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Mid-week Manna

The Third Person of the Godhead Series – Part 17: THE EFFICIENCY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:
July 3, 2024

The Third Person of the Godhead Series – Part 17

THE EFFICIENCY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

  1. A Divine Agency at Creation:
    The opening words of the Bible, declaring the genesis of all things beginning with the work of creation, immediately introduces to fallen mankind the presence and first works of the Holy Spirit, here called “the Spirit of God.” (All emphasis supplied).
    “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the SPIRIT OF GOD moved upon the waters.” Gen. 1: 1, 2, KJV.

The “Spirit of God” at work with the Creator at creation is one and the same as “the Spirit of God” working in His duly appointed capacities in both the Old and New Testament dispensations and in the plan of redemption.

Please read the following verses for yourselves from your own Bibles, preferably the KJV (or Authorized Version, A.V.), or the Revised Standard Version (RSV), not the NIV or other versions.
OT: Gen. 41: 38; Exo. 31:3; 35:31; Num. 24:2; 1 Sam. 10:10; 11: 6; 19: 20, 23; Job 27:3; 33: 4; NT: Matt. 3: 16; 12: 28; Rom. 8: 9, 14; 15: 19; 1 Cor. 2: 11, 14; 3: 16, 6: 11; 7: 40; 12: 3; 2 Cor. 3: 3; EPH. 4: 30; 1 Pet. 4: 14; 1 John 4:2.

Indeed! A veritable “battalion” of “It is written,” and “Thus saith the Lord” attesting to and defending the awesome truth that the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Godhead is specifically identified in these verses as “the Spirit of God,” the same in beginning of creation!

  1. The Comforter as The Spirit of Truth:
    Just before taking His last painful steps in His blood-stained path leading to Calvary to die as the Father’s divine Sacrificial Lamb of God for fallen mankind, Jesus promised His first Twelve grieving disciples:
    “And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you ANOTHER COMFORTER, that He may abide with you FOREVER. Even the SPIRIT OF TRUTH; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He DWELLETH WITH YOU, and shall be IN YOU. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you [through the Spirit of Truth ].” John 14: 16, 17 (all emphasis and bracketed words supplied).

Ponder these precious thoughts in your hearts and minds, praying for fresh supplies of grace imparted alone by the Holy Spirit. To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.

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Mid-week Manna

God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration: GOD’S PURPOSE FOR NOT QUICKLY ABORTING EVIL AND ITS ORIGINATOR LUCIFER

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

April 22, 2026

God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration

GOD’S PURPOSE FOR NOT QUICKLY ABORTING EVIL AND ITS ORIGINATOR LUCIFER

TEXT: “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but the things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” Deut. 29:29, KJV. 

Having first laid down “the greater light” foundations from the Bible of this profound subject, we now quote excerpts of its magnification from “the lesser light” (all emphasis and bracketed words/numbers provided): 

     “To many minds, the ORIGIN of sin and the REASON for its existence are a source of great perplexity. They see the work of evil, with its terrible results of woe and desolation, and they question HOW ALL THESE CAN EXIST under the sovereignty of One who is INFINITE in wisdom, in power, and in love. Here is a MYSTERY, of which they find no explanation.

    “And in their uncertainty and doubt, they are BLINDED to the truths plainly revealed in God’s word, and ESSENTIAL TO SALVATION. 

    “There are those who, in their inquiries concerning the existence of sin, endeavor to search into that which GOD HAS NEVER REVEALED; hence they find no solution of their difficulties; and such as are actuated by a disposition to doubt and cavil, seize upon this as an EXCUSE for rejecting the words of the Holy Writ.

    “Others, however, FAIL OF A SATISFACTORY UNDERSTANDING of the great problem of evil [due] from the fact that TRADITION AND MISINTERPRETATION have obscured the teaching of the Bible concerning [1] the character of God, [2] the nature of His government, and [3] the principles of His dealing with sin. 

    “It is IMPOSSIBLE to explain the origin of sin so as to give a REASON for its existence. Yet ENOUGH may be understood concerning BOTH THE ORIGIN AND FINAL DISPOSITION OF SIN, to make fully manifest the JUSTICE AND BENEVOLENCE of God in all His dealings with evil.

