May 1, 2020
FROM YOUR PASTOR’S DESK:
CONTEMPLATE ON THE MYSTERY OF GODLINESS, NOT THE MYSTERY OF INIQUITY
“And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” 1 Tim. 3:16, KJV.
As the great controversy on earth grows worse, as prophesied, there is one glorious truth that transcends all the truths in the Bible and is beyond any and all controversies that Satan’s diabolical mind can invent. What is it? “Without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh” in the incarnation!
I recommend that we prepare our hearts and minds to meet this Sabbath by turning our eyes from the turmoil, anxiety, fear and confusion as pervasive as the covid-19, because we focus on it, and refocus on this sublime truth:
“It will be profitable to contemplate the divine condescension, the sacrifice, the self-denial, the humiliation, the resistance the Son of God encountered in doing His work for fallen men.
“Well may we come forth from contemplation of His sufferings, exclaiming, Amazing condescension!
“Angels marvel, as with intense interest they watch the Son of God walk step by step in the path of humiliation. IT IS THE MYSTERY OF GODLINESS.
“It is the glory of God to conceal Himself and His ways, not by keeping men in ignorance of heavenly light and knowledge, but by SURPASSING the utmost capacity of men to know.”
“Humanity can comprehend in part, but that is all that men can bear. The love of Christ passes knowledge [even as His peace passeth understanding].”
The MYSTERY OF REDEMPTION will continue to be the mystery, the unexhausted science and everlasting SONG of eternity. Well may humanity exclaim, Who can know God? We may, as did Elijah, wrap our mantles about us, and listen to hear the STILL SMALL VOICE of God.” E.G.White, Bible Echo, Apr. 30, 1894.
Remember the verse printed in the church bulletin that is read before prayer and the sermon: “Today, if you will hear His [“still small”] voice, harden not your hearts.” That voice is the Holy Spirit still speaking to our conscience. Never, ever grieve Him away. Meet the Lord of the Sabbath in peace at sunset tonight! NMF