020 4:16 am

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Jesus-christ-0207

    Chapter 21
    Bethesda and the Sanhedrin

    "Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water."

    At certain seasons the waters of this pool were agitated, and it was commonly believed that this was the result of supernatural power, and that whoever first after the troubling of the pool stepped into the waters, would be healed of whatever disease he had. Hundreds of sufferers visited the place; but so great was the crowd when the water was troubled that they rushed forward, trampling underfoot men, women, and children, weaker than themselves. Many could not get near the pool. Many who had succeeded in reaching it died upon its brink. Shelters had been erected about the place, that the sick might be protected from the heat by day and the chilliness of the night. There were some who spent the night in these porches, creeping to the edge of the pool day after day, in the vain hope of relief.

    Jesus was again at Jerusalem. Walking alone, in apparent meditation and prayer, He came to the pool. He saw the wretched sufferers watching for that which they supposed to be their only chance of cure. He longed to exercise His healing power, and make every sufferer whole. But it was the Sabbath day. Multitudes were going to the temple for worship, and He knew that such an act of healing would so excite the prejudice of the Jews as to cut short His work. But the Saviour saw one case of supreme wretchedness. It was that of a man who had been a helpless cripple for thirty-eight years. His disease was in a great degree the result of his own sin, and was looked upon as a judgment from God. Alone and friendless, feeling that he was shut out from God's mercy, the sufferer had passed long years of misery. At the time when it was expected that the waters would be troubled, those who pitied his helplessness would bear him to the porches. But at the favored moment he had no one to help him in. He had seen the rippling of the water, but had never been able to get farther than the edge of the pool. Others stronger than he would plunge in before him. He could not contend successfully with the selfish, scrambling crowd. His persistent efforts toward the one object, and his anxiety and continual disappointment, were fast wearing away the remnant of his strength.

    The sick man was lying on his mat, and occasionally lifting his head to gaze at the pool, when a tender, compassionate face bent over him, and the words, "Wilt thou be made whole?" arrested his attention. Hope came to his heart. He felt that in some way he was to have help. But the glow of encouragement soon faded. He remembered how often he had tried to reach the pool, and now he had little prospect of living till it should again be troubled. He turned away wearily, saying, "Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me."

    Jesus does not ask this sufferer to exercise faith in Him. He simply says, "Rise, take up thy bed, and walk." But the man's faith takes hold upon that word. Every nerve and muscle thrills with new life, and healthful action comes to his crippled limbs. Without question he sets his will to obey the command of Christ, and all his muscles respond to his will. Springing to his feet, he finds himself an active man. Jesus had given him no assurance of divine help. The man might have stopped to doubt, and lost his one chance of healing. But he believed Christ's word, and in acting upon it he received strength.

    Through the same faith we may receive spiritual healing. By sin we have been severed from the life of God. Our souls are palsied. Of ourselves we are no more capable of living a holy life than was the impotent man capable of walking. There are many who realize their helplessness, and who long for that spiritual life which will bring them into harmony with God; they are vainly striving to obtain it. In despair they cry, "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from this body of death?" Rom. 7:24, margin. Let these desponding, struggling ones look up. The Saviour is bending over the purchase of His blood, saying with inexpressible tenderness and pity, "Wilt thou be made whole?" He bids you arise in health and peace. Do not wait to feel that you are made whole. Believe His word, and it will be fulfilled. Put your will on the side of Christ. Will to serve Him, and in acting upon His word you will receive strength. Whatever may be the evil practice, the master passion which through long indulgence binds both soul and body, Christ is able and longs to deliver. He will impart life to the soul that is "dead in trespasses." Eph. 2:1. He will set free the captive that is held by weakness and misfortune and the chains of sin.

    The restored paralytic stooped to take up his bed, which was only a rug and a blanket, and as he straightened himself again with a sense of delight, he looked around for his Deliverer; but Jesus was lost in the crowd. The man feared that he would not know Him if he should see Him again. As he hurried on his way with firm, free step, praising God and rejoicing in his new-found strength, he met several of the Pharisees, and immediately told them of his cure. He was surprised at the coldness with which they listened to his story.

    With lowering brows they interrupted him, asking why he was carrying his bed on the Sabbath day. They sternly reminded him that it was not lawful to bear burdens on the Lord's day. In his joy the man had forgotten that it was the Sabbath; yet he felt no condemnation for obeying the command of One who had such power from God. He answered boldly, "He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk." They asked who it was that had done this, but he could not tell. These rulers knew well that only One had shown Himself able to perform this miracle; but they wished for direct proof that it was Jesus, that they might condemn Him as a Sabbath-breaker. In their judgment He had not only broken the law in healing the sick man on the Sabbath, but had committed sacrilege in bidding him bear away his bed. The Jews had so perverted the law that they made it a yoke of bondage. Their meaningless requirements had become a byword among other nations.

    Especially was the Sabbath hedged in by all manner of senseless restrictions. It was not to them a delight, the holy of the Lord, and honorable. The scribes and Pharisees had made its observance an intolerable burden. A Jew was not allowed to kindle a fire nor even to light a candle on the Sabbath. As a consequence the people were dependent upon the Gentiles for many services which their rules forbade them to do for themselves. They did not reflect that if these acts were sinful, those who employed others to perform them were as guilty as if they had done the work themselves. They thought that salvation was restricted to the Jews, and that the condition of all others, being already hopeless, could be made no worse. But God has given no commandments which cannot be obeyed by all. His laws sanction no unreasonable or selfish restrictions.

    In the temple Jesus met the man who had been healed. He had come to bring a sin offering and also a thank offering for the great mercy he had received. Finding him among the worshipers, Jesus made Himself known, with the warning words, "Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee."

    The healed man was overjoyed at meeting his Deliverer. Ignorant of the enmity toward Jesus, he told the Pharisees who had questioned him, that this was He who had performed the cure. "Therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath day."

    Jesus was brought before the Sanhedrin to answer the charge of Sabbathbreaking. Had the Jews at this time been an independent nation, such a charge would have served their purpose for putting Him to death. This their subjection to the Romans prevented. The Jews had not the power to inflict capital punishment, and the accusations brought against Christ would have no weight in a Roman court. There were other objects, however, which they hoped to secure. Notwithstanding their efforts to counteract His work, Christ was gaining, even in Jerusalem, an influence over the people greater than their own. Multitudes who were not interested in the harangues of the rabbis were attracted by His teaching. They could understand His words, and their hearts were warmed and comforted. He spoke of God, not as an avenging judge, but as a tender father, and He revealed the image of God as mirrored in Himself. His words were like balm to the wounded spirit. Both by His words and by His works of mercy He was breaking the oppressive power of the old traditions and man-made commandments, and presenting the love of God in its exhaustless fullness. In one of the earliest prophecies of Christ it is written, "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." Gen. 49:10.

    The people were gathering to Christ. The sympathetic hearts of the multitude accepted lessons of love and benevolence in preference to the rigid ceremonies required by the priests. If the priests and rabbis had not interposed, His teaching would have wrought such a reformation as this world has never witnessed. But in order to maintain their own power, these leaders determined to break down the influence of Jesus. His arraignment before the Sanhedrin, and an open condemnation of His teachings, would aid in effecting this; for the people still had great reverence for their religious leaders. Whoever dared to condemn the rabbinical requirements, or attempt to lighten the burdens they had brought upon the people, was regarded as guilty, not only of blasphemy, but of treason. On this ground the rabbis hoped to excite suspicion of Christ. They represented Him as trying to overthrow the established customs, thus causing division among the people, and preparing the way for complete subjugation by the Romans.

    But the plans which these rabbis were working so zealously to fulfill originated in another council than that of the Sanhedrin. After Satan had failed to overcome Christ in the wilderness, he combined his forces to oppose Him in His ministry, and if possible to thwart His work. What he could not accomplish by direct, personal effort, he determined to effect by strategy. No sooner had he withdrawn from the conflict in the wilderness than in council with his confederate angels he matured his plans for still further blinding the minds of the Jewish people, that they might not recognize their Redeemer. He planned to work through his human agencies in the religious world, by imbuing them with his own enmity against the champion of truth. He would lead them to reject Christ and to make His life as bitter as possible, hoping to discourage Him in His mission. And the leaders in Israel became instruments of Satan in warring against the Saviour. Jesus had come to "magnify the law, and make it honorable." He was not to lessen its dignity, but to exalt it. The scripture says, "He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till He have set judgment in the earth." Isa. 42:21, 4. He had come to free the Sabbath from those burdensome requirements that had made it a curse instead of a blessing.

    For this reason He had chosen the Sabbath upon which to perform the act of healing at Bethesda. He could have healed the sick man as well on any other day of the week; or He might simply have cured him, without bidding him bear away his bed. But this would not have given Him the opportunity He desired. A wise purpose underlay every act of Christ's life on earth. Everything He did was important in itself and in its teaching. Among the afflicted ones at the pool He selected the worst case upon whom to exercise His healing power, and bade the man carry his bed through the city in order to publish the great work that had been wrought upon him. This would raise the question of what it was lawful to do on the Sabbath, and would open the way for Him to denounce the restrictions of the Jews in regard to the Lord's day, and to declare their traditions void.

    Jesus stated to them that the work of relieving the afflicted was in harmony with the Sabbath law. It was in harmony with the work of God's angels, who are ever descending and ascending between heaven and earth to minister to suffering humanity. Jesus declared, "My Father worketh hitherto, and I work." All days are God's, in which to carry out His plans for the human race. If the Jews' interpretation of the law was correct, then Jehovah was at fault, whose work has quickened and upheld every living thing since first He laid the foundations of the earth; then He who pronounced His work good, and instituted the Sabbath to commemorate its completion, must put a period to His labor, and stop the never-ending routine of the universe.

    Should God forbid the sun to perform its office upon the Sabbath, cut off its genial rays from warming the earth and nourishing vegetation? Must the system of worlds stand still through that holy day? Should He command the brooks to stay from watering the fields and forests, and bid the waves of the sea still their ceaseless ebbing and flowing? Must the wheat and corn stop growing, and the ripening cluster defer its purple bloom? Must the trees and flowers put forth no bud nor blossom on the Sabbath? In such a case, men would miss the fruits of the earth, and the blessings that make life desirable. Nature must continue her unvarying course. God could not for a moment stay His hand, or man would faint and die. And man also has a work to perform on this day. The necessities of life must be attended to, the sick must be cared for, the wants of the needy must be supplied. He will not be held guiltless who neglects to relieve suffering on the Sabbath. God's holy rest day was made for man, and acts of mercy are in perfect harmony with its intent. God does not desire His creatures to suffer an hour's pain that may be relieved upon the Sabbath or any other day.

    The demands upon God are even greater upon the Sabbath than upon other days. His people then leave their usual employment, and spend the time in meditation and worship. They ask more favors of Him on the Sabbath than upon other days. They demand His special attention. They crave His choicest blessings. God does not wait for the Sabbath to pass before He grants these requests. Heaven's work never ceases, and men should never rest from doing good. The Sabbath is not intended to be a period of useless inactivity. The law forbids secular labor on the rest day of the Lord; the toil that gains a livelihood must cease; no labor for worldly pleasure or profit is lawful upon that day; but as God ceased His labor of creating, and rested upon the Sabbath and blessed it, so man is to leave the occupations of his daily life, and devote those sacred hours to healthful rest, to worship, and to holy deeds. The work of Christ in healing the sick was in perfect accord with the law. It honored the Sabbath.

    Jesus claimed equal rights with God in doing a work equally sacred, and of the same character with that which engaged the Father in heaven. But the Pharisees were still more incensed. He had not only broken the law, according to their understanding, but in calling God "His own Father" had declared Himself equal with God. John 5:18, R. V.

    The whole nation of the Jews called God their Father, therefore they would not have been so enraged if Christ had represented Himself as standing in the same relation to God. But they accused Him of blasphemy, showing that they understood Him as making this claim in the highest sense. These adversaries of Christ had no arguments with which to meet the truths He brought home to their consciences. They could only cite their customs and traditions, and these seemed weak and vapid when compared with the arguments Jesus had drawn from the word of God and the unceasing round of nature. Had the rabbis felt any desire to receive light, they would have been convinced that Jesus spoke the truth. But they evaded the points He made concerning the Sabbath, and sought to stir up anger against Him because He claimed to be equal with God. The fury of the rulers knew no bounds. Had they not feared the people, the priests and rabbis would have slain Jesus on the spot. But the popular sentiment in His favor was strong. Many recognized in Jesus the friend who had healed their diseases and comforted their sorrows, and they justified His healing of the sufferer at Bethesda. So for the time the leaders were obliged to restrain their hatred.

    Jesus repelled the charge of blasphemy. My authority, He said, for doing the work of which you accuse Me, is that I am the Son of God, one with Him in nature, in will, and in purpose. In all His works of creation and providence, I co-operate with God. "The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do." The priests and rabbis were taking the Son of God to task for the very work He had been sent into the world to do. By their sins they had separated themselves from God, and in their pride were moving independently of Him. They felt sufficient in themselves for all things, and realized no need of a higher wisdom to direct their acts. But the Son of God was surrendered to the Father's will, and dependent upon His power. So utterly was Christ emptied of self that He made no plans for Himself. He accepted God's plans for Him, and day by day the Father unfolded His plans. So should we depend upon God, that our lives may be the simple outworking of His will.

    When Moses was about to build the sanctuary as a dwelling place for God, he was directed to make all things according to the pattern shown him in the mount. Moses was full of zeal to do God's work; the most talented, skillful men were at hand to carry out his suggestions. Yet he was not to make a bell, a pomegranate, a tassel, a fringe, a curtain, or any vessel of the sanctuary, except according to the pattern shown him. God called him into the mount, and revealed to him the heavenly things. The Lord covered him with His own glory, that he might see the pattern, and according to it all things were made. So to Israel, whom He desired to make His dwelling place, He had revealed His glorious ideal of character. The pattern was shown them in the mount when the law was given from Sinai, and when the Lord passed by before Moses and proclaimed, "The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin." Ex. 34:6, 7. Israel had chosen their own ways. They had not builded according to the pattern; but Christ, the true temple for God's indwelling, molded every detail of His earthly life in harmony with God's ideal. He said, "I delight to do Thy will, O My God: yea, Thy law is within My heart." Ps. 40:8. So our characters are to be builded "for an habitation of God through the Spirit." Eph. 2:22. And we are to "make all things according to the pattern," even Him who "suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps." Heb. 8:5; 1 Peter 2:21.

    The words of Christ teach that we should regard ourselves as inseparably bound to our Father in heaven. Whatever our position, we are dependent upon God, who holds all destinies in His hands. He has appointed us our work, and has endowed us with faculties and means for that work. So long as we surrender the will to God, and trust in His strength and wisdom, we shall be guided in safe paths, to fulfill our appointed part in His great plan. But the one who depends upon his own wisdom and power is separating himself from God. Instead of working in unison with Christ, he is fulfilling the purpose of the enemy of God and man.

    The Saviour continued: "What things soever He [the Father] doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. . . . As the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom He will." The Sadducees held that there would be no resurrection of the body; but Jesus tells them that one of the greatest works of His Father is raising the dead, and that He Himself has power to do the same work. "The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live." The Pharisees believed in the resurrection of the dead. Christ declares that even now the power which gives life to the dead is among them, and they are to behold its manifestation. This same resurrection power is that which gives life to the soul "dead in trespasses and sins." Eph. 2:1. That spirit of life in Christ Jesus, "the power of His resurrection," sets men "free from the law of sin and death." Phil. 3:10; Rom. 8:2.

    The dominion of evil is broken, and through faith the soul is kept from sin. He who opens his heart to the Spirit of Christ becomes a partaker of that mighty power which shall bring forth his body from the grave. The humble Nazarene asserts His real nobility. He rises above humanity, throws off the guise of sin and shame, and stands revealed, the Honored of the angels, the Son of God, One with the Creator of the universe. His hearers are spellbound. No man has ever spoken words like His, or borne himself with such a kingly majesty. His utterances are clear and plain, fully declaring His mission, and the duty of the world. "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: that all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father which hath sent Him. . . . For as the Father hath life in Himself; so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself; and hath given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of man."

    The priests and rulers had set themselves up as judges to condemn Christ's work, but He declared Himself their judge, and the judge of all the earth. The world has been committed to Christ, and through Him has come every blessing from God to the fallen race. He was the Redeemer before as after His incarnation. As soon as there was sin, there was a Saviour. He has given light and life to all, and according to the measure of light given, each is to be judged. And He who has given the light, He who has followed the soul with tenderest entreaty, seeking to win it from sin to holiness, is in one its advocate and judge. From the opening of the great controversy in heaven, Satan has maintained his cause through deception; and Christ has been working to unveil his schemes and to break his power. It is He who has encountered the deceiver, and who through all the ages has been seeking to wrest the captives from his grasp, who will pass judgment upon every soul.

    And God "hath given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of man." Because He has tasted the very dregs of human affliction and temptation, and understands the frailties and sins of men; because in our behalf He has victoriously withstood the temptations of Satan, and will deal justly and tenderly with the souls that His own blood has been poured out to save,--because of this, the Son of man is appointed to execute the judgment.

    But Christ's mission was not for judgment, but for salvation. "God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved." John 3:17. And before the Sanhedrin Jesus declared, "He that heareth My word, and believeth Him that sent Me, hath eternal life, and cometh not into judgment, but hath passed out of death into life." John 5:24, R. V. Bidding His hearers marvel not, Christ opened before them, in still wider view, the mystery of the future. "The hour cometh," He said, "in which all that are in the tombs shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done ill, unto the resurrection of judgment." John 5:28, 29, R. V.

    This assurance of the future life was that for which Israel had so long waited, and which they had hoped to receive at the Messiah's advent. The only light that can lighten the gloom of the grave was shining upon them. But self-will is blind. Jesus had violated the traditions of the rabbis, and disregarded their authority, and they would not believe.

    The time, the place, the occasion, the intensity of feeling that pervaded the assembly, all combined to make the words of Jesus before the Sanhedrin the more impressive. The highest religious authorities of the nation were seeking the life of Him who declared Himself the restorer of Israel. The Lord of the Sabbath was arraigned before an earthly tribunal to answer the charge of breaking the Sabbath law. When He so fearlessly declared His mission, His judges looked upon Him with astonishment and rage; but His words were unanswerable. They could not condemn Him. He denied the right of the priests and rabbis to question Him, or to interfere with His work. They were invested with no such authority. Their claims were based upon their own pride and arrogance. He refused to plead guilty of their charges, or to be catechized by them.

    Instead of apologizing for the act of which they complained, or explaining His purpose in doing it, Jesus turned upon the rulers, and the accused became the accuser. He rebuked them for the hardness of their hearts, and their ignorance of the Scriptures. He declared that they had rejected the word of God, inasmuch as they had rejected Him whom God had sent. "Ye search the Scriptures, because ye think that in them ye have eternal life; and these are they which bear witness of Me." John 5:39, R. V.

    In every page, whether history, or precept, or prophecy, the Old Testament Scriptures are irradiated with the glory of the Son of God. So far as it was of divine institution, the entire system of Judaism was a compacted prophecy of the gospel. To Christ "give all the prophets witness." Acts 10:43. From the promise given to Adam, down through the patriarchal line and the legal economy, heaven's glorious light made plain the footsteps of the Redeemer. Seers beheld the Star of Bethlehem, the Shiloh to come, as future things swept before them in mysterious procession. In every sacrifice Christ's death was shown. In every cloud of incense His righteousness ascended. By every jubilee trumpet His name was sounded. In the awful mystery of the holy of holies His glory dwelt. The Jews had the Scriptures in their possession, and supposed that in their mere outward knowledge of the word they had eternal life. But Jesus said, "Ye have not His word abiding in you." Having rejected Christ in His word, they rejected Him in person. "Ye will not come to Me," He said, "that ye might have life."

    The Jewish leaders had studied the teachings of the prophets concerning the kingdom of the Messiah; but they had done this, not with a sincere desire to know the truth, but with the purpose of finding evidence to sustain their ambitious hopes. When Christ came in a manner contrary to their expectations, they would not receive Him; and in order to justify themselves, they tried to prove Him a deceiver. When once they had set their feet in this path, it was easy for Satan to strengthen their opposition to Christ. The very words that should have been received as evidence of His divinity were interpreted against Him. Thus they turned the truth of God into a lie, and the more directly the Saviour spoke to them in His works of mercy, the more determined they were in resisting the light.

    Jesus said, "I receive not honor from men." It was not the influence of the Sanhedrin, it was not their sanction He desired. He could receive no honor from their approbation. He was invested with the honor and authority of Heaven. Had He desired it, angels would have come to do Him homage; the Father would again have testified to His divinity. But for their own sake, for the sake of the nation whose leaders they were, He desired the Jewish rulers to discern His character, and receive the blessings He came to bring them.

    "I am come in My Father's name, and ye receive Me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive." Jesus came by the authority of God, bearing His image, fulfilling His word, and seeking His glory; yet He was not accepted by the leaders in Israel; but when others should come, assuming the character of Christ, but actuated by their own will and seeking their own glory, they would be received. And why? Because he who is seeking his own glory appeals to the desire for self-exaltation in others. To such appeals the Jews could respond.

    They would receive the false teacher because he flattered their pride by sanctioning their cherished opinions and traditions. But the teaching of Christ did not coincide with their ideas. It was spiritual, and demanded the sacrifice of self; therefore they would not receive it. They were not acquainted with God, and to them His voice through Christ was the voice of a stranger. Is not the same thing repeated in our day? Are there not many, even religious leaders, who are hardening their hearts against the Holy Spirit, making it impossible for them to recognize the voice of God? Are they not rejecting the word of God, that they may keep their own traditions?

    "Had ye believed Moses," said Jesus, "ye would have believed Me: for he wrote of Me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe My words?" It was Christ who had spoken to Israel through Moses. If they had listened to the divine voice that spoke through their great leader, they would have recognized it in the teachings of Christ. Had they believed Moses, they would have believed Him of whom Moses wrote.

    Jesus knew that the priests and rabbis were determined to take His life; yet He clearly explained to them His unity with the Father, and His relation to the world. They saw that their opposition to Him was without excuse, yet their murderous hatred was not quenched. Fear seized them as they witnessed the convincing power that attended His ministry; but they resisted His appeals, and locked themselves in darkness.

    They had signally failed to subvert the authority of Jesus or to alienate the respect and attention of the people, many of whom were convicted by His words. The rulers themselves had felt deep condemnation as He had pressed their guilt home upon their consciences; yet this only made them the more bitter against Him. They were determined to take His life. They sent messengers all over the country to warn the people against Jesus as an impostor. Spies were sent to watch Him, and report what He said and did. The precious Saviour was now most surely standing under the shadow of the cross.

    Chapter 22

    John the Baptist had been first in heralding Christ's kingdom, and he was first also in suffering. From the free air of the wilderness and the vast throngs that had hung upon his words, he was now shut in by the walls of a dungeon cell. He had become a prisoner in the fortress of Herod Antipas. In the territory east of Jordan, which was under the dominion of Antipas, much of John's ministry had been spent. Herod himself had listened to the preaching of the Baptist. The dissolute king had trembled under the call to repentance. "Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy; . . . and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly." John dealt with him faithfully, denouncing his iniquitous alliance with Herodias, his brother's wife. For a time Herod feebly sought to break the chain of lust that bound him; but Herodias fastened him the more firmly in her toils, and found revenge upon the Baptist by inducing Herod to cast him into prison.