    “Nothing is more plainly taught in Scripture than that God was IN NO WISE RESPONSIBLE for the entrance of sin [either in heaven or earth]; that there was no arbitrary withdrawal of divine grace, NO DEFICIENCY in the divine government, that gave occasion to the uprising of rebellion. 

    “SIN IS AN INTRUDER FOR WHOSE PRESENCE NO REASON CAN BE GIVEN. IT IS MYSTERIOUS, UNACCOUNTABLE; TO EXCUSE IT IS TO DEFEND IT. Could excuse for it be found, of CAUSE be shown for its existence, it would CEASE to be sin. Our ONLY DEFINITION OF SIN is that given in the word of God; it is ‘the transgression of the law’ [1 John 3: 4]; it is the outworking of A PRINCIPLE AT WAR with the great law of love which is the foundation of the divine government [of God’s everlasting kingdom].”- Ellen G. White, ‘The Origin of Evil,’ ch. 29, Great Controversy, 1911, Pacific Press Publishing, pp. 492-3. 

To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.

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Mid-week Manna

God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration : EVIL AND SIN ORIGINATED IN HEAVEN: WHY GOD DID NOT ABORT IT IMMEDIATELY  

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

April 15, 2026

God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration 

EVIL AND SIN ORIGINATED IN HEAVEN: WHY GOD DID NOT ABORT IT IMMEDIATELY  

It is almost-to-midnight hour of our “late, great planet Earth” of mankind’s second and last probation. 

Regardless of one’s religious persuasion, faith, belief system, or none at all, and whether you choose to “hear or forbear; to “come now and let us reason together” or postpone “for a more convenient time;” brush off or outright reject, none can ever diminish one iota of this factual truth as fundamental as God and the everlasting gospel. What is it? That “the central power of the earth” since the fall in Eden six thousand years ago, is not a kingdom, nation, empire, “universal secret cabal,” or anything human. It is a demon. Yes, the demon himself. 

Let’s begin from the last of the 66 books of God’s Word, Revelation, that simply traces us back to who, what, where, when, why, and how these all started. Thereafter we will summon the testimonies of the other prophets of the Old Testament, and on to Christ Himself, and the writings of His apostles and messengers in the New Testament. 

Now this (all emphasis and bracketed words provided):

  “And there was WAR IN HEAVEN: MICHAEL and His angels fought against the DRAGON; and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed NOT; neither was their place found ANYMORE in heaven. And the GREAT DRAGON was cast out, that OLD SERPENT [cf. Gen. 2: 15-17; 3: 1-24] called THE DEVIL, and SATAN, which DECEIVETH THE WHOLE WORLD: he was cast out INTO THE EARTH, and HIS ANGELS were cast out with him [to the earth].” Rev. 12: 7-9, KJV.

     “MICHAEL.” Christ has many “names” and “titles,” all indicative and descriptive of His various offices, authority, powers, roles, and relations heaven, the whole universe, and to the earth He created, particularly towards man whom He alone He “made in His image and after His likeness,” and in particular, in the great controversy and the Plan of Redemption of the Gospel. 

Most Christian scholars and commentators and their Bible dictionaries (including the SDA Bible Dictionary, Commentary Reference Series, Vol. 8) say that “Michael the archangel” is “the highest of the  angels”, drawing primarily from the Jewish religious literature such as the Targum of Jonathan as well as the Talmud. 

However, the simple truth is that “Michael the Prince” and “Archangel are Christ’s

 names and titles of authority as the Commander-in-Chief of the angelic host in their capacity as heaven’s army. See references provided here from the inspired pen of Ellen G. White: 

    – Christ is Michael: Desire of Ages, pp. 99, 421; Prophets & Kings, p. 572; Story of Redemption, p. 173. 

    – Heaven’s Prince, Archangel, Sanctified Life, p. 51

    – Moses was raised from the dead by, Desire of Ages, p. 421; Early Writings, p. 164. 

    – When Christ shall stand up as heaven’s Prince and Archangel, Early Writings, p. 36; Great Controversy, p. 613; Life Sketches, p. 117. 

Indeed the great controversy between Christ and Satan started in heaven and with the defeat of Satan and his angels, the cosmic conflict transferred here on earth, beginning with the downfall of man in Eden, merely six thousand years ago. It is soon to end in its prophesied stupendous climax before Jesus finally returns in all His glory in the true second advent! 

Are you preparing and staying prepared and awake? 

To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.

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Mid-week Manna

God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration:GOD’S PURPOSE FOR PERMITTING SIN FIRST IN HEAVEN THEN ON EARTH

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

April 8, 2026

God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration

GOD’S PURPOSE FOR PERMITTING SIN FIRST IN HEAVEN THEN ON EARTH

Scripture Foundations of this sub series: 

   “The secret things belong to the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” Deut. 29: 29, KJV. 

     “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” 1 John 3:4. 

    “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust [desires], and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1: 13-15. 

   “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point [any of the ten], he is guilty of all.” James 2: 10. 

   “Wherefore, as by one man [Adam] sin entered into the world, and death, by sin; and so death passed into all men, for that all have sinned. For until the  the law, sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed where there is no law. Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude [likeness] of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of Him [Christ, ‘the last Adam’] who is to come.” Rom. 5: 12- 14. 

Sin, of all places, began in heaven, the home of God and angels! Since Almighty God Creator is in full control of all beings and things created in heaven, earth, and the unfallen worlds and beings in His immeasurable universe, He must have allowed or permitted sin to start in heaven. Why? What divine purpose was to be served by allowing “the mystery of iniquity” to form and break out in heaven, and then continue here on earth for six thousand years now? 

The answers and explanations  to these fundamental questions is the burden of this sub series. We shall source two parallel chapters, namely: “Why was Sin Permitted?”, chapter 1, Patriarchs & Prophets) and “The Origin of Evil,” chapter 29, Great Controversy, 1911 edition; both authored by Ellen G. White. 

I long struggled with these questions and found no satisfactory explanations and reasons offered and propounded by any and many. That is, until in my persistence, I was finally blessed undeservedly by being led by the Holy Spirit to these ‘Testimonies’ and the said chapters. I “return His favors” by sharing these enlightenment by emphasis with all who “have eyes to read, ears to hear, and hearts to yield to the “still small voice” of the Holy Spirit. 

To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.

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Mid-week Manna

God’s Purposes Revealed by Prophecy and Fulfilled as History

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

April 1, 2026

God’s Purposes Revealed by Prophecy and Fulfilled as History

DANIEL: GOD’S FAITHFUL REPRESENTATIVE WHILE SERVING 

Quoted below are extracts from Commentary on the Book of Daniel, A Section Of Volume IV of The SDA Bible Commentary, published and copyrighted, 1955, by the Review & Herald Publishing Asso.. Washington, D. C., pp. 750-1 (all emphasis and bracketed words provided).

   “Theme. The book of Daniel might properly be called a handbook on history and prophecy. Predictive prophecy is a PREVIEW OF HISTORY; history is predictive prophecy PASSING IN REVIEW. 

     “The elements of prediction 1] enables GOD’S PEOPLE to see the things of TIME in the light of ETERNITY, 2] alerts them for effective action at appropriate times 3] facilitates personal preparation for the final crisis, and 4] provides a firm basis of FAITH upon the fulfillment of the prediction. 

    “The FOUR MAJOR LINES OF PROPHECY in the book of Daniel set forth in brief outline, AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF WORLD HISTORY,  the EXPERIENCES of God’s people

from the days of Daniel down to the close of time: ‘The curtain is drawn aside, and we behold, above, behind, and through all the play and counterplay of human interest and powers and passions THE AGENCIES OF THE ALL-MERCIFUL ONE, silently, patiently, working out the COUNSELS OF HIS OWN WILL’ (E. G. White, PK 500) 

     “Each of the four lines of prophecy reaches a climax when ‘THE GOD OF HEAVEN’ sets ‘UP A KINGDOM, which shall never be destroyed ‘(ch. 2:44), when the ‘SON OF MAN’ receives ‘EVERLASTING DOMINION’ (ch. 7: 13, 14), when opposition to the ‘Prince of princes’ is ‘broken without hand’ (ch. 8:25), and when GOD’S PEOPLE are delivered FOREVER from their oppressors (ch. 12:1). 