    The life of John had been one of active labor, and the gloom and inaction of his prison life weighed heavily upon him. As week after week passed, bringing no change, despondency and doubt crept over him. His disciples did not forsake him. They were allowed access to the prison, and they brought him tidings of the works of Jesus, and told how the people were flocking to Him. But they questioned why, if this new teacher was the Messiah, He did nothing to effect John's release. How could He permit His faithful herald to be deprived of liberty and perhaps of life? These questions were not without effect. Doubts which otherwise would never have arisen were suggested to John. Satan rejoiced to hear the words of these disciples, and to see how they bruised the soul of the Lord's messenger. Oh, how often those who think themselves the friends of a good man, and who are eager to show their fidelity to him, prove to be his most dangerous enemies! How often, instead of strengthening his faith, their words depress and dishearten!

    Like the Saviour's disciples, John the Baptist did not understand the nature of Christ's kingdom. He expected Jesus to take the throne of David; and as time passed, and the Saviour made no claim to kingly authority, John became perplexed and troubled. He had declared to the people that in order for the way to be prepared before the Lord, the prophecy of Isaiah must be fulfilled; the mountains and hills must be brought low, the crooked made straight, and the rough places plain. He had looked for the high places of human pride and power to be cast down. He had pointed to the Messiah as the One whose fan was in His hand, and who would thoroughly purge His floor, who would gather the wheat into His garner, and burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. Like the prophet Elijah, in whose spirit and power he had come to Israel, he looked for the Lord to reveal Himself as a God that answereth by fire.

    In his mission the Baptist had stood as a fearless reprover of iniquity, both in high places and in low. He had dared to face King Herod with the plain rebuke of sin. He had not counted his life dear unto himself, that he might fulfill his appointed work. And now from his dungeon he watched for the Lion of the tribe of Judah to cast down the pride of the oppressor, and to deliver the poor and him that cried. But Jesus seemed to content Himself with gathering disciples about Him, and healing and teaching the people. He was eating at the tables of the publicans, while every day the Roman yoke rested more heavily upon Israel, while King Herod and his vile paramour worked their will, and the cries of the poor and suffering went up to heaven.

    To the desert prophet all this seemed a mystery beyond his fathoming. There were hours when the whisperings of demons tortured his spirit, and the shadow of a terrible fear crept over him. Could it be that the long-hoped-for Deliverer had not yet appeared? Then what meant the message that he himself had been impelled to bear? John had been bitterly disappointed in the result of his mission. He had expected that the message from God would have the same effect as when the law was read in the days of Josiah and of Ezra (2 Chronicles 34; Nehemiah 8, 9); that there would follow a deep-seated work of repentance and returning unto the Lord. For the success of this mission his whole life had been sacrificed. Had it been in vain?

    John was troubled to see that through love for him, his own disciples were cherishing unbelief in regard to Jesus. Had his work for them been fruitless? Had he been unfaithful in his mission, that he was now cut off from labor? If the promised Deliverer had appeared, and John had been found true to his calling, would not Jesus now overthrow the oppressor's power, and set free His herald?

    But the Baptist did not surrender his faith in Christ. The memory of the voice from heaven and the descending dove, the spotless purity of Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit that had rested upon John as he came into the Saviour's presence, and the testimony of the prophetic scriptures,--all witnessed that Jesus of Nazareth was the Promised One.

    John would not discuss his doubts and anxieties with his companions. He determined to send a message of inquiry to Jesus. This he entrusted to two of his disciples, hoping that an interview with the Saviour would confirm their faith, and bring assurance to their brethren. And he longed for some word from Christ spoken directly for himself.

    The disciples came to Jesus with their message, "Art Thou He that should come, or do we look for another?"

    How short the time since the Baptist had pointed to Jesus, and proclaimed, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." "He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me." John 1:29, 27. And now the question, "Art Thou He that should come?" It was keenly bitter and disappointing to human nature. If John, the faithful forerunner, failed to discern Christ's mission, what could be expected from the self-seeking multitude?

    The Saviour did not at once answer the disciples' question. As they stood wondering at His silence, the sick and afflicted were coming to Him to be healed. The blind were groping their way through the crowd; diseased ones of all classes, some urging their own way, some borne by their friends, were eagerly pressing into the presence of Jesus. The voice of the mighty Healer penetrated the deaf ear. A word, a touch of His hand, opened the blind eyes to behold the light of day, the scenes of nature, the faces of friends, and the face of the Deliverer. Jesus rebuked disease and banished fever. His voice reached the ears of the dying, and they arose in health and vigor. Paralyzed demoniacs obeyed His word, their madness left them, and they worshiped Him. While He healed their diseases, He taught the people. The poor peasants and laborers, who were shunned by the rabbis as unclean, gathered close about Him, and He spoke to them the words of eternal life. Thus the day wore away, the disciples of John seeing and hearing all. At last Jesus called them to Him, and bade them go and tell John what they had witnessed, adding, "Blessed is he, whosoever shall find none occasion of stumbling in Me." Luke 7:23, R. V. The evidence of His divinity was seen in its adaptation to the needs of suffering humanity. His glory was shown in His condescension to our low estate.

    The disciples bore the message, and it was enough. John recalled the prophecy concerning the Messiah, "The Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." Isa. 61:1, 2. The works of Christ not only declared Him to be the Messiah, but showed in what manner His kingdom was to be established. To John was opened the same truth that had come to Elijah in the desert, when "a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: and after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire:" and after the fire, God spoke to the prophet by "a still small voice." 1 Kings 19:11, 12. So Jesus was to do His work, not with the clash of arms and the overturning of thrones and kingdoms, but through speaking to the hearts of men by a life of mercy and self-sacrifice.

    The principle of the Baptist's own life of self-abnegation was the principle of the Messiah's kingdom. John well knew how foreign all this was to the principles and hopes of the leaders in Israel. That which was to him convincing evidence of Christ's divinity would be no evidence to them. They were looking for a Messiah who had not been promised. John saw that the Saviour's mission could win from them only hatred and condemnation. He, the forerunner, was but drinking of the cup which Christ Himself must drain to its dregs.

    The Saviour's words, "Blessed is he, whosoever shall find none occasion of stumbling in Me," were a gentle reproof to John. It was not lost upon him. Understanding more clearly now the nature of Christ's mission, he yielded himself to God for life or for death, as should best serve the interests of the cause he loved.

    After the messengers had departed, Jesus spoke to the people concerning John. The Saviour's heart went out in sympathy to the faithful witness now buried in Herod's dungeon. He would not leave the people to conclude that God had forsaken John, or that his faith had failed in the day of trial. "What went ye out into the wilderness to see?" He said. "A reed shaken with the wind?"

    The tall reeds that grew beside the Jordan, bending before every breeze, were fitting representatives of the rabbis who had stood as critics and judges of the Baptist's mission. They were swayed this way and that by the winds of popular opinion. They would not humble themselves to receive the heart-searching message of the Baptist, yet for fear of the people they dared not openly oppose his work. But God's messenger was of no such craven spirit. The multitudes who were gathered about Christ had been witnesses to the work of John. They had heard his fearless rebuke of sin. To the self-righteous Pharisees, the priestly Sadducees, King Herod and his court, princes and soldiers, publicans and peasants, John had spoken with equal plainness. He was no trembling reed, swayed by the winds of human praise or prejudice. In the prison he was the same in his loyalty to God and his zeal for righteousness as when he preached God's message in the wilderness. In his faithfulness to principle he was as firm as a rock.

    Jesus continued, "But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously appareled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts." John had been called to reprove the sins and excesses of his time, and his plain dress and self-denying life were in harmony with the character of his mission. Rich apparel and the luxuries of this life are not the portion of God's servants, but of those who live "in kings' courts," the rulers of this world, to whom pertain its power and its riches. Jesus wished to direct attention to the contrast between the clothing of John, and that worn by the priests and rulers. These officials arrayed themselves in rich robes and costly ornaments. They loved display, and hoped to dazzle the people, and thus command greater consideration. They were more anxious to gain the admiration of men than to obtain the purity of heart which would win the approval of God. Thus they revealed that their allegiance was not given to God, but to the kingdom of this world.

    "But what," said Jesus, "went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written,--

    "Behold, I send My messenger before Thy face, Which shall prepare Thy way before Thee.

    "Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist." In the announcement to Zacharias before the birth of John, the angel had declared, "He shall be great in the sight of the Lord." Luke 1:15. In the estimation of Heaven, what is it that constitutes greatness? Not that which the world accounts greatness; not wealth, or rank, or noble descent, or intellectual gifts, in themselves considered. If intellectual greatness, apart from any higher consideration, is worthy of honor, then our homage is due to Satan, whose intellectual power no man has ever equaled. But when perverted to self-serving, the greater the gift, the greater curse it becomes. It is moral worth that God values. Love and purity are the attributes He prizes most. John was great in the sight of the Lord, when, before the messengers from the Sanhedrin, before the people, and before his own disciples, he refrained from seeking honor for himself, but pointed all to Jesus as the Promised One. His unselfish joy in the ministry of Christ presents the highest type of nobility ever revealed in man.

    The witness borne of him after his death, by those who had heard his testimony to Jesus, was, "John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this Man were true." John 10:41. It was not given to John to call down fire from heaven, or to raise the dead, as Elijah did, nor to wield Moses' rod of power in the name of God. He was sent to herald the Saviour's advent, and to call upon the people to prepare for His coming. So faithfully did he fulfill his mission, that as the people recalled what he had taught them of Jesus, they could say, "All things that John spake of this Man were true." Such witness to Christ every disciple of the Master is called upon to bear. As the Messiah's herald, John was "much more than a prophet." For while prophets had seen from afar Christ's advent, to John it was given to behold Him, to hear the testimony from heaven to His Messiahship, and to present Him to Israel as the Sent of God. Yet Jesus said, "He that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he."

    The prophet John was the connecting link between the two dispensations. As God's representative he stood forth to show the relation of the law and the prophets to the Christian dispensation. He was the lesser light, which was to be followed by a greater. The mind of John was illuminated by the Holy Spirit, that he might shed light upon his people; but no other light ever has shone or ever will shine so clearly upon fallen man as that which emanated from the teaching and example of Jesus. Christ and His mission had been but dimly understood as typified in the shadowy sacrifices. Even John had not fully comprehended the future, immortal life through the Saviour.

    Aside from the joy that John found in his mission, his life had been one of sorrow. His voice had been seldom heard except in the wilderness. His was a lonely lot. And he was not permitted to see the result of his own labors. It was not his privilege to be with Christ and witness the manifestation of divine power attending the greater light. It was not for him to see the blind restored to sight, the sick healed, and the dead raised to life. He did not behold the light that shone through every word of Christ, shedding glory upon the promises of prophecy. The least disciple who saw Christ's mighty works and heard His words was in this sense more highly privileged than John the Baptist, and therefore is said to have been greater than he.

    Through the vast throngs that had listened to John's preaching, his fame had spread throughout the land. A deep interest was felt as to the result of his imprisonment. Yet his blameless life, and the strong public sentiment in his favor, led to the belief that no violent measures would be taken against him.

    Herod believed John to be a prophet of God, and he fully intended to set him at liberty. But he delayed his purpose from fear of Herodias. Herodias knew that by direct measures she could never win Herod's consent to the death of John, and she resolved to accomplish her purpose by stratagem. On the king's birthday an entertainment was to be given to the officers of state and the nobles of the court. There would be feasting and drunkenness. Herod would thus be thrown off his guard, and might then be influenced according to her will.

    When the great day arrived, and the king with his lords was feasting and drinking, Herodias sent her daughter into the banqueting hall to dance for the entertainment of the guests. Salome was in the first flush of womanhood, and her voluptuous beauty captivated the senses of the lordly revelers. It was not customary for the ladies of the court to appear at these festivities, and a flattering compliment was paid to Herod when this daughter of Israel's priests and princes danced for the amusement of his guests.

    The king was dazed with wine. Passion held sway, and reason was dethroned. He saw only the hall of pleasure, with its reveling guests, the banquet table, the sparkling wine and the flashing lights, and the young girl dancing before him. In the recklessness of the moment, he desired to make some display that would exalt him before the great men of his realm. With an oath he promised to give the daughter of Herodias whatever she might ask, even to the half of his kingdom.

    Salome hastened to her mother, to know what she should ask. The answer was ready,--the head of John the Baptist. Salome knew not of the thirst for revenge in her mother's heart, and she shrank from presenting the request; but the determination of Herodias prevailed. The girl returned with the terrible petition, "I will that thou forthwith give me in a charger the head of John the Baptist." Mark 6:25, R. V.

    Herod was astonished and confounded. The riotous mirth ceased, and an ominous silence settled down upon the scene of revelry. The king was horror-stricken at the thought of taking the life of John. Yet his word was pledged, and he was unwilling to appear fickle or rash. The oath had been made in honor of his guests, and if one of them had offered a word against the fulfillment of his promise, he would gladly have spared the prophet. He gave them opportunity to speak in the prisoner's behalf. They had traveled long distances in order to hear the preaching of John, and they knew him to be a man without crime, and a servant of God. But though shocked at the girl's demand, they were too besotted to interpose a remonstrance. No voice was raised to save the life of Heaven's messenger. These men occupied high positions of trust in the nation, and upon them rested grave responsibilities; yet they had given themselves up to feasting and drunkenness until the senses were benumbed. Their heads were turned with the giddy scene of music and dancing, and conscience lay dormant. By their silence they pronounced the sentence of death upon the prophet of God to satisfy the revenge of an abandoned woman. Herod waited in vain to be released from his oath; then he reluctantly commanded the execution of the prophet. Soon the head of John was brought in before the king and his guests. Forever sealed were those lips that had faithfully warned Herod to turn from his life of sin. Never more would that voice be heard calling men to repentance. The revels of one night had cost the life of one of the greatest of the prophets.

    Oh, how often has the life of the innocent been sacrificed through the intemperance of those who should have been guardians of justice! He who puts the intoxicating cup to his lips makes himself responsible for all the injustice he may commit under its besotting power. By benumbing his senses he makes it impossible for him to judge calmly or to have a clear perception of right and wrong. He opens the way for Satan to work through him in oppressing and destroying the innocent. "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise." Prov. 20:1. Thus it is that "judgment is turned away backward, . . . and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey." Isa. 59:14, 15. Those who have jurisdiction over the lives of their fellow men should be held guilty of a crime when they yield to intemperance. All who execute the laws should be lawkeepers. They should be men of self-control. They need to have full command of their physical, mental, and moral powers, that they may possess vigor of intellect, and a high sense of justice.

    The head of John the Baptist was carried to Herodias, who received it with fiendish satisfaction. She exulted in her revenge, and flattered herself that Herod's conscience would no longer be troubled. But no happiness resulted to her from her sin. Her name became notorious and abhorred, while Herod was more tormented by remorse than he had been by the warnings of the prophet. The influence of John's teachings was not silenced; it was to extend to every generation till the close of time.

    Herod's sin was ever before him. He was constantly seeking to find relief from the accusings of a guilty conscience. His confidence in John was unshaken. As he recalled his life of self-denial, his solemn, earnest appeals, his sound judgment in counsel, and then remembered how he had come to his death, Herod could find no rest. Engaged in the affairs of the state, receiving honors from men, he bore a smiling face and dignified mien, while he concealed an anxious heart, ever oppressed with the fear that a curse was upon him.

    Herod had been deeply impressed by the words of John, that nothing can be hidden from God. He was convinced that God was present in every place, that He had witnessed the revelry of the banqueting room, that He had heard the command to behead John, and had seen the exultation of Herodias, and the insult she offered to the severed head of her reprover. And many things that Herod had heard from the lips of the prophet now spoke to his conscience more distinctly than had the preaching in the wilderness.

    When Herod heard of the works of Christ, he was exceedingly troubled. He thought that God had raised John from the dead, and sent him forth with still greater power to condemn sin. He was in constant fear that John would avenge his death by passing condemnation upon him and his house. Herod was reaping that which God had declared to be the result of a course of sin,--"a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and sorrow of mind: and thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life: in the morning thou shalt say, Would God it were even! and at even thou shalt say, Would God it were morning! for the fear of thine heart wherewith thou shalt fear, and for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see." Deut. 28:65-67. The sinner's own thoughts are his accusers; and there can be no torture keener than the stings of a guilty conscience, which give him no rest day nor night.

    To many minds a deep mystery surrounds the fate of John the Baptist. They question why he should have been left to languish and die in prison. The mystery of this dark providence our human vision cannot penetrate; but it can never shake our confidence in God when we remember that John was but a sharer in the sufferings of Christ. All who follow Christ will wear the crown of sacrifice. They will surely be misunderstood by selfish men, and will be made a mark for the fierce assaults of Satan. It is this principle of self-sacrifice that his kingdom is established to destroy, and he will war against it wherever manifested.

    The childhood, youth, and manhood of John had been characterized by firmness and moral power. When his voice was heard in the wilderness saying, "Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight" (Matt. 3:3), Satan feared for the safety of his kingdom. The sinfulness of sin was revealed in such a manner that men trembled. Satan's power over many who had been under his control was broken. He had been unwearied in his efforts to draw away the Baptist from a life of unreserved surrender to God; but he had failed. And he had failed to overcome Jesus. In the temptation in the wilderness, Satan had been defeated, and his rage was great. Now he determined to bring sorrow upon Christ by striking John. The One whom he could not entice to sin he would cause to suffer.

    Jesus did not interpose to deliver His servant. He knew that John would bear the test. Gladly would the Saviour have come to John, to brighten the dungeon gloom with His own presence. But He was not to place Himself in the hands of enemies and imperil His own mission. Gladly would He have delivered His faithful servant. But for the sake of thousands who in after years must pass from prison to death, John was to drink the cup of martyrdom. As the followers of Jesus should languish in lonely cells, or perish by the sword, the rack, or the fagot, apparently forsaken by God and man, what a stay to their hearts would be the thought that John the Baptist, to whose faithfulness Christ Himself had borne witness, had passed through a similar experience!

    Satan was permitted to cut short the earthly life of God's messenger; but that life which "is hid with Christ in God," the destroyer could not reach. Col. 3:3. He exulted that he had brought sorrow upon Christ, but he had failed of conquering John. Death itself only placed him forever beyond the power of temptation. In this warfare, Satan was revealing his own character. Before the witnessing universe he made manifest his enmity toward God and man.

    Though no miraculous deliverance was granted John, he was not forsaken. He had always the companionship of heavenly angels, who opened to him the prophecies concerning Christ, and the precious promises of Scripture. These were his stay, as they were to be the stay of God's people through the coming ages. To John the Baptist, as to those that came after him, was given the assurance, "Lo, I am with you all the days, even unto the end." Matt. 28:20, R. V., margin.

    God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him. Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honored than John the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon. "Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake." Phil. 1:29. And of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor.

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Jesus-christ-0207
    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


    Posts : 13426
    Join date : 2010-09-28
    Location : The Matrix

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (10)

    Post  orthodoxymoron Sat Dec 12, 2020 4:18 am

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Jesus-christ-0207

    Chapter 23
    "The Kingdom of God Is at Hand"

    "Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." Mark 1:14, 15.

    The Messiah's coming had been first announced in Judea. In the temple at Jerusalem the birth of the forerunner had been foretold to Zacharias as he ministered before the altar. On the hills of Bethlehem the angels had proclaimed the birth of Jesus. To Jerusalem the magi had come in search of Him. In the temple Simeon and Anna had testified to His divinity. "Jerusalem, and all Judea" had listened to the preaching of John the Baptist; and the deputation from the Sanhedrin, with the multitude, had heard his testimony concerning Jesus. In Judea, Christ had received His first disciples. Here much of His early ministry had been spent. The flashing forth of His divinity in the cleansing of the temple, His miracles of healing, and the lessons of divine truth that fell from His lips, all proclaimed that which after the healing at Bethesda He had declared before the Sanhedrin,--His Sonship to the Eternal.

    If the leaders in Israel had received Christ, He would have honored them as His messengers to carry the gospel to the world. To them first was given the opportunity to become heralds of the kingdom and grace of God. But Israel knew not the time of her visitation. The jealousy and distrust of the Jewish leaders had ripened into open hatred, and the hearts of the people were turned away from Jesus. The Sanhedrin had rejected Christ's message and was bent upon His death; therefore Jesus departed from Jerusalem, from the priests, the temple, the religious leaders, the people who had been instructed in the law, and turned to another class to proclaim His message, and to gather out those who should carry the gospel to all nations.

    As the light and life of men was rejected by the ecclesiastical authorities in the days of Christ, so it has been rejected in every succeeding generation. Again and again the history of Christ's withdrawal from Judea has been repeated. When the Reformers preached the word of God, they had no thought of separating themselves from the established church; but the religious leaders would not tolerate the light, and those that bore it were forced to seek another class, who were longing for the truth. In our day few of the professed followers of the Reformers are actuated by their spirit. Few are listening for the voice of God, and ready to accept truth in whatever guise it may be presented. Often those who follow in the steps of the Reformers are forced to turn away from the churches they love, in order to declare the plain teaching of the word of God. And many times those who are seeking for light are by the same teaching obliged to leave the church of their fathers, that they may render obedience.

    The people of Galilee were despised by the rabbis of Jerusalem as rude and unlearned, yet they presented a more favorable field for the Saviour's work. They were more earnest and sincere; less under the control of bigotry; their minds were more open for the reception of truth. In going to Galilee, Jesus was not seeking seclusion or isolation. The province was at this time the home of a crowded population, with a much larger admixture of people of other nations than was found in Judea.

    As Jesus traveled through Galilee, teaching and healing, multitudes flocked to Him from the cities and villages. Many came even from Judea and the adjoining provinces. Often He was obliged to hide Himself from the people. The enthusiasm ran so high that it was necessary to take precautions lest the Roman authorities should be aroused to fear an insurrection. Never before had there been such a period as this for the world. Heaven was brought down to men. Hungering and thirsting souls that had waited long for the redemption of Israel now feasted upon the grace of a merciful Saviour.

    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." 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. "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." Dan. 9:24. A day in prophecy stands for a year. See Num. 14:34; Ezek. 4:6. The seventy weeks, or four hundred and ninety days, 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. Dan. 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. Then the message was proclaimed. "The time is fulfilled."

    Then, said the angel, "He shall confirm the covenant with many for one week [seven years]." 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." Dan. 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); and shortly after, Saul the persecutor was converted, and became Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles.

    The time of Christ's coming, His anointing by the Holy Spirit, His death, and the giving of the gospel to the Gentiles, were definitely pointed out. It was the privilege of the Jewish people to understand these prophecies, and to recognize their fulfillment in the mission of Jesus. Christ urged upon His disciples the importance of prophetic study. Referring to the prophecy given to Daniel in regard to their time, He said, "Whoso readeth, let him understand." Matt. 24:15. After His resurrection He explained to the disciples in "all the prophets" "the things concerning Himself." Luke 24:27. The Saviour had spoken through all the prophets. "The Spirit of Christ which was in them" "testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow." 1 Peter 1:11.

    It was Gabriel, the angel next in rank to the Son of God, who came with the divine message to Daniel. It was Gabriel, "His angel," whom Christ sent to open the future to the beloved John; and a blessing is pronounced on those who read and hear the words of the prophecy, and keep the things written therein. Rev. 1:3.

    "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; Deut. 29:29. God has given these things to us, and His blessing will attend the reverent, prayerful study of the prophetic scriptures.