     “The prophecies of Daniel thus provide a DIVINELY CONSTRUCTED BRIDGE from the precipice of time to the boundless shores of eternity, a bridge over which THOSE WHO, LIKE DANIEL, PURPOSE IN THEIR HEARTS TO LOVE AND SERVE GOD, may pass by faith from the uncertainty and distress of the PRESENT LIFE to the peace and security of LIFE EVERLASTING.” (End extract, p. 750). 

And so goes the “Old time religion” song’s challenge and exhortation: “Dare to be a Daniel, dare to stand alone,” with the God of heaven, that is. For “If God be with us, who can be against us?”

To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.

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Mid-week Manna

God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration: PROPHET DANIEL MADE PRIME MINISTER IN BABYLON AND MEDO-PERSIA

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

March 25, 2026

God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration

PROPHET DANIEL MADE PRIME MINISTER IN BABYLON AND MEDO-PERSIA

Based on the book of Daniel. 

Daniel was always true to God while loyal to his government. Dan. 6: 16-23. He was a high government official for over 70 years under two successive pagan world empires: Babylon (under Nebuchadnezzar, briefly Belshazzar), on to Medo-Persia (under Darius and Artaxerxes). 

We read the following from the KJV Bible: 

    “Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him RULER over the whole province of Babylon, and CHIEF of the governors over all the wisemen of Babylon.” (Dan. 2:48, read 1-49). 

    “So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.”(Dan. 6: 28; cf. Ezra 1:1-11; 2: 1, 2).

The Babylon herein referred to has its spiritual antitype as a major player at the end stages of the church. In Revelation it is a symbol of opposition against Christ and His followers (Rev. 14:8; 16:19; 17:18). Let’s first  consider facts of its secular historical aspect.

Source: SDA Bible Dictionary Complete with Atlas, Commentary Reference Series, Vol. 8, Review & Herald Publishing Asso., WA D.C, 1960, art. ‘Babylonia,’ pp. 108-9 (all emphasis provided): 

    “In the 13th century B.C., the Assyrians. . . invaded Babylonia. . . For 6 centuries Babylonia was more or less an Assyrian dependency. . . Tiglath-pileser III (745-727 B.C. . . made himself king of Babylon under the name of Pul.

    “Sargon II also ruled as king of Babylon, but Sennacherib, tired of the constant rebellions, thoroughly destroyed the city of Babylon. 

    “Esarhaddon rebuilt it.

After which the city experienced its most flourishing period. 

    “In 626 B.C. Nabopolassar, a Chaldean official subject to the Assyrians, declared himself king of Babylon, as one of his tribal relatives, Marduk-apaladdina (the Biblical Merodach-baladan) had done a century earlier. His bid for independence lasted only 18 years, but the new Kindom became a success, and developed into an EMPIRE that soon succeeded that of the Assyrians. 

    “After Nabopolassar had fought against the Assyrians for several years with uneven success, he joined the MEDES, and with their help after a siege of 3 months conquered NINEVEH in 612 B.C.

    “When the conquerors divided the Assyrian Empire, the Babylonian king inherited all of MESOPOTAMIA, SYRIA, and PALESTINE. It was necessary for him to fight remnants of Assyrian resistance in Upper Mesopotamia for a few more years, and also the EGYPTIANS, who had helped the Assyrians and who tried to become the masters of SYRIA and PALESTINE.

   “In 605 B.C., NEBUCHADNEZZAR, still crown prince, defeated NECHO OF EGYPT, first at Charchemish and then at Hamath. Late in the summer his father [Nabopolassar] died and he succeeded to the throne. 

   “Annual campaigns in SYRIA and PALESTINE followed. JERUSALEM was taken several times, and after its THIRD CAPTURE in 586 B.C., the rebellious city was DESTROYED AND ITS POPULATION DEPORTED TO BABYLONIA. 

    “Nebuchadnezzar was a strong king and a great builder. He practically rebuilt the city of Babylon, and erected many structures in many cities. After a successful rule of more than 40 YEARS, he was followed by several weak rulers under whose inefficient government the empire DETERIORATED rapidly. 

    “His son Amel-Marduk, the Biblical Evil-merodach, reigned for only 2 years (562-560 B.C.),  and was then assassinated and succeeded by his brother-in-law Nergal-shar-usur, who ruled in Babylon for 4 years (560-556 B.C.). He was followed by his son Labashi-Marduk, who was murdered after a reign of less than 2 months. The murderers put one of the conspirators, NABONIDUS, on the throne. 

    “Nabonidus saw danger from PERSIA [modern-day Iran] and made an alliance against it with EGYPT, LYDIA, and SPARTA. He also campaigned in ARABIA and made Tema in northwestern Arabia his residence for a number of years, while his elder son, BELSHAZZAR, to whom he entrusted the kingship as COREGENT, ruled in Babylon.

   “In October, 539 B.C., only 23 YEARS after Nebuchadnezzar’s death, the empire fell to the hands of CYRUS THE PERSIAN, almost without a fight. Cyrus had forced an entrance into the Mesopotamian valley in the BATTLE OF OPIS, and a few days later the capital city fell to the Persians without a battle, and its fall ended the history of Babylon as an independent power. 

    “The Kindom became a part of the PERSIAN EMPIRE and later was reduced to a province. The territory then fell to ALEXANDER THE GREAT [of Grecia] and belonged successively to the SELEUCIDS, PARTHIANS, SASSANIDS, and others; now it is part of the country of IRAQ.” (End of excerpt). 

With this historical background of the “rise and fall” of the said empires, we can better appreciate Daniel’s recorded “true as steel to principle” and uncompromising faithfulness to God, while excelling in serving in the highest government offices of  successive pagan kings and their empires! 

It only takes one lit candle to dispel the darkness. As Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount: “Ye are the light of the world and salt of the earth.”

Are we? 

To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.

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Mid-week Manna

God’s Purposes Revealed : God’s Men in High Government Positions (Part 1)

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

March 18, 2026

God’s Purposes Revealed

God’s Men in High Government Positions (Part 1)

JOSEPH TRUE TO GOD WHILE GOVERNOR IN ANCIENT EGYPT’S ATHEISTIC EMPIRE 

For the thrilling account of its fuller history, thus first establishing a firm Biblical foundation with its true contextual background, read Genesis chapters 39-45 on your own Bibles, KJV of RSV. 

We now proceed to quote extracts from E. G. White’s book ‘Patriarchs and Prophets,’ Pacific Press Publishing Asso., 1913, pp. 210-223. (All emphases, bracketed words, and Notes provided): 

    “Arriving in Egypt, Joseph was sold to Potiphar, captain of the king’s (Pharaoh) guard [by the heathen Ishmaelite traders whom his brothers sold him to], in whose service he remained for 10 years. He was here exposed to temptations of NO ordinary character. He was in the midst of IDOLATRY. The worship of FALSE GODS was surrounded by ALL THE POMP AND ROYALTY, supported by the wealth and culture of the MOST HIGHLY CIVILIZED [yet atheistic and heathen] NATION THEN EXISTING. 

     “Yet Joseph preserved his SIMPLICITY, and his FIDELITY TO GOD. The sights and sounds of VICE were all around him, but he was one who SAW NOT AND HEARD NOT. His THOUGHTS were not allowed to linger upon forbidden subjects. The desire to gain the favor of the Egyptians could not cause him to CONCEAL his principles. 

     “Has he attempted to do this, he would have been OVERCOME by temptation; but he was NOT ASHAMED of the religion of his fathers [the godly patriarchs] and he made no effort to HIDE the fact that he was a worshipper of Jehovah. 

    “‘And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a PROSPEROUS MAN. . . . And his master SAW that the Lord was with him, and that the Lord made ALL that he did to prosper in his hand.’ (See Genesis 39). Potiphar’s confidence in him increased daily, and he finally PROMOTED him to be his steward [to the captain of the Pharaoh’s guard/security detail] with FULL CONTROL over all his possessions.  ‘And he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand; and he knew not aught what he had, save the bread which he did eat.’ (Gen. 39).”

Now take note all Christian evangelists, preachers, ministers, pastors, and believers of the popular “prosperity gospel.”

    “The marked prosperity which attended everything placed under Joseph’s care was NOT THE RESULT OF A DIRECT MIRACLE; but his industry, care, and energy were crowned with the DIVINE BLESSING. Joseph attributed his success to the FAVOR of God, and even his IDOLATROUS MASTER accepted this as the SECRET of his unparalleled prosperity. 