    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." Dan. 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 Thess. 5:4-6.

    Chapter 24

    Across the bright days of Christ's ministry in Galilee, one shadow lay. The people of Nazareth rejected Him. "Is not this the carpenter's son?" they said.

    During His childhood and youth, Jesus had worshiped among His brethren in the synagogue at Nazareth. Since the opening of His ministry He had been absent from them, but they had not been ignorant of what had befallen Him. As He again appeared among them, their interest and expectation were excited to the highest pitch. Here were the familiar forms and faces of those whom He had known from infancy. Here were His mother, His brothers and sisters, and all eyes were turned upon Him as He entered the synagogue upon the Sabbath day, and took His place among the worshipers.

    In the regular service for the day, the elder read from the prophets, and exhorted the people still to hope for the Coming One, who would bring in a glorious reign, and banish all oppression. He sought to encourage his hearers by rehearsing the evidence that the Messiah's coming was near. He described the glory of His advent, keeping prominent the thought that He would appear at the head of armies to deliver Israel.

    When a rabbi was present at the synagogue, he was expected to deliver the sermon, and any Israelite might give the reading from the prophets. Upon this Sabbath Jesus was requested to take part in the service. He "stood up to read. And there was delivered unto Him a roll of the prophet Isaiah." Luke 4:16, 17, R. V., margin. The scripture which He read was one that was understood as referring to the Messiah:

    "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,
    Because He hath anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor;
    He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
    To preach deliverance to the captives,
    And recovering of sight to the blind,
    To set at liberty them that are bruised,
    To preach the acceptable year of the Lord."
    "And He closed the roll, and gave it back to the attendant: . . . and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on Him. . . . And all bare Him witness, and wondered at the words of grace which proceeded out of His mouth." Luke 4:20-22, R. V., margin.

    Jesus stood before the people as a living expositor of the prophecies concerning Himself. Explaining the words He had read, He spoke of the Messiah as a reliever of the oppressed, a liberator of captives, a healer of the afflicted, restoring sight to the blind, and revealing to the world the light of truth. His impressive manner and the wonderful import of His words thrilled the hearers with a power they had never felt before. The tide of divine influence broke every barrier down; like Moses, they beheld the Invisible. As their hearts were moved upon by the Holy Spirit, they responded with fervent amens and praises to the Lord.

    But when Jesus announced, "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears," they were suddenly recalled to think of themselves, and of the claims of Him who had been addressing them. They, Israelites, children of Abraham, had been represented as in bondage. They had been addressed as prisoners to be delivered from the power of evil; as in darkness, and needing the light of truth. Their pride was offended, and their fears were roused. The words of Jesus indicated that His work for them was to be altogether different from what they desired. Their deeds might be investigated too closely. Notwithstanding their exactness in outward ceremonies, they shrank from inspection by those clear, searching eyes.

    Who is this Jesus? they questioned. He who had claimed for Himself the glory of the Messiah was the son of a carpenter, and had worked at His trade with His father Joseph. They had seen Him toiling up and down the hills, they were acquainted with His brothers and sisters, and knew His life and labors. They had seen Him develop from childhood to youth, and from youth to manhood. Although His life had been spotless, they would not believe that He was the Promised One.

    What a contrast between His teaching in regard to the new kingdom and that which they had heard from their elder! Jesus had said nothing of delivering them from the Romans. They had heard of His miracles, and had hoped that His power would be exercised for their advantage, but they had seen no indication of such purpose.

    As they opened the door to doubt, their hearts became so much the harder for having been momentarily softened. Satan was determined that blind eyes should not that day be opened, nor souls bound in slavery be set at liberty. With intense energy he worked to fasten them in unbelief. They made no account of the sign already given, when they had been stirred by the conviction that it was their Redeemer who addressed them.

    But Jesus now gave them an evidence of His divinity by revealing their secret thoughts. "He said unto them, Doubtless ye will say unto Me this parable, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done at Capernaum, do also here in Thine own country. And He said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is acceptable in his own country. But of a truth I say unto you, There were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when there came a great famine over all the land; and unto none of them was Elijah sent, but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman, the Syrian." Luke 4:23-27, R. V.

    By this relation of events in the lives of the prophets, Jesus met the questionings of His hearers. The servants whom God had chosen for a special work were not allowed to labor for a hardhearted and unbelieving people. But those who had hearts to feel and faith to believe were especially favored with evidences of His power through the prophets. In the days of Elijah, Israel had departed from God. They clung to their sins, and rejected the warnings of the Spirit through the Lord's messengers. Thus they cut themselves off from the channel by which God's blessing could come to them. The Lord passed by the homes of Israel, and found a refuge for His servant in a heathen land, with a woman who did not belong to the chosen people. But this woman was favored because she had followed the light she had received, and her heart was open to the greater light that God sent her through His prophet.

    It was for the same reason that in Elisha's time the lepers of Israel were passed by. But Naaman, a heathen nobleman, had been faithful to his convictions of right, and had felt his great need of help. He was in a condition to receive the gifts of God's grace. He was not only cleansed from his leprosy, but blessed with a knowledge of the true God.

    Our standing before God depends, not upon the amount of light we have received, but upon the use we make of what we have. Thus even the heathen who choose the right as far as they can distinguish it are in a more favorable condition than are those who have had great light, and profess to serve God, but who disregard the light, and by their daily life contradict their profession.

    The words of Jesus to His hearers in the synagogue struck at the root of their self-righteousness, pressing home upon them the bitter truth that they had departed from God and forfeited their claim to be His people. Every word cut like a knife as their real condition was set before them. They now scorned the faith with which Jesus had at first inspired them. They would not admit that He who had sprung from poverty and lowliness was other than a common man.

    Their unbelief bred malice. Satan controlled them, and in wrath they cried out against the Saviour. They had turned from Him whose mission it was to heal and restore; now they manifested the attributes of the destroyer. When Jesus referred to the blessings given to the Gentiles, the fierce national pride of His hearers was aroused, and His words were drowned in a tumult of voices. These people had prided themselves on keeping the law; but now that their prejudices were offended, they were ready to commit murder. The assembly broke up, and laying hands upon Jesus, they thrust Him from the synagogue, and out of the city. All seemed eager for His destruction. They hurried Him to the brow of a precipice, intending to cast Him down headlong. Shouts and maledictions filled the air. Some were casting stones at Him, when suddenly He disappeared from among them. The heavenly messengers who had been by His side in the synagogue were with Him in the midst of that maddened throng. They shut Him in from His enemies, and conducted Him to a place of safety.

    So angels protected Lot, and led him out safely from the midst of Sodom. So they protected Elisha in the little mountain city. When the encircling hills were filled with the horses and chariots of the king of Syria, and the great host of his armed men, Elisha beheld the nearer hill slopes covered with the armies of God,--horses and chariots of fire round about the servant of the Lord.

    So, in all ages, angels have been near to Christ's faithful followers. The vast confederacy of evil is arrayed against all who would overcome; but Christ would have us look to the things which are not seen, to the armies of heaven encamped about all who love God, to deliver them. From what dangers, seen and unseen, we have been preserved through the interposition of the angels, we shall never know, until in the light of eternity we see the providences of God. Then we shall know that the whole family of heaven was interested in the family here below, and that messengers from the throne of God attended our steps from day to day.

    When Jesus in the synagogue read from the prophecy, He stopped short of the final specification concerning the Messiah's work. Having read the words, "To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord," He omitted the phrase, "and the day of vengeance of our God." Isa. 61:2. This was just as much truth as was the first of the prophecy, and by His silence Jesus did not deny the truth. But this last expression was that upon which His hearers delighted to dwell, and which they were desirous of fulfilling. They denounced judgments against the heathen, not discerning that their own guilt was even greater than that of others. They themselves were in deepest need of the mercy they were so ready to deny to the heathen.

    That day in the synagogue, when Jesus stood among them, was their opportunity to accept the call of Heaven. He who "delighteth in mercy" (Micah 7:18) would fain have saved them from the ruin which their sins were inviting. Not without one more call to repentance could He give them up. Toward the close of His ministry in Galilee, He again visited the home of His childhood. Since His rejection there, the fame of His preaching and His miracles had filled the land. None now could deny that He possessed more than human power. The people of Nazareth knew that He went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed by Satan. About them were whole villages where there was not a moan of sickness in any house; for He had passed through them, and healed all their sick. The mercy revealed in every act of His life testified to His divine anointing.

    Again as they listened to His words the Nazarenes were moved by the Divine Spirit. But even now they would not admit that this Man, who had been brought up among them, was other or greater than themselves. Still there rankled the bitter memory that while He had claimed for Himself to be the Promised One, He had really denied them a place with Israel; for He had shown them to be less worthy of God's favor than a heathen man and woman. Hence though they questioned, "Whence hath this Man this wisdom, and these mighty works?" they would not receive Him as the Christ of God. Because of their unbelief, the Saviour could not work many miracles among them. Only a few hearts were open to His blessing, and reluctantly He departed, never to return.

    Unbelief, having once been cherished, continued to control the men of Nazareth. So it controlled the Sanhedrin and the nation. With priests and people, the first rejection of the demonstration of the Holy Spirit's power was the beginning of the end. In order to prove that their first resistance was right, they continued ever after to cavil at the words of Christ. Their rejection of the Spirit culminated in the cross of Calvary, in the destruction of their city, in the scattering of the nation to the winds of heaven.

    Oh, how Christ longed to open to Israel the precious treasures of the truth! But such was their spiritual blindness that it was impossible to reveal to them the truths relating to His kingdom. They clung to their creed and their useless ceremonies when the truth of Heaven awaited their acceptance. They spent their money for chaff and husks, when the bread of life was within their reach. Why did they not go to the word of God, and search diligently to know whether they were in error? The Old Testament Scriptures stated plainly every detail of Christ's ministry, and again and again He quoted from the prophets, and declared, "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." If they had honestly searched the Scriptures, bringing their theories to the test of God's word, Jesus need not have wept over their impenitence. He need not have declared, "Behold, your house is left unto you desolate." Luke 13:35.

    They might have been acquainted with the evidence of His Messiahship, and the calamity that laid their proud city in ruins might have been averted. But the minds of the Jews had become narrowed by their unreasoning bigotry. The lessons of Christ revealed their deficiencies of character, and demanded repentance. If they accepted His teachings, their practices must be changed, and their cherished hopes relinquished. In order to be honored by Heaven, they must sacrifice the honor of men. If they obeyed the words of this new rabbi, they must go contrary to the opinions of the great thinkers and teachers of the time. Truth was unpopular in Christ's day. It is unpopular in our day. It has been unpopular ever since Satan first gave man a disrelish for it by presenting fables that lead to self-exaltation. Do we not today meet theories and doctrines that have no foundation in the word of God? Men cling as tenaciously to them as did the Jews to their traditions.

    The Jewish leaders were filled with spiritual pride. Their desire for the glorification of self manifested itself even in the service of the sanctuary. They loved the highest seats in the synagogue. They loved greetings in the market places, and were gratified with the sound of their titles on the lips of men. As real piety declined, they became more jealous for their traditions and ceremonies.

    Because their understanding was darkened by selfish prejudice, they could not harmonize the power of Christ's convicting words with the humility of His life. They did not appreciate the fact that real greatness can dispense with outward show. This Man's poverty seemed wholly inconsistent with His claim to be the Messiah. They questioned, If He was what He claimed to be, why was He so unpretending? If He was satisfied to be without the force of arms, what would become of their nation? How could the power and glory so long anticipated bring the nations as subjects to the city of the Jews? Had not the priests taught that Israel was to bear rule over all the earth? and could it be possible that the great religious teachers were in error? But it was not simply the absence of outward glory in His life that led the Jews to reject Jesus. He was the embodiment of purity, and they were impure. He dwelt among men an example of spotless integrity. His blameless life flashed light upon their hearts. His sincerity revealed their insincerity. It made manifest the hollowness of their pretentious piety, and discovered iniquity to them in its odious character. Such a light was unwelcome.

    If Christ had called attention to the Pharisees, and had extolled their learning and piety, they would have hailed Him with joy. But when He spoke of the kingdom of heaven as a dispensation of mercy for all mankind, He was presenting a phase of religion they would not tolerate. Their own example and teaching had never been such as to make the service of God seem desirable. When they saw Jesus giving attention to the very ones they hated and repulsed, it stirred up the worst passions of their proud hearts. Notwithstanding their boast that under the "Lion of the tribe of Judah" (Rev. 5:5), Israel should be exalted to pre-eminence over all nations, they could have borne the disappointment of their ambitious hopes better than they could bear Christ's reproof of their sins, and the reproach they felt even from the presence of His purity.

    Chapter 25

    Day was breaking over the Sea of Galilee. The disciples, weary with a night of fruitless toil, were still in their fishing boats on the lake. Jesus had come to spend a quiet hour by the waterside. In the early morning He hoped for a little season of rest from the multitude that followed Him day after day. But soon the people began to gather about Him. Their numbers rapidly increased, so that He was pressed upon all sides. Meanwhile the disciples had come to land. In order to escape the pressure of the multitude, Jesus stepped into Peter's boat, and bade him pull out a little from the shore. Here Jesus could be better seen and heard by all, and from the boat He taught the multitude on the beach.

    What a scene was this for angels to contemplate; their glorious Commander, sitting in a fisherman's boat, swayed to and fro by the restless waves, and proclaiming the good news of salvation to the listening throng that were pressing down to the water's edge! He who was the Honored of heaven was declaring the great things of His kingdom in the open air, to the common people. Yet He could have had no more fitting scene for His labors. The lake, the mountains, the spreading fields, the sunlight flooding the earth, all furnished objects to illustrate His lessons and impress them upon the mind. And no lesson of Christ's fell fruitless. Every message from His lips came to some soul as the word of eternal life. Every moment added to the multitude upon the shore. Aged men leaning upon their staffs, hardy peasants from the hills, fishermen from their toil on the lake, merchants and rabbis, the rich and learned, old and young, bringing their sick and suffering ones, pressed to hear the words of the divine Teacher. To such scenes as this the prophets had looked forward, and they wrote:

    "The land of Zebulon and the land of Naphtali,
    Toward the sea, beyond Jordan,
    Galilee of the Gentiles,
    The people which sat in darkness
    Saw a great light,
    And to them which sat in the region and shadow of death,
    To them did light spring up." R. V.

    Beside the throng on the shores of Gennesaret, Jesus in His sermon by the sea had other audiences before His mind. Looking down the ages, He saw His faithful ones in prison and judgment hall, in temptation and loneliness and affliction. Every scene of joy and conflict and perplexity was open before Him. In the words spoken to those gathered about Him, He was speaking also to these other souls the very words that would come to them as a message of hope in trial, of comfort in sorrow, and heavenly light in darkness. Through the Holy Spirit, that voice which was speaking from the fisherman's boat on the Sea of Galilee, would be heard speaking peace to human hearts to the close of time.

    The discourse ended, Jesus turned to Peter, and bade him launch out into the sea, and let down his net for a draught. But Peter was disheartened. All night he had taken nothing. During the lonely hours he had thought of the fate of John the Baptist, who was languishing alone in his dungeon. He had thought of the prospect before Jesus and His followers, of the ill success of the mission to Judea, and the malice of the priests and rabbis. Even his own occupation had failed him; and as he watched by the empty nets, the future had seemed dark with discouragement. "Master," he said, "we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at Thy word I will let down the net."

    Night was the only favorable time for fishing with nets in the clear waters of the lake. After toiling all night without success, it seemed hopeless to cast the net by day; but Jesus had given the command, and love for their Master moved the disciples to obey. Simon and his brother together let down the net. As they attempted to draw it in, so great was the quantity of fish enclosed that it began to break. They were obliged to summon James and John to their aid. When the catch was secured, both the boats were so heavily laden that they were in danger of sinking.

    But Peter was unmindful now of boats or lading. This miracle, above any other he had ever witnessed, was to him a manifestation of divine power. In Jesus he saw One who held all nature under His control. The presence of divinity revealed his own unholiness. Love for his Master, shame for his own unbelief, gratitude for the condescension of Christ, above all, the sense of his uncleanness in the presence of infinite purity, overwhelmed him. While his companions were securing the contents of the net, Peter fell at the Saviour's feet, exclaiming, "Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord."

    It was the same presence of divine holiness that had caused the prophet Daniel to fall as one dead before the angel of God. He said, "My comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength." So when Isaiah beheld the glory of the Lord, he exclaimed, "Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts." Dan. 10:8; Isa. 6:5. Humanity, with its weakness and sin, was brought in contrast with the perfection of divinity, and he felt altogether deficient and unholy. Thus it has been with all who have been granted a view of God's greatness and majesty.

    Peter exclaimed, "Depart from me; for I am a sinful man;" yet he clung to the feet of Jesus, feeling that he could not be parted from Him. The Saviour answered, "Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men." It was after Isaiah has beheld the holiness of God and his own unworthiness that he was entrusted with the divine message. It was after Peter had been led to self-renunciation and dependence upon divine power that he received the call to his work for Christ.

    Until this time none of the disciples had fully united as colaborers with Jesus. They had witnessed many of His miracles, and had listened to His teaching; but they had not entirely forsaken their former employment.

    The imprisonment of John the Baptist had been to them all a bitter disappointment. If such were to be the outcome of John's mission, they could have little hope for their Master, with all the religious leaders combined against Him. Under the circumstances it was a relief to them to return for a short time to their fishing. But now Jesus called them to forsake their former life, and unite their interests with His. Peter had accepted the call. Upon reaching the shore, Jesus bade the three other disciples, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Immediately they left all, and followed Him. Before asking them to leave their nets and fishing boats, Jesus had given them the assurance that God would supply their needs. The use of Peter's boat for the work of the gospel had been richly repaid. He who is "rich unto all that call upon Him," has said, "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over." Rom. 10:12; Luke 6:38. In this measure He had rewarded the disciple's service. And every sacrifice that is made in His ministry will be recompensed according to "the exceeding riches of His grace." Eph. 3:20; 2:7.

    During that sad night on the lake, when they were separated from Christ, the disciples were pressed hard by unbelief, and weary with fruitless toil. But His presence kindled their faith, and brought them joy and success. So it is with us; apart from Christ, our work is fruitless, and it is easy to distrust and murmur. But when He is near, and we labor under His direction, we rejoice in the evidence of His power. It is Satan's work to discourage the soul; it is Christ's work to inspire with faith and hope.

    The deeper lesson which the miracle conveyed for the disciples is a lesson for us also,--that He whose word could gather the fishes from the sea could also impress human hearts, and draw them by the cords of His love, so that His servants might become "fishers of men."

    They were humble and unlearned men, those fishers of Galilee; but Christ, the light of the world, was abundantly able to qualify them for the position for which He had chosen them. The Saviour did not despise education; for when controlled by the love of God, and devoted to His service, intellectual culture is a blessing. But He passed by the wise men of His time, because they were so self-confident that they could not sympathize with suffering humanity, and become colaborers with the Man of Nazareth. In their bigotry they scorned to be taught by Christ. The Lord Jesus seeks the co-operation of those who will become unobstructed channels for the communication of His grace. The first thing to be learned by all who would become workers together with God is the lesson of self-distrust; then they are prepared to have imparted to them the character of Christ. This is not to be gained through education in the most scientific schools. It is the fruit of wisdom that is obtained from the divine Teacher alone.

    Jesus chose unlearned fishermen because they had not been schooled in the traditions and erroneous customs of their time. They were men of native ability, and they were humble and teachable,--men whom He could educate for His work. In the common walks of life there is many a man patiently treading the round of daily toil, unconscious that he possesses powers which, if called into action, would raise him to an equality with the world's most honored men. The touch of a skillful hand is needed to arouse those dormant faculties. It was such men that Jesus called to be His colaborers; and He gave them the advantage of association with Himself. Never had the world's great men such a teacher. When the disciples came forth from the Saviour's training, they were no longer ignorant and uncultured. They had become like Him in mind and character, and men took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus.

    It is not the highest work of education to communicate knowledge merely, but to impart that vitalizing energy which is received through the contact of mind with mind, and soul with soul. It is only life that can beget life. What privilege, then, was theirs who for three years were in daily contact with that divine life from which has flowed every life-giving impulse that has blessed the world! Above all his companions, John the beloved disciple yielded himself to the power of that wondrous life. He says, "The life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us." "Of His fullness have all we received, and grace for grace." 1 John 1:2; John 1:16.

    In the apostles of our Lord there was nothing to bring glory to themselves. It was evident that the success of their labors was due only to God. The lives of these men, the characters they developed, and the mighty work that God wrought through them, are a testimony to what He will do for all who are teachable and obedient.

    He who loves Christ the most will do the greatest amount of good. There is no limit to the usefulness of one who, by putting self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his heart, and lives a life wholly consecrated to God. If men will endure the necessary discipline, without complaining or fainting by the way, God will teach them hour by hour, and day by day. He longs to reveal His grace. If His people will remove the obstructions, He will pour forth the waters of salvation in abundant streams through the human channels. If men in humble life were encouraged to do all the good they could do, if restraining hands were not laid upon them to repress their zeal, there would be a hundred workers for Christ where now there is one. God takes men as they are, and educates them for His service, if they will yield themselves to Him.

    The Spirit of God, received into the soul, will quicken all its faculties. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the mind that is devoted unreservedly to God develops harmoniously, and is strengthened to comprehend and fulfill the requirements of God. The weak, vacillating character becomes changed to one of strength and steadfastness. Continual devotion establishes so close a relation between Jesus and His disciple that the Christian becomes like Him in mind and character. Through a connection with Christ he will have clearer and broader views. His discernment will be more penetrative, his judgment better balanced. He who longs to be of service to Christ is so quickened by the life-giving power of the Sun of Righteousness that he is enabled to bear much fruit to the glory of God.

    Men of the highest education in the arts and sciences have learned precious lessons from Christians in humble life who were designated by the world as unlearned. But these obscure disciples had obtained an education in the highest of all schools. They had sat at the feet of Him who spoke as "never man spake."

    Chapter 26

    At Capernaum Jesus dwelt in the intervals of His journeys to and fro, and it came to be known as "His own city." It was on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, and near the borders of the beautiful plain of Gennesaret, if not actually upon it.

    The deep depression of the lake gives to the plain that skirts its shores the genial climate of the south. Here in the days of Christ flourished the palm tree and the olive, here were orchards and vineyards, green fields, and brightly blooming flowers in rich luxuriance, all watered by living streams bursting from the cliffs. The shores of the lake, and the hills that at a little distance encircle it, were dotted with towns and villages. The lake was covered with fishing boats. Everywhere was the stir of busy, active life.

    Capernaum itself was well adapted to be the center of the Saviour's work. Being on the highway from Damascus to Jerusalem and Egypt, and to the Mediterranean Sea, it was a great thoroughfare of travel. People from many lands passed through the city, or tarried for rest in their journeyings to and fro. Here Jesus could meet all nations and all ranks, the rich and great as well as the poor and lowly, and His lessons would be carried to other countries and into many households.

    Investigation of the prophecies would thus be excited, attention would be directed to the Saviour, and His mission would be brought before the world. Notwithstanding the action of the Sanhedrin against Jesus, the people eagerly awaited the development of His mission. All heaven was astir with interest. Angels were preparing the way for His ministry, moving upon men's hearts, and drawing them to the Saviour.