     “Without steadfast, well-directed effort, however, success could NEVER had been attained. GOD WAS GLORIFIED BY THE FAITHFULNESS OF HIS SERVANT. It was HIS PURPOSE that in purity and uprightness the BELIEVER in God should appear IN MARKED CONTRAST to the worshippers of idols [in all its variant forms, animate and inanimate, including the idol of self in self-worship, philosophical ideas, opinions, theories, traditions, doctrines that contradict Bible truth] that the LIGHT of heavenly grace might shine forth AMID THE DARKNESS OF HEATHENISM.” (end quote). 

NOTE: These earliest form of ancient heathenism and paganism (religions) entered early Christian church through the “great compromise” and “falling away,” resulting in the development of “the man of sin,” in “the mystery of iniquity,” revealed by Paul as “already at work” in his time! See 2 Thess.2: 1-12, etc. 

Prophecy and history, both

sacred and common (secular) silently witness to the grand truth that God is in control, His divine purposes revealed and fulfilled in the rise and fall of nations and empires till “all is fulfilled” and His eternal kingdom finally rules over the “restored first dominion” of “the new heaven and the new earth.”

To be continued, God willing. Bless all, NMF.

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Mid-week Manna

GOD’S PURPOSE IN NATIONS : WHY JESUS PAID ‘UNJUST’ TEMPLE TRIBUTE: A VITAL LESSON FOR CHRISTIANS IN THESE LAST DAYS 

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

March 11, 2026

God’s Purposes Revealed

GOD’S PURPOSE IN NATIONS

(WHY JESUS PAID ‘UNJUST’ TEMPLE TRIBUTE: A VITAL LESSON FOR CHRISTIANS IN THESE LAST DAYS 

MAIN TEXT: “Does not your Master pay tribute?” Matt. 17: 24. See verses 22-27, KJV. 

Now follows extract from The Desire of Ages, by E. G. White, pp. 433-4 (all emphasis and notes provided):

    “Soon after they [Jesus with His first Twelve] reached the town [of Capernaum], the collector of the TEMPLE REVENUE came to Peter with the question, ‘Doth not your Master pay tribute?’ 

     “This tribute was NOT a civil tax, but a RELIGIOUS CONTRIBUTION, which every JEW was required to pay annually for the support of the temple. [It was essentially a clerical state!]. A refusal to pay the tribute would be regarded as DISLOYALTY TO THE TEMPLE,—in the estimation to the Rabbis a MOST GRIEVOUS SIN. 

   “The Savior’s attitude toward the RABBINICAL LAWS, and His plain REPROOFS to the defenders of TRADITION, afforded a PRETEXT for the charge that He was seeking to OVERTHROW THE TEMPLE SERVICE.  Now His enemies [from His own, the chosen people!] saw an opportunity of casting DISCREDIT upon Him. In the collector of the tribute they found a READY ALLY. 

    “Peter saw in the collector’s question an INSINUATION touching on Christ’s LOYALTY TO THE TEMPLE. Zealous for his Master’s honor [per usual compulsive-impulsive Peter], he hastily answered, WITHOUT CONSULTING Him, that Jesus would pay the tribute. 

    “But Peter only PARTIALLY comprehended the PURPOSE of his questioner. There were some classes who were held to be exempt from the payment of the tribute. 

    “In the time of Moses, when the Levites were set apart for the service of the sanctuary, they were given NO INHERITANCE among the people. The Lord said, ‘Levi hath no part nor inheritance with his brethren; the Lord is his inheritance.’ Deut. 10:9. 

    “In the days of Christ the priests and Levites were STILL regarded as especially devoted to the temple, and were not required to make the ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION for its support.

    “PROPHETS also were exempt from this payment. In requiring this payment, the rabbis were SETTING ASIDE His claim as a PROPHET OR TEACHER, and were dealing with Him as with any COMMONPLACE PERSON. A refusal on His part would be represented as DISLOYALTY TO THE TEMPLE; while, on the other hand, the payment of it would be taken as JUSTIFYING THEIR REJECTION OF HIM as a Prophet. 