    In Capernaum the nobleman's son whom Christ had healed was a witness to His power. And the court official and his household joyfully testified of their faith. When it was known that the Teacher Himself was among them, the whole city was aroused. Multitudes flocked to His presence. On the Sabbath the people crowded the synagogue until great numbers had to turn away, unable to find entrance.

    All who heard the Saviour "were astonished at His doctrine: for His word was with power." "He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes." Luke 4:32; Matt. 7:29. The teaching of the scribes and elders was cold and formal, like a lesson learned by rote. To them the word of God possessed no vital power. Their own ideas and traditions were substituted for its teaching. In the accustomed round of service they professed to explain the law, but no inspiration from God stirred their own hearts or the hearts of their hearers.

    Jesus had nothing to do with the various subjects of dissension among the Jews. It was His work to present the truth. His words shed a flood of light upon the teachings of patriarchs and prophets, and the Scriptures came to men as a new revelation. Never before had His hearers perceived such a depth of meaning in the word of God.

    Jesus met the people on their own ground, as one who was acquainted with their perplexities. He made truth beautiful by presenting it in the most direct and simple way. His language was pure, refined, and clear as a running stream. His voice was as music to those who had listened to the monotonous tones of the rabbis. But while His teaching was simple, He spoke as one having authority. This characteristic set His teaching in contrast with that of all others. The rabbis spoke with doubt and hesitancy, as if the Scriptures might be interpreted to mean one thing or exactly the opposite. The hearers were daily involved in greater uncertainty. But Jesus taught the Scriptures as of unquestionable authority. Whatever His subject, it was presented with power, as if His words could not be controverted.

    Yet He was earnest, rather than vehement. He spoke as one who had a definite purpose to fulfill. He was bringing to view the realities of the eternal world. In every theme God was revealed. Jesus sought to break the spell of infatuation which keeps men absorbed in earthly things. He placed the things of this life in their true relation, as subordinate to those of eternal interest; but He did not ignore their importance. He taught that heaven and earth are linked together, and that a knowledge of divine truth prepares men better to perform the duties of everyday life. He spoke as one familiar with heaven, conscious of His relationship to God, yet recognizing His unity with every member of the human family.

    His messages of mercy were varied to suit His audience. He knew "how to speak a word in season to him that is weary" (Isa. 50:4); for grace was poured upon His lips, that He might convey to men in the most attractive way the treasures of truth. He had tact to meet the prejudiced minds, and surprise them with illustrations that won their attention.Through the imagination He reached the heart. His illustrations were taken from the things of daily life, and although they were simple, they had in them a wonderful depth of meaning. The birds of the air, the lilies of the field, the seed, the shepherd and the sheep,--with these objects Christ illustrated immortal truth; and ever afterward, when His hearers chanced to see these things of nature, they recalled His words. Christ's illustrations constantly repeated His lessons.

    Christ never flattered men. He never spoke that which would exalt their fancies and imaginations, nor did He praise them for their clever inventions; but deep, unprejudiced thinkers received His teaching, and found that it tested their wisdom. They marveled at the spiritual truth expressed in the simplest language. The most highly educated were charmed with His words, and the uneducated were always profited. He had a message for the illiterate; and He made even the heathen to understand that He had a message for them.

    His tender compassion fell with a touch of healing upon weary and troubled hearts. Even amid the turbulence of angry enemies He was surrounded with an atmosphere of peace. The beauty of His countenance, the loveliness of His character, above all, the love expressed in look and tone, drew to Him all who were not hardened in unbelief. Had it not been for the sweet, sympathetic spirit that shone out in every look and word, He would not have attracted the large congregations that He did. The afflicted ones who came to Him felt that He linked His interest with theirs as a faithful and tender friend, and they desired to know more of the truths He taught. Heaven was brought near. They longed to abide in His presence, that the comfort of His love might be with them continually.

    Jesus watched with deep earnestness the changing countenances of His hearers. The faces that expressed interest and pleasure gave Him great satisfaction. As the arrows of truth pierced to the soul, breaking through the barriers of selfishness, and working contrition, and finally gratitude, the Saviour was made glad. When His eye swept over the throng of listeners, and He recognized among them the faces He had before seen, His countenance lighted up with joy. He saw in them hopeful subjects for His kingdom. When the truth, plainly spoken, touched some cherished idol, He marked the change of countenance, the cold, forbidding look, which told that the light was unwelcome. When He saw men refuse the message of peace, His heart was pierced to the very depths.

    Jesus in the synagogue spoke of the kingdom He had come to establish, and of His mission to set free the captives of Satan. He was interrupted by a shriek of terror. A madman rushed forward from among the people, crying out, "Let us alone; what have we to do with Thee, Thou Jesus of Nazareth? art Thou come to destroy us? I know Thee who Thou art; the Holy One of God."

    All was now confusion and alarm. The attention of the people was diverted from Christ, and His words were unheeded. This was Satan's purpose in leading his victim to the synagogue. But Jesus rebuked the demon, saying, "Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not."

    The mind of this wretched sufferer had been darkened by Satan, but in the Saviour's presence a ray of light had pierced the gloom. He was roused to long for freedom from Satan's control; but the demon resisted the power of Christ. When the man tried to appeal to Jesus for help, the evil spirit put words into his mouth, and he cried out in an agony of fear. The demoniac partially comprehended that he was in the presence of One who could set him free; but when he tried to come within reach of that mighty hand, another's will held him, another's words found utterance through him. The conflict between the power of Satan and his own desire for freedom was terrible.

    He who had conquered Satan in the wilderness of temptation was again brought face to face with His enemy. The demon exerted all his power to retain control of his victim. To lose ground here would be to give Jesus a victory. It seemed that the tortured man must lose his life in the struggle with the foe that had been the ruin of his manhood. But the Saviour spoke with authority, and set the captive free. The man who had been possessed stood before the wondering people happy in the freedom of self-possession. Even the demon had testified to the divine power of the Saviour.

    The man praised God for his deliverance. The eye that had so lately glared with the fire of insanity, now beamed with intelligence, and overflowed with grateful tears. The people were dumb with amazement. As soon as they recovered speech they exclaimed, one to another, "What is this? a new teaching! with authority He commandeth even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him." Mark 1:27, R. V.

    The secret cause of the affliction that had made this man a fearful spectacle to his friends and a burden to himself was in his own life. He had been fascinated by the pleasures of sin, and had thought to make life a grand carnival. He did not dream of becoming a terror to the world and the reproach of his family. He thought his time could be spent in innocent folly. But once in the downward path, his feet rapidly descended. Intemperance and frivolity perverted the noble attributes of his nature, and Satan took absolute control of him.

    Remorse came too late. When he would have sacrificed wealth and pleasure to regain his lost manhood, he had become helpless in the grasp of the evil one. He had placed himself on the enemy's ground, and Satan had taken possession of all his faculties. The tempter had allured him with many charming presentations; but when once the wretched man was in his power, the fiend became relentless in his cruelty, and terrible in his angry visitations. So it will be with all who yield to evil; the fascinating pleasure of their early career ends in the darkness of despair or the madness of a ruined soul.

    The same evil spirit that tempted Christ in the wilderness, and that possessed the maniac of Capernaum, controlled the unbelieving Jews. But with them he assumed an air of piety, seeking to deceive them as to their motives in rejecting the Saviour. Their condition was more hopeless than that of the demoniac, for they felt no need of Christ and were therefore held fast under the power of Satan.

    The period of Christ's personal ministry among men was the time of greatest activity for the forces of the kingdom of darkness. For ages Satan with his evil angels had been seeking to control the bodies and the souls of men, to bring upon them sin and suffering; then he had charged all this misery upon God. Jesus was revealing to men the character of God. He was breaking Satan's power, and setting his captives free. New life and love and power from heaven were moving upon the hearts of men, and the prince of evil was aroused to contend for the supremacy of his kingdom. Satan summoned all his forces, and at every step contested the work of Christ.

    So it will be in the great final conflict of the controversy between righteousness and sin. While new life and light and power are descending from on high upon the disciples of Christ, a new life is springing up from beneath, and energizing the agencies of Satan. Intensity is taking possession of every earthly element. With a subtlety gained through centuries of conflict, the prince of evil works under a disguise. He appears clothed as an angel of light, and multitudes are "giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils." 1 Tim. 4:1.

    In the days of Christ the leaders and teachers of Israel were powerless to resist the work of Satan. They were neglecting the only means by which they could have withstood evil spirits. It was by the word of God that Christ overcame the wicked one. The leaders of Israel professed to be the expositors of God's word, but they had studied it only to sustain their traditions, and enforce their man-made observances. By their interpretation they made it express sentiments that God had never given. Their mystical construction made indistinct that which He had made plain. They disputed over insignificant technicalities, and practically denied the most essential truths. Thus infidelity was sown broadcast. God's word was robbed of its power, and evil spirits worked their will.

    History is repeating. With the open Bible before them, and professing to reverence its teachings, many of the religious leaders of our time are destroying faith in it as the word of God. They busy themselves with dissecting the word, and set their own opinions above its plainest statements. In their hands God's word loses its regenerating power. This is why infidelity runs riot, and iniquity is rife.

    When Satan has undermined faith in the Bible, he directs men to other sources for light and power. Thus he insinuates himself. Those who turn from the plain teaching of Scripture and the convicting power of God's Holy Spirit are inviting the control of demons. Criticism and speculation concerning the Scriptures have opened the way for spiritism and theosophy--those modernized forms of ancient heathenism--to gain a foothold even in the professed churches of our Lord Jesus Christ.

    Side by side with the preaching of the gospel, agencies are at work which are but the medium of lying spirits. Many a man tampers with these merely from curiosity, but seeing evidence of the working of a more than human power, he is lured on and on, until he is controlled by a will stronger than his own. He cannot escape from its mysterious power.

    The defenses of the soul are broken down. He has no barrier against sin. When once the restraints of God's word and His Spirit are rejected, no man knows to what depths of degradation he may sink. Secret sin or master passion may hold him a captive as helpless as was the demoniac of Capernaum. Yet his condition is not hopeless.

    The means by which we can overcome the wicked one is that by which Christ overcame,--the power of the word. God does not control our minds without our consent; but if we desire to know and to do His will, His promises are ours: "Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." "If any man willeth to do His will, he shall know of the teaching." John 8:32; 7:17, R. V. Through faith in these promises, every man may be delivered from the snares of error and the control of sin.

    Every man is free to choose what power he will have to rule over him. None have fallen so low, none are so vile, but that they can find deliverance in Christ. The demoniac, in place of prayer, could utter only the words of Satan; yet the heart's unspoken appeal was heard. No cry from a soul in need, though it fail of utterance in words, will be unheeded. Those who will consent to enter into covenant relation with the God of heaven are not left to the power of Satan or to the infirmity of their own nature. They are invited by the Saviour, "Let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me." Isa. 27:5.

    The spirits of darkness will battle for the soul once under their dominion, but angels of God will contend for that soul with prevailing power. The Lord says, "Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? . . . Thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children." Isa. 49:24, 25. While the congregation in the synagogue were still spellbound with awe, Jesus withdrew to the home of Peter for a little rest. But here also a shadow had fallen. The mother of Peter's wife lay sick, stricken with a "great fever." Jesus rebuked the disease, and the sufferer arose, and ministered to the wants of the Master and His disciples.

    Tidings of the work of Christ spread rapidly throughout Capernaum. For fear of the rabbis, the people dared not come for healing upon the Sabbath; but no sooner had the sun disappeared below the horizon than there was a great commotion. From the homes, the shops, the market places, the inhabitants of the city pressed toward the humble dwelling that sheltered Jesus. The sick were brought upon couches, they came leaning upon staffs, or, supported by friends, they tottered feebly into the Saviour's presence.

    Hour after hour they came and went; for none could know whether tomorrow would find the Healer still among them. Never before had Capernaum witnessed a day like this. The air was filled with the voice of triumph and shouts of deliverance. The Saviour was joyful in the joy He had awakened. As He witnessed the sufferings of those who had come to Him, His heart was stirred with sympathy, and He rejoiced in His power to restore them to health and happiness.

    Not until the last sufferer had been relieved did Jesus cease His work. It was far into the night when the multitude departed, and silence settled down upon the home of Simon. The long, exciting day was past, and Jesus sought rest. But while the city was still wrapped in slumber, the Saviour, "rising up a great while before day, . . . went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed."

    Thus were spent the days in the earthly life of Jesus. He often dismissed His disciples to visit their homes and rest; but He gently resisted their efforts to draw Him away from His labors. All day He toiled, teaching the ignorant, healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, feeding the multitude; and at the eventide or in the early morning, He went away to the sanctuary of the mountains for communion with His Father. Often He passed the entire night in prayer and meditation, returning at daybreak to His work among the people. Early in the morning, Peter and his companions came to Jesus, saying that already the people of Capernaum were seeking Him. The disciples had been bitterly disappointed at the reception which Christ had met hitherto. The authorities at Jerusalem were seeking to murder Him; even His own townsmen had tried to take His life; but at Capernaum He was welcomed with joyful enthusiasm, and the hopes of the disciples kindled anew. It might be that among the liberty-loving Galileans were to be found the supporters of the new kingdom. But with surprise they heard Christ's words, "I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent."

    In the excitement which then pervaded Capernaum, there was danger that the object of His mission would be lost sight of. Jesus was not satisfied to attract attention to Himself merely as a wonder worker or a healer of physical diseases. He was seeking to draw men to Him as their Saviour. While the people were eager to believe that He had come as a king, to establish an earthly reign, He desired to turn their minds away from the earthly to the spiritual. Mere worldly success would interfere with His work.

    And the wonder of the careless crowd jarred upon His spirit. In His life no self-assertion mingled. The homage which the world gives to position, or wealth, or talent, was foreign to the Son of man. None of the means that men employ to win allegiance or command homage did Jesus use. Centuries before His birth, it had been prophesied of Him,

    "He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause His voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall He not break, and the dimly burning flax shall He not quench: He shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till He have set judgment in the earth." Isa. 42:2-4, margin.

    The Pharisees sought distinction by their scrupulous ceremonialism, and the ostentation of their worship and charities. They proved their zeal for religion by making it the theme of discussion. Disputes between opposing sects were loud and long, and it was not unusual to hear on the streets the voice of angry controversy from learned doctors of the law.

    In marked contrast to all this was the life of Jesus. In that life no noisy disputation, no ostentatious worship, no act to gain applause, was ever witnessed. Christ was hid in God, and God was revealed in the character of His Son. To this revelation Jesus desired the minds of the people to be directed, and their homage to be given.

    The Sun of Righteousness did not burst upon the world in splendor, to dazzle the senses with His glory. It is written of Christ, "His going forth is prepared as the morning." Hosea 6:3. Quietly and gently the daylight breaks upon the earth, dispelling the shadow of darkness, and waking the world to life. So did the Sun of Righteousness arise, "with healing in His wings." Mal. 4:2.

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Jesus-christ-0207
    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


    Posts : 13426
    Join date : 2010-09-28
    Location : The Matrix

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (10)

    Post  orthodoxymoron Sat Dec 12, 2020 4:20 am

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Jesus-christ-0207

    Chapter 27
    "Thou Canst Make Me Clean"

    Of all diseases known in the East the leprosy was most dreaded. Its incurable and contagious character, and its horrible effect upon its victims, filled the bravest with fear. Among the Jews it was regarded as a judgment on account of sin, and hence was called "the stroke," "the finger of God." Deep-rooted, ineradicable, deadly, it was looked upon as a symbol of sin. By the ritual law, the leper was pronounced unclean. Like one already dead, he was shut out from the habitations of men. Whatever he touched was unclean. The air was polluted by his breath. One who was suspected of having the disease must present himself to the priests, who were to examine and decide his case. If pronounced a leper, he was isolated from his family, cut off from the congregation of Israel, and was doomed to associate with those only who were similarly afflicted. The law was inflexible in its requirement. Even kings and rulers were not exempt. A monarch who was attacked by this terrible disease must yield up the scepter, and flee from society.

    Away from his friends and his kindred, the leper must bear the curse of his malady. He was obliged to publish his own calamity, to rend his garments, and sound the alarm, warning all to flee from his contaminating presence. The cry, "Unclean! unclean!" coming in mournful tones from the lonely exile, was a signal heard with fear and abhorrence.

    In the region of Christ's ministry, there were many of these sufferers, and the news of His work reached them, kindling a gleam of hope. But since the days of Elisha the prophet, such a thing had never been known as the cleansing of one upon whom this disease had fastened. They dared not expect Jesus to do for them what He had never done for any man. There was one, however, in whose heart faith began to spring up. Yet the man knew not how to reach Jesus. Debarred as he was from contact with his fellow men, how could he present himself to the Healer? And he questioned if Christ would heal him . Would He stoop to notice one believed to be suffering under the judgment of God? Would He not, like the Pharisees, and even the physicians, pronounce a curse upon him, and warn him to flee from the haunts of men? He thought of all that had been told him of Jesus.

    Not one who had sought His help had been turned away. The wretched man determined to find the Saviour. Though shut out from the cities, it might be that he could cross His path in some byway along the mountain roads, or find Him as He was teaching outside the towns. The difficulties were great, but this was his only hope. The leper is guided to the Saviour. Jesus is teaching beside the lake, and the people are gathered about Him. Standing afar off, the leper catches a few words from the Saviour's lips. He sees Him laying His hands upon the sick. He sees the lame, the blind, the paralytic, and those dying of various maladies rise up in health, praising God for their deliverance. Faith strengthens in his heart. He draws nearer and yet nearer to the gathered throng. The restrictions laid upon him, the safety of the people, and the fear with which all men regard him are forgotten. He thinks only of the blessed hope of healing.

    He is a loathsome spectacle. The disease has made frightful inroads, and his decaying body is horrible to look upon. At sight of him the people fall back in terror. They crowd upon one another in their eagerness to escape from contact with him. Some try to prevent him from approaching Jesus, but in vain. He neither sees nor hears them. Their expressions of loathing are lost upon him. He sees only the Son of God. He hears only the voice that speaks life to the dying. Pressing to Jesus, he casts himself at His feet with the cry, "Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean."

    Jesus replied, "I will; be thou made clean," and laid His hand upon him. Matt. 8:3, R. V.

    Immediately a change passed over the leper. His flesh became healthy, the nerves sensitive, the muscles firm. The rough, scaly surface peculiar to leprosy disappeared, and a soft glow, like that upon the skin of a healthy child, took its place. Jesus charged the man not to make known the work that had been wrought, but straightway to present himself with an offering at the temple. Such an offering could not be accepted until the priests had made examination and pronounced the man wholly free from the disease. However unwilling they might be to perform this service, they could not evade an examination and decision of the case.

    The words of Scripture show with what urgency Christ enjoined upon the man the necessity of silence and prompt action. "He straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away; and saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, show thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them." Had the priests known the facts concerning the healing of the leper, their hatred of Christ might have led them to render a dishonest sentence. Jesus desired the man to present himself at the temple before any rumors concerning the miracle had reached them. Thus an impartial decision could be secured, and the restored leper would be permitted to unite once more with his family and friends.

    There were other objects which Christ had in view in enjoining silence on the man. The Saviour knew that His enemies were ever seeking to limit His work, and to turn the people from Him. He knew that if the healing of the leper were noised abroad, other sufferers from this terrible disease would crowd about Him, and the cry would be raised that the people would be contaminated by contact with them. Many of the lepers would not so use the gift of health as to make it a blessing to themselves or to others. And by drawing the lepers about Him, He would give occasion for the charge that He was breaking down the restrictions of the ritual law. Thus His work in preaching the gospel would be hindered.

    The event justified Christ's warning. A multitude of people had witnessed the healing of the leper, and they were eager to learn of the priests' decision. When the man returned to his friends, there was great excitement. Notwithstanding the caution of Jesus, the man made no further effort to conceal the fact of his cure. It would indeed have been impossible to conceal it, but the leper published the matter abroad. Conceiving that it was only the modesty of Jesus which laid this restriction upon him, he went about proclaiming the power of this Great Healer. He did not understand that every such manifestation made the priests and elders more determined to destroy Jesus. The restored man felt that the boon of health was very precious.

    He rejoiced in the vigor of manhood, and in his restoration to his family and society, and felt it impossible to refrain from giving glory to the Physician who had made him whole. But his act in blazing abroad the matter resulted in hindering the Saviour's work. It caused the people to flock to Him in such multitudes that He was forced for a time to cease His labors. Every act of Christ's ministry was far-reaching in its purpose. It comprehended more than appeared in the act itself. So in the case of the leper. While Jesus ministered to all who came unto Him, He yearned to bless those who came not. While He drew the publicans, the heathen, and the Samaritans, He longed to reach the priests and teachers who were shut in by prejudice and tradition. He left untried no means by which they might be reached. In sending the healed leper to the priests, He gave them a testimony calculated to disarm their prejudices.

    The Pharisees had asserted that Christ's teaching was opposed to the law which God had given through Moses; but His direction to the cleansed leper to present an offering according to the law disproved this charge. It was sufficient testimony for all who were willing to be convinced.

    The leaders at Jerusalem had sent out spies to find some pretext for putting Christ to death. He responded by giving them an evidence of His love for humanity, His respect for the law, and His power to deliver from sin and death. Thus He bore witness of them: "They have rewarded Me evil for good, and hatred for My love." Ps. 109:5. He who on the mount gave the precept, "Love your enemies," Himself exemplified the principle, not rendering "evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing." Matt. 5:44; 1 Peter 3:9.

    The same priests who condemned the leper to banishment certified his cure. This sentence, publicly pronounced and registered, was a standing testimony for Christ. And as the healed man was reinstated in the congregation of Israel, upon the priests' own assurance that there was not a taint of the disease upon him, he himself was a living witness for his Benefactor. Joyfully he presented his offering, and magnified the name of Jesus. The priests were convinced of the divine power of the Saviour. Opportunity was granted them to know the truth and to be profited by the light. Rejected, it would pass away, never to return. By many the light was rejected; yet it was not given in vain. Many hearts were moved that for a time made no sign. During the Saviour's life, His mission seemed to call forth little response of love from the priests and teachers; but after His ascension "a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith." Acts 6:7.

    The work of Christ in cleansing the leper from his terrible disease is an illustration of His work in cleansing the soul from sin. The man who came to Jesus was "full of leprosy." Its deadly poison permeated his whole body. The disciples sought to prevent their Master from touching him; for he who touched a leper became himself unclean. But in laying His hand upon the leper, Jesus received no defilement. His touch imparted life-giving power. The leprosy was cleansed. Thus it is with the leprosy of sin,--deep-rooted, deadly, and impossible to be cleansed by human power. "The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores." Isa. 1:5, 6. But Jesus, coming to dwell in humanity, receives no pollution. His presence has healing virtue for the sinner. Whoever will fall at His feet, saying in faith, "Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean," shall hear the answer, "I will; be thou made clean." Matt. 8:2, 3, R. V.

    In some instances of healing, Jesus did not at once grant the blessing sought. But in the case of leprosy, no sooner was the appeal made than it was granted. When we pray for earthly blessings, the answer to our prayer may be delayed, or God may give us something other than we ask, but not so when we ask for deliverance from sin. It is His will to cleanse us from sin, to make us His children, and to enable us to live a holy life. Christ "gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father." Gal. 1:4. And "this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us: and if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him." 1 John 5:14, 15. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9.

    In the healing of the paralytic at Capernaum, Christ again taught the same truth. It was to manifest His power to forgive sins that the miracle was performed. And the healing of the paralytic also illustrates other precious truths. It is full of hope and encouragement, and from its connection with the caviling Pharisees it has a lesson of warning as well.

    Like the leper, this paralytic had lost all hope of recovery. His disease was the result of a life of sin, and his sufferings were embittered by remorse. He had long before appealed to the Pharisees and doctors, hoping for relief from mental suffering and physical pain. But they coldly pronounced him incurable, and abandoned him to the wrath of God. The Pharisees regarded affliction as an evidence of divine displeasure, and they held themselves aloof from the sick and the needy. Yet often these very ones who exalted themselves as holy were more guilty than the sufferers they condemned.

    The palsied man was entirely helpless, and, seeing no prospect of aid from any quarter, he had sunk into despair. Then he heard of the wonderful works of Jesus. He was told that others as sinful and helpless as he had been healed; even lepers had been cleansed. And the friends who reported these things encouraged him to believe that he too might be cured if he could be carried to Jesus. But his hope fell when he remembered how the disease had been brought upon him. He feared that the pure Physician would not tolerate him in His presence.

    Yet it was not physical restoration he desired so much as relief from the burden of sin. If he could see Jesus, and receive the assurance of forgiveness and peace with Heaven, he would be content to live or die, according to God's will. The cry of the dying man was, Oh that I might come into His presence! There was no time to lose; already his wasted flesh was showing signs of decay. He besought his friends to carry him on his bed to Jesus, and this they gladly undertook to do. But so dense was the crowd that had assembled in and about the house where the Saviour was, that it was impossible for the sick man and his friends to reach Him, or even to come within hearing of His voice.

    Jesus was teaching in the house of Peter. According to their custom, His disciples sat close about Him, and "there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judea, and Jerusalem." These had come as spies, seeking an accusation against Jesus. Outside of these officials thronged the promiscuous multitude, the eager, the reverent, the curious, and the unbelieving. Different nationalities and all grades of society were represented. "And the power of the Lord was present to heal." The Spirit of life brooded over the assembly, but Pharisees and doctors did not discern its presence. They felt no sense of need, and the healing was not for them. "He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich He hath sent empty away." Luke 1:53.

    Again and again the bearers of the paralytic tried to push their way through the crowd, but in vain. The sick man looked about him in unutterable anguish. When the longed-for help was so near, how could he relinquish hope? At his suggestion his friends bore him to the top of the house and, breaking up the roof, let him down at the feet of Jesus. The discourse was interrupted. The Saviour looked upon the mournful countenance, and saw the pleading eyes fixed upon Him. He understood the case; He had drawn to Himself that perplexed and doubting spirit. While the paralytic was yet at home, the Saviour had brought conviction to his conscience. When he repented of his sins, and believed in the power of Jesus to make him whole, the life-giving mercies of the Saviour had first blessed his longing heart. Jesus had watched the first glimmer of faith grow into a belief that He was the sinner's only helper, and had seen it grow stronger with every effort to come into His presence.

    Now, in words that fell like music on the sufferer's ear, the Saviour said, "Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee."

    The burden of despair rolls from the sick man's soul; the peace of forgiveness rests upon his spirit, and shines out upon his countenance. His physical pain is gone, and his whole being is transformed. The helpless paralytic is healed! the guilty sinner is pardoned!

    In simple faith he accepted the words of Jesus as the boon of new life. He urged no further request, but lay in blissful silence, too happy for words. The light of heaven irradiated his countenance, and the people looked with awe upon the scene.

    The rabbis had waited anxiously to see what disposition Christ would make of this case. They recollected how the man had appealed to them for help, and they had refused him hope or sympathy. Not satisfied with this, they had declared that he was suffering the curse of God for his sins. These things came fresh to their minds when they saw the sick man before them. They marked the interest with which all were watching the scene, and they felt a terrible fear of losing their own influence over the people.

    These dignitaries did not exchange words together, but looking into one another's faces they read the same thought in each, that something must be done to arrest the tide of feeling. Jesus had declared that the sins of the paralytic were forgiven. The Pharisees caught at these words as blasphemy, and conceived that they could present this as a sin worthy of death. They said in their hearts, "He blasphemeth: who can forgive sins but One, even God?" Mark 2:7, R. V.

    Fixing His glance upon them, beneath which they cowered, and drew back, Jesus said, "Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins," He said, turning to the paralytic, "Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house."

    Then he who had been borne on a litter to Jesus rises to his feet with the elasticity and strength of youth. The life-giving blood bounds through his veins. Every organ of his body springs into sudden activity. The glow of health succeeds the pallor of approaching death. "And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion."

    Oh, wondrous love of Christ, stooping to heal the guilty and the afflicted! Divinity sorrowing over and soothing the ills of suffering humanity! Oh, marvelous power thus displayed to the children of men! Who can doubt the message of salvation? Who can slight the mercies of a compassionate Redeemer?

    It required nothing less than creative power to restore health to that decaying body. The same voice that spoke life to man created from the dust of the earth had spoken life to the dying paralytic. And the same power that gave life to the body had renewed the heart. He who at the creation "spake, and it was," who "commanded, and it stood fast," (Ps. 33:9), had spoken life to the soul dead in trespasses and sins. The healing of the body was an evidence of the power that had renewed the heart. Christ bade the paralytic arise and walk, "that ye may know," He said, "that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins." The paralytic found in Christ healing for both the soul and the body. The spiritual healing was followed by physical restoration. This lesson should not be overlooked. There are today thousands suffering from physical disease, who, like the paralytic, are longing for the message, "Thy sins are forgiven." The burden of sin, with its unrest and unsatisfied desires, is the foundation of their maladies. They can find no relief until they come to the Healer of the soul. The peace which He alone can give, would impart vigor to the mind, and health to the body.

    Jesus came to "destroy the works of the devil." "In Him was life," and He says, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." He is "a quickening spirit." 1 John 3:8; John 1:4; 10:10; 1 Cor. 15:45. And He still has the same life-giving power as when on earth He healed the sick, and spoke forgiveness to the sinner. He "forgiveth all thine iniquities," He "healeth all thy diseases." Ps. 103:3.

    The effect produced upon the people by the healing of the paralytic was as if heaven had opened, and revealed the glories of the better world. As the man who had been cured passed through the multitude, blessing God at every step, and bearing his burden as if it were a feather's weight, the people fell back to give him room, and with awe-stricken faces gazed upon him, whispering softly among themselves, "We have seen strange things today."

    The Pharisees were dumb with amazement and overwhelmed with defeat. They saw that here was no opportunity for their jealousy to inflame the multitude. The wonderful work wrought upon the man whom they had given over to the wrath of God had so impressed the people that the rabbis were for the time forgotten. They saw that Christ possessed a power which they had ascribed to God alone; yet the gentle dignity of His manner was in marked contrast to their own haughty bearing. They were disconcerted and abashed, recognizing, but not confessing, the presence of a superior being. The stronger the evidence that Jesus had power on earth to forgive sins, the more firmly they entrenched themselves in unbelief. From the home of Peter, where they had seen the paralytic restored by His word, they went away to invent new schemes for silencing the Son of God. Physical disease, however malignant and deep-seated, was healed by the power of Christ; but the disease of the soul took a firmer hold upon those who closed their eyes against the light. Leprosy and palsy were not so terrible as bigotry and unbelief.

    In the home of the healed paralytic there was great rejoicing when he returned to his family, carrying with ease the couch upon which he had been slowly borne from their presence but a short time before. They gathered round with tears of joy, scarcely daring to believe their eyes. He stood before them in the full vigor of manhood. Those arms that they had seen lifeless were quick to obey his will. The flesh that had been shrunken and leaden-hued was now fresh and ruddy. He walked with a firm, free step. Joy and hope were written in every lineament of his countenance; and an expression of purity and peace had taken the place of the marks of sin and suffering. Glad thanksgiving went up from that home, and God was glorified through His Son, who had restored hope to the hopeless, and strength to the stricken one. This man and his family were ready to lay down their lives for Jesus. No doubt dimmed their faith, no unbelief marred their fealty to Him who had brought light into their darkened home.

    Chapter 28

    Of the Roman officials in Palestine, none were more hated than the publicans. The fact that the taxes were imposed by a foreign power was a continual irritation to the Jews, being a reminder that their independence had departed. And the taxgatherers were not merely the instruments of Roman oppression; they were extortioners on their own account, enriching themselves at the expense of the people. A Jew who accepted this office at the hands of the Romans was looked upon as betraying the honor of his nation. He was despised as an apostate, and was classed with the vilest of society.

    To this class belonged Levi-Matthew, who, after the four disciples at Gennesaret, was the next to be called to Christ's service. The Pharisees had judged Matthew according to his employment, but Jesus saw in this man a heart open for the reception of truth. Matthew had listened to the Saviour's teaching. As the convicting Spirit of God revealed his sinfulness, he longed to seek help from Christ; but he was accustomed to the exclusiveness of the rabbis, and had no thought that this Great Teacher would notice him. Sitting at his toll booth one day, the publican saw Jesus approaching. Great was his astonishment to hear the words addressed to himself, "Follow Me." Matthew "left all, rose up, and followed Him." There was no hesitation, no questioning, no thought of the lucrative business to be exchanged for poverty and hardship. It was enough for him that he was to be with Jesus, that he might listen to His words, and unite with Him in His work.

    So it was with the disciples previously called. When Jesus bade Peter and his companions follow Him, immediately they left their boats and nets. Some of these disciples had friends dependent on them for support; but when they received the Saviour's invitation, they did not hesitate, and inquire, How shall I live, and sustain my family? They were obedient to the call; and when afterward Jesus asked them, "When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye anything?" they could answer, "Nothing." Luke 22:35.

    To Matthew in his wealth, and to Andrew and Peter in their poverty, the same test was brought; the same consecration was made by each. At the moment of success, when the nets were filled with fish, and the impulses of the old life were strongest, Jesus asked the disciples at the sea to leave all for the work of the gospel. So every soul is tested as to whether the desire for temporal good or for fellowship with Christ is strongest.

    Principle is always exacting. No man can succeed in the service of God unless his whole heart is in the work and he counts all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ. No man who makes any reserve can be the disciple of Christ, much less can he be His colaborer. When men appreciate the great salvation, the self-sacrifice seen in Christ's life will be seen in theirs. Wherever He leads the way, they will rejoice to follow.

    The calling of Matthew to be one of Christ's disciples excited great indignation. For a religious teacher to choose a publican as one of his immediate attendants was an offense against the religious, social, and national customs. By appealing to the prejudices of the people the Pharisees hoped to turn the current of popular feeling against Jesus.

    Among the publicans a widespread interest was created. Their hearts were drawn toward the divine Teacher. In the joy of his new discipleship, Matthew longed to bring his former associates to Jesus. Accordingly he made a feast at his own house, and called together his relatives and friends. Not only were publicans included, but many others who were of doubtful reputation, and were proscribed by their more scrupulous neighbors. The entertainment was given in honor of Jesus, and He did not hesitate to accept the courtesy. He well knew that this would give offense to the Pharisaic party, and would also compromise Him in the eyes of the people. But no question of policy could influence His movements. With Him external distinctions weighed nothing. That which appealed to His heart was a soul thirsting for the water of life.

    Jesus sat as an honored guest at the table of the publicans, by His sympathy and social kindliness showing that He recognized the dignity of humanity; and men longed to become worthy of His confidence. Upon their thirsty hearts His words fell with blessed, life-giving power. New impulses were awakened, and the possibility of a new life opened to these outcasts of society.

    At such gatherings as this, not a few were impressed by the Saviour's teaching who did not acknowledge Him until after His ascension. When the Holy Spirit was poured out, and three thousand were converted in a day, there were among them many who first heard the truth at the table of the publicans, and some of these became messengers of the gospel. To Matthew himself the example of Jesus at the feast was a constant lesson. The despised publican became one of the most devoted evangelists, in his own ministry following closely in his Master's steps. When the rabbis learned of the presence of Jesus at Matthew's feast, they seized the opportunity of accusing Him. But they chose to work through the disciples. By arousing their prejudices they hoped to alienate them from their Master. It was their policy to accuse Christ to the disciples, and the disciples to Christ, aiming their arrows where they would be most likely to wound. This is the way in which Satan has worked ever since the disaffection in heaven; and all who try to cause discord and alienation are actuated by his spirit.

    "Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?" questioned the envious rabbis.

    Jesus did not wait for His disciples to answer the charge, but Himself replied: "They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." The Pharisees claimed to be spiritually whole, and therefore in no need of a physician, while they regarded the publicans and Gentiles as perishing from diseases of the soul. Then was it not His work, as a physician, to go to the very class that needed His help?

    But although the Pharisees thought so highly of themselves, they were really in a worse condition than the ones they despised. The publicans were less bigoted and self-sufficient, and thus were more open to the influence of truth. Jesus said to the rabbis, "Go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice." Thus He showed that while they claimed to expound the word of God, they were wholly ignorant of its spirit.

    The Pharisees were silenced for the time, but only became more determined in their enmity. They next sought out the disciples of John the Baptist, and tried to set them against the Saviour. These Pharisees had not accepted the mission of the Baptist. They had pointed in scorn to his abstemious life, his simple habits, his coarse garments, and had declared him a fanatic. Because he denounced their hypocrisy, they had resisted his words, and had tried to stir up the people against him. The Spirit of God had moved upon the hearts of these scorners, convicting them of sin; but they had rejected the counsel of God, and had declared that John was possessed of a devil. Now when Jesus came mingling with the people, eating and drinking at their tables, they accused Him of being a glutton and a winebibber. The very ones who made this charge were themselves guilty. As God is misrepresented, and clothed by Satan with his own attributes, so the Lord's messengers were falsified by these wicked men.

    The Pharisees would not consider that Jesus was eating with publicans and sinners in order to bring the light of heaven to those who sat in darkness. They would not see that every word dropped by the divine Teacher was a living seed that would germinate and bear fruit to the glory of God. They had determined not to accept the light; and although they had opposed the mission of the Baptist, they were now ready to court the friendship of his disciples, hoping to secure their co-operation against Jesus. They represented that Jesus was setting at nought the ancient traditions; and they contrasted the austere piety of the Baptist with the course of Jesus in feasting with publicans and sinners.

    The disciples of John were at this time in great sorrow. It was before their visit to Jesus with John's message. Their beloved teacher was in prison, and they passed their days in mourning. And Jesus was making no effort to release John, and even appeared to cast discredit on his teaching. If John had been sent by God, why did Jesus and His disciples pursue a course so widely different?

    The disciples of John had not a clear understanding of Christ's work; they thought there might be some foundation for the charges of the Pharisees. They observed many of the rules prescribed by the rabbis, and even hoped to be justified by the works of the law. Fasting was practiced by the Jews as an act of merit, and the most rigid among them fasted two days in every week. The Pharisees and John's disciples were fasting when the latter came to Jesus with the inquiry, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but Thy disciples fast not?"

    Very tenderly Jesus answered them. He did not try to correct their erroneous conception of fasting, but only to set them right in regard to His own mission. And He did this by employing the same figure that the Baptist himself had used in his testimony to Jesus. John had said, "He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled." John 3:29. The disciples of John could not fail to recall these words of their teacher, as, taking up the illustration, Jesus said, "Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?" The Prince of heaven was among His people. The greatest gift of God had been given to the world. Joy to the poor; for Christ had come to make them heirs of His kingdom. Joy to the rich; for He would teach them how to secure eternal riches. Joy to the ignorant; He would make them wise unto salvation. Joy to the learned; He would open to them deeper mysteries than they had ever fathomed; truths that had been hidden from the foundation of the world would be opened to men by the Saviour's mission.

    John the Baptist had rejoiced to behold the Saviour. What occasion for rejoicing had the disciples who were privileged to walk and talk with the Majesty of heaven! This was not a time for them to mourn and fast. They must open their hearts to receive the light of His glory, that they might shed light upon those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death.

    It was a bright picture which the words of Christ had called up, but across it lay a heavy shadow, which His eye alone discerned. "The days will come," He said, "when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days." When they should see their Lord betrayed and crucified, the disciples would mourn and fast. In His last words to them in the upper chamber, He said, "A little while, and ye shall not see Me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see Me. Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy." John 16:19, 20.

    When He should come forth from the tomb, their sorrow would be turned to joy. After His ascension He was to be absent in person; but through the Comforter He would still be with them, and they were not to spend their time in mourning. This was what Satan wanted. He desired them to give the world the impression that they had been deceived and disappointed; but by faith they were to look to the sanctuary above, where Jesus was ministering for them; they were to open their hearts to the Holy Spirit, His representative, and to rejoice in the light of His presence. Yet days of temptation and trial would come, when they would be brought into conflict with the rulers of this world, and the leaders of the kingdom of darkness; when Christ was not personally with them, and they failed to discern the Comforter, then it would be more fitting for them to fast. The Pharisees sought to exalt themselves by their rigorous observance of forms, while their hearts were filled with envy and strife. "Behold," says the Scripture, "ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord?" Isa. 58:4, 5.

    The true fast is no mere formal service. The Scripture describes the fast that God has chosen,--"to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke;" to "draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul." Isa. 58:6, 10. Here is set forth the very spirit and character of the work of Christ. His whole life was a sacrifice of Himself for the saving of the world. Whether fasting in the wilderness of temptation or eating with the publicans at Matthew's feast, He was giving His life for the redemption of the lost. Not in idle mourning, in mere bodily humiliation and multitudinous sacrifices, is the true spirit of devotion manifested, but it is shown in the surrender of self in willing service to God and man.

    Continuing His answer to the disciples of John, Jesus spoke a parable, saying, "No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old." The message of John the Baptist was not to be interwoven with tradition and superstition. An attempt to blend the pretense of the Pharisees with the devotion of John would only make more evident the breach between them.

    Nor could the principles of Christ's teaching be united with the forms of Pharisaism. Christ was not to close up the breach that had been made by the teachings of John. He would make more distinct the separation between the old and the new. Jesus further illustrated this fact, saying, "No man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish." The skin bottles which were used as vessels to contain the new wine, after a time became dry and brittle, and were then worthless to serve the same purpose again. In this familiar illustration Jesus presented the condition of the Jewish leaders. Priests and scribes and rulers were fixed in a rut of ceremonies and traditions. Their hearts had become contracted, like the dried-up wine skins to which He had compared them. While they remained satisfied with a legal religion, it was impossible for them to become the depositaries of the living truth of heaven. They thought their own righteousness all-sufficient, and did not desire that a new element should be brought into their religion.

    The good will of God to men they did not accept as something apart from themselves. They connected it with their own merit because of their good works. The faith that works by love and purifies the soul could find no place for union with the religion of the Pharisees, made up of ceremonies and the injunctions of men. The effort to unite the teachings of Jesus with the established religion would be vain. The vital truth of God, like fermenting wine, would burst the old, decaying bottles of the Pharisaical tradition. The Pharisees thought themselves too wise to need instruction, too righteous to need salvation, too highly honored to need the honor that comes from Christ. The Saviour turned away from them to find others who would receive the message of heaven. In the untutored fishermen, in the publican at the market place, in the woman of Samaria, in the common people who heard Him gladly, He found His new bottles for the new wine. The instrumentalities to be used in the gospel work are those souls who gladly receive the light which God sends them. These are His agencies for imparting the knowledge of truth to the world. If through the grace of Christ His people will become new bottles, He will fill them with new wine.

    The teaching of Christ, though it was represented by the new wine, was not a new doctrine, but the revelation of that which had been taught from the beginning. But to the Pharisees the truth of God had lost its original significance and beauty. To them Christ's teaching was new in almost every respect, and it was unrecognized and unacknowledged.

    Jesus pointed out the power of false teaching to destroy the appreciation and desire for truth. "No man," He said, "having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better." All the truth that has been given to the world through patriarchs and prophets shone out in new beauty in the words of Christ. But the scribes and Pharisees had no desire for the precious new wine. Until emptied of the old traditions, customs, and practices, they had no place in mind or heart for the teachings of Christ. They clung to the dead forms, and turned away from the living truth and the power of God.

    It was this that proved the ruin of the Jews, and it will prove the ruin of many souls in our own day. Thousands are making the same mistake as did the Pharisees whom Christ reproved at Matthew's feast. Rather than give up some cherished idea, or discard some idol of opinion, many refuse the truth which comes down from the Father of light. They trust in self, and depend upon their own wisdom, and do not realize their spiritual poverty. They insist on being saved in some way by which they may perform some important work. When they see that there is no way of weaving self into the work, they reject the salvation provided.

    A legal religion can never lead souls to Christ; for it is a loveless, Christless religion. Fasting or prayer that is actuated by a self-justifying spirit is an abomination in the sight of God. The solemn assembly for worship, the round of religious ceremonies, the external humiliation, the imposing sacrifice, proclaim that the doer of these things regards himself as righteous, and as entitled to heaven; but it is all a deception. Our own works can never purchase salvation.

    As it was in the days of Christ, so it is now; the Pharisees do not know their spiritual destitution. To them comes the message, "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear." Rev. 3:17, 18. Faith and love are the gold tried in the fire. But with many the gold has become dim, and the rich treasure has been lost. The righteousness of Christ is to them as a robe unworn, a fountain untouched. To them it is said, "I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent." Rev. 2:4, 5.

    "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise." Ps. 51:17. Man must be emptied of self before he can be, in the fullest sense, a believer in Jesus. When self is renounced, then the Lord can make man a new creature. New bottles can contain the new wine. The love of Christ will animate the believer with new life. In him who looks unto the Author and Finisher of our faith the character of Christ will be manifest.

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Jesus-christ-0207
    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


    Posts : 13426
    Join date : 2010-09-28
    Location : The Matrix

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (10)

    Post  orthodoxymoron Sat Dec 12, 2020 4:22 am

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Jesus-christ-0207

    Chapter 29
    The Sabbath

    The Sabbath was hallowed at the creation. As ordained for man, it had its origin when "the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy." Job 38:7. Peace brooded over the world; for earth was in harmony with heaven. "God saw everything that He had made, and, behold, it was very good;" and He rested in the joy of His completed work. Gen. 1:31.

    Because He had rested upon the Sabbath, "God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it,"--set it apart to a holy use. He gave it to Adam as a day of rest. It was a memorial of the work of creation, and thus a sign of God's power and His love. The Scripture says, "He hath made His wonderful works to be remembered." "The things that are made," declare "the invisible things of Him since the creation of the world," "even His everlasting power and divinity." Gen. 2:3; Ps. 111:4; Rom. 1:20, R. V.

    All things were created by the Son of God. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God. . . . All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made." John 1: 1-3. And since the Sabbath is a memorial of the work of creation, it is a token of the love and power of Christ.

    The Sabbath calls our thoughts to nature, and brings us into communion with the Creator. In the song of the bird, the sighing of the trees, and the music of the sea, we still may hear His voice who talked with Adam in Eden in the cool of the day. And as we behold His power in nature we find comfort, for the word that created all things is that which speaks life to the soul. He "who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." 2 Cor. 4:6. It was this thought that awoke the song,--

    "Thou, Lord, hast made me glad through Thy work;
    I will triumph in the works of Thy hands.
    O Lord, how great are Thy works!
    And Thy thoughts are very deep."
    Ps. 92:4,5.