    “Only a little before, Peter had acknowledged Jesus as the Son of God; but he now MISSED THE OPPORTUNITY on setting for the CHARACTER of His Master. [result of impulsive-compulsive self-confidence he was known for among the Twelve]. By his answer to the collector, that Jesus would pay the tribute, he had VIRTUALLY SANCTIONED THE FALSE CONCEPTION of Him do which the priests and rulers were trying to give currency. [another occasion of Peter’s ‘denials’ of Christ]. 

    “When Peter entered the house, the Savior made no reference to what had taken place, but inquired, ‘What thinkest thou, Simon? Of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? Of their own children, or of strangers?’ Peter answered, ‘Of strangers.’ And Jesus said, ‘Then are the children free.’ 

    “While the people of a country are taxed for the maintenance of their king, the MONARCH’S OWN CHILDREN ARE EXEMPT. 

    “So Israel [as a nation], the professed people of God, were REQUIRED to maintain His service; but Jesus, THE SON OF GOD, was under no such obligation [!]. If priests and Levites were exempt because of their connection with the temple, HOW MUCH MORE He to whom the temple was His Father’s house.

    “If Jesus had paid the tribute WITHOUT A PROTEST, He would virtually have acknowledged the JUSTICE OF THE CLAIM,  and would have thus DENIED HIS DIVINITY. 

    “But while He SAW GOOD to meet the demand, He DENIED THE CLAIM upon which it was based. In PROVIDING FOR the payment of the tribute He gave EVIDENCE OF HIS DIVINE CHARACTER. It was manifest that He was ONE WITH GOD, and therefore was not under tribute as a mere subject of the kingdom. 

THE WAY JESUS PROVIDED FOR THE TRIBUTE PROVED HIS DIVINITY

   “Go thou into the sea,” He directed Peter, ‘and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a PIECE OF MONEY: and take, and give unto them FOR ME AND THEE.’ 

    “Though He had clothed His divinity with humanity [in the great mystery of godliness of His incarnation], IN THIS MIRACLE HE REVEALED HIS GLORY. It was evident that this was He who through David had declared, [Ps. 50: 10-12 quoted]. While Jesus made it plain that He was under NO OBLIGATION to pay the tribute, HE ENTERED INTO NO CONTROVERSY WITH THE JEWS IN REGARD TO THE MATTER; for they would have MISREPRESENTED His words, and turned them AGAINST Him.

    “Lest He should give OFFENSE by withholding the tribute, HE DID THAT WHICH HE COULD NOT BE JUSTLY BE REQUIRED TO DO. 

    “This lesson would be of GREAT VALUE to His disciples. [Why?] Marked changes were soon to take place IN THEIR RELATION TO THE TEMPLE SERVICE, and Christ taught them not to place themselves NEEDLESSLY IN ANTAGONISM TO ESTABLISHED ORDER. So far as possible, they were to AVOID giving occasion for MISREPRESENTATION OF THEIR FAITH. 

Lesson for today as Present Truth: 

   “While Christians are not to sacrifice ONE PRINCIPLE OF TRUTH, they should AVOID CONTROVERSY whenever it is POSSIBLE to do so [without compromising the truth].” (End of extract from Desire of Ages, pp. 433, 434. 

Let all true followers of Christ keep this vital, timely, and all-encompassing principle in mind and heart when facing and dealing with the prophesied controversies over the testing truths of these last days. 

To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.

Categories
Mid-week Manna

GOD’S PURPOSE IN NATIONS (WHY JESUS SANCTIONED ‘PAYING TAXES TO ROME’ IN HIS TIME Part 2) 

MID-WEEK MANNA FROM PASTOR NAT’S DESK:

March 4, 2026

God’s Purposes Revealed by Inspiration

GOD’S PURPOSE IN NATIONS (WHY JESUS SANCTIONED ‘PAYING TAXES TO ROME’ IN HIS TIME Part 2) 

See Matt. 22: 15-22; Mark 12: 13-17; Luke 20. 20-26, KJV 

Now follows extract from the inspired pen of Ellen G. White providing spiritual clarity on the subject (all emphasis provided): 

BACKGROUND. In Christ’s time the Pharisees formed one of three groups in the Sanhedrin; the other two being the Sadducees and Herodians. Historically, in the “religious spectrum” of New Testament Judaism, the Sadducees were the “liberals,” and the Pharisees, the “conservatives,” who stressed ‘separation from the world and its defilements’ through ‘righteousness by their works.’ The least of the three, the Herodians, were thought to be ‘Herod’s soldiers,’ according to Jerome; ‘court officials of Herod,’ by other commentators.    