    And the Holy Spirit through the prophet Isaiah declares: "To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto Him? . . . Have ye not known? have ye not heard? hath it not been told you from the beginning? have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth? It is He that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in. . . . To whom then will ye liken Me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: He calleth them all by names by the greatness of His might, for that He is strong in power; not one faileth. Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the Lord, and my judgment is passed over from my God? Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? . . . He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength." "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness." "Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else." This is the message written in nature, which the Sabbath is appointed to keep in memory. When the Lord bade Israel hallow His Sabbaths, He said, "They shall be a sign between Me and you, that ye may know that I am Jehovah your God." Isa. 40:18-29; 41:10; 45:22; Ezek. 20:20, R. V. The Sabbath was embodied in the law given from Sinai; but it was not then first made known as a day of rest. The people of Israel had a knowledge of it before they came to Sinai. On the way thither the Sabbath was kept. When some profaned it, the Lord reproved them, saying, "How long refuse ye to keep My commandments and My laws?" Ex. 16:28.

    The Sabbath was not for Israel merely, but for the world. It had been made known to man in Eden, and, like the other precepts of the Decalogue, it is of imperishable obligation. Of that law of which the fourth commandment forms a part, Christ declares, "Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in nowise pass from the law." So long as the heavens and the earth endure, the Sabbath will continue as a sign of the Creator's power. And when Eden shall bloom on earth again, God's holy rest day will be honored by all beneath the sun. "From one Sabbath to another" the inhabitants of the glorified new earth shall go up "to worship before Me, saith the Lord." Matt. 5:18; Isa. 66:23.

    No other institution which was committed to the Jews tended so fully to distinguish them from surrounding nations as did the Sabbath. God designed that its observance should designate them as His worshipers. It was to be a token of their separation from idolatry, and their connection with the true God. But in order to keep the Sabbath holy, men must themselves be holy. Through faith they must become partakers of the righteousness of Christ. When the command was given to Israel, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy," the Lord said also to them, "Ye shall be holy men unto Me." Ex. 20:8; 22:31. Only thus could the Sabbath distinguish Israel as the worshipers of God.

    As the Jews departed from God, and failed to make the righteousness of Christ their own by faith, the Sabbath lost its significance to them. Satan was seeking to exalt himself and to draw men away from Christ, and he worked to pervert the Sabbath, because it is the sign of the power of Christ. The Jewish leaders accomplished the will of Satan by surrounding God's rest day with burdensome requirements. In the days of Christ the Sabbath had become so perverted that its observance reflected the character of selfish and arbitrary men rather than the character of the loving heavenly Father. The rabbis virtually represented God as giving laws which it was impossible for men to obey. They led the people to look upon God as a tyrant, and to think that the observance of the Sabbath, as He required it, made men hard-hearted and cruel.

    It was the work of Christ to clear away these misconceptions. Although the rabbis followed Him with merciless hostility, He did not even appear to conform to their requirements, but went straight forward, keeping the Sabbath according to the law of God. Upon one Sabbath day, as the Saviour and His disciples returned from the place of worship, they passed through a field of ripening grain. Jesus had continued His work to a late hour, and while passing through the fields, the disciples began to gather the heads of grain, and to eat the kernels after rubbing them in their hands. On any other day this act would have excited no comment, for one passing through a field of grain, an orchard, or a vineyard, was at liberty to gather what he desired to eat. See Deut. 23:24, 25. But to do this on the Sabbath was held to be an act of desecration. Not only was the gathering of the grain a kind of reaping, but the rubbing of it in the hands was a kind of threshing. Thus, in the opinion of the rabbis, there was a double offense.

    The spies at once complained to Jesus, saying, "Behold, Thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the Sabbath day."

    When accused of Sabbathbreaking at Bethesda, Jesus defended Himself by affirming His Sonship to God, and declaring that He worked in harmony with the Father. Now that the disciples are attacked, He cites His accusers to examples from the Old Testament, acts performed on the Sabbath by those who were in the service of God. The Jewish teachers prided themselves on their knowledge of the Scriptures, and in the Saviour's answer there was an implied rebuke for their ignorance of the Sacred Writings. "Have ye not read so much as this," He said, "what David did, when himself was an hungered, and they which were with him; how he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, . . . which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?" "And He said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath." "Have ye not read in the law, how that on the Sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, and are blameless? But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple." "The Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath." Luke 6:3, 4; Mark 2:27, 28; Matt. 12:5, 6.

    If it was right for David to satisfy his hunger by eating of the bread that had been set apart to a holy use, then it was right for the disciples to supply their need by plucking the grain upon the sacred hours of the Sabbath. Again, the priests in the temple performed greater labor on the Sabbath than upon other days. The same labor in secular business would be sinful; but the work of the priests was in the service of God. They were performing those rites that pointed to the redeeming power of Christ, and their labor was in harmony with the object of the Sabbath. But now Christ Himself had come. The disciples, in doing the work of Christ, were engaged in God's service, and that which was necessary for the accomplishment of this work it was right to do on the Sabbath day.

    Christ would teach His disciples and His enemies that the service of God is first of all. The object of God's work in this world is the redemption of man; therefore that which is necessary to be done on the Sabbath in the accomplishment of this work is in accord with the Sabbath law. Jesus then crowned His argument by declaring Himself the "Lord of the Sabbath,"--One above all question and above all law. This infinite Judge acquits the disciples of blame, appealing to the very statutes they are accused of violating.

    Jesus did not let the matter pass with administering a rebuke to His enemies. He declared that in their blindness they had mistaken the object of the Sabbath. He said, "If ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless." Matt. 12:7. Their many heartless rites could not supply the lack of that truthful integrity and tender love which will ever characterize the true worshiper of God. Again Christ reiterated the truth that the sacrifices were in themselves of no value. They were a means, and not an end. Their object was to direct men to the Saviour, and thus to bring them into harmony with God. It is the service of love that God values. When this is lacking, the mere round of ceremony is an offense to Him. So with the Sabbath. It was designed to bring men into communion with God; but when the mind was absorbed with wearisome rites, the object of the Sabbath was thwarted. Its mere outward observance was a mockery.

    Upon another Sabbath, as Jesus entered a synagogue. He saw there a man who had a withered hand. The Pharisees watched Him, eager to see what He would do. The Saviour well knew that in healing on the Sabbath He would be regarded as a transgressor, but He did not hesitate to break down the wall of traditional requirements that barricaded the Sabbath. Jesus bade the afflicted man stand forth, and then asked, "It is lawful to do good on the Sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill?" It was a maxim among the Jews that a failure to do good, when one had opportunity, was to do evil; to neglect to save life was to kill. Thus Jesus met the rabbis on their own ground. "But they held their peace. And when He had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, He saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other." Mark 3:4, 5.

    When questioned, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath days?" Jesus answered, "What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the Sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the Sabbath days." Matt. 12:10-12.

    The spies dared not answer Christ in the presence of the multitude, for fear of involving themselves in difficulty. They knew that He had spoken the truth. Rather than violate their traditions, they would leave a man to suffer, while they would relieve a brute because of the loss to the owner if it were neglected. Thus greater care was shown for a dumb animal than for man, who is made in the image of God. This illustrates the working of all false religions. They originate in man's desire to exalt himself above God, but they result in degrading man below the brute. Every religion that wars against the sovereignty of God defrauds man of the glory which was his at the creation, and which is to be restored to him in Christ. Every false religion teaches its adherents to be careless of human needs, sufferings, and rights.

    The gospel places a high value upon humanity as the purchase of the blood of Christ, and it teaches a tender regard for the wants and woes of man. The Lord says, "I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir." Isa. 13:12. When Jesus turned upon the Pharisees with the question whether it was lawful on the Sabbath day to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill, He confronted them with their own wicked purposes. They were hunting His life with bitter hatred, while He was saving life and bringing happiness to multitudes. Was it better to slay upon the Sabbath, as they were planning to do, than to heal the afflicted, as He had done? Was it more righteous to have murder in the heart upon God's holy day than love to all men, which finds expression in deeds of mercy?

    In the healing of the withered hand, Jesus condemned the custom of the Jews, and left the fourth commandment standing as God had given it. "It is lawful to do well on the Sabbath days," He declared. By sweeping away the senseless restrictions of the Jews, Christ honored the Sabbath, while those who complained of Him were dishonoring God's holy day.

    Those who hold that Christ abolished the law teach that He broke the Sabbath and justified His disciples in doing the same. Thus they are really taking the same ground as did the caviling Jews. In this they contradict the testimony of Christ Himself, who declared, "I have kept My Father's commandments, and abide in His love." John 15:10. Neither the Saviour nor His followers broke the law of the Sabbath. Christ was a living representative of the law. No violation of its holy precepts was found in His life. Looking upon a nation of witnesses who were seeking occasion to condemn Him, He could say unchallenged, "Which of you convicteth Me of sin?" John 8:46, R. V.

    The Saviour had not come to set aside what patriarchs and prophets had spoken; for He Himself had spoken through these representative men. All the truths of God's word came from Him. But these priceless gems had been placed in false settings. Their precious light had been made to minister to error. God desired them to be removed from their settings of error and replaced in the framework of truth. This work only a divine hand could accomplish. By its connection with error, the truth had been serving the cause of the enemy of God and man. Christ had come to place it where it would glorify God, and work the salvation of humanity.

    "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath," Jesus said. The institutions that God has established are for the benefit of mankind. "All things are for your sakes." "Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; and ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's." 2 Cor. 4:15; 1 Cor. 3:22, 23. The law of Ten Commandments, of which the Sabbath forms a part, God gave to His people as a blessing. "The Lord commanded us," said Moses, "to do all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that He might preserve us alive." Deut. 6:24. And through the psalmist the message was given to Israel, "Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing. Know ye that the Lord He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise." Ps. 100:2-4. And of all who keep "the Sabbath from polluting it," the Lord declares, "Even them will I bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer." Isa. 56:6, 7.

    "Wherefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath." These words are full of instruction and comfort. Because the Sabbath was made for man, it is the Lord's day. It belongs to Christ. For "all things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made." John 1:3. Since He made all things, He made the Sabbath. By Him it was set apart as a memorial of the work of creation. It points to Him as both the Creator and the Sanctifier. It declares that He who created all things in heaven and in earth, and by whom all things hold together, is the head of the church, and that by His power we are reconciled to God. For, speaking of Israel, He said, "I gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them,"--make them holy. Ezek. 20:12. Then the Sabbath is a sign of Christ's power to make us holy. And it is given to all whom Christ makes holy. As a sign of His sanctifying power, the Sabbath is given to all who through Christ become a part of the Israel of God.

    And the Lord says, "If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; . . . then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord." Isa. 58:13, 14. To all who receive the Sabbath as a sign of Christ's creative and redeeming power, it will be a delight. Seeing Christ in it, they delight themselves in Him. The Sabbath points them to the works of creation as an evidence of His mighty power in redemption. While it calls to mind the lost peace of Eden, it tells of peace restored through the Saviour. And every object in nature repeats His invitation, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Matt 11:28.

    Chapter 30

    "And He goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto Him whom He would: and they came unto Him. And He ordained twelve, that they should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach."

    It was beneath the sheltering trees of the mountainside, but a little distance from the Sea of Galilee, that the twelve were called to the apostolate, and the Sermon on the Mount was given. The fields and hills were the favorite resorts of Jesus, and much of His teaching was given under the open sky, rather than in the temple or the synagogues. No synagogue could have received the throngs that followed Him; but not for this reason only did He choose to teach in the fields and groves. Jesus loved the scenes of nature. To Him each quiet retreat was a sacred temple.

    It was under the trees of Eden that the first dwellers on earth had chosen their sanctuary. There Christ had communed with the father of mankind. When banished from Paradise, our first parents still worshiped in the fields and groves, and there Christ met them with the gospel of His grace. It was Christ who spoke with Abraham under the oaks at Mamre; with Isaac as he went out to pray in the fields at the eventide; with Jacob on the hillside at Bethel; with Moses among the mountains of Midian; and with the boy David as he watched his flocks. It was at Christ's direction that for fifteen centuries the Hebrew people had left their homes for one week every year, and had dwelt in booths formed from the green branches "of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook." Lev. 23:40.

    In training His disciples, Jesus chose to withdraw from the confusion of the city to the quiet of the fields and hills, as more in harmony with the lessons of self-abnegation He desired to teach them. And during His ministry He loved to gather the people about Him under the blue heavens, on some grassy hillside, or on the beach beside the lake. Here, surrounded by the works of His own creation, He could turn the thoughts of His hearers from the artificial to the natural. In the growth and development of nature were revealed the principles of His kingdom. As men should lift up their eyes to the hills of God, and behold the wonderful works of His hands, they could learn precious lessons of divine truth. Christ's teaching would be repeated to them in the things of nature. So it is with all who go into the fields with Christ in their hearts. They will feel themselves surrounded with a holy influence. The things of nature take up the parables of our Lord, and repeat His counsels. By communion with God in nature, the mind is uplifted, and the heart finds rest.

    The first step was now to be taken in the organization of the church that after Christ's departure was to be His representative on earth. No costly sanctuary was at their command, but the Saviour led His disciples to the retreat He loved, and in their minds the sacred experiences of that day were forever linked with the beauty of mountain and vale and sea.

    Jesus had called His disciples that He might send them forth as His witnesses, to declare to the world what they had seen and heard of Him. Their office was the most important to which human beings had ever been called, and was second only to that of Christ Himself. They were to be workers together with God for the saving of the world. As in the Old Testament the twelve patriarchs stand as representatives of Israel, so the twelve apostles were to stand as representatives of the gospel church.

    The Saviour knew the character of the men whom He had chosen; all their weaknesses and errors were open before Him; He knew the perils through which they must pass, the responsibility that would rest upon them; and His heart yearned over these chosen ones. Alone upon a mountain near the Sea of Galilee He spent the entire night in prayer for them, while they were sleeping at the foot of the mountain. With the first light of dawn He summoned them to meet Him; for He had something of importance to communicate to them. These disciples had been for some time associated with Jesus in active labor. John and James, Andrew and Peter, with Philip, Nathanael, and Matthew, had been more closely connected with Him than the others, and had witnessed more of His miracles. Peter, James, and John stood in still nearer relationship to Him. They were almost constantly with Him, witnessing His miracles, and hearing His words. John pressed into still closer intimacy with Jesus, so that he is distinguished as the one whom Jesus loved. The Saviour loved them all, but John's was the most receptive spirit. He was younger than the others, and with more of the child's confiding trust he opened his heart to Jesus. Thus he came more into sympathy with Christ, and through him the Saviour's deepest spiritual teaching was communicated to His people.

    At the head of one of the groups into which the apostles are divided stands the name of Philip. He was the first disciple to whom Jesus addressed the distinct command, "Follow Me." Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. He had listened to the teaching of John the Baptist, and had heard his announcement of Christ as the Lamb of God. Philip was a sincere seeker for truth, but he was slow of heart to believe. Although he had joined himself to Christ, yet his announcement of Him to Nathanael shows that he was not fully convinced of the divinity of Jesus. Though Christ had been proclaimed by the voice from heaven as the Son of God, to Philip He was "Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." John 1:45. Again, when the five thousand were fed, Philip's lack of faith was shown. It was to test him that Jesus questioned, "Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?" Philip's answer was on the side of unbelief: "Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little." John 6:5, 7.

    Jesus was grieved. Although Philip had seen His works and felt His power, yet he had not faith. When the Greeks inquired of Philip concerning Jesus, he did not seize upon the opportunity of introducing them to the Saviour, but he went to tell Andrew. Again, in those last hours before the crucifixion, the words of Philip were such as to discourage faith. When Thomas said to Jesus, "Lord, we know not whither Thou goest; and how can we know the way?" the Saviour answered, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. . . . If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also." From Philip came the response of unbelief: "Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us." John 14:5-8. So slow of heart, so weak in faith, was that disciple who for three years had been with Jesus. In happy contrast to Philip's unbelief was the childlike trust of Nathanael. He was a man of intensely earnest nature, one whose faith took hold upon unseen realities. Yet Philip was a student in the school of Christ, and the divine Teacher bore patiently with his unbelief and dullness. When the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the disciples, Philip became a teacher after the divine order. He knew whereof he spoke, and he taught with an assurance that carried conviction to the hearers.

    While Jesus was preparing the disciples for their ordination, one who had not been summoned urged his presence among them. It was Judas Iscariot, a man who professed to be a follower of Christ. He now came forward, soliciting a place in this inner circle of disciples. With great earnestness and apparent sincerity he declared, "Master, I will follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest." Jesus neither repulsed nor welcomed him, but uttered only the mournful words: "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head." Matt. 8:19, 20. Judas believed Jesus to be the Messiah; and by joining the apostles, he hoped to secure a high position in the new kingdom. This hope Jesus designed to cut off by the statement of His poverty. The disciples were anxious that Judas should become one of their number. He was of commanding appearance, a man of keen discernment and executive ability, and they commended him to Jesus as one who would greatly assist Him in His work. They were surprised that Jesus received him so coolly.

    The disciples had been much disappointed that Jesus had not tried to secure the co-operation of the leaders in Israel. They felt that it was a mistake not to strengthen His cause by securing the support of these influential men. If He had repulsed Judas, they would, in their own minds, have questioned the wisdom of their Master. The after history of Judas would show them the danger of allowing any worldly consideration to have weight in deciding the fitness of men for the work of God. The co-operation of such men as the disciples were anxious to secure would have betrayed the work into the hands of its worst enemies.

    Yet when Judas joined the disciples, he was not insensible to the beauty of the character of Christ. He felt the influence of that divine power which was drawing souls to the Saviour. He who came not to break the bruised reed nor quench the smoking flax would not repulse this soul while even one desire was reaching toward the light. The Saviour read the heart of Judas; He knew the depths of iniquity to which, unless delivered by the grace of God, Judas would sink. In connecting this man with Himself, He placed him where he might, day by day, be brought in contact with the outflowing of His own unselfish love. If he would open his heart to Christ, divine grace would banish the demon of selfishness, and even Judas might become a subject of the kingdom of God.

    God takes men as they are, with the human elements in their character, and trains them for His service, if they will be disciplined and learn of Him. They are not chosen because they are perfect, but notwithstanding their imperfections, that through the knowledge and practice of the truth, through the grace of Christ, they may become transformed into His image.

    Judas had the same opportunities as had the other disciples. He listened to the same precious lessons. But the practice of the truth, which Christ required, was at variance with the desires and purposes of Judas, and he would not yield his ideas in order to receive wisdom from Heaven. How tenderly the Saviour dealt with him who was to be His betrayer! In His teaching, Jesus dwelt upon principles of benevolence that struck at the very root of covetousness. He presented before Judas the heinous character of greed, and many a time the disciple realized that his character had been portrayed, and his sin pointed out; but he would not confess and forsake his unrighteousness. He was self-sufficient, and instead of resisting temptation, he continued to follow his fraudulent practices. Christ was before him, a living example of what he must become if he reaped the benefit of the divine mediation and ministry; but lesson after lesson fell unheeded on the ears of Judas.

    Jesus dealt him no sharp rebuke for his covetousness, but with divine patience bore with this erring man, even while giving him evidence that He read his heart as an open book. He presented before him the highest incentives for right doing; and in rejecting the light of Heaven, Judas would be without excuse.

    Instead of walking in the light, Judas chose to retain his defects. Evil desires, revengeful passions, dark and sullen thoughts, were cherished, until Satan had full control of the man. Judas became a representative of the enemy of Christ.

    When he came into association with Jesus, he had some precious traits of character that might have been made a blessing to the church. If he had been willing to wear the yoke of Christ, he might have been among the chief of the apostles; but he hardened his heart when his defects were pointed out, and in pride and rebellion chose his own selfish ambitions, and thus unfitted himself for the work that God would have given him to do.

    All the disciples had serious faults when Jesus called them to His service. Even John, who came into closest association with the meek and lowly One, was not himself naturally meek and yielding. He and his brother were called "the sons of thunder." While they were with Jesus, any slight shown to Him aroused their indignation and combativeness. Evil temper, revenge, the spirit of criticism, were all in the beloved disciple. He was proud, and ambitious to be first in the kingdom of God. But day by day, in contrast with his own violent spirit, he beheld the tenderness and forbearance of Jesus, and heard His lessons of humility and patience. He opened his heart to the divine influence, and became not only a hearer but a doer of the Saviour's words. Self was hid in Christ. He learned to wear the yoke of Christ and to bear His burden. Jesus reproved His disciples, He warned and cautioned them; but John and his brethren did not leave Him; they chose Jesus, notwithstanding the reproofs. The Saviour did not withdraw from them because of their weakness and errors. They continued to the end to share His trials and to learn the lessons of His life. By beholding Christ, they became transformed in character.

    The apostles differed widely in habits and disposition. There were the publican, Levi-Matthew, and the fiery zealot Simon, the uncompromising hater of the authority of Rome; the generous, impulsive Peter, and the mean-spirited Judas; Thomas, truehearted, yet timid and fearful, Philip, slow of heart, and inclined to doubt, and the ambitious, outspoken sons of Zebedee, with their brethren. These were brought together, with their different faults, all with inherited and cultivated tendencies to evil; but in and through Christ they were to dwell in the family of God, learning to become one in faith, in doctrine, in spirit. They would have their tests, their grievances, their differences of opinion; but while Christ was abiding in the heart, there could be no dissension. His love would lead to love for one another; the lessons of the Master would lead to the harmonizing of all differences, bringing the disciples into unity, till they would be of one mind and one judgment. Christ is the great center, and they would approach one another just in proportion as they approached the center.

    When Jesus had ended His instruction to the disciples, He gathered the little band close about Him, and kneeling in the midst of them, and laying His hands upon their heads, He offered a prayer dedicating them to His sacred work. Thus the Lord's disciples were ordained to the gospel ministry.

    As His representatives among men, Christ does not choose angels who have never fallen, but human beings, men of like passions with those they seek to save. Christ took upon Himself humanity, that He might reach humanity. Divinity needed humanity; for it required both the divine and the human to bring salvation to the world. Divinity needed humanity, that humanity might afford a channel of communication between God and man. So with the servants and messengers of Christ. Man needs a power outside of and beyond himself, to restore him to the likeness of God, and enable him to do the work of God; but this does not make the human agency unessential. Humanity lays hold upon divine power, Christ dwells in the heart by faith; and through co-operation with the divine, the power of man becomes efficient for good. He who called the fisherman of Galilee is still calling men to His service. And He is just as willing to manifest His power through us as through the first disciples. However imperfect and sinful we may be, the Lord holds out to us the offer of partnership with Himself, of apprenticeship to Christ. He invites us to come under the divine instruction, that, uniting with Christ, we may work the works of God.

    "We have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves." 2 Cor. 4:7, R. V. This is why the preaching of the gospel was committed to erring men rather than to the angels. It is manifest that the power which works through the weakness of humanity is the power of God; and thus we are encouraged to believe that the power which can help others as weak as ourselves can help us. And those who are themselves "compassed with infirmity" should be able to "have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way." Heb. 5:2. Having been in peril themselves, they are acquainted with the dangers and difficulties of the way, and for this reason are called to reach out for others in like peril. There are souls perplexed with doubt, burdened with infirmities, weak in faith, and unable to grasp the Unseen; but a friend whom they can see, coming to them in Christ's stead, can be a connecting link to fasten their trembling faith upon Christ.

    We are to be laborers together with the heavenly angels in presenting Jesus to the world. With almost impatient eagerness the angels wait for our co-operation; for man must be the channel to communicate with man. And when we give ourselves to Christ in wholehearted devotion, angels rejoice that they may speak through our voices to reveal God's love.

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Jesus-christ-0207





    Last edited by orthodoxymoron on Thu Dec 17, 2020 12:50 am; edited 2 times in total
    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


    Posts : 13426
    Join date : 2010-09-28
    Location : The Matrix

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (10)

    Post  orthodoxymoron Sat Dec 12, 2020 4:24 am

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Picture-1
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Jesus-christ-0207

    Chapter 31
    The Sermon on the Mount

    Christ seldom gathered His disciples alone to receive His words. He did not choose for His audience those only who knew the way of life. It was His work to reach the multitudes who were in ignorance and error. He gave His lessons of truth where they could reach the darkened understanding. He Himself was the Truth, standing with girded loins and hands ever outstretched to bless, and in words of warning, entreaty, and encouragement, seeking to uplift all who would come unto Him.

    The Sermon on the Mount, though given especially to the disciples, was spoken in the hearing of the multitude. After the ordination of the apostles, Jesus went with them to the seaside. Here in the early morning the people had begun to assemble. Besides the usual crowds from the Galilean towns, there were people from Judea, and even from Jerusalem itself; from Perea, from Decapolis, from Idumea, away to the south of Judea; and from Tyre and Sidon, the Phoenician cities on the shore of the Mediterranean. "When they had heard what great things He did," they "came to hear Him, and to be healed of their diseases: . . . there went virtue out of Him, and healed them all." Mark 3:8; Luke 6:17-19.

    The narrow beach did not afford even standing room within reach of His voice for all who desired to hear Him, and Jesus led the way back to the mountainside. Reaching a level space that offered a pleasant gathering place for the vast assembly, He seated Himself on the grass, and the disciples and the multitude followed His example.

    The disciples' place was always next to Jesus. The people constantly pressed upon Him, yet the disciples understood that they were not to be crowded away from His presence. They sat close beside Him, that they might not lose a word of His instruction. They were attentive listeners, eager to understand the truths they were to make known to all lands and all ages.

    With a feeling that something more than usual might be expected, they now pressed about their Master. They believed that the kingdom was soon to be established, and from the events of the morning they gathered assurance that some announcement concerning it was about to be made. A feeling of expectancy pervaded the multitude also, and eager faces gave evidence of the deep interest. As the people sat upon the green hillside, awaiting the words of the divine Teacher, their hearts were filled with thoughts of future glory. There were scribes and Pharisees who looked forward to the day when they should have dominion over the hated Romans, and possess the riches and splendor of the world's great empire. The poor peasants and fishermen hoped to hear the assurance that their wretched hovels, the scanty food, the life of toil, and fear of want were to be exchanged for mansions of plenty and days of ease. In place of the one coarse garment which was their covering by day, and their blanket at night, they hoped that Christ would give them the rich and costly robes of their conquerors. All hearts thrilled with the proud hope that Israel was soon to be honored before the nations as the chosen of the Lord, and Jerusalem exalted as the head of a universal kingdom.

    Christ disappointed the hope of worldly greatness. In the Sermon on the Mount He sought to undo the work that had been wrought by false education, and to give His hearers a right conception of His kingdom and of His own character. Yet He did not make a direct attack on the errors of the people. He saw the misery of the world on account of sin, yet He did not present before them a vivid delineation of their wretchedness. He taught them of something infinitely better than they had known. Without combating their ideas of the kingdom of God, He told them the conditions of entrance therein, leaving them to draw their own conclusions as to its nature. The truths He taught are no less important to us than to the multitude that followed Him. We no less than they need to learn the foundation principles of the kingdom of God.

    Christ's first words to the people on the mount were words of blessing. Happy are they, He said, who recognize their spiritual poverty, and feel their need of redemption. The gospel is to be preached to the poor. Not to the spiritually proud, those who claim to be rich and in need of nothing, is it revealed, but to those who are humble and contrite. One fountain only has been opened for sin, a fountain for the poor in spirit. The proud heart strives to earn salvation; but both our title to heaven and our fitness for it are found in the righteousness of Christ. The Lord can do nothing toward the recovery of man until, convinced of his own weakness, and stripped of all self-sufficiency, he yields himself to the control of God. Then he can receive the gift that God is waiting to bestow. From the soul that feels his need, nothing is withheld. He has unrestricted access to Him in whom all fullness dwells. "For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." Isa. 57:15.

    "Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." By these words Christ does not teach that mourning in itself has power to remove the guilt of sin. He gives no sanction to pretense or to voluntary humility. The mourning of which He speaks does not consist in melancholy and lamentation. While we sorrow on account of sin, we are to rejoice in the precious privilege of being children of God.

    We often sorrow because our evil deeds bring unpleasant consequences to ourselves; but this is not repentance. Real sorrow for sin is the result of the working of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit reveals the ingratitude of the heart that has slighted and grieved the Saviour, and brings us in contrition to the foot of the cross. By every sin Jesus is wounded afresh; and as we look upon Him whom we have pierced, we mourn for the sins that have brought anguish upon Him. Such mourning will lead to the renunciation of sin.

    The worldling may pronounce this sorrow a weakness; but it is the strength which binds the penitent to the Infinite One with links that cannot be broken. It shows that the angels of God are bringing back to the soul the graces that were lost through hardness of heart and transgression. The tears of the penitent are only the raindrops that precede the sunshine of holiness. This sorrow heralds a joy which will be a living fountain in the soul. "Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God;" "and I will not cause Mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful, saith the Lord." Jer. 3:13, 12. "Unto them that mourn in Zion," He has appointed to give "beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." Isa. 61:3. And for those also who mourn in trial and sorrow there is comfort. The bitterness of grief and humiliation is better than the indulgences of sin.

    Through affliction God reveals to us the plague spots in our characters, that by His grace we may overcome our faults. Unknown chapters in regard to ourselves are opened to us, and the test comes, whether we will accept the reproof and the counsel of God. When brought into trial, we are not to fret and complain. We should not rebel, or worry ourselves out of the hand of Christ. We are to humble the soul before God. The ways of the Lord are obscure to him who desires to see things in a light pleasing to himself. They appear dark and joyless to our human nature. But God's ways are ways of mercy and the end is salvation. Elijah knew not what he was doing when in the desert he said that he had had enough of life, and prayed that he might die. The Lord in His mercy did not take him at his word. There was yet a great work for Elijah to do; and when his work was done, he was not to perish in discouragement and solitude in the wilderness. Not for him the descent into the dust of death, but the ascent in glory, with the convoy of celestial chariots, to the throne on high.

    God's word for the sorrowing is, "I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners." "I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow." Isa. 57:18; Jer. 31:13.

    "Blessed are the meek." The difficulties we have to encounter may be very much lessened by that meekness which hides itself in Christ. If we possess the humility of our Master, we shall rise above the slights, the rebuffs, the annoyances, to which we are daily exposed, and they will cease to cast a gloom over the spirit. The highest evidence of nobility in a Christian is self-control. He who under abuse or cruelty fails to maintain a calm and trustful spirit robs God of His right to reveal in him His own perfection of character. Lowliness of heart is the strength that gives victory to the followers of Christ; it is the token of their connection with the courts above.

    "Though the Lord be high, yet hath He respect unto the lowly." Ps. 138:6. Those who reveal the meek and lowly spirit of Christ are tenderly regarded by God. They may be looked upon with scorn by the world, but they are of great value in His sight. Not only the wise, the great, the beneficent, will gain a passport to the heavenly courts; not only the busy worker, full of zeal and restless activity. No; the poor in spirit, who crave the presence of an abiding Christ, the humble in heart, whose highest ambition is to do God's will,--these will gain an abundant entrance. They will be among that number who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. "Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them." Rev. 7:15.

    "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness." The sense of unworthiness will lead the heart to hunger and thirst for righteousness, and this desire will not be disappointed. Those who make room in their hearts for Jesus will realize His love. All who long to bear the likeness of the character of God shall be satisfied. The Holy Spirit never leaves unassisted the soul who is looking unto Jesus. He takes of the things of Christ and shows them unto him. If the eye is kept fixed on Christ, the work of the Spirit ceases not until the soul is conformed to His image. The pure element of love will expand the soul, giving it a capacity for higher attainments, for increased knowledge of heavenly things, so that it will not rest short of the fullness. "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled."

    The merciful shall find mercy, and the pure in heart shall see God. Every impure thought defiles the soul, impairs the moral sense, and tends to obliterate the impressions of the Holy Spirit. It dims the spiritual vision, so that men cannot behold God. The Lord may and does forgive the repenting sinner; but though forgiven, the soul is marred. All impurity of speech or of thought must be shunned by him who would have clear discernment of spiritual truth.

    But the words of Christ cover more than freedom from sensual impurity, more than freedom from that ceremonial defilement which the Jews so rigorously shunned. Selfishness prevents us from beholding God. The self-seeking spirit judges of God as altogether such a one as itself. Until we have renounced this, we cannot understand Him who is love. Only the unselfish heart, the humble and trustful spirit, shall see God as "merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth." Ex. 34:6.

    "Blessed are the peacemakers." The peace of Christ is born of truth. It is harmony with God. The world is at enmity with the law of God; sinners are at enmity with their Maker; and as a result they are at enmity with one another. But the psalmist declares, "Great peace have they which love Thy law: and nothing shall offend them." Ps. 119:165. Men cannot manufacture peace. Human plans for the purification and uplifting of individuals or of society will fail of producing peace, because they do not reach the heart. The only power that can create or perpetuate true peace is the grace of Christ. When this is implanted in the heart, it will cast out the evil passions that cause strife and dissension. "Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree;" and life's desert "shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose." Isa. 55:13; 35:1.

    The multitudes were amazed at this teaching, which was so at variance with the precepts and example of the Pharisees. The people had come to think that happiness consisted in the possession of the things of this world, and that fame and the honor of men were much to be coveted. It was very pleasing to be called "Rabbi," and to be extolled as wise and religious, having their virtues paraded before the public. This was regarded as the crown of happiness. But in the presence of that vast throng, Jesus declared that earthly gain and honor were all the reward such persons would ever receive. He spoke with certainty, and a convincing power attended His words. The people were silenced, and a feeling of fear crept over them. They looked at one another doubtfully. Who of them would be saved if this Man's teachings were true? Many were convicted that this remarkable Teacher was actuated by the Spirit of God, and that the sentiments He uttered were divine.

    After explaining what constitutes true happiness, and how it may be obtained, Jesus more definitely pointed out the duty of His disciples, as teachers chosen of God to lead others into the path of righteousness and eternal life. He knew that they would often suffer from disappointment and discouragement, that they would meet with decided opposition, that they would be insulted, and their testimony rejected. Well He knew that in the fulfillment of their mission, the humble men who listened so attentively to His words were to bear calumny, torture, imprisonment, and death, and He continued:

    "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." The world loves sin, and hates righteousness, and this was the cause of its hostility to Jesus. All who refuse His infinite love will find Christianity a disturbing element. The light of Christ sweeps away the darkness that covers their sins, and the need of reform is made manifest. While those who yield to the influence of the Holy Spirit begin war with themselves, those who cling to sin war against the truth and its representatives.

    Thus strife is created, and Christ's followers are accused as troublers of the people. But it is fellowship with God that brings them the world's enmity. They are bearing the reproach of Christ. They are treading the path that has been trodden by the noblest of the earth. Not with sorrow, but with rejoicing, should they meet persecution. Each fiery trial is God's agent for their refining. Each is fitting them for their work as colaborers with Him. Each conflict has its place in the great battle for righteousness, and each will add to the joy of their final triumph. Having this in view, the test of their faith and patience will be cheerfully accepted rather than dreaded and avoided. Anxious to fulfill their obligation to the world, fixing their desire upon the approval of God, His servants are to fulfill every duty, irrespective of the fear or the favor of men.

    "Ye are the salt of the earth," Jesus said. Do not withdraw yourselves from the world in order to escape persecution. You are to abide among men, that the savor of the divine love may be as salt to preserve the world from corruption.

    Hearts that respond to the influence of the Holy Spirit are the channels through which God's blessing flows. Were those who serve God removed from the earth, and His Spirit withdrawn from among men, this world would be left to desolation and destruction, the fruit of Satan's dominion. Though the wicked know it not, they owe even the blessings of this life to the presence, in the world, of God's people whom they despise and oppress. But if Christians are such in name only, they are like the salt that has lost its savor. They have no influence for good in the world. Through their misrepresentation of God they are worse than unbelievers.

    "Ye are the light of the world." The Jews thought to confine the benefits of salvation to their own nation; but Christ showed them that salvation is like the sunshine. It belongs to the whole world. The religion of the Bible is not to be confined between the covers of a book, nor within the walls of a church. It is not to be brought out occasionally for our own benefit, and then to be carefully laid aside again. It is to sanctify the daily life, to manifest itself in every business transaction and in all our social relations. True character is not shaped from without, and put on; it radiates from within. If we wish to direct others in the path of righteousness, the principles of righteousness must be enshrined in our own hearts. Our profession of faith may proclaim the theory of religion, but it is our practical piety that holds forth the word of truth. The consistent life, the holy conversation, the unswerving integrity, the active, benevolent spirit, the godly example,--these are the mediums through which light is conveyed to the world.

    Jesus had not dwelt on the specifications of the law, but He did not leave His hearers to conclude that He had come to set aside its requirements. He knew that spies stood ready to seize upon every word that might be wrested to serve their purpose. He knew the prejudice that existed in the minds of many of His hearers, and He said nothing to unsettle their faith in the religion and institutions that had been committed to them through Moses. Christ Himself had given both the moral and the ceremonial law. He did not come to destroy confidence in His own instruction. It was because of His great reverence for the law and the prophets that He sought to break through the wall of traditional requirements which hemmed in the Jews. While He set aside their false interpretations of the law, He carefully guarded His disciples against yielding up the vital truths committed to the Hebrews.

    The Pharisees prided themselves on their obedience to the law; yet they knew so little of its principles through everyday practice that to them the Saviour's words sounded like heresy. As He swept away the rubbish under which the truth had been buried, they thought He was sweeping away the truth itself. They whispered to one another that He was making light of the law. He read their thoughts, and answered them, saying,--

    "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill." Here Jesus refutes the charge of the Pharisees. His mission to the world is to vindicate the sacred claims of that law which they charge Him with breaking. If the law of God could have been changed or abrogated, then Christ need not have suffered the consequences of our transgression. He came to explain the relation of the law to man, and to illustrate its precepts by His own life of obedience. God has given us His holy precepts, because He loves mankind. To shield us from the results of transgression, He reveals the principles of righteousness. The law is an expression of the thought of God; when received in Christ, it becomes our thought. It lifts us above the power of natural desires and tendencies, above temptations that lead to sin. God desires us to be happy, and He gave us the precepts of the law that in obeying them we might have joy. When at Jesus' birth the angels sang,-- "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" (Luke 2:14), they were declaring the principles of the law which He had come to magnify and make honorable.

    When the law was proclaimed from Sinai, God made known to men the holiness of His character, that by contrast they might see the sinfulness of their own. The law was given to convict them of sin, and reveal their need of a Saviour. It would do this as its principles were applied to the heart by the Holy Spirit. This work it is still to do. In the life of Christ the principles of the law are made plain; and as the Holy Spirit of God touches the heart, as the light of Christ reveals to men their need of His cleansing blood and His justifying righteousness, the law is still an agent in bringing us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith. "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul." Ps. 19:7.

    "Till heaven and earth pass," said Jesus, "one jot or one tittle shall in nowise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." The sun shining in the heavens, the solid earth upon which you dwell, are God's witnesses that His law is changeless and eternal. Though they may pass away, the divine precepts shall endure. "It is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail." Luke 16:17. The system of types that pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God was to be abolished at His death; but the precepts of the Decalogue are as immutable as the throne of God.

    Since "the law of the Lord is perfect," every variation from it must be evil. Those who disobey the commandments of God, and teach others to do so, are condemned by Christ. The Saviour's life of obedience maintained the claims of the law; it proved that the law could be kept in humanity, and showed the excellence of character that obedience would develop. All who obey as He did are likewise declaring that the law is "holy, and just, and good." Rom. 7:12. On the other hand, all who break God's commandments are sustaining Satan's claim that the law is unjust, and cannot be obeyed. Thus they second the deceptions of the great adversary, and cast dishonor upon God. They are the children of the wicked one, who was the first rebel against God's law. To admit them into heaven would again bring in the elements of discord and rebellion, and imperil the well-being of the universe. No man who willfully disregards one principle of the law shall enter the kingdom of heaven. The rabbis counted their righteousness a passport to heaven; but Jesus declared it to be insufficient and unworthy. External ceremonies and a theoretical knowledge of truth constituted Pharisaical righteousness. The rabbis claimed to be holy through their own efforts in keeping the law; but their works had divorced righteousness from religion. While they were punctilious in ritual observances, their lives were immoral and debased. Their so-called righteousness could never enter the kingdom of heaven.

    The greatest deception of the human mind in Christ's day was that a mere assent to the truth constitutes righteousness. In all human experience a theoretical knowledge of the truth has been proved to be insufficient for the saving of the soul. It does not bring forth the fruits of righteousness. A jealous regard for what is termed theological truth often accompanies a hatred of genuine truth as made manifest in life. The darkest chapters of history are burdened with the record of crimes committed by bigoted religionists. The Pharisees claimed to be children of Abraham, and boasted of their possession of the oracles of God; yet these advantages did not preserve them from selfishness, malignity, greed for gain, and the basest hypocrisy. They thought themselves the greatest religionists of the world, but their so-called orthodoxy led them to crucify the Lord of glory.

    The same danger still exists. Many take it for granted that they are Christians, simply because they subscribe to certain theological tenets. But they have not brought the truth into practical life. They have not believed and loved it, therefore they have not received the power and grace that come through sanctification of the truth. Men may profess faith in the truth; but if it does not make them sincere, kind, patient, forbearing, heavenly-minded, it is a curse to its possessors, and through their influence it is a curse to the world. The righteousness which Christ taught is conformity of heart and life to the revealed will of God. Sinful men can become righteous only as they have faith in God and maintain a vital connection with Him. Then true godliness will elevate the thoughts and ennoble the life. Then the external forms of religion accord with the Christian's internal purity. Then the ceremonies required in the service of God are not meaningless rites, like those of the hypocritical Pharisees.

    Jesus takes up the commandments separately, and explains the depth and breadth of their requirement. Instead of removing one jot of their force, He shows how far-reaching their principles are, and exposes the fatal mistake of the Jews in their outward show of obedience. He declares that by the evil thought or the lustful look the law of God is transgressed. One who becomes a party to the least injustice is breaking the law and degrading his own moral nature. Murder first exists in the mind. He who gives hatred a place in his heart is setting his feet in the path of the murderer, and his offerings are abhorrent to God.

    The Jews cultivated a spirit of retaliation. In their hatred of the Romans they gave utterance to hard denunciations, and pleased the wicked one by manifesting his attributes. Thus they were training themselves to do the terrible deeds to which he led them on. In the religious life of the Pharisees there was nothing to recommend piety to the Gentiles. Jesus bade them not to deceive themselves with the thought that they could in heart rise up against their oppressors, and cherish the longing to avenge their wrongs.

    It is true there is an indignation that is justifiable, even in the followers of Christ. When they see that God is dishonored, and His service brought into disrepute, when they see the innocent oppressed, a righteous indignation stirs the soul. Such anger, born of sensitive morals, is not a sin. But those who at any supposed provocation feel at liberty to indulge anger or resentment are opening the heart to Satan. Bitterness and animosity must be banished from the soul if we would be in harmony with heaven.

    The Saviour goes farther than this. He says, "If thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift." Many are zealous in religious services, while between them and their brethren are unhappy differences which they might reconcile. God requires them to do all in their power to restore harmony. Until they do this, He cannot accept their services. The Christian's duty in this matter is clearly pointed out. God pours His blessings upon all. "He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." He is "kind unto the unthankful and to the evil." Luke 6:35. He bids us to be like Him. "Bless them that curse you," said Jesus; "do good to them that hate you, . . . that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven." These are the principles of the law, and they are the wellsprings of life.

    God's ideal for His children is higher than the highest human thought can reach. "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." This command is a promise. The plan of redemption contemplates our complete recovery from the power of Satan. Christ always separates the contrite soul from sin. He came to destroy the works of the devil, and He has made provision that the Holy Spirit shall be imparted to every repentant soul, to keep him from sinning.

    The tempter's agency is not to be accounted an excuse for one wrong act. Satan is jubilant when he hears the professed followers of Christ making excuses for their deformity of character. It is these excuses that lead to sin. There is no excuse for sinning. A holy temper, a Christlike life, is accessible to every repenting, believing child of God.

    The ideal of Christian character is Christlikeness. As the Son of man was perfect in His life, so His followers are to be perfect in their life. Jesus was in all things made like unto His brethren. He became flesh, even as we are. He was hungry and thirsty and weary. He was sustained by food and refreshed by sleep. He shared the lot of man; yet He was the blameless Son of God. He was God in the flesh. His character is to be ours. The Lord says of those who believe in Him, "I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people." 2 Cor. 6:16.

    Christ is the ladder that Jacob saw, the base resting on the earth, and the topmost round reaching to the gate of heaven, to the very threshold of glory. If that ladder had failed by a single step of reaching the earth, we should have been lost. But Christ reaches us where we are. He took our nature and overcame, that we through taking His nature might overcome. Made "in the likeness of sinful flesh" (Rom. 8:3), He lived a sinless life. Now by His divinity He lays hold upon the throne of heaven, while by His humanity He reaches us. He bids us by faith in Him attain to the glory of the character of God. Therefore are we to be perfect, even as our "Father which is in heaven is perfect." Jesus had shown in what righteousness consists, and had pointed to God as its source. Now He turned to practical duties. In almsgiving, in prayer, in fasting, He said, let nothing be done to attract attention or win praise to self. Give in sincerity, for the benefit of the suffering poor. In prayer, let the soul commune with God. In fasting, go not with the head bowed down, and heart filled with thoughts of self. The heart of the Pharisee is a barren and profitless soil, in which no seeds of divine life can flourish. It is he who yields himself most unreservedly to God that will render Him the most acceptable service. For through fellowship with God men become workers together with Him in presenting His character in humanity.

    The service rendered in sincerity of heart has great recompense. "Thy Father which seeth in secret Himself shall reward thee openly." By the life we live through the grace of Christ the character is formed. The original loveliness begins to be restored to the soul. The attributes of the character of Christ are imparted, and the image of the Divine begins to shine forth. The faces of men and women who walk and work with God express the peace of heaven. They are surrounded with the atmosphere of heaven. For these souls the kingdom of God has begun. They have Christ's joy, the joy of being a blessing to humanity. They have the honor of being accepted for the Master's use; they are trusted to do His work in His name.

    "No man can serve two masters." We cannot serve God with a divided heart. Bible religion is not one influence among many others; its influence is to be supreme, pervading and controlling every other. It is not to be like a dash of color brushed here and there upon the canvas, but it is to pervade the whole life, as if the canvas were dipped into the color, until every thread of the fabric were dyed a deep, unfading hue.

    "If therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness." Purity and steadfastness of purpose are the conditions of receiving light from God. He who desires to know the truth must be willing to accept all that it reveals. He can make no compromise with error. To be wavering and halfhearted in allegiance to truth is to choose the darkness of error and satanic delusion. Worldly policy and the undeviating principles of righteousness do not blend into each other imperceptibly, like the colors of the rainbow. Between the two a broad, clear line is drawn by the eternal God. The likeness of Christ stands out as distinct from that of Satan as midday in contrast with midnight. And only those who live the life of Christ are His co-workers. If one sin is cherished in the soul, or one wrong practice retained in the life, the whole being is contaminated. The man becomes an instrument of unrighteousness.