Now follows an enlightening extract, providing spiritual and practical clarity for all, from the inspired pen of Ellen G. White: 

     “The Pharisees and Herodians had been bitter enemies, but they were now in enmity to Christ. The Pharisees had ever chafed under the exaction of tribute by the Romans. The payment of tribute (civil taxes) they held to be CONTRARY TO THE LAW OF GOD. 

     “Now they saw an opportunity to lay a snare for Jesus. Their spies came to Him, and with apparent sincerity, as though desiring to know their DUTY, said, ‘Master, we know that Thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest Thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly: is it LAWFUL for us to GIVE TRIBUTE TO CAESAR, or no?’ 

     “The words, ‘We know that Thou sayest and teachest rightly,’ had they been SINCERE, would have been a wonderful admission. But they were spoken to DECEIVE; nevertheless their testimony was true. The Pharisees did know that Christ said and taught rightly [all in truth and righteousness]. 

    “Those who put the question to Jesus THOUGHT they had sufficiently disguised their PURPOSE; but Jesus read their hearts as an OPEN BOOK, and sounded their HYPOCRISY. ‘Why tempt ye Me?’ He said; thus giving them a SIGN they had not asked, by showing that He read their HIDDEN purpose. 

    “They were still more confused when He added, ‘Show Me a penny.’ They brought it, and He asked them, ‘Whose image and superscription has it?’ They answered and said, Caesar’s.’ Pointing to the INSCRIPTION ON THE COIN, Jesus said, ‘Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Cesar’s; and unto God that things that are God’s.’ 

    “The spies had EXPECTED Jesus to answer their question directly, IN ONE WAY OR THE OTHER. If He should say, It is UNLAWFUL to give tribute to Caesar, He would be reported to the ROMAN authorities and arrested for inciting REBELLION. 

    “But in case He would pronounce it LAWFUL to pay the tribute, they designed to accuse Him before the PEOPLE as opposing the law of God. . . .

    “Christ’s reply was no evasion, but a candid answer to the question. Holding in His hand the Roman coin, upon which were stamped the name and image of Caesar, He declared that since they were LIVING UNDER THE PROTECTION of the Roman power, they SHOULD RENDER to that power the support it claimed, SO LONG AS THIS DID NOT CONFLICT WITH A HIGHER DUTY. But while PEACEABLY SUBJECT to the laws of the land [or nation], they should at all times give their FIRST ALLEGIANCE TO GOD.

     “The Savior’s words, ‘RENDER. . . UNTO GOD the things that are God’s,’ were a SEVERE REBUKE TO THE INTRIGUING JEWS. [Here’s how and why:]. “Had they faithfully fulfilled their obligations to God, they would NOT HAVE BECOME A BROKEN NATION, SUBJECT TO A FOREIGN [and malign] POWER. No Roman ensign would have waved over JERUSALEM, no Roman sentinel  would have stood at her gates, no ROMAN GOVERNOR would have ruled within her walls. THE JEWISH NATION WAS THEN PAYING THE PENALTY OF ITS APOSTASY FROM GOD. 

     “When the Pharisees heard Christ’s answer, ‘they marveled, and left Him, and went their way.’ He had rebuked their HYPOCRISY AND PRESUMPTION, and in doing this, He had stated A GREAT PRINCIPLE, A PRINCIPLE THAT CLEARLY DEFINES THE LIMITS OF MAN’S DUTY TO THE CIVIL GOVERNMENT AND HIS DUTY TO GOD. 

     “In many minds a vexed question had been settled. Ever after they had held to the right principle. [Righteousness is also ‘right doing]. And although many went away DISSATISFIED, they saw that the PRINCIPLE UNDERLYING the question had been CLEARLY set forth, and they marveled at Christ’s FAR-SEEING discernment [down to our very time, up to the stupendous culmination of Bible’s prophecies regarding the kingdoms and nations of the fallen earth].” From The Desire of Ages, April,1950 ed., Pacific Press Publishing Asso., pp. 601-3. 

To be continued next MWM, God willing. Bless all, NMF.