    All who have chosen God's service are to rest in His care. Christ pointed to the birds flying in the heavens, to the flowers of the field, and bade His hearers consider these objects of God's creation. "Are not ye of much more value than they?" He said. Matt. 6:26, R. V. The measure of divine attention bestowed on any object is proportionate to its rank in the scale of being. The little brown sparrow is watched over by Providence. The flowers of the field, the grass that carpets the earth, share the notice and care of our heavenly Father. The great Master Artist has taken thought for the lilies, making them so beautiful that they outshine the glory of Solomon. How much more does He care for man, who is the image and glory of God. He longs to see His children reveal a character after His similitude. As the sunbeam imparts to the flowers their varied and delicate tints, so does God impart to the soul the beauty of His own character.

    All who choose Christ's kingdom of love and righteousness and peace, making its interest paramount to all other, are linked to the world above, and every blessing needed for this life is theirs. In the book of God's providence, the volume of life, we are each given a page. That page contains every particular of our history; even the hairs of the head are numbered. God's children are never absent from His mind.

    "Be not therefore anxious for the morrow." Matt. 6:34, R. V. We are to follow Christ day by day. God does not bestow help for tomorrow. He does not give His children all the directions for their life journey at once, lest they should become confused. He tells them just as much as they can remember and perform. The strength and wisdom imparted are for the present emergency. "If any of you lack wisdom,"--for today,--"let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." James 1:5.

    "Judge not, that ye be not judged." Do not think yourself better than other men, and set yourself up as their judge. Since you cannot discern motive, you are incapable of judging another. In criticizing him, you are passing sentence upon yourself; for you show that you are a participant with Satan, the accuser of the brethren. The Lord says, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves." This is our work. "If we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged." 2 Cor. 13:5; 1 Cor. 11:31.

    The good tree will produce good fruit. If the fruit is unpalatable and worthless, the tree is evil. So the fruit borne in the life testifies as to the condition of the heart and the excellence of the character. Good works can never purchase salvation, but they are an evidence of the faith that acts by love and purifies the soul. And though the eternal reward is not bestowed because of our merit, yet it will be in proportion to the work that has been done through the grace of Christ.

    Thus Christ set forth the principles of His kingdom, and showed them to be the great rule of life. To impress the lesson He adds an illustration. It is not enough, He says, for you to hear My words. By obedience you must make them the foundation of your character. Self is but shifting sand. If you build upon human theories and inventions, your house will fall. By the winds of temptation, the tempests of trial, it will be swept away. But these principles that I have given will endure. Receive Me; build on My words.

    "Everyone therefore which heareth these words of Mine, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a wise man, which built his house upon the rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon the rock." Matt. 7:24, 25, R.V.

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Jesus-christ-0207
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 90ff87a0c615d042263755e016f453a1
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Tenor
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Fe811b30eb998eb89be65c17d4f5813b
    "I Can't Recall, Senator. Nothing of What I Utter is Emergent.
    It's Just the Caleidoscopic Pattern of a Decomposing Mind..."

    America Warned Is Unprepared For Q & Trump’s Cataclysmic Destruction Of “Deep State”. I keep speculating that the world has been centrally-ruled by a particular-faction for at least 5,000 years, but what do I know?? If this is even remotely-true, this would probably involve controlling EVERYTHING and EVERYONE (including the Elites -- Human and Otherwise). The Tangled-Web would be SO Interwoven and Strong that a Rival-Faction would only be able to take-over by being even nastier than the Original-Faction!! The Nice Guys and Gals might really Finish-Last!! The Deep-State might be replaced by the Really-Deep State!! I have no idea, and I'm not sure I wish to have a profound-understanding of this matter. I've sort of marked my territory with my United States of the Solar System, A.D. 2133 Threads (with an emphasis on A.D. 2133). I am haunted by what Al Bielek said about the 22nd and 28th centuries, and by my pseudo-prophetic research. Listen very closely to what Al Bielek says in this video (below), especially regarding Governance and Artificial-Intelligence.
    Carol wrote:I've listened several times to what Al Bielek had to say.. in the past, a few years back when I had no clue what future he could be describing and several times within the past month where most of the puzzle pieces fell into place. I had wondered if initially the AI were hybrids, clones or just AI bio-robots. It could be a combination as well. However the one point that he made is that how humanity lost its verve to be innovative. It seems that struggle is an essential ingredient that helps humankind evolve. I thought he described what is most likely a socialistic society but one that was geared toward being useful as compared to daring to break out of the envelope. Obviously, those of Aquarius leanings would likely be sent to a re-education mind conditioning program or simply disappear. He also described an AI component to society that reminded me of something that Stefano Breccia spoke to me about with his Italian ET contacts where the planet of their origin was basically run by a AI computer who selected the leader for their planet, a leader who was basically without compassion, lacking the basic qualities of a humanitarian. In fact, some of the practices regarding punishment on that particular planet make Guantanamo look like a preschool.
    What if Most of the Above applies throughout the universe, to greater or lesser extents?? As I feel worse and think less, I seem to be facing an increasingly-troubling inconvenient-truth regarding life, the universe, and everything. For those of you who might be gluttons for punishment, consider Daniel, 1 Corinthians, and Hebrews in the KJV. The KGB Read the KJV. Consider especially Daniel 7-12, I Corinthians 15, and Hebrews 9. I won't elaborate, other than to say that I find 1 Corinthians 15:24-28 to be incredibly problematic. What if the Bible and Central-Characters have Everything to do with Artificial-Intelligence Governance with Indigenous-Puppets for Thousands (or Millions) of Years?? What if This is Darker Than We Can Imagine?? What if Being the "Chosen-One" is NOT a Good Thing?! What if an Eternally Burning Hell is Simply Purgatory Incorporated in Perpetuity?? What if There is No Heaven, Hell, or Purgatory in the Roman Catholic Sense?? Don't Burn Me, Bro!! We Haven't Started Yet!! Sorry for my Hijacked Ashera Quote Falsely Attributed to Alfred E. Newman (above)!! I Couldn't Resist. Now I Go Incognito. The End is Near. Geronimo.




    orthodoxymoron wrote:For what it's worth, approximately three years ago (plus or minus a year) I wrote the following subconsciously prophetic paragraph. Take a look at Dark Journalist's 'Abbotsford Episode'. My parents were from Alberta and British Columbia. My father grew-up on a 40 acre farm in Langley (near Abbotsford). I have relatives in BC (but I think they've disowned me). My dad was a logger in BC. Anyway, I'm interested in the possibilities concerning Alaska, BC, Washington, Oregon, California, and Mexico, but I don't want to talk about it. I don't want to talk about much of anything anymore. I really think I've been turned into a miserable-vegetable (and it's getting worse). Forget about me, unless you wish to power-struggle with a miserable-retard. Stubborn and Stupid are SO Overrated...


    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Vancouver_island_large

    Imagine an Island-Campus centered in a Concert-Hall and Library surrounded by a University surrounded by Multinational-Corporations surrounded by the Mansions of the Elite with a Sub-Surface Military-Complex on Steroids!! To give this fantasy some substance, imagine Benaroya Hall and the University of Washington Libraries surrounded by the University of Washington (including the UW Medical Center) surrounded by Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing surrounded by Puget Sound Mansions with a Sub-Surface Naval and Space-Force Fortress on Steroids!! Imagine this Fantasy-Island existing on Vancouver Island!! If this doesn't make your hair stand on-end (to the point that your hair gets pulled out of your skin) you must be dead!! This is sort of cool to think about, but the reality might make the 'V' series (both of them) look tame and lame in comparison!! I suspect that we exist within the eye of a VERY Nasty Storm (which might be the end of all of us -- physically and spiritually). We might be entering an Eternity of Enslavement and/or Extermination (possibly at the 'mercy' of Malevolent-Regressive Artificial-Intelligence) as the Final-Stage of a Galactic Rat-Trap. You might wish to take a pill and/or have a drink. One More Thing. Don't Be Frightened. I Mean No Harm. I Am of Peace. Always. Just Kidding.
    Carol wrote:
    China Massing "Tens-of-Thousands" of Troops in Prince Rupert
    and Vancouver Canada
    - Thursday, October 8, 2020


    Arm Yourselves and Prepare; China Massing “Tens-of-Thousands” of Troops
    in Prince Rupert and Vancouver Canada. Invade USA?

    Under a Treaty signed in late 2019 with Canada, the People’s Liberation Army of China has been quietly massing military troops in Canada since the beginning of 2020 and those troops are believed to be readying for an actual military invasion of the United States.

    While it has long been rumored that China began massing troops and armor in southern Mexico for a similar invasion goal, word of such troops appearing in Canada only began this year. Those rumors were pretty much laughed off until video emerged this week of Chinese troops on a back road of Salt Spring Island, near Vancouver, British Columbia.  Here is that 35 second video:

    Once actual proof emerged of Chinese troops in Canada, we started digging into where they were in relation to US soil and how such a thing could be given that Canada was _supposed_ to be a U.S. ally?

    The map below shows where China is massing the troops in Prince Rupert and on Salt Spring Island, BC, CANADA:

    It turns out that the globalist/Commie Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, signed a Treaty with China in late 2019.  In January, 2020, the Canadian Independent Press Review reported it as follows:

    Under the terms of the Foreign Investment Protection Act (FIPA), a bi-lateral treaty ratified with China by the Trudeau government in 2019, Chinese security forces can be stationed on Canadian soil to protect vital Chinese investments, without the knowledge or consent of local authorities.      – Canadian Independent Press Review, January 15, 2020

    One has to ask why Prime Minister Trudeau would sign such a treaty?  Does Canada not have its own military to “protect vital Chinese investments?”   Does Canada not trust its own Royal Canadian Mounted Police?  Are Canada’s Provincial Police forces somehow inadequate?  Or did Prime Minister Trudeau somehow find that allowing China to mass troops in his country might be beneficial to HIMSELF?  Did Trudeau get a massive payoff from China to betray the United States like this?  What other explanation could there be?

    According to locals in British Columbia, PLA troops are troops being stationed in Stanley Park (almost an entire island of a park) in Vancouver, as temporary housing until they are assigned something permanent.  Look at the size of this “park:”

    Oh, and get this . . .Canadians say THEY CANNOT GO INTO THAT PARK because it is taken over by China’s People’s Liberation Army!   Anyone trying to enter the park is stopped by Vancouver police and refused entry unless they are PLA troops!

    One Canadian tells me “You got ‘em (PLA Troops) all over the coast, man, based outta Prince Rupert. A bunch of their military intel people work outta their consulate in town (Vancouver) and they can airlift the assault troops here in an hour, is what I been told.”


    That same source went on to say “That’s how that Xxxxxxxx traitor Trudeau’s arranged it with Beijing, man. The west coast is theirs. They’re gonna be the ones managing the curfews and all the other XXXX that’s gonna follow.

    So, ladies and gentlemen, our neighbor and “ally,” Canada, under the completely fraudulent guise of protecting Chinese investments, has betrayed the United States and is permitting China to mass troops on Canada’s west coast, and China is doing so – allegedly to protect their investments – but in actual fact, for use in attacking and conquering the United States.

    REDEPLOYMENT OF F-22′s AND F-35′s to . . .  Alaska

    There was a curious story a few weeks ago about how the US is redeploying F-22′s and F-35′s to . . . Alaska. (Story Here) (check source link at bottom)

    It didn’t make any sense at the time.  Why would we put some of our most advanced fighter jets all the way up there?   Now, we seem to know!

    The US Government knows what China is doing and our government is preparing to fight them off!  Those planes can fly in from behind the Chinese troops and bomb them.

    CALL-UP of ONE MILLION RESERVISTS

    There was another story back in March, by ABC News (HERE) about President Trump authorizing the Secretary of Defense to Call-up a MILLION U.S. Military Reservists.

    At the time, we were told that the call-up had to do with COVID-19 and those troops would be able to help with the outbreak.  

    That story just didn’t hold water because the COVID outbreak wasn’t nearly that bad.  Now, the call-up seems to make sense.

    The US Government saw that China has begun massing troops and is calling-up a MILLION U.S. Military Reservists to fight them off!

    West Coast “Wild Fires” to chase population away?

    For months, the US west coast has been seeing ferocious “wildfires” that have burned millions of acres, and destroyed tens-of-thousands of homes.

    Just two weeks ago, earthquake guru Dutch Since accidentally stumbled upon what appear to be Directed Energy Weapons being used to start and spread those fires!

    His video showed that US Satellites in space which monitor environmental conditions in the USA, picked up literal “beams” in the Near-infra-red spectrum, being fired at and into the wildfires.   Here’s a screen shot of such beams being fired:

    When those beams hit, the fires immediately grew in intensity, and spread.

    Other photos – VERY MANY – have been taken by citizens on the scenes as these beams were fired and they were so shocked at seeing it, the people took photos of the beams as they took place: (See numerous photos and videos at source)

    Then, Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, revealed to the American people that China and Russia have “weaponized space” and he specifically mentioned ”Directed Energy Weapons” in his address to an Air Force conference.  In just the first TWO MINUTES, the Secretary of Defense repeatedly tells us that China and Russia are employing “Asymmetric capabilities” and he flatly states they have “weaponized space” with “Directed Energy Weapons.”  Just watch the first two minutes: see source

    I’m sure all of you at some time or another have seen a car fire. They get to burning pretty ferociously, right?

    When have you EVER seen a car fire that causes the wheels to actually melt?

    Take a look at what’s been happening in the US west coast . . .

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 CAfiresCarMelted

    Vehicles are being MELTED in the so-called “wild fires.”

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Screen-Shot-2018-07-31-at-8.11.24-AM

    How can burning wood melt steel?  It can’t. The burn temperature doesn’t get hot enough.  But a directed energy weapon could do it . . . and now, it looks as though that’s precisely what’s been happening!

    But why?

    Why would China want to start massive fires on our west coast?

    Simple: To chase the people out.


    The world knows that American citizens are ARMED to the teeth thanks to our Constitution’s Second Amendment. Famously, back in World War 2 after their attack upon Pearl Harbor, a Japanese General remarked that Americans were so heavily armed that “Japan would face a gun behind every blade of grass” if they ever tried to invade.  That, he said, was why Japan never invaded.

    China knows this too.  So they’re burning us out! They’re starting these fires to get rid of literally millions of Americans so Chinese troops WON’T face a gun behind every blade of grass.   These fires are softening-up the west coast for invasion!

    Why isn’t Congress doing anything to defend us?  Where is a Declaration of war?  We’ve been under attack by (DEW) directed energy weapons for months. It’s time to attack back.

    Americans are URGED to arm themselves and prepare. Invading foreign army persons are to be shown NO QUARTER and NO MERCY.  Take no prisoners.

    This is going to be a fight for our very existence.

    SURVEIL THEM!

    Canadians in British Columbia are encouraged to engage in ACTIVE, OPEN, DELIBERATE, SURVEILLANCE of Chinese Troops.  Take photos.  Take videos.  Go to Stanley Park and fly drones over it to grab video.  Go to Salt Spring Island and do the same.  Remember, there is no expectation of privacy for anything which is out in public.  No law exists preventing the surveillance of foreign military troops in public.

    Either publish your videos to Youtube or to Brighteon (where they won’t get censored) and send them to me at: Hal.Turner@HalTurnerRadioShow.com.

    These troops need to be tracked and monitored.  Their locations must be determined and kept under watchful eye.

    If military EQUIPMENT such as Tanks, Armored personnel carriers, self-propelled artillery, helicopters, or planes of any type are found, grab images and video of those too.  We need to see just how far along their activities have progressed.

    You can also call-in your findings during a nightly Hal Turner Radio show by calling the listener-call-in number 201-771-3013 while the show is airing.   The show airs Monday thru Friday from 9:00-10:00 PM eastern US time.  It can be heard on shortwave stations WBCQ on either 7.490 or 6.160, and WRMI on 9.455.   Inside the USA, the show can be heard on KYAH 540-AM in Utah, and is streamed live on the net HERE: http://stream.halturnerradioshow.com:8000/

    This is serious.  Never before has any major foreign power taken such aggressive steps to directly come after the USA.   It will not go unchallenged.

    Source:

    https://halturnerradioshow.com/index.php/en/news-page/news-nation/arm-yourselves-and-prepare-china-massing-tens-of-thousands-of-troops-in-prince-rupert-and-vancouver-canada-invade-usa
    Jenetta wrote:An email recently received:

    Sadly I have some very serious information, that China may be preparing an imminent invasion of the United States of America.

    I explain everything in this in-depth report, that shows how tens of thousands of Chinese troops are hiding in Indian Reservations near the Canadian border; 50,000 Chinese soldiers were killed a few days ago in a deep underground military base; an F-16 from the U.S. Air Force was sliced in half by Chinese lasers above Michigan; China has bought hundreds of thousands of acres of land inside the USA, which gave them the ability to shut down the power-grid of entire Texas; and so much more.

    These are no vain claims. The evidence for all this is presented in this alarming report.

    Remember, no matter which storm we face, they always come and go, and we are heading towards a bright future. This is not the end of the world, but it is a storm we may have to face and brace for.

    Chinese nuclear submarines are on their way, the U.S. Navy has gathered their fleet along the coasts of America to defend us, dozens of military transports aircraft have been observed in the skies of America, and intel straight from the military reveals they have been briefed on this.

    Outline Cover Topics:

    U.S. Military Briefed on Possible Invasion by China & Russia
    U.S. Aircraft Carriers Strategically Positioned
    Military Transport Aircraft Filling U.S. Skies
    Statement by Commandant of U.S. Marine Corps
    U.S. Navy: 'Time to Execute'


    U.S. ARMY ACTIVATED
    There is an increased activity of the Chinese, Russian and U.S. Navy and even Air Force. The strategic repositioning of the U.S. Navy all along the West and East coast of America, speaks volumes.
    Unusual Number of Russian Battleships On The Move Off U.K. coast.
    Russian Military Air Craft Intercepted by RAF

    RUSSIAN ARMY
    Russian Air Force and Navy are suddenly moving into the Mediterranean. What is their objective?
    Whose side are they on?
    Chinese Troops in Canada At Least 6,000
    See Video www.TheChinaFiles.com

    CHINA TREATY
    Under the terms of the Foreign Investment Protection Act (FIPA), a bi-lateral treaty ratified with China by the Trudeau government in 2019, Chinese security forces can be stationed on Canadian soil to protect vital Chinese investments, without the knowledge or consent of local authorities.
    – Canadian Independent Press Review, January 15, 2020
    Chinese Troops Along Canadian Westcoast (e.g. Stanley Park & Prince Rupert...hidden as well on Indian native reservations with access to natural resources in those areas British Columbia.
    CHICOM troops now move freely in Canada under the cover of COVID-19 lockdowns as well as legislation from the Canadian government which allows the CHICOMs to use their military to “protect” CHICOM assets in Canada.
    China Owns Huge Areas of Land Inside the U.S.
    A Chinese company recently bought 130,000 acres of land right next to the U.S. largest Air Force training base in Texas, according to Foreign Policy. The Blue Hills Wind development project, located not far from America’s border with Mexico, is being proposed by GH America Energy, a subsidiary of Guanghui Energy Company.
    China Can Shut Off Entire Texas Power Grid

    SHUT DOWN GRID
    China has been strategically positioning itself to obtain an ever increasing presence inside the USA, which enables them to sabotage both telecommunication networks, and the power grid.
    Did China Cause the Wildfires Along the West Coast? Moscow and China have weaponized space with "killer satellites" and "directed energy weapons". See photos.
    China May Be Plotting an EMP Attack on the USA
    F-16 Fighter Jet Destroyed by Chinese Lasers over Michigan
    Underground Military Facility in Maine with 50,000 CHICOM Destroyed Land owned by the Bidens.

    https://www.stopworldcontrol.com/war/?tl_inbound=1&tl_target_all=1

    Any fool can make a rule, and any fool will mind it.  Henry David Thoreau
    I wish to make it abundantly clear that my whole-life has been a miserable-contradiction which is more unresolved than ever. My mental, physical, spiritual, and creative crisis is quickly worsening. I even suspect foul-play. Don't expect my United States of the Solar System threads to bring you peace and/or prosperity. Still, I'd appreciate some sort of expert analysis, but I'm not holding my breath. I might play 'hard to get' on some deluded level. What if I experience an epiphany which clarifies everything yet is revealed to no-one?? What if I write books without regard to giving people what they want and telling them what they wish to read?? What if my books will be read by only a few hundred readers who will have no idea what the hell I'm writing about?? What if I really was instrumental in creating a Universe-Matrix in Antiquity?? What if this was highly altruistic yet trenchantly pragmatic?? What if I'm NOT supposed to get any assistance in figuring this out?? RA told me, "You'll NEVER Figure This Out." RA told me, "I've Been Watching You for a Long Time." What Would Gabriel in Constantine Say?? What if my little popularity contest is at an end?? Consider VERY Carefully the Endings of Trial of a Time-Lord (Dr. Who 1980's) and Jupiter Ascending (2015). What if I need to eschew obfuscation?? What if I should read Volume 6 (Acts to Ephesians) of the SDA Bible Commentary (straight-through, over and over) while listening to Baroque Sacred Classical Music interspersed with Exercise in Nature?? What if I should keep everyone guessing (including myself)?? What if I should Reject Everything and Start Over?? What if I should study the History of Science and Medicine in the Context of the Teaching Hospital (with an emphasis on Medical Bio-Ethics)?? What if I should drink a Big Cup of Shut the Fvck Up?? What if I should Make the Coffee (with Bailey's Irish-Cream Creamer)?? What Would Brook Say and Do?? An Ivy-League University Should Study the Egyptology of Brook Schiner in conjunction with the Books of Ralph Ellis and Joseph Farrell. Perhaps I Need to Go Partially Insane to Gain the Necessary Insights to Create Useable Futures for Endangered Civilizations?? I'm Sorry We Couldn't Work Together. Too Much Bullshit has Gone Under the Bridge. Namaste or Whatever. Godspeed and Geronimo.








    What Would Jesus Do???
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 7a976bdaee8238a6396bd51e4ecbae40
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Monster-Energy-Girl
    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 City-of-salt-lake-special006
    Back to the Future. The Beginning is Near. Now I Go Incognito.


    Last edited by orthodoxymoron on Sat Dec 19, 2020 4:02 am; edited 38 times in total
    Ashera
    Ashera


    Posts : 4201
    Join date : 2011-03-16
    Location : Atargatis Atreides

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (10)

    Post  Ashera Sat Dec 12, 2020 4:28 am

    You are not to heal...
    orthodoxymoron
    orthodoxymoron


    Posts : 13426
    Join date : 2010-09-28
    Location : The Matrix

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 Empty Re: United States AI Solar System (10)

    Post  orthodoxymoron Sat Dec 19, 2020 11:29 am





    I Have a Book with a Sandia National Labs Stamp.
    I Told RA That I Had the Launch-Codes.
    He Looked Worried. So Should You.

    United States AI Solar System (10) - Page 18 B4d5c446dfdba62b500f9419b36a5b97--michael-savage-michael-okeefe

      Current date/time is Sun May 19, 2024 8:44 pm